2010 June | to the heart of history - writer Nicole M. Miller

News and announcements

Posted by Nicole on Jun 30, 2010 in Writing | 3 comments

First off, I’d like to announce that my wonderful critique partner, Heidi, has started up a blog with a very interesting story – how her training for a marathon is like writing a novel. Check it out at: http://heidichiavaroli.blogspot.com

As a side note- here are the links to my other awesome critique partners!

Sandy Ardoin – http://www.sandraardoin.com/
Edwina Cowgill – http://musingsofedwina.blogspot.com/

Next – I’m excited to say my rewrite of my NaNoWriMo manuscript is completed (now for little edits here and there). It has been retitled – “Beautiful Pretense” and I’m now preparing the manuscript proposal for the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference.

Finally – I have to highlight the funniest video for writers that I’ve ever seen. If you’ve ever read a Donald Miller book, you will find this even funnier. As a Portlander, it is on a whole other level. Thank you to my fabulous friend, Caitlin, for posting this on her blog! Enjoy!

Christy Awards

Posted by Nicole on Jun 27, 2010 in Writing | 0 comments

Congrats to everyone who received a Christy Award or nomination. Special congrats to Jill Williamson who is a member of my writing group and a true gem of a person! Also, the talented Christina Berry was nominated for the first novel category and is truly a winner in my mind because of her encouraging story and dedication!

All of these novels (and many more) are also on my to-read list!

Contemporary Romance
Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale House Publishers)

Contemporary Series, Sequels & Novellas
Who Do I Talk To? by Neta Jackson (Thomas Nelson)

Contemporary Standalone
The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson (Thomas Nelson)

First Novel
Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent (Tyndale House Publishers)

Historical
Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Historical Romance
The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen (Bethany House Publishers: a Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Suspense
Lost Mission by Athol Dickson (Howard Books: a Division of Simon & Schuster)

Visionary
By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press)

Young Adult
North! or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Ch-ch-changes…part 2

Posted by Nicole on Jun 23, 2010 in Writing | 0 comments

Revisions – do they ever truly end? Most writing is never truly “finished.” In fact, there are many writers who never read their novels once they are published.

Just as I’m preparing for the summer conference and making the final tweaks to my manuscript, lightning strikes and I’m taken by surprise.

It comes to me: there are some changes I have to make to the story. And it basically requires rewriting most of the first half of the novel.

Okay.

Ready. Set. Go now if you want to finish this on time!

I’m not complaining, because I’m already immensely pleased with these changes and know it is going to be best in the long run. But boy does this throw a wrench in the engine.

So it’s back to work with the writing and rewriting. All for the better!

Also on the chopping block: my old title. New title: TBD. (no, it isnt actually “TBD.” I’m just undecided.)

Review: Love on a Dime

Posted by Nicole on Jun 21, 2010 in Book Reviews | 1 comment

Summary: Turn of the century novelist Lilly Westbrook learns that being faithful to her calling means more than just putting pen to paper.

It’s the summer of 1899 in Newport, Rhode Island, and Lilly Westbrook is struggling to conceal her career from family and friends because of the stigma attached to dime novels. Lilly feels good about her secret—after all, she’s enlightening working class girls with her books and honoring God by using her talents to His glory.

But her secret is threatened when Jackson Grail, a former suitor, becomes Lilly’s new publisher. He’s determined to revive his floundering publishing house by maximizing their most promising–and most secretive–author. His plan? Find “Fannie Cole” and convince her to go public.

When a gossip columnist discovers Lilly’s true identity, she finds that being faithful to her calling involves more than just putting pen to paper. It requires that she stand up for her faith and for herself, no matter the consequences.

My Review:

I was instantly drawn to this book for many reasons. Of course, because it was about a novelist and it was historical. Got me there! But Lilly’s character was endearing and earnest and had me rooting for her all along.

I enjoyed the atmosphere of the Gilded Era in New York and Newport. I hope this new plethora of Gilded Era novels continues. It is a time of paradox and glamour. Society who would shun people and abandon the very values they laid claim to every Sunday.

The hero, Jackson Grail, is a hard working man with a devotion and drive that you rarely find. He rose from the bottom of the society into the top and finds that the prosperity isn’t all its cracked up to be. A lesson for us all to take note.

“Love on a Dime” was an engaging read but did lag a little in the middle for me. However, the ending was so delectably satisfying, The main character was so real and so passionate about her writing, I connected with her. A wonderful read as the summer draws near. I can’t wait to see what more Cara Lynn James has to offer in the future!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

Manage the blogs you follow…

Posted by Nicole on Jun 18, 2010 in Book Reviews, Photography, Writing | 0 comments

Follow a dozen blogs all in one spot! No flipping from page to page: Google Reader. This may have been around for a while, but I’m slow on the technological updates.

I highly recommend this! It has already made my life easier and it is accessible from any computer rather than flipping though your “favorites,” which is limited to your own computer.

There’s my plug for Google! (No, I’m not a paid advertiser, though that would be nice.)