Mary L. Ball Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. I am a member of ACFW and enjoy writing Inspirational fiction. I live in a small town in North Carolina between the wondrous mountains and beautiful beaches. There’s always been a fondness in my heart for rural cities and I can’t imagine living somewhere crowded.

When I’m not writing, acting as care giver for my mother, or babysitting my two grandsons, I do my best to support hubby’s ministry. On the days I need a break from my latest story I fish, hike or read a good book.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A. I wrote non-fiction Christian articles for years. My fiction writing was by accident. I was cleaning house one day and an idea sparked in my mind. I said to myself, “I want to create a story about that.” So the journey began.  

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?  

A. I sent dozens of queries to publishers. After a year and a half, many rewrites and edits later, Prism Book Group offered me a contract. Joan the editor-in-chief has taught me a great deal about writing fiction. Since, I have two published novels, and Prism Book Group is looking over my third manuscript. Along the way, I’ve contributed an article to 21 Stories of Faith by Body and Soul Publishing and tried my hand at Self-publishing, The Writer’s Handbook of Online Promotion.    

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Stone of Destiny?

A: Thanks, I would like to share the blurb with everyone. Taylor has given up on everything but her work. After becoming the youngest CEO of Mugful’s Beverage Company, she believes life is complete–until her grandmother asks her to oversee the renovations of the family home, in addition to searching for a missing heirloom.

Her first contact with what she believes is an insignificant ring, lost for fifty years, sends her life spinning. Taylor experiences strange. Unexpected feelings surface that she doesn’t understand. Thoughts that should remain unspoken are voiced.

Taylor’s emotional journey begins, testing a heart as cold as the ring itself and forcing her to question everything she believes.

Is this a fairytale, or simply her soul reaching out for a different world–a life she can only find through faith and a divine trust in God?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Stone of Destiny?

A: My oldest grandson likes to read about magic. One day while seeing him read. I thought I need to write a novel about spiritual wonders, remarkable things that happen when we put our trust in the Lord.    

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: Each of us, believe we have the answers and know what we want in life, but at times we can get confused by the demands of the world. I hope the readers will discover that often our desires aren’t the ones that will lead to happiness. Trusting in God and following His guidance is the only true way to find contentment.  

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: The part where Taylor puts the heirloom ring on her finger and experiences the first of many reactions that can happen through the power of faith and prayer (at least, this is my prospective.)  

Q: What inspires you to write?  

A. I am a born-again Christian, with that blessing comes the desire to share the Lord with everyone. However, I don’t like being a Bible pusher, so writing Inspirational fiction is my way of hopefully bringing people to the knowledge of the Lord’s mercy, or perhaps strengthening someone’s faith in God. 

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?  

A:  I thought that once the book was finished things would be easy, but unless an author is with one of the big six publishers, they have little help in getting their books out. Promotion is a constant, the hours you put into getting your book noticed doesn’t equal the monitory rewards. Being an author is something most of us do because it’s in our blood; we have a passion for what we scribe and don’t feel complete if we aren’t writing.      

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: Write, rewrite and edit as many times as needed. Send out queries and don’t let rejection stop you from succeeding. 

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?  

A: My WIP is titled a Message from Heaven. Here is a blurb. A love loss, a delayed letter, and a message from afar. Serena Gray battles all the rigors of the Emergency Room, as well as her grief. A mysterious letter arrives and raises questions to a past, one she’d only heard her dearly beloved, late husband mention. The note leaves many questions and little hope to finding answers. Two children change Serena’s life. A child suffering with Long QT Syndrome has a brush with death. The message he gives her sends Serena in search of another child who may hold the key to her happiness.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?  

A. I like to fish, and spend time outdoors, but only in warm weather. I also enjoy singing. My husband and I go as much as possible to other churches and events.   

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: Facebook http://MaryLouwrites.weebly.comhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspirational-author-Mary-L-Ball/200478210087932?ref=hl  and Twitter  https://twitter.com/inspires4mary

 Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?  

A. Certainly Susan, I want to thank you very much for having me on your blog and wish all the readers a Merry Christmas.