Kimberly M. Miller's Blog, page 2

Happy New Year! (the obligatory post, with a twist)

Photo by Oleg Zaicev on Pexels.com

It appears we’ve finally, mercifully reached the end of a rather trying year. For many, it was frustrating, a year of loss and worry, never knowing what craziness would come next.

For others, it was a year of amazing hope and joy– discovering that in these tough times, we were stronger than we ever could have imagined, and we’re blessed beyond belief too.

Now, as we move into 2021, some might be asking– what now? What next? These are completely reasonable questions and concerns. But, please allow me to challenge you to ask– How now, how next?

You see, my takeaway from 2020 was that I have a place in the conversation, and I have a choice to make with how I use my voice, my talents, my time. So, my approach to 2021 is ‘how’- How can I help? How can I change? How can I encourage? In my tiny little sphere of influence, how can I do better?

In 2020 many of us felt overwhelmed, and maybe even powerless to change anything. But, friends, I encourage you. We have an incredible amount of power. If we look closely, we impact lives every day. The words we choose to speak, or maybe to write on social media, can have a lasting impact far beyond that conversation or post. Use them wisely.

The places where we spend money will thrive or fail. The time we invest will be wasted or fruitful. The things we learn will be useless in the grand scheme, or will help us improve our lives or those of others.

So, how will you use your time, your resources, your life this year? You have so many choices to make, all of them having incredible impact. Choose wisely, friends. Make this year the year of dreaming, the year of doing, the year of growing.

Use the question to do more, be better, give, serve, and love. Just ask, how?

*Share your ‘how’ in the comments and encourage others!

Hip waders

I’m so sorry for the long absence. I will admit that I’ve struggled to find motivation to write this blog, once kept so faithfully and now a responsibility pushed so far to the back of my mind, I rarely think of it anymore.

Why?

Well, probably because even after consistently writing each week, I didn’t see it going anywhere or getting much of a response. I figured the problem to be one of a few options- no one was interested, I needed to crystalize my audience and write more directly to them, or perhaps it was something else entirely I just couldn’t see.

Whatever the issue, I am coming to the end of another semester which was in-person/ hybrid, and now has moved online (per the original plan at this point in the term). This means I’m grading finals and thinking about what else I’ll be doing during “break”- a term I use loosely since I’ll be teaching one online class while I’m “off”.

As I was mulling over some options, a thought came to mind. Perhaps I should try again at this blog– this time reinventing to an audience of readers, and if I’m hopeful- fans of my novels, who might wonder what goes on in the mind of a romance writer?

I’m telling you, it’s a scary place but if you want to dive into the muck, who am I to judge you? Put on your hip waders and jump in!

I’m going to do my best to get back to writing at least once a month, so if there’s anything you’ve ever been curious about when it comes to romance writing, drop a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks for reading!

Winning Casey

Two years ago one of my closest friends said, “You should write a book about a hockey player,” and with that she sent an article about a guy who had some connections to the NHL but wasn’t a professional player.

OK. Interesting thought.

And somehow I ran with it. I mean RAN.

In two weeks’ time I had a fully-fleshed rough draft. TWO WEEKS!? Who does that? I don’t know how or why but it just all came together. Devlin Pink and Casey Maxwell were quite possibly some of the most fun I’d had in a long time. It seemed a no-brainer my readers would soon be in love with them too.

And then life.

So for two years I editing, toyed with, and tried to traditionally publish what I’d already titled ‘Winning Casey’. But nothing happened. So, against my typically cautious nature, I decided to try my hand at self-publishing.

And here we are. Just days away from the digital release of the book, and in the thick of it already being available in print. GAH!

I’ve got playlists, a Pinterest board, a book trailer and more. I hope you’re following me on Facebook (check out my author’s page! And I hope you sign up for my newsletter too in order to stay up on the latest news and information. https://www.facebook.com/Kimberly.Miller.Author/?ref=bookmarks)

Here’s the blurb for Winning Casey (and a link to amazon- grab your copy today!):

Casey Maxwell is tired of waiting. Waiting to heal, waiting to become a detective, waiting for love.

Scratch that last one. She’s done with love and finally accepted her role as man’s best friend (Take that, puppies!)

So, when Casey unexpectedly meets Devlin Pink (yes, THAT Devlin Pink), she’s quick to assume the role of his number one buddy.

With so much in common, how could she refuse?

