Dear Readers, I’ve
long been a fan of Judith Miller’s books. She writes the kind of romantic
historical novels that I like best. I think you’ll love them, too.
Welcome back, Judith.
God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the
horizon?
I’ve recently completed the Refined by Love series set in West Virginia , and truly
enjoyed that project. In addition, I joined with Nancy Moser and Stephanie
Grace Whitson for the recently released Christmas novella collection, A Basket Brigade Christmas. As for the
horizon, I’ve recently signed a contract for another book with Bethany House,
and I’m considering several other projects that have piqued my interest.
Tell us a little
about your family.
My husband, Jim, passed away five years ago so I’ve been
adjusting to a new normal, but am finally adjusting to life on my own. I have
three adult children, one in Iowa , one in Missouri , and one who lives here in Topeka . Most importantly, I have a 20-month
old granddaughter who keeps me smiling and busy.
They have a way of
doing that. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Yes, my reading habits have changed. I try to read as much
as possible between projects, but much of my reading ends up being research.
While I love research and combing books for nuggets of information, it’s not
the same as enjoying a good novel. While I’m working on a project, I tend to read
in another genre. When I’m between projects, I read historicals.
What are you working
on right now?
I’ve just begun my new book, and it will be set in the early
1900’s. The rest is a secret for now, but it entails an interesting slice of
history that I think readers will enjoy.
I’m sure they will. What
outside interests do you have?
I enjoy Bible studies, walking, knitting, volunteer work,
and spending time with my children and friends
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
Many times my settings have developed as I’ve discovered
information through research for other books. Some of the others have occurred
because I visited the setting or a reader recommended a particular setting to
me. Many of my books have developed due to setting. If I have no interest in the
setting, the story doesn’t captivate me.
What is the one thing
you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
The amount of time I would need to devote to studying the
craft and the amount of self-discipline it takes to complete a novel.
What new lessons is
the Lord teaching you right now?
To work toward being my best self all of the time.
We all need that. What
are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Study the craft by attending conferences and studying good
books on writing
Read, read, read
Develop self-discipline so you meet deadlines and have a
less stressful writing experience
Tell us about the
featured book.
The Potter’s Lady is the second book in the Refined by Love
series although readers can read the books on their own. There’s enough
information that they won’t feel they’ve miss out on something if they begin
with book two.
This book features Rose McKay the oldest of the McKay
sisters. She has just completed her education at the Philadelphia School of
Design and convinces her brother and his wife that the family should invest in
a pottery in Grafton , West Virginia .
With her talents and education, she believes the business
can become successful. Rylan Campbell remains as a valued employee of the
company. He likes Rose, but he dislikes change and he certainly doesn’t trust
Joshua Harkness, a man from Rose’s past.
When the company begins to lose their bids and it appears
Rose’s dreams of success will fail, she convinces her brother they should enter
a contest announced by the Franklin
Hotels . Rose and Rylan
work together to create something magnificent, but Rylan must convince Rose her
trust in Joshua has been misplaced.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
May 1872
Rose McKay stared out the narrow window of the Philadelphia
School of Design for Women. Her gaze darted between passing buggies and wagons
before perusing the pedestrians traversing Broad Street . Where was Ewan? Her brother
said he’d be here by two o’clock. If he didn’t hurry, they’d miss their train.
“Why don’t you sit down, Rose? Staring out the window isn’t
going to make your brother appear any sooner.” Mrs. Fisk, director of the
school, nodded toward one of the perfectly arranged chairs in the sitting room.
Inimitable paintings and sculptures, all of them fashioned
by students who had attended the school, adorned the entry hall and sitting
room where visitors were received. To have a creation displayed in either place
was considered the most prestigious award any student could achieve. Each year,
one student received the Excellence in Design Award. Along with the plaque came
the honor of having one piece of work on display. Rose’s heart warmed at the
thought of her own work joining those of the previous students.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
My website is at: www.judithmccoymiller.com Readers
can email me through my website and also sign-up for my newsletter. Thank you, Judith, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Potter's Lady - Christianbook.com
The Potter's Lady (Refined by Love) - Amazo
The Potter's Lady (Refined by Love Book #2) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
My husband met his Savior in February of this year, 2015. Wondering if you attended the GriefShare program offered in churches nationwide? It has been a great encourager, teacher and motivator for me. I really enjoy your books and would like to win this one! Blessings to you and I am grateful for all God's provisions and faithfulness to me. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe Potter's Lady sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you Lena and Judith!
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, Tx
Hi SM,
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't attend a GriefShare program, but I'm pleased to know that the program is helping you through the loss of your husband. If I see it offered in my area, I'll do my best to attend. So glad to know you've enjoyed some of my books. Blessings to you as you continue through your healing process and may you grow closer to Him each day. ~Judy
Hi Melanie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering the contest! Blessings, Judy
Sounds interesting (I took pottery classes briefly, which I enjoyed)!
