Sunday, July 19, 2020

2020 Interview: Patricia Miller

Hello. I am Patricia Miller. I live in Sugarcreek, Ohio with my husband, my adult daughter, and her goldendoodle, Benny. I have an adult son who lives in his own place north of us, whom we visit often. I have 2 college degrees and I have worked as a mental health clinical counselor-supervisor for nearly 30 years. I currently work full-time in a hospital-based Intensive Outpatient Program and part-time in an Outpatient Private Practice.

Do you have any hobbies?
I love to travel and I am especially entranced with castles and castle-like structures and mansions. I also like to hike and bike. The longest I have ever biked in one shot was 34 miles. I enjoy binging on Agatha Christie movies and books, British murder mysteries and science fiction (space travel) series episodes.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere a cruise boat can take you. LOL I also like flying to all-inclusive international resorts. If there are beautiful structures and mansions there, all the better! 

If you were given a ticket to anywhere and spending money to indulge, where would you go?
Europe. I’ll probably need about 3 weeks to hit everywhere I want to see. :)

Do you have pets?
I grew up with dogs and usually have one all the time but we took a break after our family dog died. Then, my daughter (who still lives with us) was nearing completion of her medical office training and asked for a goldendoodle as her graduation gift. Thus, we have Benny. He’s very ornery and we all love him.

What is your favorite color and what do you love about it?
I didn’t think I had a favorite color as I love many. But, my daughter just pointed out to me that I tend to buy purple items. She’s right!

What was your favorite book as a child?
The earliest I can recall loving books would be Golden Books. Ironically, a part-owner of that company sold his share and used the money to build a castle in Ohio which is (by chance) my favorite castle in Ohio in which to stay. I stay there at least 2 times a year. 
I also remember loving to read Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mystery Books too. I quickly found Agatha Christie soon after that.

What is one thing about yourself you’d like to change or are trying to work on?
For some time I have made it a regular habit to avoid negativity in my life and in my thoughts. Life is too short to waste in that way. I’m also looking forward to semi-retirement in about 4 years when I will be able to do more of what I like to do, such as writing.

What music genre/singer/band is your go-to for a bad day? For working?
I wrote books 1 & 2 in my YA Sci Fi Romance trilogy (The Joshua Trilogy) entirely while listening to 30 seconds to Mars. (Their old stuff) But most of the time you will find smooth jazz saxophone cd’s in my car.  My favorite is Boney James whom I saw in concert last year. He’s awesome! Check him out!

Do you re-read books? If so, is there one in particular?
Absolutely! I love all Agatha Christie books and stories, Sherlock Holmes, well all British Lit actually. And, yes, I read and watch them over and over!

Are you an introvert, extravert, or ambivert?
Ambivert. I enjoy interacting and spending time with my close friends and family but I also really enjoy my alone time. Sometimes, I book a suite in that favorite castle-like resort, to get away by myself, which also gives me uninterrupted time to write.
When I have to have a public event, I get a bit nervous before, but once it gets started it usually goes well and I end up enjoying it!

Does pineapple go on pizza?
LOL Absolutely not! But, I’m allergic so I guess I’m biased!

How many places have you lived?
I have always lived in Ohio. Born and raised a Buckeye. But, I love to travel and seeing Frank Loyd Wright’s Waterfall House in PA is on my bucket list.

What was your first job?

Salad Bar attendant at Blue Drummer Steak House.


What is your favorite down time activity?
Looking for and watching old British murder mystery movies, mostly Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes. Again, I also like traveling, even if it’s just a weekend getaway.

Are you an outdoor type? Have a green thumb?
I wouldn’t consider me the outdoor type even though I like to hike and bike. After these activities, I will admit I like heading inside to beautiful accommodations with air conditioning.
As far as flowers go, I kill all inside flowers but I have great luck with outside flowers and bushes.

If you could live inside a movie, which would you choose and which character would you be?
Ariadne Oliver in any Agatha Christie story that features this famous mystery writing crime fighting sleuth.

Are you the type to take a dare?
Not typically!

Do you have a favorite motto or quote that applies to your own life?
“If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you have never done.” --Unknown
And I am very accepting so I would also have to say “Live and let live.”