But friendship with NHL’s most eligible bachelor isn’t what Casey expected. Just because Devlin’s used to dating swimsuit models for three months—tops—doesn’t mean he couldn’t be interested in a small-town cop with a bum leg and penchant for pranks.

Because he is. And Devlin doesn’t like to lose. Too bad for him, Casey might be his greatest opponent ever.

An excerpt from Pushing Robby

Hey there, friends and fans! Pushing Robby released first for Kindle (and is available for free if you have the Unlimited subscription), and now is also available for purchase in paperback- only $7.99!

If you’re wondering what this latest edition of Daisy and Robby’s story is all about, I thought I’d share a short excerpt to pull you back into their flirty, fun, and sometimes drama-filled world.

Enjoy!

Robby Grant shifted from one foot to the other, alternately stuffing his hands into his pockets, pulling them out, folding them in front of him, and starting the process over again. His chest tightened and his pulse did that weird stuttering thing that made him wonder if he might be too young or exactly the right age for a heart attack.

Rock stars weren’t supposed to fall head over heels for a woman like Daisy Parker, Sunday-school sweet and expecting nothing of him but unconditional love he didn’t understand how to give. And yet here he stood, sweating and shaking in a tuxedo because that’s what she wanted. The old Robby would have kicked himself for this lunacy, but for whatever reason, the man he’d become wanted to do anything Daisy asked. Making her happy would forever be his full-time gig, with rock and roll stuffed mercilessly into the back seat.

And it felt exactly right.

His brother nudged him, jarring him back to the moment. “You’re making me seasick.”

Robby glared. “I’m going to pass out.” The words escaped through clenched teeth.

“You are turning green.” Warren snickered, offering no sympathy.

“Stuff it.” Robby returned his gaze to the back of the church. He’d sway if it kept him upright. In mere seconds, his bride would come through those doors on his Uncle Nick’s arm.

His bride?

Robby choked as reality smacked him.

What was he thinking?

The singer leaned toward the exit. Three serious steps and he could duck out that door. No one would question it and it would make perfect publicity for his next tour.

“I’ll kill you with my bare hands.” Warren’s whispered words jolted Robby. His brother survived multiple tours in Iraq and only recently retired from the military. He’d hold Robby in place by force if necessary because he—and everyone else—adored Daisy.

Who could blame them?

But Warren wouldn’t kill him. He kept Robby alive when no one else cared to trouble themselves with the addictions that led to a low point in a back alley, a lengthy stint in rehab, and a comeback to a career that all but ended yet again, over a year ago when Robby’s band broke its ties with him. No, Warren wouldn’t kill him, but if Robby hurt Daisy, he certainly would make sure the rock star paid heavily.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Robby snapped.

Warren tipped his head. “I’d hope you aren’t that dumb.”

No, Robby couldn’t be. But he could be scared senseless. That would explain his legs going numb. His parents split after a horrible marriage, and Daisy came from much of the same. Neither the bride or groom had a role model for what came next. Marriage? And for life? Yikes.

What was he doing?!

And yet the couple clung to the hope of Robby’s newfound faith, the strength of their relationship, and the encouragement of close ties with Robby’s uncle, brother and sister in law, and a kind pastor who took all of their chaos in stride.

Would it be enough?

Intrigued? I hope so! I’ll include the link to Pushing Robby below- order yours today!

Already read Pushing Robby, Picking Daisy, Forgiving Tess, or Lucy in Love? If so, please consider leaving an honest review! Thanks so much!

Pushing Robby

When I released my first book, Picking Daisy, the response was incredibly positive.

And then questions started emerging that I hadn’t anticipated- the most interesting of which was, ‘when does the sequel come out’?

Sequel? I wrote the book as a standalone, happily-ever-after romance novel. There wasn’t supposed to be a sequel.

Only now, with my recent foray into self-publishing- there is!

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Here’s the blurb for the continuation of Robby and Daisy’s story:

Rock and roll’s bad boy is back!

After rehab, losing his band, and nearly ruining the one relationship that ever meant anything to him, Robby Grant is finally on the right track.

A new career, band, and most of all a perfect wife named Daisy can only mean one thing- the worst is finally behind him.

Until the honeymoon ends.

It only takes one phone call for the dark shadows of Robby’s past to threaten his newfound peace.

Will Daisy’s love be enough to lead him, again, back to where he belongs?

Pushing Robby is available only on Amazon. Check it out! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8ZYBTR/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3

What do my readers want?

As a romance writer, I’ve come to appreciate my own preferences, and tend to easily write into those every chance I get. But I’m also realizing this limits me from exploring other ways of seeing and experiencing the genre.

