Ask the Author: Miranda Shisler
Answered Questions (6)
Miranda Shisler
I have days when I don't feel like writing, but I try to write anyway. Or I stare at the wall and think.
If it lasts more than a week or so, I realize I am in need of inspiration. Usually it takes a few really good books that keep me up all night, or some time in nature or in a new place. And, of course, spending time talking one-on-one with interesting people is my biggest inspiration.
If it lasts more than a week or so, I realize I am in need of inspiration. Usually it takes a few really good books that keep me up all night, or some time in nature or in a new place. And, of course, spending time talking one-on-one with interesting people is my biggest inspiration.
Miranda Shisler
This is hard to answer, because I've ALWAYS been a writer. I don't know any other kind of life. Writing is how I process, how I think, and I've been doing it as long as I can remember. In fact, it was a surprise to me when I grew up and realized not everyone does it.
I think for me, the best thing about being a published writer is getting to interact with the people for whom I wrote the stories. Knowing that my characters live in other people's minds and have helped them grow is an incredible thrill.
I think for me, the best thing about being a published writer is getting to interact with the people for whom I wrote the stories. Knowing that my characters live in other people's minds and have helped them grow is an incredible thrill.
Miranda Shisler
I could go on forever on this topic. Here are the three things that come first to mind:
1. Don't be in a hurry. Expect the process to take years. Don't force yourself into the spotlight. We have great resources these days that do not require that magical relationship with an agent or publisher, BUT it is being seriously misused, which makes it hard for the ones who ARE ready. Nothing should be presented to readers for sale until it has been rewritten a few times, edited countless times, and has been meticulously edited by someone who does it professionally. It's also a very good idea to let at least 10 other people read your first books for sale before they are published, to get feedback and find your audience and genre.
2. Don't let the publishing world discourage you. Yes, it's a harsh fact of life for writers who are artists, who are by nature extremely sensitive. There will be negativity and rejection, but only let it make you try harder, learn more, and keep going. There's no time for wallowing when we artists have an important job to do in this world. And our job doesn't have a lot to do with how much money we make or how many people we can convince to buy our book.
3. Don't be scared of being your own publisher WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. When you have learned enough about the process to present a book that is equal in quality to a traditionally published book, then by all means, figure out the process of doing it yourself if you find your goals are at odds with agents and publishers. I decided to Indie publish when I figured out it wasn't my quality of writing that was bad, it was my goal to inspire spiritually and reach a select group of readers that didn't jive with the agent's desire to make money.
1. Don't be in a hurry. Expect the process to take years. Don't force yourself into the spotlight. We have great resources these days that do not require that magical relationship with an agent or publisher, BUT it is being seriously misused, which makes it hard for the ones who ARE ready. Nothing should be presented to readers for sale until it has been rewritten a few times, edited countless times, and has been meticulously edited by someone who does it professionally. It's also a very good idea to let at least 10 other people read your first books for sale before they are published, to get feedback and find your audience and genre.
2. Don't let the publishing world discourage you. Yes, it's a harsh fact of life for writers who are artists, who are by nature extremely sensitive. There will be negativity and rejection, but only let it make you try harder, learn more, and keep going. There's no time for wallowing when we artists have an important job to do in this world. And our job doesn't have a lot to do with how much money we make or how many people we can convince to buy our book.
3. Don't be scared of being your own publisher WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. When you have learned enough about the process to present a book that is equal in quality to a traditionally published book, then by all means, figure out the process of doing it yourself if you find your goals are at odds with agents and publishers. I decided to Indie publish when I figured out it wasn't my quality of writing that was bad, it was my goal to inspire spiritually and reach a select group of readers that didn't jive with the agent's desire to make money.
Miranda Shisler
Midwest Maidens Book Two - "Whiter Than Snow." It is Kathleen's story, and I can't wait to share it! It has a sort of "Prodigal Son" feel that I hope will meet readers where they are and help them to see the incredible love God has for the most wayward of His children.
Miranda Shisler
I am inspired by songs, artwork, nature, and other books in a more "global" way, but I am inspired at heart by watching people. By listening to them. I love to see them unfold, and the most interesting people to me are the ones that aren't afraid to color outside the lines of the normal and expected.
Miranda Shisler
My sister (biggest fan, harshest critic) told me a few years ago I should write more of what I know. I don't know if "Where We Belong" was what she had in mind, but I decided it was time to write a book in my favorite time period, in the Midwest where I have lived all my life, and with a main character who sees life in much the same way I do.
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