Prayer, Power & Praise Virtual Women's Conference August 3-5, 2012

Prayer, Power & Praise Virtual Women's Conference August 3-5, 2012

Join us on a Christian book shopping spree – get 15 books worth over $73 for FREE on 6/20/12 and 6/21/12 go here:   Books, Books and Books oh my!

Including a PDF of the Write Now Authors Manual

Author Spotlight M. Ann Ricks

·         Today I Welcome to the Spotlight Author M. Ann Ricks' Christian Fiction novelist

 

• ·        Tell us about yourself :

Hi Paulette!  Simply stated,  M. Ann Ricks is a woman and servant of the Most High God.  I am redeemed and emancipated by the life-changing blood of Jesus Christ and will boldly say so!  I am a wife, mother, published novelist and “Godspirational” speaker/teacher residing in Bear, Delaware endeavoring to live for Christ ON PURPOSE as I provide Christian literature and impart knowledge via the Holy Spirit that will not only entertain but encourage and enlighten. 

·         Tell our readers about your journey to writing.

 Good question sis… and “journey” is the right word. I really believe God instructed and even confirmed that I would write for Him in the midst of my leaving the corporate environment.  I was concerned about my next career move but my heart heard, (you notice I didn’t say my head or my ears because God had to speak to my inner witness to confirm His word first.), Yes, it has been quite a journey as I was BIG time denial… (head= intellect and rationale), did I say BIG time Paulette?  I learned that I had to be obedient to my call and destiny. Once I did that the premise for my first novel was then revealed to me and I have been writing (and speaking) for Him ever since. Christian writing is so important especially in the fictional genre. When one reads about the Savior, and inserts the word of God into your story, lives will be impacted…. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, … it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12   I want to impact and augment the Kingdom of God through the stories that I share. My goal is to change lives and we can only really accomplish that through true revelation of the word of God.

·        What was your path towards publication like?

In one word… Unreal! Upon completion of my first novel, Awesome Wonder, I still hadn’t found a part time job after leaving my fulltime gig and I said, “God, if you want this to be published, you’ve got to send me a publisher. You know I haven’t any money so it’s on You.”  I was receiving positive responses from publishers but no one seemed to want to sign me.  I was in my car listening to a minister teaching and simply began to praise God for my victory and a week after I received an offer to publish my first book from small publishing house.  God has consistently placed people in my life!  There have been bumps and hiccups but I will believe: “For the Lord God will help me; therefore I will not be disgraced. I have set my face like a flint and I know that know that I will not be ashamed.” Isaiah 50:7

 

·        How do you balance your life as an author with your duties as a business person, employee, parent and/or spouse? 

Paulette, it’s funny you should ask that…. I don’t know exactly how I balance it all but I’ve noticed recently that I’m better than as I used to be. J   I try to prioritize my tasks each day and command the day in Jesus’ name at the onset. I used to laugh at my husband as he is very detailed and organized but I find that I’m incorporating a lot of his practices in my own life,

( i.e.:, strict adherence to scheduling, time management), in an effort to keep my life in order. (thanks babe!)

·         What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?

If one is a Christian writer, my only advice for those who are experience writers block is to get in HIS presence. Pray and even speak in your prayer language.(tongues)  Your inner witness will get directions and the Holy Spirit will begin to open your mind.  God is always speaking and  if one is writing to exalt the Savior and the goal is to touch others with all that Jesus is, you will tap in and get the “download”!

·        What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?

The best advice I received was…“Just EXHALE what God has breathed into you…. if God has called you to do it then He will see you through it! Stand on His promises as He is obligated to finish what He has started in you!”  He will send you people, readers, patrons  for your life!  I also heard...  “If I be lifted… I will draw! People will have a desire to hear about Me through what I give you to write”, says the Lord.

·        Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?

Because of a checkered past, a destructive familial history or bad choices, many have decided to live a life of regret and fear; resolving that their fate is irreversible. Regardless of who you are, whatever you’ve done or whatever your family has done to you, the blood of Jesus can make you a new creature because of its power. Set in present day, THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME chronicles a woman’s desire for redemption. This novel will enlighten and encourage as we journey with the heroine, Honey Lamb. Because the story of her life is one of demoralizing circumstances, she questions why she is and who she is.  Although making a life altering mistake because of her past, she finds that it does not have to dictate her destiny.  The blood that was shed on Calvary by Jesus Christ was the most definitive demonstration of unconditional love. It washed away every bad decision, every sin, and every generational curse, granting us an everlasting pardon. 

