· 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 4th 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.
