About Mary L. Ball:
Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author. Some of her novels include Escape to Big Fork Lake, Redemption in Big Fork Lake, Sparks of Love, and Thanksgiving Secret. She resides in North Carolina.
When she isn't working on her latest story, she enjoys fishing, reading, and ministering in song with her husband at various functions.
What inspires you to write?
I write Christian fiction. I'm inspired to write when I see someone struggling with a situation that seems impossible. I enjoy adding the element of faith to the problem, and offering my characters' a different outlook on the trails they face in a story.
Tell us about your writing process.
I'm a cross between a seat of the pants writer and an outliner. I'll make lists on a word doc. of the important facts in my plot, but I let the story unfold naturally, without following a detailed outline.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
In fiction I've learned that often my characters will have a different reaction to a situation that I'd planned. I listen to them. It always works out. 🙂
What advice would you give other writers?
Don't let anyone put you in a mold. It's not mandatory to write six hours a day to complete you manuscript. Nor, is it required that a writer spend a set time each day writing. As an author you're a unique individual. You must find the schedule that will work for your life. If not, you'll never complete that book.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
Some authors embark on self-publishing from the beginning of their writing venture. However, I felt the need to seek a traditional publisher. I wrote, rewrote and submitted my manuscript to publishers for almost two years before I was offered a contract. I'm glad I did. I've learned a lot more about writing than I would've if I'd self-published first.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I believe that book publishers will place more demand on the authors to deliver a perfect manuscript. I'm seeing more publishers' guidelines that require a well edited manuscript which doesn't need editing.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: Christian romantic suspense
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Mary L. Ball Home Page Link
Link To Mary L. Ball Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
Mary thank you so much for sharing your journey and process with us. I wish that I was traditionally published for I agree I would have learned a lot more about the process than with self-publishing. I think that publishers will want a more perfect submission in the future for it will cut down on what they need to do.
Mary is one of my favorite writers her characters are so believable in fact I admire her style of writing and the ease at which she is able to develop her stories. It is my earnest hope that one day I will also be able to develop such believable characters with ease and depth.
Thanks Michelle. I agree. I see more publishers wanting a almost perfect manuscript because of the hours it takes to edit. I have read your books and I know that you too, have wonderful way with words.
Thanks Book Goodies for allowing me to share one of my books.