Ellie Miller

Pre-Interview: My pen name is Ellie Miller, and I'm a dark Christian fiction author. Exploring spiritual phenomena, biblial "what-ifs" and and duality of the human experience is the essence of what I write. My work is gritty, emotional and thoght-provoking. Wouldn't have it any other way. 

Author Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

Inspiration comes from a lot of places! I can get inspired by movies, books I've read, or real-life stories I've heard. Everyday life is inspiration for me. The Bible is another huge influence. Many things are ambiguous. Sometimes I read my bible and think "that must have been terrifying!" Moments like that can become a story. 

2. What is your favorite genre?

I love romance, horror, and thriller the best, but I also enjoy fantasy and (on occasion) crime. 

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

Valicity Elaine, she's also a Christian author. I admire her for writing darker themes through a Christian lens, and standing firm on her narrative choices. 

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

I take the time to find out what's causing the block. Is it fatigue? I take a mental health day. Is it a lack of inspiration? I read writing prompts and see what sparks creativity. Sometimes, I watch movies. If there's a plot point I would change or if I can put my own spin on it, I write those things down. I always have an idea bank to pull from. 

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

Have a plan. The publishing process is one that takes time, but rushing your work is only going to result in poor-quality stories. In today's fast-paced world run by instant gratification, it's no wonder rapid-publishing seems attractive. If authors want to publish rapidly, that's okay, but they should plan out when they want their titles to release and give themselves time to let their book simmer before making it available to the public.  

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I've written a few, but only one is available right now. My second book will be fully available at the end of October this year. It's on pre-order now. 

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

That's a tough one! I'd rewrite "Sinners." I think the story would have been more interesting told from Annie's perspective. I would include a subplot of someone accepting Christianity to juxtapose it with someone rejecting religion. 

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

Self-doubt has been a hurdle. Criticism just comes with being an author. People have the right to like or dislike a product that they bought. Criticism in the form of negative reviews or disagreement with my subject matter doesn't bother me much. Even the biggest, most-loved names in publishing have bad reviews. Critique in the form of beta readers and writing partners, I sit on it to see if there's any merit to what they've said and try to imagine my story with their suggestions. If I disagree with their feedback, I get a second opinion or move on. 

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

The best experiences have been book signings and live TikTok interactions with my readers. I love seeing their reactions in real time. It's a blessing, in my opinion, to talk with Christian readers about my work and why I create it. 

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

I don't mind noise in the background, but I need full focus. Sometimes I'll have lo-fi beats in the background while I'm writing because lyrics are distracting when I'm in deep concentration. 

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

You will find your readers! You just have to find where they are, and meet them there. 

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I have a pricing system that I always use. I promote my work with book signings, book club sponsorships, and in-store promotions with my retail partners.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

My book is not the typical Christian story. It's packed with suspense, drama, action and emotion. Christian readers who like stories with grit, but still glorify God, should read my books. 

14. Did you have a book coach?

I didn't have a book coach. 

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

In high school, my favorite subject was literature. I don't think that's a surprise to anyone. In college, my favorite classes were my communication and public relations classes. 

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

I'm self-published. I looked at my writing like a business from the beginning, so I started one. 

Lauren (Ellie) Miller

Pink Pansy Publishing, Author & CEO