It has been a hot minute (i.e., nine months) since I last shared an author interview. I am so excited to finally be back in the game with an inspiring interview with the lovely Caitlin Miller! Caitlin is the author of the award-winning historical novels The Memories We Painted and Our Yellow Tape Letters.
Although her books are still sitting on my TBR (anybody wanna buy me a belated birthday present?? JK, JK), I've been following her on Instagram for some time now and have been so uplifted by her encouraging content! This girl is so creative, sweet, talented, and such a blessing to the writerly community! I hope y'all enjoy our interview. 😊
Hello, Caitlin, and welcome to Of Blades & Thorns! I am so excited to have you join us today! Before we dive into the interview, do you mind telling our readers a little bit about yourself?
So thrilled to be here! Yes, absolutely. I’m an author, editor, poet, writing coach, and part-time English teacher, so I wear a lot of hats nowadays. I’ve lived in Japan, Budapest, England, and am now back in the US, where you’ll find me with my nose in a book or a pen in hand as I jot down new storyline ideas.
When did you first begin writing? What inspired you?
I first started my writing journey when I was 13. For my birthday, I was gifted a book set, and that was the first time I’d read through an action-packed fiction story. I fell in love with the idea of creating a storyline that keeps the reader engaged and incorporates themes that will be impactful too.
How has your writing—your stories, style, etc.—changed over the years? Looking back, what have you learned since you began writing?
Oh goodness, my writing has changed so much over the years. When I first started writing, my stories were self-serving rather than God-honoring, and I was really convicted of that in my later teen years. I took a long break from writing, and then, once my heart was in the right place, God gave me an idea for a story, which ended up being my debut novel, The Memories We Painted. Something I learned since I began writing that’s stuck with me is this: if I’m writing a story so that I’ll get compliments or praise, it’s unfilling; if my goal is to make a difference in others’ lives and telling a story that points readers to God, it fills me with so much purpose.
You’ve released two historical novels thus far—The Memories We Painted and Our Yellow Tape Letters. Could you tell us about these beautiful books?
Absolutely! The Memories We Painted is a historical fiction novel set in the 1950s about a young woman, Josie, who received a life-altering diagnosis of polio as a child. As she tries to find meaning and purpose in her life when faced with her limitations, she discovers her love for painting—and using painting as a way to tell the stories and memories she’s lived.
Our Yellow Tape Letters is a World War II novel focusing on a young woman, Lucy, whose brother fights on the front lines, and a soldier, Jeremiah, who was close friends with her brother. When she receives news that her brother died serving his country, Jeremiah writes to Lucy; he’s the only one who truly knows of his friend’s time in the war—and how he died.
If there’s one thing you want to communicate to your readers, what is it? Why does your message matter?
The stories you’re afraid aren’t “good enough” to publish might be the exact ones that readers need. Don’t let your fears hold you back. You can never fully imagine the impact your words will have on someone’s life. Be fearless. Your message matters because if you were called to write, someone was meant to read your words.
What’s next for you in this stage of your author journey? Are you currently working on any other projects?
I’ve completed writing my third book, which I’m currently pursuing to get traditionally published. While I’m waiting to hear back from agents, I’m in the beginning stages of drafting my fourth book. I’m so passionate about these new books, and I can’t wait to be able to share more about them!
What are your goals or mission as a writer?
My goal and mission as a writer is to write stories that point readers back to God, the Greatest Author of all stories.
How do you keep your creative juices flowing, even during rough times?
There are two things I do. First, I’ll get out of the house and go somewhere where I creatively thrive—for me, that’s a coffee shop. Sometimes, just being out of the house and in a different environment helps me feel inspired to keep writing during rough times. The second thing I do is take any expectations off myself to meet a certain quota for that week—a specific word count—and let myself write as I feel I have the capacity to.
Do you believe God called you to be a writer? If so, how did that become clear to you and how would you encourage other aspiring authors to pursue their callings from God?
I absolutely believe that God has called me to be a writer. I was going through a very difficult season of life, learning a lot of hard lessons about suffering and how an all-knowing, all-powerful God can allow those He loves to deeply hurt when I felt so clearly God calling me to write my debut novel, The Memories We Painted—which is a book that explores so many of the hard lessons I learned throughout that season of life.
I would encourage other aspiring authors to pursue their callings from God in this way: never cling so tightly to a dream, passion, or goal that you would refuse to let it go if God asked you to. Surrender is at the forefront of our callings; we have to be willing to give up when He asks us to and not be willing to give up when the enemy tempts us to.
How have you seen God’s hand in your life?
Oh, goodness. In so many ways. One of the most profound ways would be as He’s sustained me through years of chronic health struggles. Even on my hardest health days, when I don’t think I’ll have the strength to make it through, He is my strength. I’m afflicted, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8).
In addition to writing fiction, you’re also an award-winning poet, editor, and book coach! (You go, girl! 😉) How can writers work with you on their books?
Writers can check out my editing services on my website (https://caitlinfaithmiller.com/editing) or contact me on Instagram (@authorcaitlinmiller). I offer developmental, line, and proofreading services, as well as writing coaching classes, and would love to work with any writers out there looking for an editor or writing coach!
Finally, where can readers and fellow writers learn more about you and connect with you?
My website: https://caitlinfaithmiller.com
Instagram: @authorcaitlinmiller
I’m most active on those platforms and would love to connect! :)
Thank you so much for joining me, Caitlin! I so appreciate you taking the time to share with us!
Thank you so much for having me!
the author
Caitlin Miller has long dreamed of spinning words into stories. She draws her inspiration from things most familiar to her: her relationship with God, her family and friends, and life lessons. In addition to being an author, she is also an editor, award-winning poet, writing coach, and part-time English teacher. You'll find Caitlin with her nose in a book or a pen in her hand as she jots down new storyline ideas.
Find Caitlin and her books and services here!
Have you ever read any of Caitlin's books or worked with her? How can you surrender your pursuits, dreams, and even your calling to God? Who should I interview next?
"because if you were called to write, someone was meant to read your words. " I LOVE that! And the other things you were saying about writing and callings, surrender and God. Thanks so much for sharing your heart!