I’m curious what kinds of tropes and characters my readers enjoy.

Personally, I love clumsy, awkward female leads, and strong, but funny, heroes. I like romances that reunite characters after years apart, and ones that bring unlikely characters together. I also especially enjoy an undercurrent of faith, a deeper love than just physical attraction– one that draws the characters together spiritually too.

I’m starting to swoon. Look what this question does to me!

But the curiosity remains– what do YOU enjoy, readers? I’ve just finished a draft of my tenth novel and while I’ve got some ideas of tropes for futures stories, I also want to take into account your thoughts. Drop them below!

Also, don’t forget to follow me on FB too!

https://www.facebook.com/Kimberly.Miller.Author/?ref=bookmarks

Because I’m a writer…

In the last few days I’ve gotten three texts from three different people who stand in completely different places of my life, but all of whom asked the same question:

With all this extra time, you must be writing a lot lately, huh?

And I laughed and laughed. They’re so adorably cute.

They all apparently forgot that I also have two full-time jobs that have moved from being demanding in person to being demanding online, which is a fate I can’t begin to describe.  I’ve also got a family who are now all at home with me. So, yeah. That’s a ton of distraction.

So I didn’t say anything in answer to this question. Instead, I looked at my ‘it’s in my head I know what I’m doing each day’ schedule and thought ‘I wonder what would happen if I wrote out a schedule and sectioned my time so that I knew what I was doing at specific hours during the day?’

Interesting results abounded.

One, my jobs had flowed from one task to another all day long so that at the end of the day I felt as if I’d washed up on shore but wasn’t entirely confident I’d completed a lot of work. I wasn’t drowning, but daily I drew closer to this fate.

Setting a daily schedule with times earmarked for particular tasks meant I would have actual, daily, writing time (guess what I’m using right now to draft this blog? Yep! It’s my ‘free writing time’! Dang, my readers are the smartest people out there!)

Two, things that before kept getting pushed aside (either because I didn’t want to do them or because they could be put off until later, or worse, because taking care of them felt frivolous, now fell under the safe umbrella of ‘writing business’ or ‘chair responsibilities’ (I’m a department chair at a college)- and those tasks actually got done. Score!

So now, if anyone asks me, I can actually say that YES, I am getting a lot more time to write- and in the midst of so much chaos and work, it’s pure bliss.

Feel free to try this tactic for yourself and see if it works for you. Obviously there will be days that don’t fit the mold; however if you find yourself working from home and at times feeling frustrated over it, do a basic layout of the things you’d do each day anyway. Put them into categories, and consider when you most prefer to do those things.

Ask: Do these tasks take a half hour? An hour? Do you need two hours? Can some of them be lumped together because — even though you don’t want to do them– they don’t take very long?

Some of my categories include: Bible reading/ devotions, a half hour for social media in the morning (this was a time-suck and no longer is because I am being much more careful about sticking to my schedule and not wasting time), Class preps/ grading, Email, stretch/ yoga, chair responsibilities, free reading/ writing (I get two of these per day), cardio, writing business, home essentials/ cooking, etc.

These are things I personally do and may not reflect your needs. This also isn’t an exhaustive list or one I follow daily (It’s not even in order lol). I’d encourage you to write out something, take it for a test-run and switch it up or adjust as needed. I hope it works for you!

Happy reading– and happy daily organization, friends.

Should I self-publish?

You don’t even need to read this rest of this post to find the answer because I will admit openly that I don’t know.

Even before the earth-shaking changes that have happened recently, I didn’t know. For years I’d had an agent and was trying to go the traditional route. But with so many online opportunities to distribute and publish your work, the old ways could openly be questioned- and many authors were doing so.

But out of a certain… I’ll call it ‘respect’ for the process, I stayed the course.

Until I didn’t.

Recently, (yes, shortly before the pandemic because I have great timing) my agent and I mutually agreed to part ways. No hard feelings or upset, merely an agreement that he’d done what he could for me but the ever-changing and evolving market made further progress difficult. And with two books and a novella published traditionally that weren’t getting a lot of traction despite all of my marketing efforts (and yet wonderful feedback from the small number of readers and book clubs I was able to tap into) it was simply hard not to be frustrated.

Couple that with the fact that after those first three published works, I had seven– you read that correctly, SEVEN novels waiting in the wings for publication. It increasingly became more difficult to convince myself that waiting for traditional means to publish made any sense at all.

