Kimberly M. Miller's Blog, page 8
May 6, 2019
Meet Author Katie Clark!
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I had the pleasure to get to know Katie Clark and hear about her latest book and inspiration.
About Katie Clark
Katie Clark started reading fantastical stories in grade school and her love for books never died. Today she reads in all genres; her only requirement is an awesome story! She writes young adult speculative fiction, including her romantic fantasy novel, The Rejected Princess, a supernatural survival series including Shadowed Eden and Whispering Tower, AVAILABLE NOW, and her dystopian Enslaved Series.
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About Whispering Tower
Stuck in London for one of her mom’s work trips, Skye Humphries can’t help holding a grudge when she ends up roped into a summer tour group with Philip-who-crushed-her-heart. But when Skye and Philip find themselves barreling through time after unsuspectingly opening the veil between the past and present, they’re thrust into a world where Skye’s very life is in danger. If she’d known her choices were between summering with Philip or being sacrificed to the god of the skies, Skye might have changed her attitude. Now she must figure out what’s most important to her—getting even for the past or having a future.
What Inspired You to Write this Story?
I had the idea for this book shortly after I wrote my YA mystery/survival novel, Shadowed Eden. I can’t say too much without giving it all away, though! Haha! Sorry!
I did have to do lots of special research because my characters fall through time and end up in the ancient Middle East!
What are Some of Your Previous Works?
I tend to follow my writing wherever it takes me—which means I have books for young adult readers, adult inspirational romance readers, and even the youngest of readers with nonfiction picture books!
Website, Social Media, Etc.
Website: http://www.katieclarkwrites.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieclarkbooks/Instagram
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Clark/235090733187928?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatieClarkBooks
Thank you so much, Katie! Be sure to check out her new book, Whispering Tower, coming May 2019!
April 29, 2019
The Most Important Tip for Writing
Please enjoy this post written by guest author by Noah Larsen!
The ability to write well is a wonderful and useful skill to have. Whether you are writing for school, to relieve stress, or to land a job, the ability to properly write is important.
As you write your paper, the primary thought that should be running through your head is “How will this impact my audience?” Your audience could be a professor, a colleague, or a boss. Making sure that your audience understands the purpose of your paper is vital to get your point across. As writers, we must cater our papers to our audience.
How can we do this?
One simple tip is to not use jargon. Jargon is vocabulary understood by a select group of people due to their education or field of work. The best alternative to using jargon is to rephrase the word into a more common phrase. One could also provide the definition of the word within your paper if they find that specific word is necessary to get their point across.
A tip specifically for college papers is to keep the language simple. It is important to use vocabulary properly; intentionally stuffing your paper with large words for the sake of effect is often bad for your grade. Professors do not need to see how many words you can list from a dictionary, they are interested in learning what you have studied.
I would recommend proof-reading your paper after it is complete to search for jargon and unnecessarily difficult vocabulary.
Good luck and enjoy writing!
Noah Larson
April 22, 2019
Meet Author Erin Lorence!
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I had the chance to talk with Erin Lorence and hear about her newly released book, Dove Strong!
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About Dove Strong
Dove Strong loves God. She loves standing chin up and fists clenched when facing Satan’s attacks. But there’s one thing she doesn’t love—other people. So when this spiritually-gifted, antisocial teenager is chosen to join other believers in a trek across Satan’s territory, rattlesnakes and evil-intentioned Heathen aren’t her biggest challenges.
But failure isn’t an option. In a month, the Christian Councils will decide the Reclaim, a vote on whether there’ll be a war between Christ’s followers and Satan’s to take back America. It is up to Dove, God’s messenger for peace, to reach her Council in time. Because if she doesn’t, things could get bloody.
Buy Links:
Pelican Book Group:
Soft-cover: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=924
Kindle/Electronic: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_61&products_id=925
What Inspired You to Write this Story?
I sat on a church pew on the last day of a year-long Bible study. We’d studied Genesis, and the Bible study leader stood at the pulpit, reminding us of Joseph from the Bible. A favorite son. A hated brother. A servant, prisoner…and finally one of the richest, most powerful rulers of his time.
Wow, I thought. Being chosen by God is such an amazing thing!
Wow, I thought. Being chosen by God can sure lead to problems and persecution!
