Interview with Kelly Miles

Published 2014-06-18.
Describe your desk
It's messy. There are pictures of my children and my husband, a note pad with scribbles and short notes that only I could understand, and of course my computer.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing about eight years ago. I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (more specifically dilated cardiomyopathy) when my youngest child was just four months old. At the time the prognosis was not so great, but thankfully through medicine and technology I am doing much better. For a long while I was unable to do much of anything. One day I got bored and just started typing whatever came to me. I found it to be therapeutic and relaxing, and of course it helped to pass much of my day. I have written three books total, but Montana Sky is the first one I have published.
What's the story behind your latest book?
The story of Montana Sky kind of evolved over time. A good friend of mine was going through a similar situation, though not completely in line with the book. A lot of what Lauren went through was the same as what my friend and I would talk about, and I would try to just be an encouragement to her. And of course with Luke, well everyone loves a hero. It's classic.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I spent a lot of time sending manuscript after manuscript to publishers. Little did I know that unless you are already an "established author" they won't give you the time of day. I was never turned down, per say, but I doubt that my manuscripts were ever given a fair chance. I received a lot of letters stating, "We're currently not taking any new clients", "we don't publish these kinds of books", etc., etc., etc. After a while it becomes so overwhelming and so disheartening that you just want to quit. For me personally, I started writing for myself. I never intended to publish anything I wrote. Then one day I just thought, why not? Even if I don't sell a million copies or get on the best seller list, just knowing that I have published something feels like an accomplishment. And I have a lot of respect for other Indie Authors. I think it takes a lot of guts to put something out there, something so personal and something that you've spent a lot of time working on, and have it critiqued by other people.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords has been a great outlet for me. I had already published my eBook on Kindle before I found the Smashwords website. I like the ease of the Smashwords website and also the tips on uploading your book. That was one thing for me, though albeit frustrating at times, Smashwords will not upload your file if it isn't formatted correctly. I love this feature and as a novice I was very confused on how to make it work. The step-by-step guide was a tremendous help in getting my book uploaded so that it would look the best it could possibly look. I also love the fact that I can check all of my sales and reviews on one site instead of bouncing around.
What are you working on next?
I am working on the sequel to Montana Sky, which is called Back to Me. The story is centered around Billy who was a major part of the first book. A lot of people who have read Montana Sky seemed to be intrigued by him, asking his age and his background and so I thought it would be neat to continue on the story.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My husband and my children. They have all been a tremendous support to me. I love writing and I do it as much as I possibly can, but my duty is to them first and foremost.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I spend my time trying to relax as much as possible. I have been blessed to be able to stay at home for the last thirteen years. Of course my children keep me running, especially during the summer. They both play soccer which I love to watch. We all enjoy camping together, having barbeques and swimming in our pool. I also really love music and concerts. When I'm writing my iPod is always next to me and usually blaring out some Kings of Leon or Sam Smith.
What is your writing process?
I try to have a particular storyline in mind, though I have found that most of the time they can take on a life of their own. When I'm writing, it can go exactly as planned or sometimes (more often than not) it veers off in a completely different direction.
I try to get through a few chapters at a time that way there is enough content to judge if it will hold a reader's interest or not. I also try to edit and change as I go along because I've found that my books are quite lengthy. It would take forever to edit!
I take a lot of notes. (The scribble pad on the desk) As a new idea comes to me I jot it down, otherwise I'd forget. There's always interruptions and sometimes I have to walk away to play referee or cook dinner. (not that I mind!)
If a story isn't coming to me as easily as it should, I walk away for a while. I don't want to fill up a page with unnecessary information just for the sake of completing a book. I want it to be believable, for the characters to seem like people you'd know. That's as important to me than anything. That people can relate.
How do you approach cover design?
I found a wonderful eBook cover designer named Marianne Nowicki. She was instrumental in helping this cover come to life. She has also done the cover for my second book, Back to Me, and it looks phenomenal.
For me a cover is very important. It sets the tone for the book and whether or not someone even bothers to read your synopsis. It's the first impression that someone has of your hard work. For a reasonable fee you can have a professional looking cover and I'd recommend it to anyone who is thinking about publishing.
There are several websites available where you can purchase an eBook cover. Some are premade in which the designer will insert your information. Others are custom and based on what the author has in mind. Price varies, of course, but custom covers will generally cost you extra.
What do your fans mean to you?
I don't know that I have any fans (yet) but I hope to some day.
I hope that they enjoy reading my stories. Regardless of the number of sales and the money earned, it's about an accomplishment. If someone takes their time and their hard earned money to purchase something that I've written, and hopefully enjoy it as well, it means a lot to me. It means that I have given them some piece of happiness to enjoy and that is amazing. And I hope the story is something that holds their interest, that excites them or makes them feel emotional.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

Montana Sky
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 129,280. Language: English. Published: June 11, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Adult
(5.00 from 1 review)
Lauren and Luke never expected to find love again. If anything, they tried to avoid it at all costs. That is until Luke rescues the auburn haired beauty on her first night in the small town he grew up in. When unseen forces try to tear them apart, as well as Lauren's abusive husband that she's so desperately trying to escape, will love win out or will she run again?