Here is my interview with Harper Miller

Name: Harper Miller

Age: Late 30s

Where are you from: I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc:  

I’m the younger of two children. My sister and I are 12 years apart. I have a graduate degree that I utilize in the field of medical research. I’m single and I love fitness related activities. Running and weight training are passions of mine.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news? 

Well, this past weekend, I met the female cover model for my next release and she’s gorgeous! I’m so excited to find the male the complements her. It’s sure to be a sexy photo-shoot!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing as a hobby about two years ago. I love book boyfriends so it just made sense to create my own! My dating life is god-awful so it’s fun to create the perfect romantic pairing.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I don’t! LOL I still identify as a reader. The title of author only really seems to jive in Facebook name only. I don’t feel as if I can fully claim that title.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

A couple of things: I was tired of seeing dominant Alpha men portrayed as abusive and demeaning. In a lot of BDSM themed books, not many encompass the reason why the women choose to be submissive, just that it somehow miraculously happens or she was coerced. I wanted to provide a different perspective. I saw a photograph that inspired the prologue for my novel. I left it for a bit, but the characters kept speaking to me so I  kept writing.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

 No, not really. I just let the characters guide me. How they want to tell their story determines how I write a tale.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The Sweetest Taboo was the perfect title. I love the Sade song and it just seem to capture the vibe I was going for. Listening to music while I write helps my creative process, the song came on my playlist and it was perfect!

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Absolutely. D/s is more than just sex. It’s a deeper connection that exceeds hormones and bodily fluids. Also, because someone may identify as kinky, it doesn’t mean that they don’t crave the same things that make up a conventional relationship.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

 I would say the majority of it. Everything that happened could have happened in everyday life. A chance meeting between two people can definitely make one heck of an impact.

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Not fully no, but I drew inspiration in some instances from people in my life especially, when it came to naming characters.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Ain’t I A Woman by hell hooks. Pretty deep reads.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m reading Karen Moning’s Dark Fever.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

A.D. Koboah. I recently read the first two books in her Darkling Trilogy series. It spans across a few genres: Paranormal Romance, Interracial Romance, and Historical Romance. I’m eagerly awaiting the final book in the series.

Fiona: What are your current projects?

I’m pretty tight lipped about what I’m working on but I’m currently writing two books. One in the Women’s Fiction genre and another that’s a Contemporary Romance. If all goes well, I hope to have a release out in the latter part of the spring.

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Well, my family didn’t know what I had done until after I had done it. I didn’t tell them I wrote as a hobby until I published my first book. My mom still wants to read The Sweetest Taboo but I say NO! She can read my next book, LOL. Many veteran author friends were supportive of my endeavors and answered any questions that I had regarding the author journey. I am forever grateful for their support.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Not at all. It’s therapy for me but not something that I would do as a career. I love having it as a hobby.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I would’ve spent maybe another week on editing. I’ve reread The Sweetest Taboo numerous times and there are small things that were missed but nothing that is overly distracting to the reader. For my next book, I know to take much longer with editing.

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I’ve always written short stories as a teen but nothing I ever finished. It was just something I did to pass the time.

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Sadly, nothing I’m comfortable sharing with the public. I’m still in the raw stages with everything.

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

 Finding the time to do it!

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

 Octavia Butler. I love what she did for women of color in the sci-fi genre. She is truly missed.

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

No, not at all!

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Taria A. Reed. You can find her on Facebook at Taria Reed Cover Artist. You can also visit her website at tariareed.net to see her work.

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Editing. Writing was easy, editing was the awful part.

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Editing sucks. LOL this is a recurring theme.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write what you want. Don’t let anyone dictate what type of story you should tell.

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

 

Yes, THANK YOU. Thank you for taking a chance on an unknown writer, thank you for leaving reviews, thank you for the emails, messages, and tweets letting me know how much you enjoyed my work. I never imagined that my work would be received so well. It makes me happy that people enjoyed Rick and Micah’s love story. I am honored.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Golden Books, I was 4. My mom was teaching me how to read.  I don’t remember the title specifically, but I know I read many Golden Books.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

A good love story makes me cry. I laugh at the silliest things. I usually crack up at dirty memes.

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

 Wow, this is a tough question! It’s hard to pick just one but I would say my maternal grandmother. I never got the chance to really know her. I saw her once when I was eight and she passed away a few months after that visit.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why?

No headstone, cremation all the way.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Working out, reading, dinner parties with friends, happy hour, attending Meetups.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

Sons of Anarchy (I’ll miss Jax Teller), Game of Thrones, Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder are all shows I watch faithfully.

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Vegan Mac and Cheese. Amy’s makes the best darn version I have ever had. It’s soooo good! My favorite colors are pink and black. My favorite music is pop especially 80s pop.

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

 I probably would’ve become a yoga instructor or personal trainer as an outlet if I hadn’t discovered writing.

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

 

I don’t have either. LOL I can only keep up with limited social media.

Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Harper-Miller/e/B00PSS568U/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1421047296&sr=8-2-ent

 

Twitter https://twitter.com/authorharpmill