A Warm Welcome to my friend, Mary L. Ball

What is the genre you write in?  Would you explain what it is?

I write Christian or Inspirational fiction.  Many writers have different outlooks about Christian fiction, but I show the characters as individuals who suffer heartache, and trials in their lives.  It's important to me, to highlight the faults and bring the characters to understand the Lord, while learning of His salvation.

If you read my books, you will find the characters kiss, and face temptations.  


How do you spend your writing days?  Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day?  Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
For me, it’s a challenge to write.  I have elderly parents with dementia. I’m an associate pastor’s wife and I also keep my grandson. I wish I could place writing goals on myself, but other responsibilities call.  I write when I can, as I have time.  If life is not too demanding, I can get a first draft done in three months.


Tell us about your latest book.
 My newest release is, "Redemption in Big Fork Lake."

Can he be forgiven?

Only after Robert Turner hurts a woman does he realize how much of a hold alcohol has on his life.   
For Robert, a chance meeting with an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor offers hope. A new devotion to the Lord and a relationship with Belle McBride gives him expectations for a better future.
His life appears to be on the right track, until he comes full circle with his past and faces the one mistake that haunts him daily. 

Can forgiveness, free Robert? Will heartache drive him to return to the life he once had?


What is the spiritual message in your latest book?  What can readers expect to get from reading it? 
In "Redemption in Big Fork Lake," the message is about forgiveness and mending fences. I've found in life, It's often difficult to forgive a hurt, and sometimes harder to forgive yourself, if you've caused the pain.
Readers will see the struggles that the character face to forgive, from each perspective.    


You recently had another book published.  Would you take this time to describe it to us?  How and where can readers buy your books?
Thanks for asking. "Christmas at Angel Ranch," is a holiday novella.

Kayla is a home designer for a well-known company, or was, until a police raid proves the decorating company is laundering money. The investigation shows her innocence, but she's without a job, no prospects for employment.  

 To get away from the dishonesty surrounding her, she returns home to the mountains of North Carolina to help with the family business until the New Year. 

Angel Ranch is a hunting lodge that caters to elite hunters, and Reed Jessup is ready to trade in his corner office for a few weeks of R&R. He arrives with his rifle and a trophy buck on his mind.  

When Kayla and Reed meet, two mistrusting hearts collide. Can love prevail, or will it take a Christmas miracle?

 My novels are available on most online retailers and some local bookstores. The easiest way to find them is to visit my Amazon page at: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-L.-Ball/e/B007O97Y0E/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1/192-2517852-7109947


Where do you get ideas?  Character names?  Do you find your characters similar to you in any way?
My ideas come from hearing about the choices people make, or the problems they deal with. I like to highlight the way the Lord can strengthen each of us when we face difficulties.

For me, the characters are like naming my children, but sometimes a character's name doesn't fit the image after the book has begun and needs changing.

The one thing that shows through with the characters in my novels is the faith that I try to hold onto each day.

Do you ever feel like giving up?  Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer.  How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?  Who’s inspired you the most?
 It's funny you asked, Carole. Just a few weeks ago, I was toying with that very thought.

Often times an author's hands are tied, when it comes to publishing. So it can get discouraging, especially the editing process. And don't even get me started on bad reviews that aren't based on the story, but other feelings. LOL

Anyway, in the end, I can't give up writing, for me it's a calling, a "have-too", that's more about the message in my books than anything else.      


Would you explain how you “chose” (or was chosen by) a publisher? Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?
Prism Book Group is my first publisher and published, "Redemption in Big Fork Lake." They have all but two of my books.

Back in 2011, I sent off a query to Joan, the editor-in-chief of Prism Book Group (then Inspired Romance) As a new author I'm sure she cringed at my inexperience, but wrote back, encouraging  me to rewrite Escape to Big Fork Lake and re-submit. Joan has taught me so much about fiction writing, and I'm still growing as a writer.

There's never a time to be contented. I'm always growing as an author and learning more about the craft.  


Do you have hobbies, special interests?
I enjoy fishing and I sing with my husband. We have a music ministry, three times a month we sing at different nursing homes.


Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out?  Anything else you’d like to share?  Promotional information?
Redemption at Big Fork Lake

Mary Ball website blog
I'd appreciate readers stopping by and following my page.

Facebook


Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, Mary. Your books sound fantastic, and I wholeheartedly recommend everyone giving them a try!

Blessings