I gazed at the Bible study leader’s pulpit, at its engravings of vegetation in the wood. Within the etched leafiness, a couple of circular blobs—like small peas or grapes—were balanced up high on the foliage. A couple blobs were nestled low, half hidden in the vegetation.
A new thought hit. If I, as a Christian, was forced to hide to escape persecution, would I rather hunker down in the earth (in caves or tunnels)? Or would I go off the grid, making a treehouse-type shelter in some out-of-the-way forest, even if I were more likely to be discovered?
The ideas for Dove Strong started flowing. The trilogy takes place in a future American where Christians must hide—underground, in caves, in forests, and even camouflaged as nonbelievers in cities. But my main character, Dove, can’t stay hidden. She emerges from her secluded lifestyle in the treetops to journey across Enemy territory on a life-and-death mission, naïve and clueless about what the ‘real world’ is like… but determined to survive.
Did You Conduct Any Special Research for This Book?
My husband and I took an amazing hiking trip in Oregon, the setting of Dove Strong. We visited Mount Washington, Sisters, Mount Jefferson, Steins Pillar, and Prineville so I could make the story’s setting and the heroine’s struggles in the high desert and Cascade mountains as real as possible.
We entered one hiking area, expecting a spruce forest but encountered a desolate landscape of ankle-deep grey ash and charred trees from a recent forest fire. In another wooded area, we had to deal with a herd of roaming cattle that kept popping out of the trees, spooked by our presence, to share our trail. It was an adventure we’ll never forget!
Did You Have Any Quirks While Writing this Story?
I’m not sure how quirky (or interesting) this is, but I only write when I’m alone—as in no other humans are around. Animals are okay. So, I end up doing most of my creative writing at night. In general, I get some of my best work done between 10 pm and 2 am. This helps my story progression because I can really get into my characters and their dialogue without being interrupted.
What is Your Favorite Aspect of This Story?
My favorite is definitely the hiking/nature/survival aspect of this story. I also get a kick from my main character because she’s super blunt to the point of rudeness when she speaks. She also doesn’t care what others think about her. Since I care too much about what others think, it was fun to think and speak from her perspective.
Are You Working on Any Other Projects?
I’m currently working on another adventure for young adults. It’s an idea that’s been percolating in my brain for years. To sum the whole thing up:
Rani, a rebelling, sci-fi loving teen, is on a road trip and pauses at a reclusive ocean town. While shouting from a lonely clifftop at her deadbeat dad, she’s startled by a mysterious teenage guy. He’s intense and angry…and seems to possess an unusual, supernatural power. So, of course, she’s intrigued. A rash decision results in her entrapment in the very place she fears the most. To escape, Rani faces impossible obstacles. First, she must overcome her own ocean phobia. And second, she must choose to let go of her own anger that holds her hostage.
Website
Website: www.erinlorence.com
Upcoming Dates:
Fanatic Surviving, the second book of the Dove Strong trilogy is set to be released June 7. The last book, Sent Rising, comes out August 16.
Thank you so much, Erin! Be sure to check out Dove Strong and the upcoming sequels!
April 15, 2019
How to Beat Writer’s Block
Please enjoy this blog post by guest blogger Brooke Stoltzfus!
Writer’s block is something everybody suffers through regardless of who you are. It is an “illness” that no one can escape, but there are definitely remedies for this common plague. As a college student, I have learned what to do when I find myself suffering from writer’s block. Here are 5 quick easy steps for beating writer’s block:
Dedicate a Certain Amount of Time to write
Each person may write a different way, but I do not write well when I write a paper over the course of a couple days. I find it most helpful to write my paper in one sitting, depending on how long it is. That is not to say that writing a paper the night before is a smart idea, but getting into a writing mindset and staying there is helpful to me.
Find a Space Dedicated to Work
I often find myself not being productive in my room as opposed to a space such as a library. My mind works better when it knows that it’s in a space it associates with work, such as a classroom or library.
Limit the Distractions Around You
This seems like a simple one, but it is so important! Putting my phone across the room so I can’t see the notifications is helpful because I am not tempted to respond. Keeping my work area neat also helps so that I am not stressed out by the amount of clutter around me.
Don’t Listen to Music with Words
I am one of those people who likes to have background noise, but music with lyrics distract me from what I am writing. My mind wants to sing along to the song instead of putting thoughts down on a page. I often listen to study playlists made by Spotify. The playlists are great background noise, and they eliminate the dead silence in the room.
