Kimberly M. Miller's Blog, page 3

Keeping things organized

Lately I’ve been jumping immediately from writing one book to writing the next.

This is because I’m falling in love with the supporting cast and recognizing a need to tell their stories too. It’s a process of discovering who those ‘minor’ characters are behind the scenes that make them influence the current story I’m telling.

Enter my binders.

And Pinterest boards.

I’m fairly certain I’v[image error]e already unpacked my need to establish characters and setting through Pinterest in a previous blog post, so there’s no need to do that here.

But, I haven’t yet talked about my colorful binders. You know, in case the internet goes down or I go camping and am unable to access technology. A writer still needs her inspiration, after all, right?

So, I three-hole punch images and character information sheets and organize them into sections in binders for access as I write. Although I often change character qualities and end up hyper-focused on some images over others, the binder system allows me to stay on task with character motivations, backstories, and provides easy and quick access to names for minor characters and more.

While it’s likely not the most innovative process, I do find some readers asking how I keep it all straight in my head. Ha. While it remains to be seen whether I actually DO keep anything straight in my head, my binders are a concerted effort to try.

And there you have it. Binders and Pinterest.

Happy reading, friends!

Author interview: Lisa Lickel

[image error]I’m pleased and honored to have fellow author Lisa Lickel join me on the blog today!

Lisa’s latest project, ‘Everything About Us’ is part of the ‘Ponder This..’ series. She answered some questions for me about this story, and more!

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Everything About Us is the second of a planned trilogy romance between Shelly Colter, a Hollywood advertising agent on the rise, and Danny Winston, an accidental movie star. The first story, Everything About You, released in March 2016. The third story, Everything Noel, is due to release in December.

Danny Winston, America’s newest heartthrob, thinks he can have it all—his dream business and the girl. He’s sure he can convince Shelly, the woman who made it all possible, to marry him. When things keep going wrong, Danny can’t ask her to be a partner in failure.

Shelly Colter isn’t sure she can give up her California-style life with all the glamour, for a move to quaint, rural Wisconsin. At first, she thought Danny, her leading-man protégé, was all she needed, but when things get serious, her secret might ruin everything.

When Danny and Shelly realize they have a common enemy thwarting their dreams, they can choose to fight for each other or risk losing out to fear. It’s an epic he-thinks, she-thinks, with the truth somewhere in between.

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Lisa shared some other thoughts with me about writing this, and other, books.

Why did you write this story?

Susan Baganz, the editor, put out a call for a series based on the Philippians Bible verse shortly after a similar series based on I Corinthians 13 was published. I immediately thought of my characters from that earlier story and came up with an idea that would continue Danny and Shelly’s romance. It was an unusual plan, but Susan liked it. I’ve always been interested in fish farming and knew it was a growing industry in Wisconsin, so I had Danny, our hero, put his unexpected windfall from his accidental acting gig into fulfilling his dreams—with some trouble on the way, of course.

As this particular story grew, and concludes in December, my research involved studying and visiting fish farms, doing virtual visits to special theaters and settings mentioned in the book, and talking to the NYT best-selling mystery author who lives in the same neighborhood and visited the proposal scene restaurant in New York. I like to make sure facts will be true to readers who know the industry or settings, or at least be plausible.

What projects are you working on now?

I have two projects going at various stages. The first is an April release of the fourth Fancy Cat mystery, Meow Missing, in which my newly married sleuth, Ivy Thompson, inadvertently visits South America to find her missing aunt, but winds up joining the fight against unfair migratory work practices. Back home in Illinois, Ivy and her aunt’s cat, a Sphynx named Fairlane, hunt for clues about a smuggling ring. The second is finishing the draft of UnderCut, a romantic thriller that continues the story of characters introduced in UnderStory. While UnderStory focused on the theme of prejudice and the horrors of sex trafficking, UnderCut takes the story of former lit professor Cameron Taylor and journalist Lily Masters in a new direction while they plan for their new lives together. Lily undergoes elective surgery and wakes up under dire circumstances when bioterrorists attack the hospital. UnderCut showcases the dark underworld of the human organ black market.

I have a hard time doing anything in between light-hearted romance and darker suspense. I used to dream when I was stressed out that I was an ax murderer, and I liked it. I knew I had to work some of that, um stress, out on paper. Nowadays I am just fine, happily committing mayhem in fiction.

Author Bio:

Lisa Lickel is a writer and editor who lives with her husband in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. A complete list of her novels: mysteries, award-winning romance and children’s books, and contemporary fiction can be found on her website. She has written newspaper features, short stories, magazine articles and radio theater. An avid book reviewer and blogger, freelance editor, and writing mentor, she loves to encourage new authors. She has two grown and married sons and oodles of grandkids. Find more at www. LisaLickel.com.

