Do you think writers need loads of confidence or a big ego to make it in this business? In my humble opinion a writer needs confidence and perseverance. It takes confidence in your ability to put your thoughts on paper and believe others will want to read them. Moreover it takes perseverance to continue your work as it hits the bumps in the road from creation to publication.
In contrast, ego can be a hindering influence. The tunnel vision of ego can prevent you from accepting constructive criticism and working in harmony with editors, proofreaders, formatters and cover artists. The result of an ego fueled pride is a humbling fall and can lead to severe discouragement.
The last few years have seen a significant influx of books on the market. Competition is huge. Do you take the market into account when you write your stories, or is it all from your heart?
I don’t consider the market because the characters in my head are led by a very strong-willed plot bunt. Seriously, I right what’s in my heart. When I began writing the market was strong in romance books that were borderline erotica. I like romance and believe it’s not necessary to have sex every three pages. The thing is, there is a reader for every writing style so, it makes it comfortable for me to be who I am as an author.
Not all of us are tuned into our emotions to the same degree. Do you think its possible for a writer who might be on the cooler side to write books that will touch a reader’s heart?
I do. There is an old saying in creative writing; write what you know. If by cooler you mean less erotic or less dramatic I would say its very possible. One of my favorite authors wrote a series that was high on drama, absent of sexual activity of any kind and I couldn’t put it down.
When did you learn that stories have power, and how did that affect you?
As an adolescent I was in advanced classes. During middle school my teacher had us read Another Country by James Baldwin. I became hooked on stories that spoke of protest and resistance while simultaneously showed how life could continue. I had just begun writing my stories and was already an avid reader. As I got older and became a participant in the political activity of the times I found the writings of the rebels and leaders of our times inspiring.
Fiction is just as powerful consider how many people you know swear to be Ravenclaws? Let us not forget the die hard activities of the Twilight fans.
If you’ve ever read Fahrenheit 451, you know the scene at the end of the story where everybody is memorizing a book to save for the future. What book would you memorize to save for posterity, and why that one?
You may find this peculiar but I would memorize the bible. I realize a great many people in the LGBTQ+ community have been hurt and permanently scarred by so called Christians. There are many of us who understand that the bible was not written to be a weapon to beat others about the head and shoulders with distorted interpretations. It’s a powerful tome that teaches us love is love, love is powerful and the best way to overpower evil.
What is your favorite book that you think just hasn’t gotten enough love in the world?
One of my early mentors in this genre is the author AJ Rose. She wrote a book called The Long Fall of Night. Most apocalyptic stories start after the apocalypse has occurred. This book starts before the event, takes you through it and brings you out on the other side of it by utilizing the journey of the main characters and an army team nicknamed Shockwave. It’s an amazing story, dramatic, romantic and action packed all at the same time.
Are you a masochist? Ha, ha. Or, in other words, do you read reviews of your book? What is the best and worst thing you’ve learned about authors and reviews?
The worst thing I learned about reviews is that not every reviewer honestly reads your book and understands your point. I write fiction based on true persons, places and events. I had a reviewer call me a liar! People had to tie me down. As a result I try not to make a habit of reading reviews. The best thing I learned is nothing feels better than when an author you admire and aspire to be like raves about your book.
What are your toughest scenes to write and is there a particular scene that was the hardest of all?
Scenes that hit close to home or heart are the toughest to write. In my book Collateral Damage, my main character Jordan had PTSD on top of his other troubles. Writing those scenes took a lot of time and wine.
What is your best advice to a newbie writer?
Don’t give up. This is not easy but it is rewarding. Find mentors and when you do make sure they are people you are willing to listen to. They will help you avoid the pitfalls of this business. Obey your betas. They are readers and good ones will tell you when something sucks. Don’t get mad. Fix it.
What is the biggest criticism as a writer you’ve ever received?
A reviewer called me a liar. Ironically that part of my book was actually truthful and had happened. It took me a long time to move past it. As you can see I still am not over it. I believe honest criticism is healthy and helps you improve as a writer. Personal attacks are another matter altogether.
What is the biggest surprise that has happened to you after becoming a writer/author?
People bought my books and had great things to say about them and me.
What is the greatest joy your writing has brought you?
I have made some of the most awesome friends and acquaintances. These are people who have been an amazing blessing in my life and taken me through a lot of trials.
Who are your writing companions? Dogs or cats?
My writing companions are two precocious cats named Freddie and Marshall. They keep me on my toes and make sure I know when its dinnertime.
Is there a topic or theme you don’t think you could do justice to in your writing? If so, what is it and why not?
Science fiction. I don’t seem to have science fiction characters in my head even though I am a huge fan of a lot of science fiction.
BIO:
Miski Harris was born &raised in NY with her younger siblings. She’s a nurse, and a veteran who raised five sons while traveling the world. When she sets her mind to achieve something, she’s unstoppable. Her two lifelong constants have been her faith and love of books. Reading is her mainstay, and she is rarely seen without her Nook which holds over 2,000 books. She loves to give the characters who reside in her imagination life and has begun to fulfill a desire to write books of her own. She published her first M/M romance novel after a close friend challenged her to join the National Novel Writing Month initiative. The result was the first draft of her book. Several edits later, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell: Book1 made its debut on Amazon bookshelves. It has since been joined by Book 2: Collateral Damage and there’s more to come. When asked to describe her in one word and friends say fierce. A past commander defined her as a “tender warrior”. Friends, patients, and strangers can always find a strong advocate in this woman who’s not afraid to forge ahead or speak her mind. Miski believes challenge defines worlds to conquer and lines to cross; love & faith are the most powerful forces in the universe, and the only thing hindering success is to fail to try. She invites you to join her in a world where love is second to nothing and life is the greatest adventure of all. Miski live in Prince Georges County, Maryland with her two precocious cats: Freddie and Marshall.
Writing Love, Life & Faith Without Limits
Leopards Lair by Miski Harris (included in the anthology)
What happens when two of the rarest of creatures to be found in the wild come together and their lives become clenched in a battle?
M’haven Chavis doesn’t believe in the existence of shifters. He laughed when his fathers told him as it became time for his first shift. In the forests of Washington State’s Tiger Mountain, M’haven ‘s no longer laughing, when life as he knew it is forever changed.
Jovan knows he’s a Leopard. When he meets M’haven everything in him says “Mate”. What shocks him is his senses tell him M’haven is a different species, a tiger. Their situation escalates when he learns M’haven’s life is at stake.
Will love be enough to save M’haven? Or will death be all they find together in the leopard’s lair.
Preorder here.