Be Knowledgeable About Your Subject
Knowing the subject you are writing about is important so that you don’t keep writing down the same thought over and over with different wording. The more knowledge you have access to, the more information you can write about.
Each person is different so these tips may not work for everyone. Writer’s block does plague the best of us, so sometimes gaining insight from outside sources is beneficial.
Happy Writing!
Brooke Stoltzfus
April 8, 2019
Meet Author Pamela Thibodeaux!
I’m excited to introduce fellow author Pamela S. Thibodeaux to my blog to talk about her latest book!
About Love in Season
Anytime is the perfect time for love.
In this anthology, author Pamela S Thibodeaux brings together eight of her most beloved romance stories—one for each season plus four holidays that revolve around love and family.
Includes two brand new stories!
“Anytime is the perfect time for love. Author @psthib brings together 8 #romance stories — 1 for each season + 4 holidays that revolve around love and family. Includes two brand new stories! #christfic #mustread http://bit.ly/LoveinSeason”
What inspired you to write this story?
For quite some time I wanted to put together a collection of short stories that centered around the 4 seasons and 4 holidays that focus on love and family (Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Since I already had several stories at PBG, I mentioned this idea to my editor, the amazing Nicola Martinez, and she loved it. I submitted two previously unpublished stories to round out the collection, along with those Pelican Book Group had already published, and voila! Love in Season was born.
Buy Love in Season on
PBG Print: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=914
PBG Ebook: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_46&products_id=913
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Season-Pamela-S-Thibodeaux-ebook/dp/B07MTT6WC2
Links to Pamela’s websites, blogs, etc.
Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” 
and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Sign up to receive Pam’s newsletter and get a FREE short story! http://bit.ly/psthibnewsletter
Website: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com
Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1268453.Pamela_S_Thibodeaux
Check Out Some of Pamela’s Other Works!
The Inheritance: https://www.amazon.com/Inheritance-Pamela-S-Thibodeaux/dp/1601540558
Tempered Series (Hearts, Dreams, Fire, Joy): https://www.amazon.com/Tempered-Bundle-Inspirational-Contemporary-Cowboy-ebook/dp/B0117KXCOC
Lori’s Redemption: https://www.amazon.com/Loris-Redemption-Pamela-S-Thibodeaux/dp/1517758998
The Visionary: https://www.amazon.com/Visionary-Pamela-S-Thibodeaux/dp/1432825496
Keri’s Christmas Wish: https://www.amazon.com/Keris-Christmas-Wish-Inspirational-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B01MTLBWSR
Circles of Fate: https://www.amazon.com/Circles-Fate-Pamela-S-Thibodeaux/dp/0989672883
Love is a Rose (Devotional): https://www.amazon.com/Love-Rose-Pamela-S-Thibodeaux/dp/0989672816
It was so nice to get to know Pamela! Make sure to check out her new book (and her old ones too)!
April 1, 2019
Yoga for mental focus
As writers we sometimes get stuck. Some call it writer’s block (I don’t- long story). Regardless, the situation can be quite frustrating.
Here’s a quick yoga flow – less than five minutes long!- that might help get you past the problem.
Happy writing!
March 25, 2019
Meet Author Erin Unger!
I had the opportunity to talk to Erin Unger and get to know about her new book.
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About Erin:
Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby. But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids. Her novel, Practicing Murder, releases March 29, 2019.
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About Practicing Murder
Graduate student Maddie Clare is never talking to her ex-boyfriend Joze Evans or God again. Broken from her past and Joze’s betrayal, she must go home for her Aunt Lonna’s funeral. But after a run-in with a stalker, who insists Maddie knows the secret that had Aunt Lonna investigating him, she’s afraid for her life and must accept Joze’s protection.
As the stalker draws closer, how will Maddie and Joze face the past and their love that never died? And will Maddie stay out of the stalker’s grip long enough to figure out what secret he possesses?
Did You Do Any Special Research for This Book?
I had so much researching EMTs and the emergency care they provide. Joze has a great time doing his work and I really wanted my readers to like how he lets his work pervade all of his life because he really is a caring guy who wants to protect and care for those around him.
Did You Have Writing Quirks or Habits While Writing This Piece?
I set up a music playlist to go with my storyline while I was writing. It really helped me to set the tone of the story. I had more driving, scary music when the scenes where suspenseful.
