M. Ann Ricks' "The Son"

We're happy to have M. Ann Ricks with us today talking about her book, The Son.  To learn more about Ann and her book, read on!



Title: The Son
Publisher: Leading Lady Publications.

Cover blurb: Daniel Manders has been dubbed the “chosen one”.
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. Choosing to leave home to escape the pressures of family, he lived his life without worrying about rescuing his brothers from themselves. While living the life he thinks he wants, Daniel finds himself in a situation that only the Lord can get him out of. When finally acknowledging that he’d been shirking his responsibilities and a divine calling, a way of escape is provided. He decides that he can run no longer and promises to return to the home of his youth. Upon his return, he meets Melina; a woman that seems to be made just for him. While trying to be the man he feels he needs to be and reassemble the puzzle that he calls his family, Daniel’s purpose becomes clear but God’s desire and destiny for his family is challenged.

1) How did this story come to you?
It was impressed upon me 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. Many sometimes let their fear, families and relationships keep them from the future that God has destined for them. God has gifted so many of us, with the intelligence and “know how” to do so many awesome things. Men, as they relate to the novel, are born leaders. They simply have to acknowledge it and stop running from who they are and who they were made to be. The 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. Sometimes our family will be our hardest obstacle but we must be obedient. We need to be obedient to the 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. Your brother or sister…. Our families and those connected to us are depending on it! Stand fast and believe God regardless of what the enemy throws your way. We have the power to thwart each arrow of adversity because God promises all of us who believe in Him that we’d receive our expected end.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
It seems my journey to get this novel published was riddled with obstacles. I was under the impression that because I had one novel published; Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance, a second novel would be easier. That was not to be. I believed the subject-matter was God-ordained and that the novel would bless those who read it, as many, I’m certain, can identify with the premise, but initially I struggled with the content and writing from a man’s perspective. I knew that I had to saturate The Son with the word of God as it always makes the difference but some viewed it as deterrent. As a result, finding a publisher and getting it out to the masses seemed to be a challenge. I was very happy to finally find a publisher that believed in my story and its relevance and that is when one stumbling block was removed. Getting it into the stores, however, was yet another faith fight. I really had to trust that God had and has everything under control… (BIGGEST Lesson learned!) Thankfully the journey to publication ended victoriously as many who have read The Son have nothing but wonderful things to say about it as it has done exactly what God said it would do… encourage hearts, provide revelation and confidence using His Word. It confirms that we are all called to impact the world with Jesus Christ!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Well… Let’s see!
1)I was in a music video back in the late 80’s with a group called FOREIGNER. While singing with the Youth Division of The New Jersey Mass Choir, I was part of day long video shoot of the song.., “I Want To Know What Love Is”. It was an awesome experience and a memory that I will never forget.
2) I’m a part-time Fitness Instructor and a real CARDIO junkie. I love STEP Aerobics and Cardio Dance and use Gospel House music to work-out and praise God at the same time. The crazy thing about it is that I absolutely LOVE cakes, cookies, etc. How can I be such a fitness junkie and a sweets junkie at the same time??? You tell me? That surprises me, if no one else!
3) Lastly, if someone would have told me that by age 40, I would have two novels and a third one on the way, I would have never believed them. Many readers think that I have been writing for my entire life and that is true to some extent but I wrote for school and my profession. Writing about the love of Jesus and sharing His word with the masses using fiction is an awesome surprise to me… It certainly goes to show us that God has a way of moving us into our destiny as He prepares us along the way. I love what I do and crazily enough, I couldn’t stop writing if I wanted to!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have completed my third novel: 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. Regardless of who you are; rich or poor and whatever you’ve done or what your family or people in your life have done to you, the blood of Jesus can make you a new creature because of its power. Many are living defeated lives, unaware that freedom and life in abundance is available. Set in present day, THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME chronicles a woman’s desire for redemption. The 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. 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.

5) Parting comments?
I consider it an honor and privilege that K. Dawn Byrd Blog Spot would decide to spotlight me and my novel, The Son. This is truly a blessing. Thank You!!! Sharing stories of faith and His unconditional and unending love, will change lives and provide spiritual revelation thus augmenting the Kingdom of God. I believe this is what God has purposed for my life and I am determined to walk it. It has been made clear that my steps are divinely ordered and I am assured that God has purposed me to affect lives in a realistic way with messages that will birth “overcomers” in the Earth that will glorify God!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Please visit www.mannricks.net to read more what God has purposed for my life as well as events, workshops and dialogues that I have had the pleasure to facilitate. Interested readers can certainly purchase my novels Awesome Wonder, my debut novel as well as The Son . I am presently having a “READY for RAIN” Online Sale! Each novel is only $5.00!! Click on the “Christ IS” link to make your “READY for RAIN” purchase and the novel will be signed and shipped to your location.