Thursday, November 20, 2014

Interview and Giveaway with Mary L. Ball


What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I enjoy fishing and singing with my husband and ou church group.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

For me, it’s the challenge of finding time to write.  I have elderly parents with dementia. I’m an associate pastor’s wife and I also keep my grandson around the school schedule. I get up early before the rest of the world wakes (LOL) and work on my story. During the day, I write when I can, as often as I have time.    

I”ve heard it said that an author Must write each day for so many hours. That’s not necessarily true. Writers have to adapt to the situations in their lives, and still find time to create novels. 
  
What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Don’t give in to negativity. Keep on writing and submitting your work to publishers.

How did Christmas at Angel Ranch get started?

The publisher of one of my novellas, “Postmarked Ever After” mentioned how fun Christmas novellas were. Having never wrote a themed book before I thought I’d give it a try.
  
Tell us about Christmas at Angel Ranch.

Kayla is a home designer for a well-know design firm, 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, Kayla 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?

While you were writing Christmas at Angel Ranch, do you think it mattered where the book was set?

Yes, it did.  Angel Ranch is a hunting Lodge, so the setting needed to be a place where hunting was enjoyed and an every season sport.
     
Both of your lead characters have “baggage” that keeps them from wanting to pursue a new relationship. Do you think sometimes we let our past get in the way of what God has planned for our futures?

 Yes, too often people let the past stand in the way of reaching full potential. They may feel as though they can't achieve certain goals because of mistakes, but with God it's possible.

Each of us must work to overcome, and remember that with God, we are new creatures.  He doesn’t look behind at our mistakes, neither should we, except to learn from them.

I write a lot about God's plan in a person's life, in my novels. My characters struggle with their desires, verses trying a new path ordained by God.

Along with letting the past hold someone back people can be too focused on the things they want, overlooking situations that God places before them.

   What’s on the horizon for you?  What will you be writing next? 

I have a new released coming on Nov. 19 by Prism Book Group, “Redemption in Big Fork Lake.” This novel takes the reader back to visit with the characters in my debut novel, “Escape to Big Fork Lake.”

Next, is a romance, with suspense elements. It’s tentatively titled, “Sparks of Love.” 
I’m thinking of making this into a series.    

T         Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering. 

             In Chapter 3, Kayla’s hums along with her favorite Christmas tune. I would like 
t            to give away an eBook (Mobi or ePub) to a reader who comments and shares 
              their favorite Christmas song.

Where can readers find you online?









Mary L. Ball is an inspirational fiction author and lives in North Carolina between the wondrous mountains and beautiful beaches. She writes about real-life problems, suspense or mystery blended with romance.

Mary hopes her books encourage people to see the wonder of love and a divine guidance that awaits everyone.

Her novels include, Escape to Big Fork Lake, Stone of Destiny, Postmarked Ever After and Redemption in Big Fork Lake.  She is also a contributing author of 21 Stories of Faith. 
   
Purchase links:


5 comments:

Mary L. Ball said...

Laura, thank you for having me on your blog.
I'm going to answer my own question. LOL
My favorite song is the one that Kayla is humming in, "Christmas at Angel Ranch."

Unknown said...

Christmas at Angel Ranch is a sweet story that puts you right in the mood for a gathering of loved ones, with some romance sprinkled in; and a added surprise are the recipes at the end of Mary's book.

Sandy said...

I love the Drummer Boy. He had no gift to give, so he gave what he did have of himself. Thank you for the giveaway. Bless you all.

Mary L. Ball said...

Sandra, that's a good song too. Sometimes the best gift is the one that cost nothing.

lollipops said...

congratulations to Diane Dean White...

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