Award-Winning author Interview with Maureen Miller

Can you share a little about your recent book?

Most recently, I’m honored to be part of Michelle Rayburn’s A Life, Repurposed Compilation This ReImagined Empty Nest. I’m also thankful to be part of Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures yearly devotional (2024, 2025 released; 2026 not yet released). Most of my work thus far is nonfiction collaborative work, as I love being part of a team!

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

I write because, much like the quote from Chariots of Fire, I feel I was created for writing. When I write, I sense God’s pleasure. My themes often come from nature as I pray to live with eyes and ears open to see and hear God in His created world. I desire to point readers to God and His son Jesus through my words.

How long have you been writing?

Professionally, since about 2006, but I’ve loved to write for most of my life.

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

Because I write for collaboratives, I answer calls for submissions, adhering to the submission guidelines as best I can and wait to hear if my story is chosen. I’m published non-traditionally too (a self-published children’s book Daisy the Circus Dog), and I discover most of my opportunities through AWSA (Advanced Writers / Speakers Assoc.) and my Word Weaver group.

Which of your books is your favorite?

I think I most enjoy writing devotions for All God’s Creatures (Guideposts) because I get to write about a favorite subject—animals!

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

I recently learned two stories I submitted to the Writer’s Digest 2024 contest won honorable mention. This is particularly special because they were selected from more than 4000 applicants spanning 44 countries. They were chosen for the inspirational / spiritual category, and I know that some who would not profess Jesus read them, which means my message of God’s love and presence in our lives was heard. (That’s why I write!)

How long does it take you to write a book?

My first novel (not nonfiction, but the only book I’ve written by myself) has taken more than fifteen years, and is due to release next year. Titled Gideon’s Book, I call it my “long obedience in the same direction,” to borrow the phrase from the late Eugene Peterson.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

When our teenage daughter is in school, I have a more normal writing routine. I usually write from about 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekdays (typically 3-5 days a week). I don’t write in the evenings and very little on weekends.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

I keep things that inspire me (including inspirational books) all around. I’m visual and love to see color, texture, patterns, etc. I’m nostalgic and memories evoke ideas, so I keep special things in my office that stir memories. I write in silence, except for my writing partner’s occasional panting and snoring. (Prancer, our Golden, is a good office buddy!)

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

The relationships and the best friendships ever. I’ve made so many dear friends through this writing life, and I am so blessed by them!

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

I hit send in 2020 on the first draft of my novel and waited. Everyone seemed to write a book in 2020 when we were in the Isolation Age. I grew discouraged waiting to hear back about it, but God used that time to encourage me to “hone my craft” as the wonderful Cecil Murphey says. That’s when I grew as a fiction writer and began pursing avenues for collaborative work. God redeemed the time and brought beautiful things from that discouraging season.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

Writers should face rejection because that means they are trying and putting themselves out there. I have faced it a number of times too, but I try to learn from what those who’ve said no suggest, whether it’s concerning following (NOT FOLLOWING!) submission guidelines or for some other reason. There’s something to learn in every yes and no.

Where do you get your ideas?

I try to listen to life—kids, grandchildren, pets and farm animals, circumstances… you name it! My ideas come from living with eyes and ears open and a prayer to see and hear upon my lips!

Who is your favorite author to read? I love Cheryl Bostrom, Cindy Sproles, Lori Roeleveld, Corrie Ten Boon, Elisabeth Elliot, and Lynn Austin, to name a few. (There are too many to write!)

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

In the words of Dory from Finding Nemo, Just Keep Swimming! (This hangs in my office!); Ask the Lord to “Establish the work of your hands for you…” (Ps. 90:17), that His favor may rest upon you every day; put on your “armor” daily; always keep a learning spirit! AND… follow submission guidelines!

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?

They throw in the towel too soon. They compare themselves to others rather than discovering their own unique voice. They don’t include God in the equation, and they don’t follow submission guidelines. (Yes, our words are precious but sometimes those darlins gotta go!)

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

Attend writers’ conferences and retreats! The connections / relationships / friendships discovered are the most valuable, and God uses others to hold open doors of opportunity. Also participate in writers’ groups (Word Weavers International, etc.) and learn from others while being an encourager to others. Always pray and ask God to use you in others’ lives as an encourager. This is one prayer He WILL answer!

Maureen Miller is an award-winning author featured in more than twenty collaboratives. She writes for her local newspaper, is a contributing writer for Guideposts, and a featured blogger for several online devotional websites. She loves life in all its forms and enjoys it with her husband and their three children and grandchildren on Selah Farm in western North Carolina. She blogs at www.penningpansies.com, sharing God’s extraordinary character in the ordinary, and she’s finishing her first novel, Gideon’s Book.