Indie-Credible Authors With Jennifer Miller

Welcome to my first stop on the Indie-Credible Authors MONTH long tour! Today I have the pleasure of hosting Jennifer Miller author of Pretty Little Lies.

There is a lot of awesome stuff going down on this month long Indie Author appreciation event so make sure to check out all of today's events and click the banner at the top for the full month long schedule. 

Today's Schedule

Addison Moore - Heather @ SupaGurl Books
Jennifer Collins - Ren Reidy @ A Little Bit of R&R
Sophie Davis - Angela Pratt @ I Feel the Need, the Need to Read  

Jennifer Miller - Chandra Haun @ Unabridged Bookshelf 

Jennifer Miller is the author of the adult contemporary romance, Pretty Little Lies, which reads like a romantic comedy  because of humor in it. The unique thing about Pretty Little Lies is that is has Fashion Tips at the beginning of each chapter which is a fan favorite. To give everyone an idea Jennifer has sent a couple fashion tips used in Pretty Little Lies. (click on the picture to make them bigger)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Pretty Little Lie

Author: Jennifer Miller

Publication Date: June 12, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: Adult

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A little lie can change the course of everything. . . Like every other eighteen-year-old in love, Olivia has dreams of spending forever with the love of her life. Luke is all she’s ever wanted – until she overhears something she was never meant to. In a matter of seconds, Olivia’s heart is shattered. Olivia handles it the only way she knows how - she runs- leaving behind her family, friends and the boy she loves. Seeking comfort and an escape, Olivia finds it in resident bad boy Deacon. He’s everything Luke isn’t – and that’s fine with Olivia. Now, seven years later, Olivia is older, wiser and headed back to Chicago looking forward to a fresh start and reconnecting with her best friend Pyper. What she doesn’t expect, is to come face to face with the boy she left behind and discover that even though she may have left, her feelings for him didn’t. Can Olivia put aside the pain in her heart and trust Luke? Will the ties to her past ever let her go, or will she continue to let her life be affected by pretty little lies?

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?  

 I guess the most important thing about me is that I am a wife and mother.  I have two amazing daughters, they are 11 and 7 and the best thing I’ve ever done.  My husband is my high school sweetheart and he is my best friend in the world.  I love laughter, strawberries, iced tea, owls and paranormal romance novels.  I have a crazy handbag obsession, seriously, it’s out of control.  If something is pink and glittery, I will likely need to buy it.  And I think you are never too old to enjoy fashion and wear something sparkly if it makes you happy. 

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

 I outline, but it isn’t a strict outline.  I write down every scene I know is going to happen on post it notes.  I rearrange them in the order I know I want them to happen, and then I dive in.  Sometimes things stay just how I expect, and other times writing and being in the moment inspires other events instead.  I think the most amazing thing about the writing process, is how it all ends up coming together.

Do you ever experience writer’s block? 

 Definitely.  It’s the worst feeling but I’ve learned the best thing for me is to just give it time and not stress.  It will come when it’s ready and in the meantime, I focus on marketing.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change? 

 No.  You know what, I was really lucky.  It was a smooth process and I have VERY supportive family and friends.  Any time I had a question or concern, I had someone to talk to about it, or walk me through what I needed.  I really love, and am quite proud, of my debut novel.  Any glitch along the way was just a learning experience!

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? 

 The toughest criticism for me came when I contacted some people about an event that I wanted to participate in when I heard they were looking for authors.  I was basically told I wasn’t “popular” enough, to be featured.  That was a low blow and very hurtful.  I really had to remind myself it was their loss, not to let it get to me, and move on. 

 I get emails from readers every week telling me how much they love Pretty Little Lies.  Each and every one of them matter to me and I respond to all of them.  They are the best compliments I could ask for!  That someone would like my book enough to take the time out of their day to tell me, is amazing.  To me, that’s the best compliment I could receive.

What project are you working on now? 

 Right now I’m working on Pretty Little Lies #2.  It does have a title, but it hasn’t been announced yet J  I also have two additional books I plan on releasing next year, both of which are standalone novels.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?  

 I’ve loved reading since I can remember.  I can’t say any one author influenced me, because I love so many.  I can tell you that I knew when I read Gone With The Wind that I wanted to write an epic romance like that someday.  Ha!  I still swoon over Rhett Butler!  When I was younger I also loved to read Christopher Pike and the Sweet Valley High series.  I would get so excited when a new SVH novel came out.  Oh man, I remember spending forever at Waldenbooks when I was a teenager just going through the young adult shelves.  I could never get enough.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers? 

 Having friends you trust that will read your work, be honest with you, and give you feedback, is imperative.  You need the person that will tell you if something sucks not just stroke your ego, and tell you everything is wonderful.  My novel was very much a team effort.  I would be lost without my critique partners, betas and editor.  The key element though, is you have to LISTEN to what they have to say.  It’s hard.  I know your book is your baby, but your friends only want the best for you.  So open your heart and your mind to their advice!

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans? 

 I want to thank them so much for their support!  They are the reason I write.  Their emails, facebook posts and tweets mean SO MUCH to me and I receive, read and respond to each one!  I write because I love it and for them!  They inspire me and motivate me, and I thank them for that.

Now for some fun, Describe Pretty Little Lies in just four words.

 Humorous, Friendship, Love, Self-Discovery

About The Author

Author Jennifer Miller was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, but now calls Arizona home. Jennifer’s love of reading began when she was a small child, and only continued to grow as she entered adulthood. Ever since winning a writing contest at the young age of nine, when she wrote a book about a girl with a pet unicorn, she’s dreamed of writing a book of her own. Quickly learning that dreams don’t just fall into your lap, she knew she had to chase them herself and not be afraid to dream a little bigger. Most importantly, she is a wife and mother, and is very lucky to have a family that loves and supports her in all things. She also has an unhealthy addiction to handbags and chocolate covered strawberries, neither of which she cares to change. For more information about Jennifer and her books please visit www.jennifermillerwrites.com

Follow Jennifer Miller 

Facebook Author Page | Friend Jennifer on Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

The First giveaway is the author sponsored giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now for the Tourwide Giveaway with over $250 in prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway Thank you for visiting Unabridged Bookshelf