Tuesday 2 October 2012

Author Interview: Gregory Miller

Today, we have author Gregory Miller in the hot seat with the release of his latest book, On the Edge of Twilight: 22 Tales to Follow You Home.

About the Author:

In 2008, Ray Bradbury wrote, "Gregory Miller is a fresh new talent with a great future." Miller was born in State College, Pennsylvania in 1978. In October 2009, his first collection of short stories, Scaring the Crows: 21 Tales for Noon or Midnight, was published by StoneGarden.net Publishing, and received positive reviews from bestselling authors such as Piers Anthony and Brad Strickland. This was followed in 2011 by The Uncanny Valley: Tales from a Lost Town, which received excellent critical recognition for a small press publication. His third collection, On the Edge of Twilight: 22 Tales to Follow You Home, has just been released. All three of his books are illustrated by artist John Randall York. A high school English teacher, Miller currently lives in Pittsburgh with his family. His website/blog is: http://authorgregorymiller.wordpress.com/ John Randall York's website is www.johnrandallyork.com.

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?


I usually have a concept, then, in writing the story, let it take me to its natural conclusion.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

Absolutely. And I love that.

What is your favourite food?

Chicken Tikka Masala

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Most definitely a night owl. I didn’t even know 5 AM existed until my boys were born.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I’d like to return to England, especially Durham County. My great-grandparents came over to America from Durham – from a little section of the city called “Billy Row” -- and I feel a deep cultural connection to it…The lay of the land is very similar to Western Pennsylvania, believe it or not. I’ve been there four times, but will probably have to wait until my children are older before I can return.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Not often. I find a regional setting I’m familiar with makes the story more authentic.

Do you listen to music while writing?

Sometimes. Especially Queen.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

On the Edge of Twilight: 22 Tales to Follow You Home is a mixed bag of short stories. Some are horror, some have supernatural overtones, some are slice-of-life realistic tales, some are nostalgic, some are shockers. Hopefully there’s something in there for everyone.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

That you should never write for recognition, but because the very process brings you personal pleasure and satisfaction. Publication is a wonderful bonus and a motivator…the “end product,” so to speak. But the process itself, however difficult, should be satisfying and rewarding.

Is there anything you would do differently?

In life? Sure, a few things. But I have a good life, overall, and I’m happy. But there are always more things to do, and see, and experience.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

Ray Bradbury was a dear personal friend and mentor. On the Edge of Twilight contains the last stories he read and advised me on, and it is dedicated to his memory.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

If you love doing it, you’ve found the right thing to do. Read, and write, as much as possible. Learn from what you read, and learn from what you write. But enjoy both.

What are three words that describe you?

Fun, inquisitive, passionate.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book

Gregory Miller writes: "...time fades old frights." A clever line yet not quite true, if one is to believe these stories, many of which feature the departed and their undiminished entanglement with the living. Miller walks an undulating line between the creepy and nostalgic, the macabre and sweet, the malevolent and innocent - a provocative blend that leaves the reader wistful for many who have passed, but also relieved to leave some of the more vindictive spirits behind. In short, this collection, his third, is a tapestry of diverse tales that resonate in surprising and unusual ways.


List of previous books if any

Scaring the Crows: 21 Tales for Noon or Midnight

The Uncanny Valley: Tales for a Lost Town

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

http://authorgregorymiller.wordpress.com/

Thank you, Gregory and good luck with all your books :)

You can read a sample short story from On the Edge of Twilight in the book spotlight:
http://booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/book-spotlight-on-edge-of-twilight-22.html



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