Blog Tour: Split Second by Kelli J Miller #nonfiction #interview

Biographies and Memoirs

Date Published: April 4, 2017

When does the American Dream turn into a trap?

What does it mean to succeed?

What really gives meaning to our lives?

 Kelli Miller never had to worry about it – she had it all: a family, a career, a sprawling home, even an executive title.  She thought she’d escaped her Midwestern roots and was sailing towards a golden future.  Then, in a pivotal moment, confronted with the shadow of death, she found herself suddenly awake to the grim reality:  the dream had consumed her life, and left her lost and alone.

In Split Second, Kelli tells the story of how she set herself free, and recommitted herself to the most important pieces of her life:  family, community, and a new openness to experience.  It is the story of one woman’s journey to find out what really matters and where her happiness ultimately lay.

Interview

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

So many of us are going through life doing what society deems important or doing what circumstances require us to do.  I hope my readers will be confronted with the importance of living an authentic life – a life true to their personal values.  I hope they will also find the inspiration to take their next steps to live an even fuller life –  to live the life of the dreams.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

One of the hardest parts of writing is allowing myself the time to capture the words when they are ready to come out (the inspiration to write does not come on a schedule).   Another challenge is allowing the words to get down on paper without judgment.  I am at my best when I let the words flow out unrestrained. 

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?

I have stacks of notebooks full of my writing.  This is the first book I’ve written, so Split Second is my favorite.

If you had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?

Split Second is a memoir, so the main character is me.  It’s a little awkward to cast myself in movie, but I would choose Sandra Bullock. Sandra portrays likeable characters with determination, tenacity, and grit.  These are the characteristics readers say they see in me.

When did you begin writing?

I started writing in my early teens to find my way through a complex web of emotions surrounding my brother’s untimely death.  I kept writing through high school and college, but instead of taking the time to publish my writing, I focused on raising a family and my technology career. When my father passed away, I found the will to publish my writing.  You could say I have been writing my whole life!

How long did it take to complete your first book?

Split second was completed over the course of six and a half years.  In addition to writing, I was raising a family, working in technology, and farming with my husband.  Persistence was key. 

Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?

I was inspired by my English teachers, long before I was inspired by an author.  My Creative Writing teacher in particular, encouraged me to write.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

I love this question – thank you for asking it!  My favorite part of the writing process is the “ah ha” moments.  These are those precious moments in time when I learn something about myself or about life as the words come flowing out. This is why I write – to uncover those revelations and to share them.

Describe your latest book in 4 words.

Breaking Through Self-imposed Limits

Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?

I have an abundance of ideas – family history, a love story, social issues, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to name a few.  I’m committed to exploring the world, personal growth, and writing to inspire others to do the same.  I’m sure the next release, whatever it is, will surprise everyone, including me!

About the Author

Kelli Miller is a business executive specializing in Information Technology.  Her career includes thirty years working for some of the largest, most successful companies in America.  Kelli recently returned to her roots, farming her family’s farm with her husband, while continuing her technology career with a local mid-size manufacturing firm. Kelli is the mother of three. She loves to travel, hike and spend time in the simplicity and raw beauty of nature. 

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