FORGIVING TESS - Kimberly M Miller - One Free Book

Welcome, Kimberly. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I love storytelling and have since I was young. The books I write are the kind I want to read—they have what I hope are strong, interesting characters, who face difficult situations with a smile and faith to keep them going.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Yikes- I’ve had so many amazing days it’s hard to say! Definitely when I married my husband, also when my kids were born. I was pretty ecstatic the day I passed my dissertation defense, too.

How has being published changed your life?

As a writing professor I think it adds credibility to what I tell my students every day which is nice. More than that though, I love getting the feedback that my stories have encouraged or helped someone. It’s very humbling to see God work through what I love to do in that way.

What are you reading right now?

I’m actually reading a book called Sophie Scholl and the White Rose by Annette Dumbach and Jud Newborn for a presentation I’ll be giving in April. After that I’ll be reading The White Rose by Inge Scholl for the same presentation. (See the movie Sophie Scholl: The Final Days if you’re interested to learn more of Sophie’s story. Very inspirational)

What is your current work in progress?

Would it be weird to say I have four of them? The one that is actually open right now on my computer is about a hockey player and a police officer,who meet in unusual circumstances and become good friends before realizing they’ve fallen in love. I’m calling it Winning Casey.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’m pretty simple. I love going camping with my family. My husband cooks and I get to read almost nonstop the entire time. It’s peaceful and a nice break from the chaos of the day to day work week.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I love small towns! I was raised in one and think small town charm can’t be beat.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I can probably think of a million people that I think are interesting or worth spending time with, but I’d say I’d skip all the celebrities and spend an evening with my grandmother. She’s my last living grandparent and not faring well mentally so it’s hit and miss most times now whether she’ll know who I am. If we could enjoy a nice night chatting and eating, I think that would be beautiful.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love baking, making jewelry, and exercising. My favorite workouts are cardio for dealing with stress and because I sit at a desk a lot it feels good to move. But my other favorite workout is yoga which is amazing for clearing my mind if I’m stuck when writing.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

With a full teaching schedule and now admin duties on top of that, just finding time to write can be difficult. I’m working to implement more structure in my days so the writing time is scheduled and just a normal part of the day. It’s working fairly well.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Keep at it! If you love writing, don’t let rejection stop you. Consider whether the feedback you’re getting is something that can be handled by getting into a writer’s group, doing research, or taking a class to improve your skills. But by and large, writing is improved by reading an array of styles and by practicing. So keep writing!

Tell us about the featured book.

Forgiving Tess is a book that developed when I considered how judgmental all of us can be about those who are different than we are—specifically those people who have a difficult past to overcome. We might even question if their conversion is real—as if that’s ours to determine. Tess has a good heart and a sweet nature, but she’s also struggling to forgive herself even as many of those around her are working to do the same. So the other side of this story is our need to fully accept God’s grace and forgiveness.

Please give us the first page of the book.

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:

walk as children of light.

Ephesians 5:8

The doors squeaked open and Tess Carson stepped outside where a wave of heat hit hard, making her want to dive back into the air-conditioned safety of the bus. She wondered whether her skin was melting already as sweat trickled down her arm and dripped onto the pavement with a sizzle.

Tess was annoyed at everything and yet trying desperately not to be. The trouble was that her life, the humidity, the stiff-backed bus seats, and especially Uncle Stu—who’d dragged her along on this mission trip—seemed bent on reminding her of all that continued to war against her. It was the first time she’d been away from Maple Ridge in nearly two years and she wasn’t sure she was ready. Not that she was given a choice. Uncle Stu made sure she was coming along, otherwise, he promised he wouldn’t bail her out again.

And she believed him.

“Come on, let’s get settled.” Uncle Stu walked by, his backpack shouldered on one side of his body. He wasn’t a tall man, but his presence made up for it. He was kind, firm, and lately the only person remaining who was willing to give his niece another chance.

Tess drew a deep breath, certain her hair was rapidly turning to thick and unruly frizz in the humidity. As if she cared what anyone thought of her appearance anymore. 

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website http://kimberlymmiller.com/

My blog https://kimberlymmiller.wordpress.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Kimberly.Miller.Author/

Twitter https://twitter.com/K_Miller_author

Thank you, Kimberly, for sharing this book with me and my blog readers. I’m, eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Forgiving Tess - Paperback
Forgiving Tess - Kindle

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