Author Interview with Kelly Miller
1. When did you start writing?
I wrote my first manuscript about eight years ago.
2. What was your journey towards becoming an author like?
After I had taken an early retirement from the Postal Service, I became intrigued with Jane Austen fan fiction stories that I found online. I decided to write one of my own. I found that I enjoyed writing and continued to write more stories. I published my first book, “Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley,” through Meryton Press in 2019. After publishing my first six books with them, I published my next five myself. I prefer to have control over every aspect of the publishing process.
3. What can you tell me about your latest book? (Feel free to include an excerpt.)
My latest book is The Impoverished Orphan, a Pride & Prejudice Regency romance.
Blurb:
After a virulent illness takes the lives of Elizabeth Bennet’s parents and elder sister, she is raised at the Barton family estate in Salisbury. Unlike her Barton cousins, Noah and Cassandra, Elizabeth is penniless. Furthermore, she must be shielded from her uncle, a dissolute tradesman.
Whilst Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy stays at an estate near the Barton property, he seeks possible suspects for the murder of his London neighbour. Although Darcy is attracted to Elizabeth, he cannot overlook the disadvantages in her situation. To complicate matters, his impulsive act incurs Elizabeth’s hostility, whereas Miss Cassandra Barton’s preference for him is unmistakable.
In this sweet Pride and Prejudice Regency romance with a touch of cozy mystery, Mr. Darcy uncovers a web of lies that complicates his pursuit of Elizabeth. Will he find his way into Elizabeth’s heart?
Excerpt
This excerpt from “The Impoverished Orphan,” which is in Elizabeth Bennet’s point of view, is a conversation between Elizabeth and her cousin Cassie, who speaks first:
“Lizzy, you have returned at last.” Cassie strode into the breakfast-parlour and slipped into the seat beside me.
“Good morning, Cassie.” I ingested a mouthful of eggs.
“You are tardy today.”
“Yes, I meant to return sooner, but the Hughes children called out to me as I passed their house. They wanted to show me their kitten, an adorable tabby. I ended up staying with them for half an hour.”
She shifted to face me, wearing a broad grin. “You missed the opportunity to meet Mr. Hayward’s guest, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. He is the handsomest man of my acquaintance, his figure is faultless, and he is one of the most sought-after bachelors in town. His name has appeared in the Fashionable Intelligence section of the London papers many times. He owns a magnificent estate in Derbyshire with an estimated income of over ten thousand a year.”
“That is all quite impressive. What do you know of his character?”
Cassie shrugged. “I have no doubt he is honourable. He is Mr. Hayward’s friend and a guest in his home, so that speaks in his favour.”
“That is true. I do not believe Mr. Hayward would expose his household to a man of poor character.” I bit into my roll.
“Of course he would not.” Cassie twisted a lock of golden hair around her finger. “I believe Mr. Darcy is the man I have been waiting for—my future husband.”
I almost choked on a morsel of bread. “But you cannot know this already. You just met him.”
“Nevertheless, I have a powerful feeling about him, right here.” She raised a hand to her heart. “I do not believe any other man could suit me better.”
“Well, I am eager to meet this paragon.” I infused exaggerated reverence into my statement, but Cassie did not appear to notice the gibe.
“And so you will. I shall invite the Haywards and Mr. Darcy to dine with us.” She leaned back in the chair with a fanciful gleam in her eyes, and her sight drifted upwards. “I shall take every opportunity to secure Mr. Darcy’s affection. He will choose me—I shall ensure he does.” Her lips curved up. “I cannot wait to see Stephen…um…rather Mr. Ware’s expression when he sees us together.”
Oh, Cassie. My cousin still cared deeply for Mr. Ware, but she refused to admit it. Why else would she be so eager to exhibit a new suitor before him? “I still believe Mr. Ware is your ideal match, and I wish you would forgive him.”
She glared at me. “I have grown weary of you, Papa, and Noah advocating for him.”
“Your happiness is our primary concern.”
“Mr. Ware had his opportunity to be my husband, and he tossed that aside. I loved him very much, but he has ruined any chance for us. I shall never forgive him.”
“Never is a long time.”
“My mind is made up.” Cassie pushed away from the table, creating a discordant clamour as the chair legs scraped the wooden floor. She stood and marched from the room.
4. What sort of methods do you use for book promotion?
I am active on social media (Threads, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky). I know other authors who have had success with Amazon ads, but they have not been effective for me.
5. Where do you get your ideas for stories?
I don’t really know, but I think the daily exercise I get is helpful to stimulate my imagination.
6. What are you working on right now?
I’m writing another Pride & Prejudice variation in which Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s two parents are still alive in 1811.
7. Any advice for other authors?
Write what you love, and never stop reading!
ABOUT KELLY:
Award-winning Austenesque Regency Author Kelly Miller is a Japanese-American native Californian. When not pondering a plot point or turn of phrase, she can be found playing the piano, singing, or walking her dogs. Kelly resides in Silicon Valley with her husband and their pets.
