Where did you grow up and how do you think that has affected your writing?
I grew up in Southern California and live in an area where it is very hot. I spent a great deal of time reading at the beach or by the pool. When I started writing I used to write down chapters with a pen in a notebook at the beach. The sound of the waves was the best background noise ever.
What, to you, are the key elements of a book that one needs to nail in order to have a bestseller?
It's very simple really. A good story. If the story is good, then the delivery becomes unimportant.
What was the best part about being a teacher? Do you sometimes miss it?
The best part was spending my days with little humans who carried a positive outlook on life. Every morning when I picked them up from their line they were all smiles and excited about the day. "Mrs. Miller, what are we going to do today?"
Where do you get the designs for your eye-catching book covers?
I leave the designing to a professional but I do choose the photographs. I tend to go for a black and white image with a lot of emotion and impact behind the stark beauty and prefer a crisp edit in regards for the overall design. My cover designers are used to doing twenty or more versions before we have a final product.
What do your parents think your career as a writer?
My parents were both very proud of my writing and my success. They have both passed away now, but I like to think of them looking down and cheering me on.
Do you think you and your husband's love story could ever make its way into one of your books?
Highly doubtful but you never know. LOL
Have you ever run into a fan in real life?
Yes, many, many times. I travel to book signings and author events all over the world and have met so many wonderful people who read and enjoy my books. I am always humbled that people want to come out to see me and get a book signed.
What are some things you like to do to relax?
I love to read other people's books and miss the freedom to read as much as I like. I also enjoy crafts and working in the garden. I try to sneak those in on nice days. There are so many romance books and romance novelists out there.
What is it about your books do you think makes them special and stand out from the rest?
I truly have no idea. I do think that when I first got noticed it was a combination of good timing in the ebook market for erotic romance and also the cover of the book, NAKED - Blackstone Affair 1, was eye-catching and unique enough for people to take a second look. I felt lucky with how the stars aligned for me.
Gun to your head: If you had to choose to save only one of your books, which would you pick? The rest of the books you don't choose will be erased from existence and all memory of them will be wiped from the world.
The Muse. Easy for me to answer this question. It was the first book I wrote from start to finish and it took me a year and a half. The characters I created feel like real people that actually lived. It is hard to separate the fiction from real life.
Have either of your sons caught the writing bug as yet?
I know my oldest son is an excellent writer and I am positive he could make a career for himself if he was at all interested in doing it. He isn't . My younger son is really good at drawing and wants to work in animation.
If you could breathe life into one of your characters, who would you pick and why?
Ethan Blackstone. He feels real already, but man it would be something to see him in person and talk to him.
A lot of your books feature rich and powerful men. Where do you find the inspiration for the personalities of these men? Is it harder to write from a man's perspective at times?
I love the romance trope of a rich man and a poor girl. It never goes out of style for me as a writer, and fortunately readers still love it too. I love writing in the male POV and feel it's some of my strongest writing. I have Mr. Miller proof read those parts carefully and give any input about my treatment of the male mind.
What is one often overlooked piece of advice that you believe many fresh authors need to pay heed to?
Rants on social media is never going to work out well for your career.
How much time do you spend promoting your books on social media? Has AllAuthor been a good experience in this aspect? And would you recommend this platform to your other author friends?
I spend on average 3-4 hours a day on promo (that includes what others do for me as well) AllAuthor has been very positive for me. Lots of engagement and fresh posts to keep my page active. I highly recommend it.