 

Thanks so much for joining us, Lisa!

Happy reading, friends!

 

Author interview: Susan Karsten

[image error]  I’m delighted to have fellow author Susan Karsten join me on my blog today to bring you up to date on her latest writing projects, and a little bit of fun to brighten your day!

Thanks for taking the time to meet my readers!

 

Susan’s first published novella, Charlotte’s Dilemma, is a Regency romance. Miss Charlotte Broughton, sticking her delicate toes into society’s marriage mart, is caught up in a scandal, not of her making. Though she was innocent, her parents banish her to the country where they hastily arranged a position for her to teach at a small estate school. She makes the best of her reduced circumstances and is befriended by a neighboring family who are members of the nobility. The son and heir of the family, Lord Hipwith, is kind to her—lending her books and visiting the school. The intrusion of another scandal threatens Charlotte’s fragile hopes, and visitors from London bring the fear that her shame would become know in the backwater village she now calls home.

Excerpt:

Dear Mother, You’ll be happy to learn that I have arrived at my destination. The arranged hideaway exceeds expectations. The village is remote and on the outside edge of civilization and therefore perfect for stashing away a shamed maiden.

~

Charlotte chewed on the end of her pen. What more did she want to share with Mother Dear? A mother who allowed her to be shunted out of sight, shipped to the hinterlands without a hearing. The court of public opinion took precedence over maternal loyalty and above the truth.

 

A few more questions for Susan…

What inspired you to write this story?

Charlotte’s Dilemma, a Regency novella, was inspired by the chance to have my work published in a novella collection with several other authors who are also with Prism Book Group. The genre could have been anything I wanted, but of course I picked my long-held favorite — the Regency Romance.

The over-arching theme of this book has to do with injustice turning into blessing. Banished due to a scandal, Charlotte keeps her courage to go on. Not understanding how her current reduced situation is God’s will, she trusts and “does the next thing.”

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There are several reasons to read this novella: It’s fun! Even though the victim of a scandal in society, Charlotte’s lighthearted acceptance provides smiles and chuckles. Then there’s the handsome hero, Hugh (and in true Regency mode, you don’t learn his first name until the very end of the story). Another reason to read is to immerse yourself in a clean, pure romance. And finally, if you like the Regency genre, there’s no reason not to enjoy Charlotte’s Dilemma.

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Interesting writing quirks/ habits while writing this piece? How did these help the story progress or increase your investment in your narrative or characters?

Beginning several chapters with letters written by Charlotte to her mother were enjoyable to write. The letters were a convenient way for the character to vent about her dilemma, while keeping her chin up on a daily basis.

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What is your favorite aspect of this story and why?

I am enamored with stories in which injustice turns into blessing. Banished due to a scandal, Charlotte keeps her courage to go on. Not understanding how her current reduced situation is God’s will, she trusts and “does the next thing.”

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List some (or all) of your previous writing projects or experiences

A Match for Melissa, 2017

A Refuge for Rosanna, 2019

An Escape for Ellie, coming soon

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What projects are you working on now?

My first cozy mystery, The Missing Quilt Mystery, will be published in 2020.

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Include links for your blog, website, etc.

Blog: graciouswoman.wordpress.com

Facebook: Susan Karsten – author

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Thanks again for joining us on my blog, Susan!

 

 

What if …?

This excellent, amazing question gets me every time I think about it.

In case you ever asked, ‘how does a writer come up with all those great ideas, crazy plot twists, and interesting scenarios’, I’m here to tell you, the answer is simple: it’s the ‘what if’ question.

Well, that’s[image error] my answer at least.

I might begin writing with a basic premise for a story, or a picture that’s inspired me to create a character, but inevitably somewhere along the line the ‘what if’ question pops up as I work out details of story, history, setting, character and more. 

If ever a question could be perfect, it’s this one.

What if the main character fears commitment? What if she will do anything for another piece of apple pie? What if he is a germophobe? What if she’s allergic to his dog, Max?

The ‘what if’ question gives

endless material. It’s strengthened weak scripts and stories, it’s helped me take characters to the next level.

And it certainly applies to real-life scenarios. What if you stopped saying ‘we should do that’ and you actually did it? (went on the trip, took that class, moved to that neighborhood?)

What if, indeed.

Happy reading!

Author interview: Rachel James

[image error]I am delighted to welcome author Rachel A. James to my blog today.

A Field of Forget-me-nots by Rachel A. James

When the patron of the Foundling School takes pity upon young orphan, Georgiana (Ana) Weston, Lady Dunston raises her as one of her own. However, years pass and Lady Dunston’s health begins to fail. With the Longworth estate entailed away, Ana is faced with an uncertain future.

