Have you ever read an incredible book that you wanted to see turned into a movie? Have you ever wondered if authors ever think about their books becoming movies? I have, which is why I love to ask! This week I’m talking to Mary Ball – see which actors she’d like to see star in her book adaptation.

What genre do you write? How did you pick it?
I write romantic suspense and mystery. I didn’t decide to write in that particular genre, it picked me. My first novel was a romantic suspense. Since then, I’ve had a few romance novellas published that were fun to write.

What are your favorite genres to read? Why?
I enjoy reading any contemporary genre, as long it’s inspirational or Christian. I’m a woman of faith, that’s a big part of my life. I enjoy reading novels that share about the Lord through the characters.

How long did it take you complete your first manuscript (published or not)?
 The process for my debut novel, Escape to Big Fork Lake, to become published was over two years. I sent out submissions and with each “no” I received, I would rewrite and fix issues that an editor may have mentioned or I’d discovered. Sixty subs and five rewrites later, Inspired Romance offered me a contract.

Have your follow-up novels been easier or harder to write? Why do you think that is?
Harder, because I’m not a writer who creates/keeps an outline of each book. The first follow-up novel found me trying to recall things about certain characters and having to go back into the previous book for details. I’m now working on a contracted series. I’m keeping better notes as I go.  🙂

What’s surprised you the most about the book-publishing process?
The endless promotion that’s needed just to keep the readers aware of your novels.

What’s been the most challenging part of getting a book published?
The synopsis. Because I dislike them, it’s harder for me to write one.

What’s your favorite part of the publishing experience?
 Seeing the final book cover.

For learning the writing craft, which do you prefer – books or conferences? Why?
Books.  I have a super busy life. Any advice I hear from a conference, no matter how important, will slip my mind. In addition to that, I’m not an efficient note taker. If I jot down a revelation about the craft, months later my notes will make no sense. With a book, all I need to do is find the right chapter and re-read.

If you could recommend one writing conference, what would it be? Why? (If you haven’t attended one, which one would you like to attend? Why?)
I can’t recommend any certain one. There are many wonderful conferences around. Every conference has great opportunities, which help writers grow in their craft. Each one also offers valuable information that authors need.

If you could recommend one writing book, what would it be? Why?
Common Mistakes Writers Make by Eva Marie Everson

I like that she is southern. We speak the same language. LOL. Seriously, this book is a help with some things we tend to overlook. It’s a good aid with keeping your story strong and on track. I like the section that talks about avoiding big words. For me, I want to enjoy the fiction story I’m reading without having to open a dictionary to understand a word.

If you could pick any of your novels to be made into a movie, which one would you pick? Who would you want to play the lead roles, and why?
That’s a challenging question, but I think It would be Stone of Destiny. That book is a mystery, but the message I wanted to convey is how important prayer is in someone’s life. I think Emma Stone would be a good main character, and Scott Eastwood for her love interest.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks much for letting me be on your blog. I enjoyed answering the questions and look forward to cyber meeting your readers.

 

You can learn more about Mary and her books on here Amazon page – just click here!