What is Your Favorite Aspect of This Story and Why?
I think my most favorite thing about this book is Joze. He just makes the story fun. I love his very guy answers and thoughts. Creating realistic characters like him with real flaws and quirks is what makes my book worlds engaging.
Do You Have Any Previous Writing Projects?
I wrote and completed nine books before the first one got published! Yes, nine. That’s a testament to not giving up if ever I saw one. I released my first book, Desolate Paths, in January. And there are three more books scheduled for release this year. Next year is looking pretty busy too.
Do You Have Any Projects You’re Working On Now?
I’m currently editing a novella called The Cabin which is scheduled to release on June 16. It was a full-length novel that I decided to cut down. And it’s another fun book full of suspense and great characters.
Website, Social Media, Etc.
Website: www.erinungerwrites.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinUngerWrites/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erinungerwrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinungerwrites/
Thanks for having me, Kimberly!
I’m hosting an eBook giveaway for everyone who answers the question below and leaves their email address. What is your favorite swag to get from an author?
It was so nice to have Erin with me today! Make sure you check out her book and don’t forget to answer her question in the comments for a free eBook!
March 18, 2019
Meet Author Carol James!
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I had the pleasure to get to know Carol and hear about her latest novel.
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About The Waiting
When Katherine Herrington was a teenager, she made “The List” and believed God would bring her the husband she desired. That faith helped her to keep life under control just the way she likes it. But then Katherine loses her mother, her job, and her boyfriend, and after years of praying, she accepts the probability that God’s answer is, “No.”
A professional soccer player, Sam Tucker has lived the life of a celebrity in the UK only to discover that, despite all the wealth and fame he has acquired, his life is empty. He returns to the one place where life last had meaning and goes in search of the one woman he’s loved since he was a teenager—Katherine. He wonders if she’ll remember him after all these years… And fears she just might.
As God weaves together a rejected proposal, a mission trip, and a devastating storm to turn their hearts toward Him and toward each other, Katherine and Sam will have to let go of their fears, find forgiveness and trust, and realize that their future together was worth the wait.
Buy On:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MQC2C1W
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130121870?ean=9781522301240
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-waiting-11
Pelican Book Group: https://bit.ly/2RjYDPy
What Inspired You to Write this Story?
The inspiration for this story was my observation of young women I worked with or knew personally who were in a season of waiting for their “One.” Several were frustrated, wondering if “He” would ever come. We all have seasons of waiting in our lives, but the important thing to remember is that even though we may not be able to see it, God is always working during our times of waiting. So we should, too.
Any Special Research You Had to Conduct?
I didn’t have to do much real research for this book. My hero is a professional soccer player who lives in the UK. I am a HUGE soccer fan, and I lived for several years in England when I was growing up.
Did You Have Any Interesting Writing Quirks/Habits While Writing this Piece?
I always like to listen to music while I write, and I like to pair my manuscript with a song or two. My songs for The Waiting were Oceans by Hillsong and Sovereign Over Us by Aaron Keyes.
What is Your Favorite Aspect of this Story and Why?
My favorite part of the story is watching both Katherine and Sam finally learn to trust God for their futures, whatever they may be. “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9
What Are Some of Your Previous Writing Experiences?
I began writing rather late in life. My debut novel, Rescuing Faith, was released in 2014. It reached number one on Amazon. Shortly afterward, I was at a season in my life where continuing to pursue publication was frustrating, so I stopped. But I kept writing until the season of my life changed.
The Waiting was my first venture back into the world of publication. My only short story, “Promises,” was featured in an anthology, Cup of Love. And my Christmas Novella, Mary’s Christmas Surprise, was released this past December.
I have another book under contract, but I don’t have a release date for it yet. The working title is Seasons of Hope.
What Projects Are You Working on Now?
Like all writers, I am always working on something. But unlike some writers, I find it challenging to work on numerous pieces at the same time. I’m afraid I’ll get my characters mixed up. Ha, ha! Currently, I have two other pieces in various states of completion. A Christmas novella I hope to have released for Christmas 2019 and a novel about overcoming childhood abuse entitled No Longer Captive.
Anything Else You Want to Add?
For me, writing is a ministry. and my prayer is that my work will speak to and encourage those who read it.
