Today’s author spotlight features author, blogger, and podcaster Kori D. Miller
Tell us a little about yourself
Here’s the nitty-gritty: I write sinfully scandalous mystery thrillers for adults, and create memorable adventures for young people. If you love Dr. Who, Sherlock, Star Trek, The Sneetches, Marvin the Martian, and Wonder Woman, then we should talk. I also love people-watching, and creating a storyline and dialogue for what I’m seeing. And I’d be lying if I said that some of those experiences don’t end up in my books. Tweet with me @kmillerwrites.
Tell us about your latest novel.
HUSH: A Dezeray Jackson Novel was published November 1, 2015.
Here’s the book blurb:
What secrets are you hiding? We all have a few. Private investigator Dezeray Jackson specializes in uncovering secrets. And she won’t stop until she discovers the truth.
Dezeray Jackson examines the cold case of a 13-year-old girl from Fremont, NE. As details of the case unfold, Dez is forced to confront her feelings about her sister’s unsolved murder, manage her relationship with former lover, Patrick Murphy, and diffuse the tension he’s creating with her current lover, Scott James. Things become more complicated when Dez begins receiving communication from a dead guy.
If you like Janet Evanovich, Marcia Muller or Sue Grafton, then you’ll love a series that combines all of their best traits into a smart, sassy, take no BS private investigator from the midwest, who has a penchant for weapons, scotch, fine wines, good-looking men, a great game of pool, and a Rottweiler named Godfrey.
Here’s what some reviewers are saying:
“…a detective novel that feels like a throwback to the good old days of Hollywood film noir – it’s about character and motivation…” Jenni Wiltz, author of The Romanov Legacy
“…entertaining, interesting, and well- written.” Joe Broadmeadow, author of Silenced Justice (A Josh Williams Novel)
“The author masterfully draws you into each scene with highly descriptive setups, and I was able to easily envision the surroundings as though I was there.” VP Smith, Amazon reviewer
“The characters in HUSH are clearly drawn, complex creatures. The most tantalizing is Dezeray, of course, but even minor characters get the full treatment from author Kori Miller.” Marcia Forecki, Amazon Reviewer
Where did the idea for your latest book come from?
Like a lot of mystery writers, my ideas come from a variety of sources. In the case of HUSH, I think I was watching the news and the newscasters were talking about a missing person, but honestly, it was so long ago, I can’t be sure! At any rate, I decided to research missing persons in Nebraska. That led me to formulate a story with two cold cases: a 13-yr-old girl and Dezeray’s sister, Savannah, who was killed 17 years prior. The only connection between the two cases is that they’re cold cases. Because Dez agrees to take on the case of the young girl, her need to know what really happened to her sister resurfaces along with new clues, of course!
Traditional, Small Press, or Self-publish? Why?
I’m an indie publisher and I love it! What I appreciate about the new publishing environment is that writers can choose to try all three avenues. That’s freedom! As a longtime entrepreneur, I enjoy running my own show, so to speak. I’m not afraid to dig in and figure out what I don’t know. For now, I’m self-publishing my Dezeray Jackson series, but I’m also trying the more traditional route for my children’s and MG books.
From a practical, money matters standpoint, indie authors outearn traditionally published authors. This is according to the most recent Author Earnings Report by Hugh Howey and Data Guy.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
My writing has been influenced by Janet Evanovich, Marcie Muller, Sue Grafton, and a few other female authors. I also like Dr. Seuss, the 39 Clues and Harry Potter series.
What makes a bad book? List a few you couldn’t finish.
Finding several errors on every other page usually stops me from finishing a book. My review policy is: If I can’t get into the book in the first ten pages, then I stop reading. There’s no value in forcing myself to read something I don’t enjoy. This is true regardless of how a book is published. To name a few more famous books that I couldn’t get through (or in one case forced myself to finish because people promised it would get better): The Twilight series and Fifty Shades of Grey. Neither of these are well-written. Both have weak female leads. And they’ve made millions. So, for me to say “x makes a bad book” really isn’t relevant. Consumers will buy and read whatever makes them feel connected to the work, and they’ll often be very forgiving about errors, inconsistencies, poor editing, or whatever.
How do you deal with rejection?
When I first began writing semi-professionally, I’d get angry and discouraged when I’d receive a rejection from an agent. Now I don’t care. What’s the difference between several years ago, and today? I’ve learned a lot more about how subjective the traditional publishing industry is, and that I can, in certain cases, do better on my own than with an agent. I’ve also learned how discriminatory the traditional publishing/review industry is regarding women’s work and work created by people of color. When I do consider contacting an agent, I let them know that it’s not just about whether I fit them, it’s about whether they’re ready to work with an entrepreneur who hits the ground running, and doesn’t press pause very often. The relationship has to work for both sides.
How can our readers find you?
The best way to stay connected with me (and to receive a free copy of Deadly Sins II: A Dezeray Jackson Mini-Series) is to visit www.koridmiller.com and join my mailing list.
Joining my Shadow Team also has special perks!
HUSH: A Dezeray Jackson Novel, Book 1 is available at:
Amazon
Kobo
iTunes
Barnes and Noble and NOOK
If you snag a copy, please consider leaving a review. Your reviews, good or bad, help indie authors like me, get discovered by more readers. Thank you! Kori
