Vanessa Miller
Author Interview - Vanessa Miller
Author of The Light on Halsey Street
Two girls’ lives are irrevocably intertwined the summer of 1985 in the streets of Brooklyn, New York, and neither will ever be the same in this coming-of-age story that spans decades.
In the summer of 1985, Lisa Whitaker is a church kid headed to college on a scholarship while her best friend, Dana, is floundering in the wake of her mother’s latest eviction. Though Lisa tries to help, their paths diverge. Fifteen years later, Lisa has a beautiful family and is stepping into her dream job as the director for a social services organization. Everything is going right—until her future is snatched away by identity theft. Her life begins to unravel, and Lisa wants nothing more than to see the woman responsible pay for her crimes.
When she was a teenager, Dana Jones always felt alone in this world. Her mother was addicted to drugs, her boyfriend was entering a life of crime, and it seemed Dana, too, was heading down the wrong path. The only bright light was her friendship with Lisa. Now, in the new millennium, Dana finally gives herself permission to dream—to believe she is stepping into better days. But when the betrayal of their friendship comes to light, it will take a lifetime to forgive the destruction that youthful summer in Bed-Stuy set in motion.
In this latest story from beloved author Vanessa Miller, two girls from the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, find that their paths have been woven together by the love of community and a friendship that is tested by time, betrayal, and unforgiveness.
Author Interview - Vanessa Miller
Author I draw inspiration from:
Francine Rivers. I love her writing style and became a lifelong fan after reading Redeeming Love
Author Interview - Vanessa Miller | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
In an oversized chair in my bedroom.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
Louella Montgomery from The American Queen. This is my historical releasing January 30, 2024. Queen Louella is simply the most fascinating character I've ever written about. Mainly because she was a real person and did so many amazing things.
If I was in an elevator with her, I'd ask how she found the grit to become the queen of the Happy Land.
Author Interview - Vanessa Miller | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
I was nine years old with a pencil in one hand and paper in the other. I started writing a poem and haven't stopped writing since.
Hardback, Paperbook, Ebook or Audiobook:
I read all four formats. I love hardcovers because I can remove the jacket and keep my book intact. Paperbacks are more economical, but I hate when I damage the cover.
I love the fact that i can increase the font on my ebooks. As I get older, that increased font is very important. Lol
I listen to audiobooks when I walk in the mornings. I love when the narrator really gets into the story. But I sometimes, I hear something that is magical, I want to hear it again, but have all sorts of trouble getting back to the right spot.
Pen & paper or computer:
I use pen and paper when I'm working on marketing ideas for my books. But it's computer all the way when I'm writing or outlining my books.
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
If I weren't an author, I would be an event planner. Hey, wait, I am an event planner. I do an event called the Christian Book Lover's Retreat once a year and totally love entertaining the hundreds of guests. So, without the time needed for writing, I'd probably plan more events.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
70s. That decade was full of expression, fight-the-power, big afros and bell-bottoms. What's not to love?
Place I’d most like to travel:
Italy. This destination has been on my bucket list for years. It's a place I would like to take my family and share in the history and the beauty of the area.
My signature drink:
Ice water with lemon and strawberries... it tastes really refreshing.
Favorite artist:
My favorite singer is CeCe Winans. I cry almost every time I hear Alabaster Box.
Number one on my bucket list:
Selling over a million copies of one of my books.
Find more from the author:
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vanessamiller01
Join me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorvanessamiller/
Join me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01
Website: www.vanessamiller.com
Author Bio:
Vanessa Miller is a best-selling, award-winning author, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.
Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Maga-zine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including the 2022 Best Christian Fiction award for her novel, Something Good at the African American Literary Awards Show. She has also received the Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award and the Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.
She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on The Light on Halsey Street (rel. September 5, 2023) and The American Queen (rel. January 30, 2024) with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins).
In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian and clean fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat.com/index.html
Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.
Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.
“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.
“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.
“A dramatic plot and uplifting resolution… result is a potent testament to the power of faith and family.” –Publishers Weekly.
www.vanessamiller.com
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