Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve published one Fiction under this pen name and one NF under Miranda J. Chivers. Plus I’ve cowritten four others under my NF name, Miranda J. Chivers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Russian Mennonite Chronicles: Book One: Katarina’s Dark Shadow was inspired by my grandparents’ refugee journey from Russian Ukraine during the Russian Revolution following WW1. I traveled to eastern Europe to see where my ancestors had lived, and realized then that this was a story that needs to be told.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to stick to a routine. I wake early, grab a coffee and start writing. I’ll write for an hour or two until I’m tired, then go for a walk or get ready for the day. Walking, hiking and traveling stimulate my writing. I’m learning to dictate, but I’m not proficient at that yet. I need a keyboard close by.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brock and Bodie Thoene influenced me with their Christian historical series about the Jewish story in Europe during WW2 and the Jewish resettlements in Israel. After reading their work, my family’s saga began brewing in my head. I’m drawn to inspiring stories of tragedy and triumph based on true life. I appreciate a little mystery and suspense, too. I find history more fascinating than fiction.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the series Russian Mennonite Chronicles Book Two. The working title is Katarina’s Secret. The outline is completed, and the rough draft is coming along nicely.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Amazon Ads mostly. For this fiction series, I’ve started a new website: RussianMennoniteFiction.com. Later this year, I’m planning to integrate that with my wordpress website mirandajchivers.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a game of inches. Keep working at it. Look at this as a ten year plan for your future. This is not a get-rich scheme.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s a game of inches. R.E. Vance.
What are you reading now?
I’m ecletic in my reading, but mostly I support my author groups with their book launches, and this takes up most of my reading time. I help out everyone on my list whenever I can. Author support is vital for all and we all need reviews. I’m an Amazon vine voice reviewer, so my voice matters.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll continue combining my faith non-fiction and my fiction writing into as many avenues as I can.
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 Holy Bible; Under the Tuscan Sun (Frances Meyes); Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky (I’ve never read it, but if I was stranded on a desert island during a pandemic, I’d have time.)
Author Websites and Profiles
MJ Krause-Chivers Website
MJ Krause-Chivers Amazon Profile
MJ Krause-Chivers’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account