Indie Author Interview with Kelly Miles - Author of the Contemporary Romance (YA/New Adult) Montana Sky.
Kelly Miles lives in Tennessee with her husband and two children. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching sports, listening to music and going to concerts.
Interview with Kelly Miles
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| Author Kelly Miles |
Kelly Miles: I am a fairly new indie author, with my first novel being published in June 2014. I have written several short stories and one other full novel, but have not pursued publishing them as of yet.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
Becoming a writer had never been on my radar. I was more than content and happy with being a stay-at-home mom of two boys. In November 2004, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, at the young age of 26. It was then that I began journaling for my doctors, which in turn became a need to write to get out the frustrations I was dealing with. It slowly developed from there. I wrote my first novel, “Silver Lake” (currently not published), and it became an addiction. Montana Sky came soon after, and there are currently two more books in the works, set to be released respectively in the Spring/Summer of 2015, and the final one in 2016.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, “Silver Lake”. It was my first attempt at becoming an author. I never pursued publishing, as I knew it needed a lot of work. It is put up for a “someday” project.
"I write as the mood strikes"
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
In general, I do not have a writing routine. I write as the mood strikes, which is daily, and depending on what is going on in my day-to-day life, may or may not be written as perfectly as I would like. I journal constantly; keeping a spiral notebook with me at all times to jot down ideas as they come to me. Most of the time, I have a storyline in my mind ahead of time and can work through as I go along. Occasionally, what I have intended to write takes a drastic turn, but I think that makes it even more interesting and fun.
Please, describe your desk/workplace.
My desk is a mess!!! There’s my computer, of course, along with pages and pages of first drafts to be edited. There are pens and pencils scattered about, and usually one or two stuck in my hair! It is complete and total chaos, and no one would ever be able to look at it and think I was organized, but I know where everything is. I think there is a certain amount of madness that goes along with being a writer. Where the rest of my home is immaculate and in order, my desk is the complete opposite, and that’s just how I like it.
"You cannot please everyone all of the time."
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
The easiest thing about writing is developing the story. For whatever reason, I don’t normally struggle with the dreaded “writers block”. What I find to be the hardest is creating a story that is pleasing to a general audience. I feel sometimes that I hold back to avoid offending anyone, which I know is a bad habit I need desperately to break. You cannot please everyone all of the time. Also, it can take away from the story if you’re not careful.
"[...] enjoy the feedback of those who have read my stories."
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The greatest joy of writing isn’t narrowed down to one specific thing. It is a freeing experience for me in a lot of aspects; you get to develop characters, molding and shaping them into whoever you want them to be. The possibilities are endless. Where life is oftentimes daunting, a great story can instantly transform your mood and outlook. It can take you to a place that’s so real and attainable that it moves something in you. I also greatly enjoy the feedback of those who have read my stories. To know that it has made an impact on them, or brought them happiness is greater than any award, or money I could ever earn. I feel accomplished. I feel as if I’ve done something worthwhile and hopefully made someone’s day a little brighter.
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
Kelly, please tell us a little about your Young Adult Romance Novel Montana Sky.
Montana Sky is the story of a young heroine, terrorized by her abusive husband. She is broken and shattered, convinced she doesn’t deserve anything but the life she’s been dealt. When she is finally able to run, she runs far, trusting no one along the way. She quickly learns that fate has different plans in store for her; that the life she’s only ever dared to dream of will soon be her reality. All it takes is a little courage.
Montana Sky is a story of horrible domestic abuse, both verbal and physical. Through that abuse, however, Lauren discovers a strength and determination she never knew she possessed. It’s a story of fighting and loving, losing and then finding yourself again, with a lot of twists and turns along the way.
What inspired you to write the book?
I think a lot of people don’t realize that verbal and emotional abuse can be, and oftentimes is, just as bad as physical abuse, yet it’s overlooked. I have personally been in both situations, and I want men and women BOTH to know that it’s okay. That it isn’t their fault. Also, there are a lot of places and resources available to seek help. The outcome of Montana Sky is a happy one, of course, but unfortunately not all situations are reported or dealt with until it’s too late. That was the main focus of the book; that, and of course, an amazing love story.
"[For] anyone who loves reading a story of heartbreaking odds with a happy ending."
Who do you see as your target audience and where can we buy the book?
My main target audience of course is women, although men can be abused as well. I would say it is suitable for young adults all the way through any age: anyone who loves reading a story of heartbreaking odds with a happy ending.
Montana Sky is available at Amazon.com in eBook format as well as paperback.
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
I am currently working on “Back to Me”, which is a follow-up to Montana Sky. Each novel is a stand-alone, so you do not have to read one to understand the other, although it is beneficial to have the whole background. “Back to Me” follows the story of Billy, who was a major part of Montana Sky.
Billy was an FBI agent who nearly lost his life in an undercover drug sting gone awry. It cost him his job, as well as the love of his life. Years later he discovers that things weren’t necessarily what they seemed, and he must go back to save the woman who walked out on him six years ago. He has to go back into the sinister world of drugs to save her, not only from his nemesis, but also her father who will stop at nothing to keep his dirty little secret.
How can readers connect with you?
Readers can follow me on Twitter @jaykellymiles
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/KKMiles9111
Author website at www.authorkellymiles.com
Thank you very much for the Interview, Kelly.
About the Book Montana Sky
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
He’s dangerous. He’s ruthless. And he’s a cop.
Luke is running. Running from a life he never wanted. After losing his alcoholic father, his fiancée and their unborn child, he’s done with love for good. There’s no room for the distraction of a beautiful woman, especially when he has a profitable ranch to run. He has his friends and that’s enough. Until he sees her...
Will Luke be able to convince Lauren to stay or will she continue to run? When the monster that is her husband rears his ugly head, will they be able to beat him at his own game or will he succeed in ripping them apart?
- "This book deserves a five star rating because the storyline keeps you reading and extremely interested! This is a must read book, I couldn't put it down! I'll definitely be reading it over again. I can't wait to read the authors next book! I will be reading Montana Sky again! It evokes so many emotions and is very well written. I highly recommend this book!" - Reader Review
Links to the Book
Link to the Paperback Montana Sky with Excerpt on Amazon
Link to the eBook Montana Sky with Excerpt on Amazon
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