Ask An Author Day

Available Now!

My brain is fried.  Finishing up one manuscript and diving into the next one without a break has pushed my creative gray cells to the max and left my fingers sore.  So, instead of being witty or pithy, I'm posting an easy blog today.

As an author, I get asked lots of questions about lots of things--from readers, aspiring writers, fellow authors, and well-meaning (or, occasionally, not so well-meaning) people who know little about books or publishing.

Do you have any questions you'd like to ask?  I'd be happy to answer as best I can.  I'm game for almost any topic.

To start you off, I'll answer 3 random questions.  Plus, I'll post the covers I've have so far in my Precinct: Task Force miniseries.

Finally, I'll give away a copy of my brand new release, TACTICAL ADVANTAGE, to one lucky poster.  Print or ecopy, winner's choice.  I'll post the winner tomorrow.

Have fun and Ask away! -- Julie Miller

May 2012

1.  What is your dog's name and does she really help you write?
Maggie.  And yes.  Writing is a solitary, sedentary occupation. Maggie helps in several ways.  One, she gets me up from my chair once an hour or so to have an outing or check the action outside the front window or get a tummy rub (her, not me). Getting up and moving keeps the blood circulating which stimulates the brain and refreshes the muscles. It keeps the back from locking up and gives my fingers/wrists a break from typing.  Maggie also is a wonderful little hot water bottle who doesn't mind me rubbing my cold fingers through her hair to warm them up.  And yes, she does pick contest winners for me--a totally random follow her little black nose to see whose name she touches first.

August 2012

2.  How do you feel about reviews of your books?  Do you read them?
Yes, I read some, not all.  Critical reviews hurt my feelings, erroneous reviews frustrate me, and mean reviews tick me off.  Not everyone has to like me or my work, but there are kind ways to say things and ways that aren't as clever as some people think.  I'm truly grateful to know so many people are reading my books and feel strongly enough about them one way or the other to share their thoughts with others.  I think it's the new version of hand-selling/word-of-mouth PR that so many brick & mortar booksellers used to do.  And I feel blessed by every positive review I read.  Thank you!

June 2013

3.  I have an idea for a book. Will you write it for me and we can split the profits?
No. Writing is hard, physically and mentally draining work. I'm flattered that you'd ask, but I have so many ideas of my own I want to write that I have neither the time nor the energy to write your story.  However, I heartily encourage you to write your own book.  Besides, no one can tell your stories the way you can.  I'd be happy to offer a bit of advice if you have questions, but your story needs to be your journey.  I wish you the best of luck!






So what else would you like to know?  Favorite national park?  Favorite hero?  Snacks you eat while writing? Let me know, and I'll try to answer.