Welcome to our Author Interview series.
Today we're featuring an interview with Mia Merran, author of A Burning Call. Our author interview series provides an opportunity for our readers to get to know our authors on a deeper level and also learn more about the types of books we're publishing.
This is Mia Merran’s debut novel largely focused on family, faith and culture, which was awarded The Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval in September, 2012. She is a co-founder and managing editor to an all volunteer grass roots pro-life apostolate, a business woman and a tertiary member of a prominent Roman Catholic religious order.
Synopsis: A Burning Call
A BURNING CALL is a dynamic portrait of a contemporary upper middle class Catholic family. The story presents an evocative modern day picture of a declining culture and a man’s quest to preserve the innocence of his children with his cherished wife by his side, along with her unwavering confidence in the Mother of God. Through a number of unexpected events, their lives are altered far beyond their imaginations through mystery and miracles while revealing that one man’s motivation for truth was in reality an invitation from God.
Faith and culture are under attack not only in this country but abroad as well. There is much evidence to support this evolution in society for which we have proof day by day.
This inspirational story is filled with humor along with a sense of casual to formal elegance redolent of a time gone by. Yet it is thoroughly modern and realistic, fast moving and uplifting. It incorporates faith, family, romance, drama and music.
It is a venture from suburbia to seaside, through trials and tribulations, from darkness into light. It is a place to escape ones daily struggles as these characters capture your heart in achieving their endeavors and while dodging some death defying moments with a bolt from the blue.
How did the book come to be?
Oddly, it began on May 17, 2009 by asking a brilliant holy priest if he would consider writing a new Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. His answer was “I am writing it.” With a startled response came a promise to pray for him in a special way.
After twenty-two consecutive days of intercessory prayer in support of his monumental task, something remarkable occurred. It was a personal interior call to write a story on faith and culture; though continuing on with prayers for the holy priest.
Obviously, from time to time some are called to serve who are unworthy servants, which would include the sentiment from this author. Anguish, is the word that comes to mind and not from a single reflection. It was also a battle waged by the powers of hell and was fought through constant faith and prayer.
Nevertheless, with an abiding faith came the willingness to obedience - this was at the heart of it all. For this reason, prostrated on the floor, immersed in prayer, the struggle began. Eventually, through the grace of God an outline began to materialize for: A Burning Call.
In addition, if it were not for the love and prayer support from a generous husband, children and a number of holy priests and religious, this story could not have been written.
By March, 2010 through much prayer, the first draft was completed, followed by a few more months of revisions. After a year with an unsuccessful search for a literary agent the option was made to engage Infinity Publishing in early December, 2011. It was a good decision allowing the control necessary to keep the story intact, and benefit from all the services provided and ongoing assistance offered by Infinity Publishing.
This story was written for the love of God and the Blessed Mother. In seven months the editing along with the book formatting was completed, and the book was providentially released for sale on the vigil of the anniversary and death of this author’s own mother in July, 2012.
What is being done to market the book?
So far, we are marketing A Burning Call by way of our website: www.miamerran.com where visitors can view information and click open our YouTube book trailer. We are also marketing with ads to Catholic bookstores and to readers in various media outlets. Hopefully, many will be inspired to buy the book and recommend this supernatural love story to others.
Did you learn anything from writing the book that was unexpected?
There were many unexpected challenges. Nevertheless, through the power of prayer and the practice of patience and perseverance, help was there from above.
What is next?
Looking forward to publishing articles on the spiritual elements of faith and culture and complete another novel.
To order your copy of A Burning Call go to buybooksontheweb.com.