Mr. Luke Renshaw still mourns the loss of his parents, and would rather travel the world than live in a place that reminds him of so much pain and loss. But responsibilities await, and when his only aunt becomes sick, he returns to Longworth. After all, it is where he will receive his inheritance.

Luke and Ana used to play together as children, though many years have passed and much has changed. The prospect of marriage without love holds little hope for their romantic ideals, and yet it seems the most sensible solution for both parties.

Buy Now:  https://www.amazon.com/Field-Forget-me-nots-Ponder-This-ebook/dp/B084JRTCLQ

 

A few questions for Rachel:

What inspired you to write this story?[image error]

I’ve always written Medieval Romance, but I love many time periods and quite fancied having a go at the Victorian era. When I was approached by my publisher to contribute toward the ‘Ponder This’ series, I saw this as an opportunity to write a Victorian romance. I was given “Whatever is noble”, and the first thing that sprang to mind was the wife of noble character from Proverbs 31. I’ve always seen this character as an ideal to aspire to, and wondered what this type of woman would have been like. So this is what I set out to do; create a lead character that modelled the Proverbs 31 woman.

 

Any special research you had to conduct?

Yes, I researched the Victorian period extensively. One of my discoveries was that the Victorians considered the idea of home to be very important. Prominent writers of the day, such as Mrs Beeton, modelled how women could run the household, which very much parodied, in my opinion, the Proverbs 31 character.

 

Interesting writing quirks/ habits while writing this piece? How did these help the story progress or increase your investment in your narrative or characters?

While writing this piece, I often frequented a stately home near to where I live, called Brodsworth Hall. This is a Victorian mansion that inspired my own fictional Longworth Hall. The gardens there are particularly lovely, and they play an important part in the story of A Field of Forget-me-Nots.

 

What is your favorite aspect of this story and why?

My favourite part of the story is the relationship between hero and heroine, Luke and Georgiana (Ana). As a pastor’s wife, I have counselled many married couples over the years, and I continue to be surprised at how many of those couples struggle simply because of a lack of communication. I wanted to explore this a little in the novella. Bearing in mind that this is a Victorian setting, I imagine candid conversations would have been more stifled than they are today. I really enjoyed seeing Ana and Luke grow together and work through their difficulties.

 

List some (or all) of your previous writing projects

I’ve written a Christian medieval book series, ‘The Forgotten Kingdoms’, consisting of three novels, Elmetia, Meigen & Rivalyn, and I’ve also just released this as a box set. I currently have a free medieval Christmas novella available for those who sign up to my newsletter.

 

What projects are you working on now?

I’m working on a new medieval book series, and hope to have the first book out by the summer.

 

Connect

www. rachelajames.com/newsletter

facebook.com/authorrachelajames

amazon.com/author/rachelajames

pinterest.com/rachelajames

goodreads.com/rachelajames

instagram.com/authorrachelajames

twitter.com/rachelajames7

youtube.com/rachelajames

 

Picking Daisy on Pinterest

When I was introduced to Pinterest I thought it was interesting, and of course a great way to keep a record of characters and inspiration for setting, future stories, and more.

It’s the more part that hits hard for a writer.

Now, a year or two out from my foray into this social media platform, I’m shocked how frequently I use it, and how much it matters to my storytelling.

Back in the old days (ehem) I’d rip pictures from magazines and start a new file folder with them for each story. But now, WOW, this is so much easier (and more fun, time-consuming, yada yada…)

At the risk of ruining your musings of who the characters were modeled after, I’ll share my board for Picking Daisy, and encourage you to check out the other boards too. Some are for other novels I’ve written or am working on– others are simple inspiration should I ever get stuck.

I’d love it if you’d follow these boards as I still add to them, even after publication, because, hey, once I’ve imagined a character, he or she is part of my writing family.

Happy reading, friends!

The music of my stories

Music has always been part of my life.

From singing along to the radio, buying a favorite artists’ CD, or way, way back– recording my favorite songs from the radio and hoping some silly DJ didn’t talk over the song before it ended– music has impacted my life in so many ways. It is connection, nostalgia, and inspiration.

So maybe it isn’t strange that I require a soundtrack when I write. Scratch that, before I even start a new story, it is critical for me to know how it sounds (is that a weird artsy-fartsy thing to say?) and feels emotionally. When I started writing in junior high, that meant I made soundtracks that I’d listen to on repeat as I wrote and edited. Now, it means I create playlists on Spotify.

For the curious reader, Picking Daisy was largely written to the sounds of the Goo Goo Dolls. In fact, I saw them in concert three times and listened to only them when driving. It got to the point that one day I got into my car and noticed my hubby had replaced Goo Goo Dolls with Led Zeppelin. He asked, kindly, if I’d maybe, just maybe, listen to something else for a change.

