30 Mar 2025 Author of the Month: Ellen Withers

By Susan L. Peterson

Before retiring, Ellen Withers was employed as an insurance fraud investigator. In that position, she had to write numerous persuasive reports and conduct investigative research, skills that helped launch her successful Show Me mystery series just a few years ago.

Her dual-time books in the series are “Show Me Betrayal” (2023), “Show Me Deceit” (2024), and “Show Me Skullduggery” (May 2025). “Show Me Murder” is scheduled for May 2026. Describing the dual time component, Withers explained that one plot occurs in the present day, while another is set during an earlier time period. The earlier story is often based on an actual event or person, and much research is required to flesh out details from that era. The series is set in her own hometown of Mexico, Mo., where she incorporates the town’s deep historical roots and architecture. Withers said she sometimes doesn’t know quite how the two plots will intertwine when she starts writing, but eventually, they do.

It was Linda Fulkerson, owner of Scrivenings Press in Morrilton, who encouraged Withers to submit her writing to a Novel Starts contest sponsored by her company. She won the contest and eventually received a book contract from Fulkerson. She especially likes using a smaller company because she has input into details, which would not be allowed if using a different publisher.

Withers recently published a nonfiction book for those interested in entering writing contests, which was how she first got noticed. “Magic Words: Enchant Judges & Conjure Contest Wins for Novels, Short Fiction and Nonfiction” was published in January. Withers said she is competitive by nature, and it was winning the contest that drew her into the writing world.

She attributes much of her success to the writing groups she joined throughout the state. There, she gained book ideas, mentors who provided tips and feedback, and support and friendship.

Withers lives in Conway and does most of her writing at the kitchen table. She is now working on her next series, the Spa City Mysteries, which will be set in Hot Springs. She loves to travel and often studies people and their behavior, sometimes taking notes for use in future stories.

In addition to her novels, Withers also was a contributor to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and she has published numerous short stories in anthologies. For a complete list of publications and the many awards her work has garnered, visit EllenEWithers.com, where she has a blog, gives writing tips and offers a free gift for signing up for her newsletter.

In her spare time, Withers also enjoys the camaraderie found in a Central Arkansas Sweet Adelines group known as the Top of the Rock Chorus, where she sings tenor. This championship chorus is a “fun-loving group of women” who sing a cappella music in the barbershop style.

She often posts updates on her Facebook page, Ellen Erdel Withers. Her books are available from Scrivenings Press (Scriveningspress.com), Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online booksellers.