  ·        How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I am an avid reader and audio book listener and it dawned on me that there isn’t a Christian Fiction novel in the marketplace presently that specifically discusses the healing and delivering power of the blood of Jesus. Oddly enough, the body of Christ today doesn’t seem to dialogue about its significance. Many are writing about generational curses, the importance of forgiveness and the wonderful love of Jesus but no author has fictionally penned a novel that clearly identifies what Jesus did when he died for us. THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME shares a story but it provides the liberating truth scripturally. Someone need to know that they don’t have to wear invisible signage that labels them as a “recovering” alcoholic, drug addict or even an inevitable beneficiary of the many generational tendencies and sicknesses that may be passed on from one generation to another. Their name has been changed to Righteous because of the blood of Jesus!

·        What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?

I have to say that writing this novel was not really that difficult.  When I decided to receive the  download from the Holy Spirit as I wrote,  everything  began to pour out of  my heart. Admittedly, I did ask the Lord on different occasions, “  Are You sure you want me to say that?” He constantly reminded me that many need to read Honey’s story as well as the stories of the other characters in the novel. So of course, I acquiesced and let Him lead. When we let Him lead everything becomes easier.

 

·        Did you have to do any special research for your book? 

 At the onset, (when receiving the premise from the Holy Spirit), Honey and her plight was almost foreign to me so yes there was some research that had to be done., ( in a way )  

With my other novels, I was very familiar with the characters… with THE BLOOD, I did more digging and listening than I ever had. I had to listen and be sensitive to what God wanted me to share and how he wanted me to share it. I had to do some real soul searching to reach Honey and meet her where she was, allowing myself to be used by God to gain insight, true painful insight about Honey and the people in her life. The good, the bad and the ugly had to be unearthed. Her growth and transformation was important to the story and I had to allow God to show me how make it evident and more importantly, relatable to the reader. 

 

·         What’s ahead for your writing?

It is my hope to assist other Christian writers as with  my literary workshop for aspiring Christian writers called, “Conversations…. Writing to Reconcile”. I had the wonderful opportunity to share it regionally but would love to be afforded a venue that could allow me to do so nationally. As believers in Christ it is our mandate to reconcile others to God. Using our literary gifts is certainly one way we can accomplish that awesome task. Additionally, for all who are interested, I distribute electronically, (on-line), a monthly newsletter, M. Ann’s Literary Communiqué  and  prayerfully it will continue to increase in circulation. Lastly, while touring with THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME, I am beginning my 4^th novel, The SHIFT!

·        What opportunities have opened up because of your writing?

Because of my writing, I now enjoy speaking and inspiring others with the uncompromising word of God as a “Godspirational” speaker and teacher. What a blessing it is to be able to impact others as they are introduced to who they are in Christ!

·        How can people connect with you?

Please feel free to contact me via email: Godsauthor@mannricks.net. Additionally, should interested parties wish to contact me for literary dialogues, speaking engagements or interviews,  contact me via my e-mail provided or reach out to  Ms. Shani Henderson @ May House Press and Publications for bookings @ maylodi@yahoo.com or 903.617.7308

·        Where can readers purchase copies of your books?

My novels may be purchased via my website, www.mannricks.net, www.Amazon  as well as all other literary establishments online or otherwise.

Author Ornitha Danielle

Thanks Ornitha for joining us today.....

Ornitha, Tell us about yourself?

I’m the proud mother of three children and the wife to Rodney “LeeStylez” Taylor a professional photographer and graphic designer. I’m a native of Memphis, TN and now reside in Somerville, TN. I’m currently working on my degree in Speech and Theater with emphasis on Creative Writing. I’m the owner and Editor-in-Chief of my own Magazine called “So Fyh Magazine Online and So Fyh Book Reviews also. I’m the eldest of four children. I’m The So Fyh Literary Diva (D.I.V.A) means D= Divine, I= Inspired, V=Virtuous Vessel of the who am I kidding, looking at myself as a writer, But I thank God for all that I’ve learned. Staying focused on my goals, dreams and ambitions have gotten me to where I am today. If it hadn’t been for God on my side during this time, I have no idea where I would be? However I’ve made it through. 
 

What was your path towards publication like?

I don’t believe I really had a certain path, or at least I don’t recall

Lord, A= Angel ™ ©) The D.I.V.A of all things literary. (“I’m a diva in my own right, I own my own and going to hold my own.” ™ © )

Tell our readers about your journey to writing.