Of course the ans[image error]wer was no. How could I explain that writing doesn’t just happen when you’re sitting at your desk? Writing happens when you’re driving, walking, eating, and out living your life– wherever that might be. The Goo Goo Dolls stayed. End of discussion.

Other writing obsessions have included Queen, Jon McLaughlin, and Matchbox 20, among others. I doubt this problem ends anytime soon for me. But I seriously don’t mind. (and I have a weird feeling I’m going to be writing to the sounds of Carlene Carter who I just saw in concert last night and am now basically fascinated with… sigh.)

Follow me on Spotify if you like (FYI my playlist titles don’t always match the final story/ novel title. Oops! That’ll keep you guessing!) https://open.spotify.com/user/kimooda?si=9Ae23rfwRCS2Frbpf7tWmA

Who are some of your favorite artists? Why? Comment below!

Happy reading!

 

 

 

https://open.spotify.com/user/kimooda?si=9Ae23rfwRCS2Frbpf7tWmA

Looking for a book group selection? Look no further!

I’ve had the honor of visiting with a few book groups in the last two years as my novels have been published and I can’t say enough about those experiences.[image error]

To have a group reading something I’ve worked so hard on and then to hear these new friends asking relevant, interesting questions and talk about the stories, characters, themes, and more with me, has been a truly humbling experience.

I was already so grateful to see my novels published that I could hardly imagine the other side– actual people reading what I’d written and then discussing it as if I was seriously an author.

No, for real. What writer hasn’t felt this way? If s/he says otherwise, they’re probably lying.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, readers. It means the world to hear from you, to interact with you, and to know that my writing matters to you. I am forever grateful and humbled.

For those readers who are interested in using either Picking Daisy or Forgiving Tess for their book groups, don’t forget that on my website (near the bottom) I’ve posted a list of discussion questions to get you started.

Here’s a link: http://kimberlymmiller.com/

 

Happy reading!

Just finished novel number ten…

If that title didn’t get you, I don’t know what will!

For my ‘superfans’ (Are there any? Not sure, but maybe. A girl can dream…) who know I’ve only published two novels, with another on the way in March, you might be wondering- where are the other seven? Why can’t I read the other seven?

Chill out, Veruca Salt. Eventually, I do hope these will all be released.

While some of my unpublished novels don’t have titles (most do), and are in various stages of editing madness, publication possibilities, and other states that come before actual book copies are available for your enjoyment, it is tremendously exciting to me to have met so many characters, created their worlds, and helped them solve their problems.

And, of course, find love. Isn’t that what this is all about?

So, while my latest novel, (for now) titled ‘Always Yours Forever’, is complete in the strictest sense, I’ve only just today sent it to a trusted beta reader for my first round of feedback.

Here’s hoping sweet, goofy Lorenzo and sassy, straight-laced Tillie bring that reader the enjoyment they brought me.

And more, that soon enough you’ll be reading their story, along with the rest of what I’ve done.

No worries, I don’t plan on stopping any time soon, friends. And I intend to take you along on this journey with me. All the highs (and lows- hoping there aren’t many of those!) will be ours to share and enjoy!

In the mean time, while you wait for whatever is coming next from me– have you pre-ordered your copy of ‘Lucy in Love’ (and the rest of the books in this series) yet?

Here’s the link in case-

Happy reading!

My latest WIPs

Hello friends!

As I seek to revamp this blog into a more casual conversation intended to keep you in the loop with my writing, works in progress, appearances, and releases,  I thought I’d start this change with a quick view of what I’ve been working on recently.

Since the release of my first novel, Picking Daisy, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a[image error]nother published novel, Forgiving Tess. Both novels have been very well-received by readers with numerous positive and encouraging reviews. If you haven’t read either of them yet, by all means, please check them out!

Currently, I’m looking forward to the release of my next work, a novella, titled ‘Lucy in Love’ that is part of a series called ‘Ponder This’. ‘Lucy’ is scheduled for March 6th publication. My hope is that this novella will be equally enjoyed by my readers.

In addition to these projects and my ‘day-to-day’ job teaching, I’ve also finished numerous other novels, as well as a novella continuing the story of Robby and Daisy from ‘Picking Daisy’- stay tuned on that one as I’m considering self-publishing it as a ‘freebie’ for signing up for my newsletter, which I also plan to start soon. You, blog readers, will be the first to know when it’s ready as well as how to take advantage of this great deal.

As for the other ‘finished’ novels (is a novel ever really finished? Even after publication?), I hope to be able to get them to you sometime in the coming days, months, or years ahead in any number of ways, so as I said already- stay tuned! I promise to keep you posted!

I am excited for this improved blog, and to communicate in fun, new ways with you, my wonderful readers!

Happy reading!