Interview with Paula Miller Part Two

We're back with children's author Paula Miller ~

How historically accurate do you strive to be in stories for children? How much research do you do?

Part of my love for writing historical fiction is the fun in researching. However, there is so much out there that I don’t know that I tend to spend hours on little rabbit trails that catch my fancy. I try to be as accurate as I can and spending a week or more researching how to tan a hide (as in One Eyed Jack), for instance, is not uncommon. In fact, it was so much fun to learn about the process that I’d love to try it myself. Of course, the prospect of using the animal’s brain to do it holds me back just a hair . . .

Do you like to read adult historical fiction?

Absolutely LOVE it. Ninety-five percent of my bookshelves are historical fiction. If there were two books, side by side with the same story line, characters and scenes, but one was contemporary and the other historical, I’d chose the historical every time.

Who are your favorite children’s fiction authors? What appeals to you the most about their writing?

The first author that comes to mind is Stephen Bly. He’s a Christian author, which is a must, and he has a side-cracking way of telling a story, making it funny, adventurous, and rooted in history all at the same time.


Who would you say has influenced you the most as a writer and why?

There are so many authors, family, and friends who have each influenced me in their own way. But my pastor’s wife and dear friend once said something that has stuck with me. She commented that once you write the words and the book is published, there’s no changing it. That really made me stop and think.

As an author we have a certain ability to influence people with our words. When a book is completed, I have to sit back and look at it as a whole. What message is my book going to send readers? What are they going to take away when they close that last chapter. Ten years from now will I look back and regret what I wrote?

My ‘motto’ is a verse found in I Corinthians 10. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I have to ask myself, did my words bring God glory? It’s a very humbling thought and one I go back to a lot.

Do you think you’ll branch out to write for adults too at some point, or is writing for children your calling?

I started out writing for adults, but set that aside when the opportunity to write for children came about. I’d like to branch out into adult fiction, but I definitely feel that it’s important for children to read, and not only read, but to read something worthwhile. I’d like to contribute to that for now.

How do you deal with the pressure to promote yourself and your books?

Promoting has been an experience. I’m not a spotlight seeker so I’ve had to learn to step out of my comfort zone a bit, especially when it comes to public speaking. The more I did it, the easier it became. Third graders aren’t as scary as I thought they’d be!

I’m constantly trying to find new ways to get the word out, but I’m still learning so I always feel that there’s something more I can do. Problem being that there are only 24 hours in a day and I’m the cook!

What do you struggle with the most as a writer? And what have you learned from the struggle?

With four boys, nine to 2 months, and homeschool, my struggle is in finding time to write. I’m a wife and mother first and a writer third. I don’t want to look back and see fifty of my books on a shelf but have no memories of time with my family. It’s a balance and one I’m still trying to achieve. However, I’ve learned that 5:30 a.m. is a quiet time at my house. Just me and my keyboard!

Paula, thank you so much for joining us on Favorite PASTimes! It’s been a delight talking with you, and I know our readers have enjoyed getting acquainted with you and your books. We’ll be looking forward to book 2 of your Faces of History Series.

Be sure to visit Paula's website. Also, Paula hosts a blog with her twin sister where they review and interview your favorite authors.

The winner of One Eyed Jack will be posted Saturday, so comment away... :)