 

Well my journey has been one ride after another. I have learned some things along this literary road, some good and some of it bad. I’d even thought to myself ll having one. All I knew was that I wanted and needed to write. 

How do you balance your life as an author with your duties as a businessperson, employee, parent and/or spouse?

Funny you should ask that…. Begin a woman we had to learn to multi-task, as mother, wife, and a businesswoman, I have always danced to my own music in other words I’ve called my own shots; my life really hasn’t stopped just because I’m an author/novelist/poet that was just another aspect or ingredient to add to my life.  And now with my family all grown up now basically: having two children in college and one in high school. I have understood that it was time for me, as a woman to do a few things that I’ve always wanted to do that time hadn’t allotted for me in the past. My husband and I are now at a place where we can do a few things since our children are becoming more independent.

What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?

My advice would be to step away from it all before you loss it (lol) literally. I’ve had to go back and re-read what I’d written or maybe even read a different book to get a little inspiration and maybe listen to some music. That usually helps me from time to time. 

What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?

The best writing-related advice that I ever received was basically to just write and write and write and write some more. Whatever you’re feeling, experiencing, what you’re going through. That has helped me with my writing.  

Please tell us why you feel this way?

Well during the process of writing this book, I experienced so much, and writing allowed me to bolt for freedom. To be one with my thoughts and passion for writing, basically I have a love for words. As a child my parents had given me the second best give besides life was the love of books. Reading and writing became my best friend, a friend that never told secrets or judged me, on how I felt, or what I thought. 

 How has it helped you, etc?

This has helped me to overcome some of the writing issues, like not feeling the flow. I sometimes have to be in the mode to write or feel inspired by something to write. 

Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?

My book is a Urban Christian Fiction novel, which deals with real life issues, that sometimes we as Christians face on a daily bases. Just because we’re Christians we aren’t exempted from life. We are living in a world full of sin and we’re sinful people, but we are striving to be sinless on a daily bases.  Some of the characters’ in this novel will take you on a wild ride; of all the things that they allow their fleshly desires to do. And even they know right from wrong and they still indulge in worldly things. Just as so many of us today. 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

God inspired the ideas for this book. In this industry I believe that we didn’t need another negative entity place in the atmosphere. This book will inspire many individuals as it has done me, while writing it. As a Christian novelist I do believe that I’m responsible for what materials that I place in the world for everyone to see. I also believe that one day each of us will be held accountable for what we do
. 

What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?

The most difficult part of actually writing this book was when I first started writing it the book it had a different titled called “A Forbidden Romance: A Quest for Happiness.  There was a great struggle with how I was trying to write the story and what God was saying to me about what I needed to write.

(Please share why it was difficult as well as insight into how you overcame this difficulty.) 

How I overcame this difficultly was I had to step away from the book for a while basically for three months. During that time I went into prayer about the direction I needed to go and how HE wanted me to write this book. I prayed everyday, until I got an answer. A finally I heard from God saying…  “The book that you’re writing is not the way you will write it.” He then gave me a new title “A Heart Of Reign”…. I was able to keep some of the storyline and HE told me that I was going to write it, but the way HE wanted it written. 

Did you have to do any special research for your book?

Yes! Actually, I did have to some special research for my book, because some of the things that are going on in the story, I had to make sure it was actually possible or could even happen. 

What’s ahead for your writing?

I plan to write more Christian novels and even write a few poetry books, including my Memoirs. And I also plan to have my online magazine in print form in the near future. I plan to write a few plays and movies. In other words wherever my craft and passion for writing leads me I’ll go. Whatever is God’s path for me as a novelist I’ll follow it. 

What opportunities have opened up because of your writing?

I’ve been blessed with many opportunities to write for many publications such as; several online magazines, I written press releases for businesses, I’ve written book reviews for authors. I’ve even written public service announcements and petitions, sponsor letters for a non- profit organization. I’ve written commercial advertisements for businesses. I’ve written radio monologues and I’ve entered into a few writing contest and was even featured in a few online magazines because of my writings. 

How can people connect with you?

People can connect with through Facebook, Twitter and my websites.   http://www.facebook.com/Ornitha, http://www.sofyhbookreviews.com http://www.sofyhmagazineonline.com/

https://twitter.com/ - !/sofyhmagazine

Where can readers purchase copies of your books?

My book will be available via Createspace, Amazon and my websites.