Links to Websites, Blogs, Social Media:
Website: www.carol-james.com
Facebook Page: Facebook.com/CarolJamesAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroljamesauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolJamesAuth
Thank you, Carol, for sharing about your new book! Check out The Waiting and her other projects!
Read the Excerpt Here:
“You have a question you want to ask me,” Sam whispered.
“Oh, I do? And what would that be?”
“You’re wondering why I haven’t tried to kiss you.”
Katherine’s face was on fire as she stepped away. There’s no way he could have possibly known her thoughts.
“And you think it might be because I’m not attracted to you.” He entwined his fingers with hers and then raised their clasped hands to draw her back to him. “But you’re wrong.”
“Why haven’t you tried to kiss me then? Every other man I’ve ever dated would have at least tried by now.”
“I’m not every other man.”
March 11, 2019
Showing character emotions
I came across this excellent blog post today regarding character emotions on Elva Martin’s Carolina Romance blog and thought I’d share it with you! Enjoy!
https://carolinaromancewithelvamartin.blogspot.com/2019/01/guest-post-10-ways-to-show-your.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR3D8PlovG95YXCYuJjETcRxPmFgQod743kLOHYwmtJGBI8itpS87CQMemk
March 6, 2019
Meet Author Kathleen Neely!
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I had the opportunity to get to know Kathleen and the latest projects that she has been working on!
I’m pleased to have the opportunity to join you today. Thank you, Kimberly, for the invitation. I love writing, so it’s a pleasure to talk about it.
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About The Street Singer
Trisha Mills, a student in her final semester of law school, has fond memories of listening to the music of Adaline, a once famous recording artist. She learns that Adaline, now Adda
Marsh, is a street singer in Asheville, NC. Adda’s sole means of support in her senior years comes from the donation box. Along with her meager possessions, Adda has a box labeled, “Things to Remember.” Adda agrees to show Trisha the contents. With it comes her story. Adda reveals her journey by sharing a few items at a time, beginning as a sharecropper’s daughter in Mississippi, to fame in Nashville, and to poverty in her old age.
Trisha is busy cleaning out the home of her deceased grandfather, preparing to sit for the bar exam, and planning her wedding to Grant Ramsey. However, she cannot overlook the
injustices that Adda has experienced. Aided by Rusty Bergstrom, an attorney who will work pro bono, Trisha convinces Adda to seek restitution. Will her growing friendship with Rusty Bergstrom affect her engagement to Grant?
What Inspired You to Write this Story?
I love novels that focus on relationships, particularly inter-generational. I also enjoy reading stories that involve the legal system—lawsuits, court cases, attorneys. The Street Singer is actually my second novel, although the first to reach publication. When I finished my first novel and breathed a big sigh of relief, my mind went to work weaving storylines, building and discarding ideas, until I decided on what eventually became The Street Singer. It’s about Trisha, a final-year law student, and Adda, a once famous recording artist known as Adaline. Although it’s their story, everyone loves a little romance. That keeps things interesting.
Most people know a little bit about the legal system. I knew enough to get myself in trouble if I hadn’t consulted an expert. Actually, two experts. I reached out to an attorney who read the legal portions of my manuscript and provided feedback on my misunderstandings, then passed it along to her husband whose area of law was more closely compatible.
An interesting sub-theme shows the renovation of an older home. That research was easy for me. My husband has worked for decades in every area of home building. He walked me through each phase of the work.
What is Your Favorite Part About This Story?
My favorite aspect of The Street Singer is watching the transformation in Trisha. She set out on a mission to help Adda, but the experience changed her more than Adda.
What Projects are You Working on Now?
I have two more releases scheduled. Beauty for Ashes will be available on April 26. It’s a story of guilt, consequences, and forgiveness. Nathan, a mystery writer, attempts to deal with his guilt by writing a parallel novel. I can’t wait for you to read it.
Website, Social Media, Etc.
Kathleen Neely resides in Greenville, SC with her husband, two cats, and one dog. She enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading. She is a retired elementary principal.
Among her writing accomplishments, Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFW-VA for her short story “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance”. Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her first novel, The Least of These, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions.
Kathleen continues to speak to students about writing and publication processes. She is a member of Association of Christian Fiction Writers.
Website: www.KathleenNeely.com.
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/kathy.neely.98
Twitter: www.Twitter@NeelyKneely3628
For a glimpse at two of my novels, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE48R-IGzwY
