Yesterday I reviewed a novel called “The Breaking Point.” The author of that book, Karen Ball, has graciously agreed to answer some questions exclusively for Families.com and I’m pleased as punch to bring you that interview today.
Karen, you mention in the author’s notes that your own marriage was rocky for a time and that you used the lessons you learned in your life to write “The Breaking Point.” Was it difficult for you to share such a private part of yourself in such a public way?
Yes and no. No, because I tend to be a transparent person and sharing what’s happening in my life is just who I am. But yes because I was worried that going back through all my husband and I had experienced–much of which was pretty awful–would stir up anger or resentment toward Don. But God is good! He nudged me to pull out pictures of Don and of Don and me during the happy times, and to put them in a frame that I kept next to my computer. So that if I got too immersed in the hard times, I could stop and look at those pictures and tell myself, “The bad was then; this is now.” It worked so well that by the time I finished the novel, I discovered not only was I not angry with Don, I was even more in love with him than ever. In fact, writing about our story helped me see more clearly than ever before how determined Don was to do his part in making our relationship to what God meant it to be.
Have you had a lot of feedback on the book? I imagine it has helped many couples.
Yes, and that’s meant a great deal to me. If God can use my story to help even one couple make through tough times, then I know any difficulties Don and I went through are worth it. He really does take the years the locusts have eaten and restores them…and then some!
How long have you been writing for the Christian market, and why did you choose that market?
My first Christian novel, “Reunion,” was published in 1996. I chose the Christian market because my faith is an integral part of who I am, which means it’s an integral part of any story I tell. Not that my books are sermons–not by any means. I believe God has called me simply to tell powerful stories to the best of my abilities. But just as faith in God is a part of my everyday life, so it’s a part of those stories and characters. And what better calling could there be than to tell stories that help others see themselves and God more clearly?
You describe the countryside where Gabe and Renee are stranded so realistically. Do you live in that area, or an area similar to it?
Yes, I live in Oregon and love it. And, in fact, that first scene in the book, where Gabe and Renee are in the whiteout snowstorm in the Oregon mountains, was something that actually happened to Don and me. The only difference is that we didn’t go over the edge of the mountain–but I sure thought we were going to!
What projects are you working on now?
I’m finishing the last book in the Family Honor series from Multnomah. The first book in this series, “Shattered Justice,” just recently won the 2006 Readers’ Choice Award for Contemporary Inspirational Novels, which was a much appreciated honor! If you’d like to see more about that book, my other books, or me and my family, please visit my website.
Karen, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us today. We really appreciate your time and talents.
Previously Interviewed Authors:
Josi S. Kilpack, part one and two
Tamra Norton, part one and two