C.J. Miller

My writing process changes over time. The only consistent element is that I write 6 days a week. Here's a basic idea of how I write. I start with an idea. I flush it out and outline the main components, like the hero and heroine's inner conflicts, the external conflict, twists in the plot and the general sequence of events. I usually get a strong sense of the beginning and the ending. I write the first draft. That takes 6-8 weeks working at least an hour a day, more often 2-3 hours. While I write, I re-read in blocks and ship chapters off to my critique partner. She sends those back and I review her comments in case the book has gone off the rails completely. I make some changes, leaving most of the comments as items to review later. I don't write with the TV on, the radio playing, or with an internet browser opened. It's just me and my characters. When I need to multitask or when I know I'll have distractions, that's when answer emails and work on promoti...

When someone learns I'm a soon-to-be published author with Harlequin Romantic Suspense , the most frequent question I'm asked is, "Where do you get your ideas?" The answer is simple. Lots of places! I can normally pinpoint exactly what set off a story idea or who inspired a character's traits. Real life is a great source of inspiration. I have a friend from another country who came to America, fell in love with an American man, and they wanted to marry. The American man and America was okay with it. The woman's family - who were royalty in her country - were not happy with the marriage. Her parents wanted their daughter to marry someone of her social and economic stature - and from her native country. I have another friend in the opposite situation. She went to another country, met a man, fell in love. She wanted to marry him and bring him home to America. They married and then learned that America was not okay with allowing this man inside the border....

I received an email from one of the winners of the Harlequin Romantic Suspense Pitch Contest asking me about my online pitching experiences. Harlequin holds online pitch contests quarterly, possibly more often, for various imprints. It's a chance to enter a contest (a FREE contest) and win time with an editor to sell them on your book idea. Worst case, it's pitching practice. Best case, you get a request and can send your materials as REQUESTED MATERIALS. I thought I would share what I told her in case anyone else finds this helpful: - If you can, have a one line blurb ready to answer the question, "What is you book about?" When I did the pitch contest, I was given 10 minutes with an editor in an online chat room. The time flies and you don't want to waste time thinking over how to succinctly discuss your book. For ideas, read the back cover blurbs on HRS books (they are on the Harlequin website) - Prepare a few statements about what makes your book unique...

My book is soon-to-be published and therefore I have not been reviewed on any websites, magazines, or newspapers. I have begun to think about (and prepare) for when my book is reviewed. Not everyone is going to like it. Some of those people may be book reviewers. This is a great post on what to do about a negative review: what to do

My first book with Harlequin Romantic Suspense has an official title: Hiding His Witness I love it. So excited. Thrilled, in fact. Most of the Harlequin books I've read have titles that clearly spell out what the book is about and mine is no exception. I had some other title suggestions, including one that my editor also had thought of and liked, but the title can't be too similar to other books due out around the time mine is released.

If you've been following my progress since receiving a contract offer from Harlequin Romantic Suspense, I've been doing my best to track my writing activity on this blog. I hope it is helpful to get details from a soon-to-be published author about what happens after The Call. Yesterday, I was introduced to the system Harlequin uses for creating cover art and back cover copy. The artists and editors ask for author input, such as suggested scenes, descriptions of characters, and plot synopsis. The hardest part for me is explaining the book briefly to someone who has never read it. I sink into the thick of my plot and my characters and it's hard to take a step back and type a few sentences explaining clearly what the book is about. My editor (every time I type those words, I feel like a rock star...) also asked for a few suggestions for titles. My working title is Double Witness, which is lacking on the romance side. I'm doing some brainstorming at the moment and have ...