Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for most of my life, but never had the courage to publish until now. I’m a very introverted person. For a long time I was terrified to share my innermost thoughts with the world. My first book “Unequally YokedStaying Committed to Jesus and Your Unbelieving Spouse” is now available in Kindle and print.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Unequally Yoked: Staying Committed to Jesus and Your Unbelieving Spouse” was inspired through personal journaling. I wanted to write a memoir about some aspect of my very complicated and rich life history. But I was afraid to share the more horrific stories of my life. A self-publishing leader said to write about something you know. I began to mind-map my life. That’s when I realized that between my personal life history, friendships with other women, and counseling experience, I was an expert in this topic.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need structure and total quiet to write. When that’s not possible, I have Christian classical music playing in the background. I prefer a combination of piano and string music.
My day begins with coffee, scripture reading, prayer and checking my emails. Then I take a brief walk to wake up my brain or do a few stretches. By 11:00 a.m. I’m ready to sit at my computer. I spend about 3-4 hours in writing mode, with a short break about every two hours. Writing mode doesn’t mean I’m necessarily writing. This includes contemplation, vision planning, creative construction, research and reading. Since I suffer with physical limitations, I can’t write and read for more than a few hours a day. I need to take frequent breaks and pace myself.
I am always thinking about what I want to write next. I’m a hog for research. Books are always piled up around me. They are my comfort food.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brock and Bodie Thoene are—in my opinion—the most incredible historical fiction authors. I read and re-read their books.
I also love reading the Bible. I want to read every translation and version. The stories are so rich and there is much to learn from the writing styles and personalities of each author.
At one time, I had a fetish for cookbooks—but I’m slowly phasing that out of my life. Food is culture. You can learn a lot about other cultures by looking at their food history.
What are you working on now?
I’m learning to write historical fiction (using elements of my family history). If I crash and burn, I’ll go back to non-fiction and continue working on my memoirs. There are enough stories in my personal life and family history to keep me busy writing forever.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I primarily focus on AMS ads and FB. I’m trying a few other sites and methods to see what works best. Self-published Christian books seem to be a bit more difficult sell unless you are a very established author with a good fan base. Hopefully, I will get there one day.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Just keep writing. Make the task of writing a daily habit. Fear of publishing is common to most authors. It’s scary to put yourself out there. Your fans will come and go. Not everyone will want to read your book and not everyone will like your book or your writing style. That’s ok. Write because you have a story to tell. Keep writing to leave a legacy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Create a daily routine with a structured writing time. Stick to it.
What are you reading now?
I’m researching Mennonite history in Tsarist Russia, and other books on the Russian Bolshevik revolution and post revolution periods. I read heavy stuff that contains a lot of meat. For a bit lighter reading, I’m rereading some of the Thoene books about WW2. I rarely read fluff. However, I do watch middle-aged fluffy movies. They are a good way to decompress.
What’s next for you as a writer?
In terms of books—either a historical fiction series or a memoir.
I also write a blog on how to live your faith. This is aligned with my book—Unequally Yoked: Staying Committed to Jesus and Your Unbelieving Spouse. You can read my blog on my website at https://www.mirandajchivers.com or my facebook page @mirandajchivers
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 Bible. I realize it’s actually 66 books in one, so maybe that’s cheating. A good survival cookbook. A couple of romantic fiction books such as “Under the Tuscan Sun” or “Eat, Pray, Love.”
A book that contains a combination of food and romance is always a good read. If it includes some historical and unique geographical elements, then it’s perfect.
Author Websites and Profiles
Miranda J. Chivers Website
Miranda J. Chivers Amazon Profile
Miranda J. Chivers’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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