INTERVIEW | M. Ann Ricks

M. Ann, describe yourself for our visitors.

Blessings Ty! Thanks so much for this opportunity! I am M. Ann Ricks, a woman, redeemed and set free by the life-changing blood of Jesus Christ. I’m a wife, mother, author and “Godspirational” speaker living in Bear, Delaware endeavoring to live for Christ ON PURPOSE as I provide Christian literature that will not only entertain but encourage, enlighten and prayerfully restore!

How do you find time to connect with God?

Life is most certainly busy for all of us but I’ve come to realize that I must make time with God a priority. Spending time with Him is a necessity especially for those of us who need to hear from Him to write effectively. In the morning, after my sons have left for school, (because the noise level has decreased), before I make a mental agenda for my day, I simply sit on the side of my bed and just tell Him how wonderful He is! His Word becomes alive to me and I immerse myself in His presence. Should mornings not be opportune, I take long showers. I know it seems crazy but I simply stand in the shower. Time to connect with God is of the essence! I talk to him briefly and am then quiet. I just hear from Him.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

Michele Andrea Bowen is my unofficial literary mentor. I love her and her books as she isn’t afraid of sharing the truth of God’s word! She is a bold sister in Christ! Her approachability, honesty and imagination is a blessing! (Church Folk and Holy Ghost Corner) Frank Peretti is also one of my favorite authors as he truly has the gift to share with his reader what is transpiring inthe supernatural. His books have blessed me as they have provided much spiritual insight. (The Oath, Piercing the Darkness)

Tell us about your journey to publication.

Inwardly, I knew that I was not destined to be a “corporate woman” and when my position was eliminated, I had an inkling that it was God-ordained, at least for me. Years prior to this event, I’d resolved to really reconnect with the Master and sought to draw nigh to Him. I don’t think I would have been able to really hear God if I hadn’t been reconnected to Him. “Tell the world about Me with the words I will give you,” is what I heard. Believing that God would give me the words, I began to write my first book; Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance. My husband said something that enables me to write with confidence; “If God told you to write, then write, and stand on His promises.” I’m so excited and honored to be used by God to spread His message with the stories that I create. I will continue to do so for as long as He provides me with the stories and the words that will draw all men to Him.

Tell us about your current book?

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. Will she accept what God has already given to her or will she shun the invitation of salvation and allow her familial carnal legacy to continue to the next generation? Will she come to understand that Jesus’ blood redeemed us from a self-defeating existence because He became the sinful inheritance for us while at the same time eradicating it forever, giving us a spiritual blood transfusion that would change us all?

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Crazily enough, I heard the premise of THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME while in the shower, spending quiet time with God. I asked God what my novel should be He gave me the premise and instructed me on what needed to be communicated throughout.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

I want people to understand God’s love when reading THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME. He loves us so much that He sacrificed His only son Jesus. Jesus became the sacrifice for us when He died on Calvary’s cross essentially erasing our past! Because He died and was resurrected, He showed us the depths of the love! We are absolved and even justified by the blood He shed for us! We can walk in freedom and liberty because of what Jesus did. A new life regardless of who you are, what you have done or what has been done to you is available! Just believe!

What’s next for you?

It is my hope to assist other Christian writers 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, Communiqué and prayerfully it will continue to increase in circulation. Lastly, I’ve begun my 4th novel, The SHIFT!

Where can readers find you online?

Please feel free to visit my website and, www.mannricks.net. You may find my novels on all online literary establishments. (i.e.: www.amazon.com / www.bn.com). For speaking engagement, Literary Dialogues and book club gatherings, please feel free to contact me directly using: Godsauthor@mannricks.net. I have an Author’s Page on Facebook: M. Ricks Literary Creations.