Marti Pieper
February greetings! I’m back again this week with another CAN encore interview from yet another author friend. Kathy and I were “online-only” sisters until we met in person just before the 2015 International Christian Retail Show in Orlando. I’m honored to host Kathy today and to present some of her hard-earned wisdom.
Welcome, Kathy. Let’s get started right away. How many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles?
Kathy Collard Miller
I have 52 published books. Some of my latest include: Whispers of My Heart, Daughters of the King Bible Study Series; Never Ever be the Same: A New You Starts Today (co-authored with my husband, Larry); and Choices of the Heart, Daughters of the King Bible Study Series.
Great titles! You were last featured on the CAN blog in 2013. What are the chief lessons you’ve learned about the writing life since then?
Persevere. You never know what open doors the Lord might give. Shortly after that time in 2013, it seemed as though every door closed. I honestly thought the Lord was shutting down my writing and speaking ministry. Then I knocked at a door I didn’t think would yield results, but God opened it wide.
And how else has God shown Himself creative and surprising?
Besides that open door, God has led my husband and I to be lay counselors, something we never expected Him to do. Since our initial training twelve years ago, we have seen God bring a variety of people into our home for weekly and extended counseling. Our book Never Ever Be the Same shares the principles we use for helping people get to the underlying causes of their ungodly choices. My writing skills are effectively used in this venue also because I can edit my thinking to simplify my questions and instructions during counseling.
So what would you say are the chief lessons you’ve learned about promotion since your last appearance on the CAN blog?
Not to feel guilty when I don’t do everything everyone else does. More and more, I’m learning to abide each day asking God to guide me for the next moment-by-moment assignment.
That’s a great word, Kathy. What’s your favorite way to connect with your readers?
Interactions on Facebook.
What are your top tips for new authors promoting their first book?
Trust God. Pick your favorite two to three social media options and work on them. Don’t try to do everything or compare yourself to others who seem to do more. Believe that God can bring any fruit and all fruit He intends for His glory. If we try to do that which isn’t His plan, it won’t matter how much we work, it won’t yield. The results aren’t really up to us. We can only be faithful.
Thanks for these great reminders, Kathy. I appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise. Blessings!
To learn more about Kathy Collard Miller and her books, go to Kathy’s website and blog: www.KathyCollardMiller.com
For His glory, Marti Pieper