ReplyDelete-Melissa M. in TN
Judith, I also have a 20 month old granddaughter and she also makes me laugh and smile. Since I was almost 63 when she was born and she was my first grandchild, you can imagine the joy that she gives me!
ReplyDeleteConnie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHello Lena. Thanks for the interview with Judith. I would love to win her new book. Thanks to you both for this chance.
Maxie (TX) > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Would love to win a copy. I love the cover too!
ReplyDeleteCindy W. from Indiana
I would like to read this whole series. I'm kind of a stickler like that. haha
ReplyDeleteTerrill - WA
Hi Connie,
ReplyDeleteI can certainly relate to the joy your little granddaughter has brought your way! They add so much fun into our lives. Thanks for sharing. :)
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you like the cover. I think it's gorgeous, too. Blessings, Judy
I am looking forward to reading this one. I like the premise of the pottery making. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLoraine in TX
Enjoyed meeting you and your book sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteDee from NE
Love the cover! Sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeleteBeth in Montana
This book is on my wish list, thank you for the chance to win a copy of it.
ReplyDeleteWendy in FL
wfnren at aol dot com
I haven't read the first book in the series, but would love to win this one!
ReplyDeletePatty in SC
Have read most of her books. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom. North Platte Nebraska
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading novels regarding women's creativity.
ReplyDeletekarenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the interview and giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book!
Raechel MN
Can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win. I also enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeleteBrenda in VA
Hi Judith! I've read a few of your books and enjoyed them very much! I liked getting to know you more in this author interview. It was fascinating to learn how your stories come about "If I have no interest in the setting, the story doesn’t captivate me". For me, the setting is just as important as the character development. If an author can make me feel like I've traveled to a new place, then they have achieved their goal. :-) I especially enjoy a well researched book...time, place, history & etc. Makes the story more real when based off facts. Historical is my number one favorite genre, and I love learning history in a fun way. Being able to glean a nugget of history I may not have known about...say for example, the California Gold Rush. If an author bases the book around that era, I like to go online after I get done reading the book and find out more for myself. I get excited when "real" history lines up with something the author wrote in the book!
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming out and telling us more about yourself! I too, have a 20 month old grand-girl who is the absolute delight of our lives :-) I'm quite a bit younger than a lot of Grandmas only being 45...lol! But she keeps me feeling young and alive & her smiles make my day. Grandpa (my husband) is the apple of her eye though, and she wants to be with him wherever he is & do whatever he's doing :-) Aren't they a precious gift from God?
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "The Potter's Lady", this one has been on my want list for a while now!
Trixi in OR
Thanks for the interview. The Potter's Lady sounds really interesting. Will be putting on my wish list. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteKaren G. in NY
thanks for the chance to win this book of Judith's I love her books. live in ND
ReplyDeleteEnter me in your amazing Contest!!
ReplyDeleteConway, SC.
I've already ordered the book, so no need to enter me in the drawing. I just wanted to wave at Judy! Judy, I put creme brulee creamer in my coffee this morning and thought of you. :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for my delay in responding to all of you. I've been the "on-call" sitter for that granddaughter I mentioned in my interview. She has been keeping me very busy over the past three days--and exhausted. This "old" grandma is needing a bit of rest. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your kind comments. Hope you'll all have a chance to read the book. One of the things that drew me to West Virginia is the fact that my ancestry on my father's side is there. We trace back to Scotch-Irish who came into Pennsylvania and then migrated down to West Virginia. It was great fun setting this series in an area where I'd visited for most of my summers as a child.
Kim, I'm so glad you enjoyed that creme brulee in your coffee! It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a creme brulee, but that creamer makes mighty fine coffee. :)
Granddaughters can make us grandmas tired. I know the feeling but I love it too! I enjoyed the interview and look forward to The Potter's Lady.
ReplyDeleteBeth from IA
I would love to have this book! You are a new author for me so I'm looking forward to reading your works.
ReplyDeleteAbout grandgirls! They grow up much too fast. My oldest is now a sophomore at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. A wonderful school just a little over an hour away from our home in Eugene, OR, so we are able to visit frequently.
I would love to read this book.
ReplyDeletePhyllis from Illinois.
Looks fantastic!!! Please enter me.
ReplyDeleteBlanch NC
I love every Judith Miller book I've ever read! Looking forward to this one. Ewe_r_merritt at yahoo dot com. From Downeast, ME.
ReplyDeleteHi Judith & Lena! I have The Brickmaker's Bride and now that The Potter's Lady is out I'm looking forward to getting to read the entire Refined by Love series all together once they're all out. I may start early b/c the first two are sounding too good to wait to read!
ReplyDeleteKristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com