Meet the Author: J.E. Miller

For those unfamiliar with your work, tell us a little about yourself!

Hello readers! I’m J.E. Miller and I am currently writing a series called The Marvelous Marvels. Book 1, The Mandevilles’ Marvelous Marvels, is available now on Amazon. Book 2, Kaleidoscope Kyte’s, is in the glorious stage of editing and revising (sarcasm). I’m also writing Book 3, currently unnamed, which I think will be the final book of the series. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, who knows what these characters may do next! I really struggle with explaining my books through genres, but today I will say it’s action-adventure fantasy fiction with a dash of magical realism and a slow-burn romance.

What inspired you to write your most recent novel? It is your first or have you written others?

I wanted to write something that really connects people to each other. I wanted to create a place that was inclusive and had lots of cultures. We are all connected, it’s just that oftentimes we don’t stop to think about it. We’re not aware of it. And that’s sad because when we are aware of it it makes life so rich and full and beautiful.

What is your writing routine?

Mornings, definitely mornings for me. I like to be fresh and sort of untouched by the day when I’m writing. Plus, since it’s something that I really enjoy and that’s a high priority, writing in the morning ensures that I give the story the quality time it deserves.

What are your top 3 favorite books?

What a dreadfully hard question to answer! I like so many different genres, which makes this question even harder. I like stories that include lots of world-building. I like historical fiction in cool and interesting locations or cultures. I like biographies of people I admire - which are lots of the people that I post quotes from on IG. And I’m starting to tiptoe into mystery and thriller, maybe one day I’ll read a horror novel but I’m a pretty big scaredy-cat.

What writers inspire you?

There are so many. So, so many. From book writers to screenwriters to songwriters. Also, several autobiographical writers. Everyone should be inspired by someone who writes. It’s a big undertaking that requires vulnerability in the name of creating something beautiful that will connect us to each other.

What are you currently reading?

Well, like so many others, I have a huge TBR pile. Currently in the pile: When We Left Cuba, The Woman in Cabin 10, The Essential Dalai Lama, Six of Crows, Long Walk to Freedom, A Man Called Ove, The House in the Cerulean Sea... It goes on and on. I think I’m about to start The Woman in Cabin 10.

Do you use any life experiences to inspire your writing?

Of course! I think all writers do. I think it’s virtually impossible not to. Your perspective is uniquely your own.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Take a few minutes and write down all the reasons why you decided to write this book. Make a list. Keep it somewhere you can easily revisit it. Because you’ll have days where you need to remind yourself why you’re writing this and to motivate yourself to keep going. I encourage aspiring authors to see it through. You don’t have to be fast, or perfect. The more you write, the better you are at writing. Take the time you need, don’t be afraid to rewrite or revise. And whatever you do, don’t give up on your story!

What's next for you? Do you have any other books in the works right now?

Yes! I’m working on editing and revision for Kaleidoscope Kyte’s, book 2 of the Marvelous Marvels series. It’s exciting to think about how my readers will soon get to watch the Marvels develop and grow. I’m very eager to answer their questions about Janie or Andrew, Shay or Zeke, but I’m trying to keep it all bottled inside until book 2 is out!