So, with some trepidation I reached out to a few favorite authors and what do you know? I got some encouragement! One even said I had publishing gold with that many novels finished and basically read to go (save for some formatting and cover design decisions). Her main problem with being published independently was keeping the writing going so she had another novel ready in a timely manner. I’m already there.

While I haven’t entirely jumped on board just yet with independent publishing, you can probably tell from the direction I’m going that I’ve got one foot off the ledge while the other is lifting me to my toes in a less-than-graceful attempt to jump.

But I’ll probably do it. I’m interested in my readers thoughts on this. Does independent publishing matter to you? Do you prefer to only read books by huge authors who go the traditional route? Doesn’t it matter?

Along those lines, I’m also curious what kinds of marketing works for you. What do you respond to when an author posts or offers a deal?

Any and all of these insights might help me make some key decisions as I move forward into self-publishing.

Or not. I haven’t committed yet.

 

Happy reading!

 

 

Whatever casserole

I used to make dinner every day with no real problems.

I’d plan (sort of) a week and a half to two weeks’ worth of meals and then buy those ingredients in one of my grocery runs, and we’d be set. Snacks, lunches, etc. were included.

What has happened to me?!

Now that we’re all home, I am so much less inspired to plan ahead. Yesterday I swear I followed a recipe (as God is my witness) and yet when it came out it looked like I threw whatever I could find into the casserole dish. It tasted fine, I guess. Not the best meal, or the worst.

Meh.

I used to make chicken parm, tacos, meatball subs– Identifiable things. Not ‘whatever casseroles’ that lacked inspiration and were minimal on taste.

I suppose in the current world we’re in where things are questionable on a daily basis, my lack of quality meal prep isn’t the worst problem.

I have no real reason for this post other than needing to vent a bit, along with a fine dose of curiosity.

Are you cooking the same kinds of things you did before the stay-at-home orders came down for so many of us? Is your meal time better, more creative, different?

What are some of the best things you’ve made during this time? Leave a comment below! (a picture too if you’re so inclined. LOL wish I took a pic of yesterday’s ‘dish’)

Happy reading and happy eating!

Writing in a time of crisis

With so much out there currently about the health crisis, I promise you I’m not coming at it from the same angle. While I could, I won’t. It’s too easy. And who ever knew me to pick the ‘easy’ path?

After a rather rough two years in my professional life, in January I was embarking on my first peaceful month (what I hoped was a season) in a very long time. I likened it to friends as ‘washing up on shore’ after being tossed about at sea for two years too long.

I was able to enjoy this ‘season’ for approximately two months before the situation changed yet again. I was not ready. I was not impressed. I was not happy. At first.

This isn’t to say that I’m happy now, but only that, thanks to all that drama in those recent years, I can see things differently than I might have otherwise. As a disclaimer, I’m writing this without thinking it completely through- so please allow me a bit of leeway.

Personally, I needed this time to absorb what I’d been through. I needed this time to clear my mind. I needed this time to reconnect with my family. I am grateful for this time because as I’d gone through all that stuff in recent years, I’d prayed frequently for God to show me what I needed to know and learn through all of it. And He did that. But, truly internalizing it isn’t a snap and done situation. It takes time. Time, that I now, unexpectedly have to ponder those lessons and be a different person, hopefully a better one.

Maybe this is something you can ask for too during this time. What are you supposed to learn during this time of forced quiet, isolation, and opportunity? How can you make the most of it all?

Am I scared? Am I being careful? Of course. But am I bemoaning working from home? (No, I’m grateful I have a job). Am I upset that I can’t enjoy my ‘normal’ schedule? Of course. But, I’m also grateful for one of the greatest lessons I learned recently.

This will end.

So, while we wait, I encourage you to do embrace what is good. You are safe at home. You are with family. You can read, you can walk, you can write, you can eat, you can love others with text messages, phone calls, and video chats.

You can LIVE.

As a college professor, I’m working hard to make my classes that had been planned for a classroom, into something that kind-of, sort-of works online. It’s not the best. But it will do. I am being flexible with my students in this new environment. They, thankfully, are being flexible with me too. Again, I am grateful as I get to know my students in a new way, through this new format. It’s different. But different can be good.

And I’m writing. A LOT. And that, I hope, is encouraging to you. I am exploring new ways of telling stories for my readers, with a hope of self-publishing soon. It’s scary, but it could be great. I hope it will be.

Happy reading, happy writing, happy days to all. Stay safe and well, friends.