Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
If we don’t count the novels I cranked out in college, “What Survives of Us” is my first book. (In fact, let’s just forget I mentioned those college efforts, shall we? Wince!) I’ve called myself a writer since I was 8 years old, but in the many years that have intervened since them, I’ve learned that there’s no greater writing teacher than life itself. I’m also a mom, and spent quite a few years as a high school English teacher, which I loved.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“What Survives of Us” is the name of my most recent novel. I know it sounds cliched, but I dreamed about the main character, then started asking questions about her. What could have happened to a plump, Martha-Stewart-ish housewife, to transform her into the edgy, broken, driven character I dreamed about? Those questions became the events in my book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a HUGE believer in the power of ritual to put you into a certain mindset, and I use that when I prep to write every day. I light my candle. I burn some incense (I used to smoke when I wrote, and this is my substitute). I chew gum compulsively – when I’m really in the zone, my family says I sound like a teenager on speed gnawing away on that piece of Trident Bubblegum.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read Nora Roberts since she started out in category romance years ago – reading one of her books is like having a conversation with an old friend, her style is so familiar to me. I love Alice Hoffman’s “Practical Magic,” J.K. Rowling’s everything, Suzanne Collins, and Barbara Kingsolver, just to name a few. Linda Howard’s “Son of the Morning” is one of my all-time favorite books. I loved teaching “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and am anxiously awaiting Harper Lee’s new book. Laura Ingalls Wilder shaped my childhood. I deeply admire Stephen King, though the only books of his I’ve managed to finish are “The Stand” and his most excellent memoir on writing. He scares the bejeebers out of me.
What are you working on now?
I am nearly finished with the sequel to “What Survives of Us” – I took a break from writing it to complete this questionnaire, in fact! This series will have at least 3 books, maybe more – I have so many ideas!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook has had tremendous power for me. I’ve also come to appreciate the power of smaller newsletters and book blogs – word of mouth is VERY powerful!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always get a groan when I give this advice, but I think it can’t be said enough: Study your craft! Good mechanics, proper grammar (and how stuffy does that make me sound??) and sound structure should be the very basis of ALL published writing. If you’re struggling with these elements, you’ve got two choices (IMHO) – either study and bring your skills up to snuff, or hire a really good editor. For me, I don’t care how compelling or interesting the story is – I won’t read on after I’ve found the second error. Mistakes pull me out of the story – my brain pauses to say, “Hey, wait…is that word used correctly? I don’t think that word is being used correctly…” If that happens more than once, I’m done.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stephen King: “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” I was also told long ago to remember that my characters are not my children – I can’t shield them from trouble, nor should I. They must be allowed to suffer, terribly sometimes. “And they lived happily ever after” is a pretty boring story…
What are you reading now?
“A Sudden Light” by Garth Stein. Really moody and atmospheric – I’m enjoying it very much!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be finishing the sequel to my first book, then moving on to the third in the series.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The collected works of Shakespeare (that’s not cheating, is it?); “The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo, so I could memorize long passages; and a blank journal so I could write my own stories!
Author Websites and Profiles
Kathy Miner Website
Kathy Miner Amazon Profile
Kathy Miner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account
Kathy Miner’s first book is amazing. The characters will have you talking out loud to trying to help them through some tough situations.
“What Survives of Us” intrigues the mind just enough to make you wait breathlessly for the next book to be published.