Author Interview: Mary L. Ball

I love to read as much as I love to write, and when I can, I love introducing readers to authors I enjoy. It’s my pleasure to present Mary Ball to you through an interview.

1. How did you start writing romance?

(Shoulder shrug) It seems that I can’t write a book without a budding relationship in the mix. Years ago, my local writing group told me that I couldn’t help myself. I was a person who found romance in life. I suppose that’s true. For me, romance is more than flowers, and a candle light dinner. Romance is waking up to the pot of hot coffee that hubby has prepared for me the past 23 years, before he leaves for work or the phone calls I’ve received at lunch every day from hubby, just to hear him say, “Hi,pretty lady, I hope your day is going well.”   

In my stories, like sharing dinners and special celebrations, but it’s the simple things men, and women do for each other, which shows a romance that withstands time.    

 

2. What/Who were your influences when you were growing up that affect your writing today?

 Though I live in the city (small town), I’m a country girl. My rural roots play a big part in my writing. My novels are always centered around small-town living. 

 

3. Is writing your full-time career? If not, what is your “day job?”

Years ago, I had a “day job” in administration, but left the corporate world to keep my grandson while my daughter works. Later, my second grandson was born. I watch him around his school schedule. I also travel back and forth several times a week to help with my mother and stepfather. Both suffer with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Between being a caregiver, I write.   

 

4. How do you create your characters? Are they based on people you know? How do you come up with names?

I’ve never based a female character after anyone, but all but one of my male characters have mannerisms which fit my husband. In each of my books, the man opens the door for his lady. That is something hubby has always done for me. Most of my novels have the man using words of endearment, which is another thing hubby does. Some may say these are old-fashioned ways, but I think it’s the southern gentleman coming out.    

 I don’t have a “naming” method. I’ve never researched for the meaning of a name. I picture my character, and choose the name that I think suits. Sometimes, a name may be unique, or simple may fit better, depending on the character’s personality.                 

 

5. When you have free time, what do you do?

Sing with hubby at nursing homes and different churches. I also like to go to the lake and fish. 

 

6. What is one thing you wish readers knew about the writing/publishing process?

Writing is hard work and often complicated, no matter how many times you review a story, things can get overlooked, and publishing isn’t an overnight process.      

 

7. What is your favorite romantic movie? Why?

“You’ve Got Mail” is my favorite. After all these years, I still enjoy the excitement of Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) getting to know each other through email. It enabled Kathleen to fall in love with Joe, without her preconceived notions that he was mean and heartless. I still hold my breath at the end, when they hug, and she says, “I was hoping it was you.”            

 

8. If your book was to be made into a movie, what actor/actress would play the part of your hero/heroine?

Lucas Till, for the main character. Bailee Madison, as the heroine.

 

9. Tell us about your current release.

Thanks, here’s the blurb..

Thanksgiving Secret

A secret has a life of its own. 

Matthew Blake left home in search of fame. Years later, writer’s block threatens his career. He returns to his roots hoping to rejuvenate his creative juices and meets Lucinda Wise. Unknown to Matt, he’s involved in a mystery, that is soon to be unearthed.

Lucinda rents her tiny house to Matt. Despite his self-centered ways, she finds herself enjoying his company and sharing her faith with him, but timing is everything. She’s dedicated her life to her five-year-old daughter and will do anything to keep her safe.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Matt discovers that Lucinda is the partaker of a secret that will change his life forever. Can he accept that God’s plan for his future is the right one?

 

10. What’s next for you, writing wise?

 I’ve signed a contract with my publisher, Forget-me Not Romance for a series. It promises to be a wholesome, Christian romance, based on three sisters (Sunny, Luna and Starr) who own a private investigating firm. Their PI skills come in handy in the quaint town of Mercy, North Carolina, a place where romance and mystery unite.  The first book, Sunny Dreams will probably be out around Feb or March 2018.

Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author. She resides in the small town of Randleman, North Carolina.

Mary leads a busy life babysitting her grandson around the school schedule. She also volunteers at a local nursing home, where her mother who suffers with Alzheimer’s and her stepfather who has Dementia, reside.

Along with her husband, they enjoy ministering with southern gospel songs in various churches, and nursing homes.

When she has some down time, she likes to fish and sit on her porch with her laptop, enjoying nature.

Readers can connect with her on her web page, Face Book or Twitter.

http://www.marylball.com

https://www.facebook.com/gracefulbooks/

https://twitter.com/inspires4mary

Visit Mary’s singing ministry: http://heirsofsalvation2.webs.com

 

Purchase links:

https://www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Secret-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B074MJ11K5/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8