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Interview with Paula Miller

 
Paula J. Miller

1. What inspired you to write to young children and about the difficulties they experience while going through tough times?
Every child will go through a difficult time in their lives. Peer pressure, family conflicts, inner conflicts about whether they are going to believe in Christ because their parents do or don’t . . . you name it. There will come times they each have decisions to make, and it’s how they react to those situations that mold them into who they are as adults.
There are a zillion books out there for children, and I have sons who are avid readers. I encourage my children to read, however I’ve been disappointed in several books. I find that most characters, when faced with a difficulty or tough time, make choices that are not what I would encourage my own sons to make. So, I decided to write books about children who face difficulties, but learn to rely on God when making their decisions.

2. During you time of losing your child what helped you through this difficult time the most?
As I mentioned above, every child goes through a difficult time - and as a child of God, I am no exception. After we lost our daughter, I learned to lean on God in a way I never had before. I never completely understood what ‘sackcloth and ashes’ meant until then. God became my rock.

3. What is your favorite bible scripture and how does it influence your writing?
1 Corinthians 10:31, Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. It reminds me that even the simplest act needs to give God glory - writing being one of them.

4. Who is your favorite Christian author, and how have they influenced your writing abilities?
I have several favorites. I love Martha Peace, she writes about heart issues and doesn’t beat around the bush about our relationship with God. I need that. In fiction I enjooy Lori Wick’s style of writing. Her stories are simple yet the characters emit such strong emotions that I hate when her books end.

5. Where do you see children in the future and how do you think your writings will influence them?
I speak at several schools each year and I’ve seen the rise in drugs, the push for ‘self-esteem’ and the decline of respect and responsibility. I’m not saying that every child does these things, but children as a whole have become very ‘immune’ to worldly teachings - it’s become their ‘norm’. It is my hope that God would use my writings to encourage them to look to God for help, for answers, and for faith.

6. Are you involved in any ministries to help mothers who have lost children at birth?
I’m not involved with a particular organization, but I have written my ‘story’ and given it to local churches and funeral homes to use in their ministry as well as posting it on my website.

7. What do you think is your greatest achievement you have overcome in your ministry?
Learning that God opens doors I never even thought of opening.

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I’ll still be a wife and mother first, but I hope in 10 years to have more children’s books published and be able to move on to women’s fiction.

9. How has your family helped you through your times of trouble?
My husband has always encouraged me and reminded me to trust God first. My sons have been a joy and a wonderful reminder of what I have and how I want to reach out to other children.

10. What do you have in the works presently?
Oh, several projects. My school visits are coming to an end as we are expecting another boy in about 6 weeks. I am avidly marketing One-Eyed Jack, waiting for revisions on the second book in the Faces in History Series, working on book #3, writing unit studies for Home School Enrichment, and contributing to half a dozen ‘gift books’ coming out soon. Oh yeah, supper is on the stove too. :)

To Purchase One-Eyed Jack - Rattlesnakes, lassos, bears and learning to trust God. How much can one boy and his dog handle?
 

Awarded the November Book of the Month by KidMagine

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Paula J. Miller's Web Site
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