Urban-Reviews.com - Inside Out with M. Ann Ricks

M. Ann Ricks

As the fourth and last daughter born to her parents, M. Ann’s upbringing in Elizabeth, NJ was quite structured. Church seemed to be the only place she could go to freely congregate and socialize. Singing in the choir and participating in every possible youth auxiliary kept her from elements that would have swallowed her whole. She is forever grateful to her parents for their prayers and close reign over her young life. Although recognizing Christ’s importance during her youth, she didn’t consider Him as her “everything.” Only when she resolved to reconnect with the Master and sought to draw nigh to Him, did the desire to write become stronger and strangely, to her surprise, a need. She realized that this would be her way of helping to bring souls into the Kingdom of God.

After receiving the needed confirmation from the Lord, (that was a process because she really didn’t want to hear God because of fear), she finally arrived at the conclusion that writing is the path that God has placed her on. Believing that God would give her the words, she wrote her first book; Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance. Not long after its completion, the premise for The Son, her second novel, was made known to her. She has just completed her third novel THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME and is simply awaiting the right offer.

M. Ann is a graduate of Rider University and lives in Bear, DE with her loving husband and two handsome sons.

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Urban Reviews: Tell our readers about The Son.
M. Ann Ricks: My second novel, The Son, is one of responsibility and obedience while learning to be fishers of men even when it’s not convenient or when we "don’t feel like it." We are just not responsible for our immediate family but any brother or sister who may not know who God is or has lost his or her way. Once we finally accept and walk in what God has given us; not only will we be blessed but others will as well because our God is a God of overflow. Many will reap the rewards of knowing Jesus Christ because one person boldly stated, "Here am I, send me!"

Released in September 2008, The Son centers itself on Daniel Manders and the Manders family. Since childhood, he has always been the one that was admired and called upon to do the right thing especially when it involved rectifying a situation for his family, specifically his brothers. Daniel Manders is considered the "chosen one" and is inwardly cognizant of this gift but decides that he doesn’t want the responsibility. Just like Daniel, God calls us to impact others but so many times we run from the calling because we are either afraid of the responsibility or feel that we can't accomplish what God says we can. Choosing to leave home to escape his family, he lived his life without worrying about rescuing his family from themselves. Daniel soon finds himself in a situation that only the Lord can get him out of. Finally acknowledging that he had been shirking his responsibilities and a divine calling, a way of escape is provided. He submits to his assignment. That assignment is to be a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to bring his entire family; who have a "form of Godliness" but not true revelation of Him, into the family of God. Enter Melina...a woman that seems to be made just for him. Because he has been the "go to guy" for the family, this new development coupled with his decision to be a man of God is viewed as a threat. While trying to reassemble the puzzle that he calls his family, Daniel's purpose becomes clear but God's desire and destiny for his family is challenged.

Urban Reviews: How did the concept for this book come about?
M. Ann Ricks: I know it’s hard for many people to believe but most of my novel premises come to me when I am in the shower. It’s when I am not talking and my mind is open. It was impressed on my heart that there are so many people that know who God is but are either afraid of being who God has called them to be or don’t think that they can handle the responsibility of being a "true and uncompromising" child of the Most High God. God has gifted so many of us, especially our men with the intelligence to do so many awesome things. Men, as it relates the novel, are born leaders, they simply have acknowledge it, stop running from who they are and stop trying to take the easy way out. This path may not be easy nor is it always convenient but if we seek Him first, everything else will be added. Additionally, and contrary to the popular consensus, we ARE our brother’s keeper. Obedience to God in this area is important because someone needs us to be obedient to will of God and be that man or woman of God who can show them how to live a life of freedom and liberty through Jesus. Someone’s life is depending on it. Our families and those connected to us are depending on it!

Urban Reviews: What was it that pushed you to want to become a writer?
M. Ann Ricks: It’s funny that you use the word "pushed" because initially I didn’t want to write but God has made it clear that this is what I am purposed to do. So essentially it was actually God that showed me that I should write …but for Him. I was convinced and am now fully persuaded that this is how I can impact the people of this world and increase the Kingdom of God. Writing is a wonderful way to paint a picture but I want to paint that picture using words that colorfully illustrate the love of God.

