Local Author Series #1 --Interview with Kristen Miller

What kind of books do you read for fun?

I read romantic suspense, paranormal romance, or anything with dark twists and rugged alpha males. Those are my favorite! Some authors I've read recently and absolutely loved are Lauren Kate, Allison Brennan, Brenda Novak, J.R. Ward and Monica McCarty.

How did you get into writing?

I've always loved language and literature (I'm an English major), so writing has always been something I had an inherent passion for. That being said, I never tried to sit down and write a novel until two years ago. First, I tried to take an idea and finish it no matter how horrible it was. Basically, I gave myself permission to write something that totally and completely sucked. And it did! But that's okay because once I knew I could finish a book, the second one came much easier. I went to my first RWA National conference in Washington D.C., learned what to do to make that first novel shine, joined a local RWA chapter, started going to monthly meetings and the rest is history.

What inspired you do a book?

This is going to sound really bland, but the premise about a girl having a vision of her own death struck me. I couldn't let it go. I talked with other writers and a few agents, molded the initial premise and Dark Tide Rising was born.

Do you have another job besides writing?
I do! I have a six year old daughter and a three year old son who pretty much consume my time. I was a high school English teacher for a few years before I had children, but once they were born I realized I needed to stay home until they reached school-age. Staying home may not be right for everyone, but for me, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate. Every single day.

Ereader or Book? There is something about the printed book that still captivates me. I own a kindle but haven't used it much other than to beta read critique partners' work. I'm sure that will change in the future, (e-readers are here to stay), but for now I like the balance of both.

Barnes Noble or Indie book store? Barnes and Noble, but only because there's no solid Indie book stores in my area. Sad, but true.

Best experience with a fan?
Just yesterday a reader emailed me a picture of herself with Dark Tide Rising. She said she was up until 2am reading it. That's the best compliment a writer can get. It seriously made my month.

Was it hard to get into the publishing world?

Oh yeah. But nothing worth doing is ever easy. At least in my world. Agents are very selective (I got very lucky with mine), and editors are searching for the next big thing. With all the changes in the industry (e-readers and e-books are making pub-folks run amuck!), it seems like it's harder for a debut author to get a break. However, there are stories of new sales and debut authors breaking out every day, so maybe that's just how it feels from the outside looking in.

What's on your night stand?

An alarm clock I've had since college, a small picture of my husband and I dancing in Hawaii right after he proposed, and a small oval jewelry box with a glittery angel embossed on the top.

Favorite color? Purple. But it's got to be a deep, rich shade.

What do watch on TV?
I only watch a few shows: The Bachelor, Amazing Race, America's Next Top Model, Deadliest Catch and Judge Judy. That's it.

Writing and kids? How do you do it?

I take the kids to school and write like a mad-woman while I can! I get a few solid hours in before lunch, then break for a bit to eat and clean. I pick up my youngest, then write some more during nap time. It doesn't leave much time for anything else, but someday writing will be my career and for that to happen I have to treat it as such.

What are you working on right now?

My paranormal romance, Enemy, Beloved is currently on submission at the major publishing houses in New York. Since my agent's been pitching it, I've written the sequel to that one, tentatively titled, Immortal, Beloved. I'm now knee-deep in edits and am plotting the third in the series. The books are about a team of otherworldly creatures--a vampire, scientist, shape shifter, fallen angel, and a vampire elder--who band together to defeat a vampire-shape-shifting hybrid who plans to unleash the dark spirits of the Ever After on earth.

Bloggers and books? Do they help with book buzz?

Absolutely. I believe word of mouth and internet presence help hugely in promoting your work. I've met so many wonderful people through blogger who have been some of the most supportive readers yet.

Music playlists. What's on yours?
If you're talking a workout playlist, mine is consumed with No Doubt, Blink 182 and White Stripes. (I need something to really get my blood pumping.) If you're talking about a writing playlist, mine's full of Joshua Radin, Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillet, and Jason Goss. (Anything that mellows me out helps spark my creative brain.)

Does being in California or Northern California affect the story?
I went to college at Humboldt State University which is far on the Northern California coast, hidden behind the Redwood curtain. It greatly influenced Dark Tide Rising because I have such a great love for the country up there that I couldn't imagine setting my first book anywhere else. When it comes to writing, I think you really have to write what you know. You're love and knowledge of the setting will shine through.

Dark Tide Rising came out Jan 8th, 2011.
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Thanks so much for being here , and hope that I can introduce all my readers to some of my local authors. I haven't read the book at all, but I did put it in my basket to buy. Stay tuned for more author interviews of my authors.