Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Open for Submissions
Exclusive Interview with
Elizabeth A. Miles
When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was a little kid. I remember creating stories and turning them into mini books made out of loose-leaf paper when I was in first and second grade.
What makes writing your passion?
My passion for writing is fueled by the message of The Power to Pivot. I want everyone to know that they don't have to feel stuck, lost, or alone in their lives. If I can share a piece of my life that helps someone realize how powerful they are, I want to be able to do that. Also, I love the craft of language and writing, beyond the message.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since I was a little kid. I remember writing all sorts of short stories. As I got older, I took a bit of a step away from the creative writing, since I was working on writing for school projects. I returned to writing professionally in 2019, as the story behind This Is Where You Pivot formed.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
It was a mixture of excited and scared to pieces. My first book shares personal stories from my own life, so there was a part of me that wanted to run and hide as soon as we hit "publish." On a personal level, I was proud of the accomplishment, and that I allowed myself to go through the process of writing the book, and learning the publishing process.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I write in the nonfiction, personal development and personal growth genres. I use real-life experiences from my own life.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I can be an impatient person sometimes, and I know that writing as a career, when it comes to publishing a book, is a long-game. It takes time to craft the book, and then all of the steps involved in post-writing also take time.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
When I realize that I am having a block in the work, I know that is my queue to go play. I look for something, anything, that is fun that can also get me out of my head and away from my computer. Usually, I'll go for a walk or find a way to exercise, or I'll try to go to a museum or grab some paint and canvas and go paint in a nearby park.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
For new authors: keep writing and keep reading. Open your mind to the learning process and feedback from others. This is a field that involves continuous improvement. Keep practicing.
I am inspired every time I receive an email or letter from a reader who says that they found value in my work.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Stop being so afraid.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I do read them. know I can choose to see bad reviews as failure. I don't. Ultimately, all reviews are data, feedback for improvement. If someone feels moved, in any way, to read my work and comment on it, I am grateful. It means it resonated with them in some way. And, I realize that not every book is meant for every reader. It happens.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Honestly, I get very excited about good reviews. Who wouldn't. I have cried at a few of them. To hear that someone else enjoyed the work that took you so much time and energy to produce, it's incredibly validating.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
All the time.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The cover deserves as much time and care as the story itself. Yes. The cover needs to summarize the energy and the vibe and the message of your entire book in a picture. Not an easy feat.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love hearing from readers via email or on social media. I am always around for a chat.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It's fun and exciting. Strange, in some ways, but everyone is always so nice and supportive of the work.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I have a varied taste here. I read Walt Whitman and Edgar Allen Poe for the classics. I love Alan Watts as well.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I'd say "please stop...it's not nice."
What would you say to your readers?
You are never stuck. You are never lost. You are never alone. At any given moment, you can use your power to pivot, make a new choice and start again! It's your life, and you deserve to live the best one possible.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
Philadelphia. Married. My youngest is 16, oldest is almost 21. I am the mom of 4 kids and a dog.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am an aide for math instruction in an elementary school.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I read a lot. Love to work out. I am a huge fan of Broadway and theatre, as well as museums. Although, a lot of time, I love to find a local coffee shop and grab some coffee. I also love to cook and bake, and am a huge foodie, and love trying new restaurants.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Yes. I talk about this in my first book, but I was on a camping trip and heard a voice that said "this is where you pivot." I knew I couldn't ignore that voice, even though I had no idea where the heck it was coming from. The next day, I was hiking a mountain and was scared to pieces. I realized how bad fear can be when it comes to moving forward in life. When I got back to the campsite that day, the book started writing itself, basically. There was no holding it back. It was a catalyst to a lot of big changes in my life, all for the better, and all I am grateful for.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Yes. Coming soon. Stay tuned.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
There is not enough space here to answer this question well. There's a lot that is needed. Ultimately, I think we need more people willing to stand up and be a positive role model for our kids. Also, I think there needs to be a change in curriculum. We teach too much for the test. That's not learning. I am all for practical, hands-on, and real-life learning, giving examples that are relevant to the age level.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
A little bit of everything. As of this writing, I am listening to some Broadway musical tunes. When I write, I usually have classical music on. When I am in the car, it's something fun, upbeat, and sing-along-able.
Share a secret with us 🙂
There is so much power inside of you. You are limitless, and you are amazing. All you need to do is choose it. :)