Author Interview | Introducing Carolyn Miller

Over the next few weeks, we’re introducing all the regular contributors to Australasian Christian Writers. Today it’s time to introduce Carolyn Miller. Welcome, Carolyn!

Fast Five

Long black or flat white?

Skinny cap, actually (Or a caramel latte if I’m feeling reckless. But at home I tend to drink mostly tea. English breakfast, with milk)

Kiwis or koalas?

Koalas

Mangoes or kiwifruit?

Mangoes. Sweet sunshine in your mouth

Desert or sea?

Well, I do like to be beside the seaside…

Plotter or pantser?

A bit of a mix! I have story ideas, and will plan with a rough idea how it will end, but I love to get into the writing and run with the ideas while I have them (patience is not my forte)

Getting to Know Carolyn Miller

What’s something interesting or unusual about you that not everyone knows?

I’m a musician, and I can play piano, clarinet and I sing in church.

Where are you from?

I live in a town called Moss Vale, in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia

What is your town or city most famous (or infamous) for?

Many people associate Don Bradman with our neighbouring town, Bowral. The Southern Highlands is also known for Tulip Time in late September, when our parks abound in springtime loveliness.

What books are set in your town/city?

I had to look this up! There is a historical suspense by Catherine Jinks called The Dark Mountain about the mysteries behind an old estate in nearby Sutton Forest. Apparently it’s based on a true story.

About Your Writing

What do you write?

I write inspirational historical romance, but I also have written some contemporary romance and romantic suspense.

Who or what are your main writing influences?

I love Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, and the wit and romance of their stories that bring the Regency era (1811-1820) to life. This was a time of war, of adventure and exploration, and a time of great change as the social order was threatened by technological advances and the rise of industrialisation. These days, many people think of Pride and Prejudice and Mr. Darcy when they think of Regency England 🙂

Do you have any books published?

I have 6 books published with another 3 releasing in 2019

How long have you been writing?

I started writing in 2010, and after spending months working on one story, started to wonder if it was any good, so I began entering online writing contests for feedback. In the meantime I kept writing and trying out new genres, then I started winning, and ultimately had one of the judges, a US agent, offer to represent me.

This answer to prayer then led to a contract with a US Christian publisher, to whom I could offer my first Regency Brides series (beginning with The Elusive Miss Ellison) before contracting another two series with them. This has meant writing 5 books in 3 years, but I could manage the series because I had books up my sleeve from when I was writing way before anyone knew my name.

What inspired you to start writing?

I started writing because I would wonder about things, then sometimes have vivid dreams about how their stories evolved. My writing first started when I was watching the Vancouver Winter Olympics closing ceremony and noticed an Australian competitor walking into the arena holding hands with a US athlete. I wondered what their story was that had brought them together, but couldn’t find out. Instead of merely wondering, I wrote down my version of how they met 🙂

My Regency stories began because I wanted to write a Pride and Prejudice-type story for the US Christian market, adding some of Georgette Heyer’s wit, and my Aussie Christian perspective. That story became The Elusive Miss Ellison 🙂

What’s your favourite part of the writing process?

I love the initial ideas stage, where everything feels possible, and LOVE those precious moments when writing a first draft when I’m totally in the zone and I can’t type fast enough to keep up with the ideas that are flowing.

What’s your biggest writing challenge?

I am not a fan of selling myself (aka marketing) but alas, it’s part of the job.

How does your faith impact your writing?

I’ve been described as having a defiantly Christian novels (not just clean), so my characters find their faith challenged (or find faith!) in realistic ways, much as I have worked through personal challenges over the years. Each book has a slightly different focus, such as grace, forgiveness, hope, themes that I pray will encourage Christians in their own walk, and non Christians to understand that God loves them and desires relationship with them. I have loved receiving messages from readers saying how much they have felt challenged and encouraged by these works of fiction.

Finally, where’s the best place to find you online?

Please check out my website and sign up for my quarterly(ish) newsletter. Or come visit me at my Facebook page. You can also follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Bookbub.