What is one thing you’ve learned through experience that you’d love to pass along to others?
Positive attitude, willingness to listen and learn, hard work and persistence pay off. Have the courage to try and don’t let the fear of rejection take away your dreams.

What books, other than your own, would you highly recommend?
Any and all Agatha Christie books, of course.

On to writing: what inspired you to start creating stories/non-fiction? How long ago?
During my junior year in high school I took a class called British Literature. This is where my love of literature ignited, specifically British.
I learned to love and appreciate sci fi while watching original episodes of Star Trek with my brother. I then discovered Agatha Christie. When I would read, I'd started thinking “wouldn’t it be cool if the story went this direction or took this turn?” so I decided to start writing short stories of my own. This then led to a novella and then to full-length novels.

How do you choose your settings (fiction) or topics (non-fiction)?
So far, my settings are mostly inspired by places I have visited. Such as the library in which my first “Joshua” book starts in, taken from the library of the first college from which I graduated.
I have plans to place a teen paranormal in a castle-like hotel/resort like my favorite one I visit several times a year in Ohio.

Can you tell us a bit about your path to publication?
After writing several short stories, novellas and a full length novel, I started to attend writing and publication conventions all over the US. I also joined several professional writing associations. These contacts led to my connection with an editor who lives in CA who really liked my work. He eventually urged me to seek publication. After several rejections, I eventually found a few options and I made a decision. My current publisher provided me with an amazing cover designer who lives in Tennessee. After I release the final installment in my YA Sci Fi trilogy, in addition to more mystery collections, I plan to move on to other genres such as paranormal, cozy mysteries and others. Therefore, I might seek additional contracts with other publishers who specialize in those genres, hopefully an agent someday too. Who knows? :)

Finally, please tell us about your books and add your website so we can find you:

Find me on FB at this link : https://www.facebook.com/patriciamillerauthor 

Website: http://pmwritescom.wordpress.com


Joshua: Life After TheosBook 1 in The Joshua Trilogy, YA, Sci Fi, Romance; Finalist in the 2019   

Next Generation Book Awards in the category of Young New Adult Ages 17+.    5 Star Editorial Review from Indies Today as well as from readers. 


Review quotes: 
 “Wit and humor jostle for space beside the awkwardness inherently associated with adolescence. Add in a touch of suspense from a malicious antagonist bent on exposing their extraterrestrial origins and you have a delightfully crafted young adult alien romance.” “Miller is a rare talent, a true gem of a writer.” …”captivating dialogue,”... “relatable characters,”...”tension you can feel in your gut,”...”just the beginning of good things to come from Patricia Miller.”


Joshua: Breaking Free:Book 2 in  The Joshua Trilogy, YA, SCI Fi, Romance

Sometimes it takes going back to finally BREAK FREE!

5 Star Editorial Review and from readers alike.
Review quotes:

“Such a fun novel...content is light and the subject matter relatable...Miller has really upped the ante in terms of the strong bonds forged between the characters...chocked full of humor, particularly from Josh’s inner dialogue...if you’re looking for a delightful afternoon read, there’s hardly a better option than curling up on the couch with Joshua: Breaking Free.”



** Book 3 being written as you read this and coming out in 2020!


Mysterious Tales of the Unexplained:
Volume 1 Mystery Collection with 10 scene sketch illustrations

Singing specters, secret passageways, unsolved clues, abandoned mansions, old photo albums and hidden motives are all found in the four stories making up this unique collection, Mysterious Tales of the Unexplained. A young sleuth solves a mystery surrounding a creepy, community theatre in Break A Leg & Knock 'Em Dead. She then goes on to investigate the apparent suicide of a wealthy factory owner in House up on the Hill. In Picture on the Wall, a mother/daughter restoration team experience ghostly encounters in an old, abandoned mansion. And six young friends go on a mystery weekend at a spooky inn, deciphering clues and exploring the mysterious property, only to find much more going on than they thought.

Review Quotes:

“So, I finished your latest book and I have to tell you, I was fooled--TWICE!”...”So many twists and turns...I really did not expect that ending in the novella.” “Your character, Kelsie Raymound, really made me think of Nancy Drew.”...”Kelsie is now my favorite sleuth!”

Go to Patricia's website for buy links and cover art.


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