Urban Reviews: What changes have you seen in the Christian Fiction genre that have impacted how you write, promote, or market your books?
M. Ann Ricks: I love how writers are now writing about the reality of Jesus and His love. There used to be a lot of condemnation and "man made doctrine" but Jesus tells us that He did not come to condemn. If we are writing to glorify Him then we are acting as representatives of Him and it is imperative that we do that in spirit and truth. As Christian writers, we need to not only make the love of Jesus relatable but aid those who are in need, to arrive at the realization that Jesus is not only available but very approachable. I see this now more than ever… a very good change. As we promote and market our books, love and truth need to be at the forefront. People, regardless of their background, age or race, gravitate toward love and truth. Christian fiction has become more popular and much more widely received as a result of this approach.

Urban Reviews: What are your ultimate goals as far as the literary industry?
M. Ann Ricks: As a published Christian Fiction author, it is my goal to not only write to entertain the reader but also to encourage and provide stories that will ultimately allow all to recognize and accept the one true and living God. The messages communicated throughout my novels are sure to result in spiritual examination and subsequent renovation. I would feel blessed to be a "Best Seller" and find my name on one of those types of lists. I certainly believe that will come but first and foremost it is my prayer that someone will come to accept Christ as their Savior as a result of the seeds that are planted when reading one of my novels or someone will return to Jesus; their first love and realize that He IS REAL.

Urban Reviews: What has been the biggest lesson you've learned so far about the book industry?
M. Ann Ricks: Firstly, one must believe in their gift and talent. In this industry, it’s easy to say "forget it" or "this is not for me." Know that rejection is part of the process but persistence is the key. I have learned that what God has started in me, He is obligated to finish and I will be successful. Secondly, I had to learn that everyone doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Many are in this industry, even Christian Fiction, to make a buck; plain and simple. Lastly, EDIT, EDIT and edit again!

Urban Reviews: Do you have any ideas or plans for your next project that you'd like to share?
M. Ann Ricks: I have completed my 3rd novel titled The Blood Done Signed My Name. This novel took me the longest to write and has blessed me immensely. It is seasoned with the sensuality of love, the need for familial truth and deliverance as well as God’s promise of hope and redemption. Feelings of condemnation, guilt and shame are some of the underlying reasons why some won’t accept, believe or even acknowledge the unending love Christ has for us. Because of the past, familial history, generational tendencies or even consistently making choices that proved to be wrong, many have decided to live a defeated life of regrets; resolving that they are worthless. Unfortunately many feel domed, resulting in the inability to believe or even accept the possibility that real love and freedom is obtainable. Undoubtedly damaged, Honey Lamb, our heroine is a descendant of an unfortunate legacy of molestation, addiction, murder and bad decisions. Life for Honey Lamb ain’t been no "crystal stair." Not realizing that God places people in our lives for His purpose, she reluctantly embarks upon a journey that will open her eyes and heart to a divine inheritance.

Urban Reviews: Do you find promoting Christian fiction to the masses to be a difficult task?
M. Ann Ricks: Oddly enough, I still encounter people that don’t know what Christian fiction is and trying to explain the genre and promoting it can be a challenge but if writers focus on creating stories with fictional characters that contend with real life issues to communicate the genuine and unfailing love of Jesus Christ, the promotion of this type of literature will become easier as it is an effective way to win souls. Providing more of what the public desires (interesting stories), while feeding them with the word and message of God, all will be blessed and God will be glorified.

Urban Reviews: What author or book would you point to as being your main inspiration?
M. Ann Ricks: I have to say that Church Folk by Michele Andrea Bowen was my introduction to real Christian Fiction and I remember telling myself, "I believe that I can write a story like her." She is an awesome woman of God and I am blessed that her light so shined that I saw and read her good work that glorified God and as a result, I am bearing likewise fruit.

Urban Reviews: Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your novel?
M. Ann Ricks: I count it an honor and privilege that Urban Reviews would choose The Son to review. This online interview is truly a God-send. Thank You! I am confident that my steps are divinely ordered and am assured that God has purposed me to affect lives in a realistic way through my writing. I am determined to aid in the augmentation of the Kingdom of God with messages of love, faith and revelation. To God Be the Glory!