C. K. Miller
Mead, Colorado
USA
Good morning, Christy, and welcome to Vision and Verse. Can you tell us a little about what you've written?
I am the author of the epic YA fantasy series - The Roanfire Saga. So far there are three books out. The Phoenix Host, The Leviathan Prince, The Glacial Rogue, and coming May 2023 is the final book, The Tolean Warrior.
What is your favorite genre to write?
I love to write YA Fantasy. There is a simplicity that comes with it, a straightforward story. I enjoy the aspect of young characters discovering who they are and discovering who they want to become.
Favorite food.
Oooh, does hot chocolate count?
Tea or coffee?
Hot Chocolate. *grin*
Pizza or ice cream?
Pizza all the way! I actually don’t like ice cream.
Wine or beer or soda or what?
Just in case you haven’t detected a pattern… Hot Chocolate.
Where would you like to visit?
I have always wanted to visit Ireland. I have some heritage there. Fun fact, I have a trip scheduled there this spring break! I am so stoked.
Favorite musical artist.
It fluctuates between a few. Thomas Bergersen, Ivan Torent, and Lindsey Sterling are up there.
Do you listen to music when you write? What?
I do! It really helps me get into the mood. I typically listen to cinematic music when I’m writing. Anything with lyrics distracts me.
What makes you laugh?
My husband. He always says silly things with the intent to make me smile. Fun fact, one of my book characters is modeled after his humor.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
For me, it is nature. Although we humans can create beautiful things, nature has the master’s touch. Tree’s spotted with moss, reaching to the sky. Mushrooms peeking through the earth beneath twisted roots. Sunlight lancing through haze and fog. Lacy frost glittering in the morning. Flowers.
How old were you when you started writing?
I started writing at age fifteen, but really started to take things seriously when I was about eighteen.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?I used to be a full-on pantser. But I would end up writing myself into situations I couldn't get my characters out of–at least not in a logical, believable way. I have since adopted a hybrid style where I give myself “signposts”, or a point to write towards. It helps keep things streamlined, but also allows me freedom to explore.
Describe your perfect evening.
My perfect evening would be rain pattering the window while I sat by the fire with a cup of –you guessed it– hot cocoa, listening to beautiful music and writing. Thankfully, I get to do that a lot. (Not the rain part. Colorado is too dry for that.)
Where do you get your inspiration?
I lived in Europe for a good portion of my youth. Castles, cobblestone streets, ruins, crumbling walls! You name it. I saw it. In fact, there was a time when I lived the medieval life in a house with no indoor plumbing or heating for two years. Let me tell you, using an outhouse in the dead of winter wasn’t fun. My dad would always get up early and build a fire so we wouldn’t freeze when we got out of bed.
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
Plugging in my headphones and going for a walk usually helps, but getting out into the mountains is better. Camping is usually the cure, which is so hard to do at certain times of the year.
Who is your favorite author?
Do I have to pick one? Each author has their own unique style that draws me in. Patrick Rothfuss and his prose, Brandon Sanderson’s worldbuilding, Marissa Mayer’s relationships and dialogue.
The author that really spurred me into writing fantasy was Robin Hobb and her Assassin’s Apprentice series.
Best book you ever read.
I can’t choose! Right now I am in the middle of Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward series and am loving every moment. I am a giddy fangirl waiting for the next book in the series.
Last book you read.
Cytonic, by Brandon Sanderson
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I would probably be a freelance artist OR fitness and health coach. Shameless plug here - I am the cover artist for my own books.
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
I can’t come up with a single person. It has been a collection of people and friends that have inspired me.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
The thought of this actually happening intimidates me. I think I’d be too tongue tied to have a conversation. If I had to pick one person, it would probably be Charles Dickens. After watching The Man Who Invented Christmas, I was so enamored with his character, his struggles, and the inner dialogue that I experience every day.
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
I have encountered so many people that say they would love to write a book. They have one swimming around in their head, but then they never make the effort to do it. Writing is HARD! It takes discipline, practice, and thick skin, but most of all, it takes passion. Do it, no matter what others say. Waste of time. Write. You’ll never get published. Write. You don’t have the talent. Write. No one is going to read your stuff. Write.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, write because you love it.
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Facebook – www.facebook.com/roanfiresaga
Instagram – www.instagram.com/ckmillerbooks
Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@c.k.miller
Website – www.ckmillerbooks.com
goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18242565.C_K_Miller?ref=nav_profile_l
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