Friday Feature: Journeys Toward Publication and Beyond: Carolina Valdez Miller

Welcome everyone, to another Friday Feature. Today, we're talking with the fabulously funny, Carolina Valdez Miller. She's warm and gracious at her blog--I dare you to go over there, check her out and not have a blast. Double dog dare you! Alright, if everyone is back, we'll begin. :)

Carolina, thanks so much for being here today, and thanks for sticking around and answering questions from my blog followers--what a treat! Tell us a little about yourself.  

I write. I read. I play house. Sugar makes me happy. Call me Carol.

Okay, Carol. :) Tell us, what are you currently working on?

Currently working on a YA UF with a bit of a soft SF feel. It’s my third YA manuscript. I’ve never been more excited about a project.

Love urban fantasy. What made you start to write seriously?

I always felt I would write novels, but I never saw myself as a “writer.” I thought I’d be an actress, actually. I won writing contests and awards, and I STILL didn’t see writer as my identity. It was just a part of me, like brown hair. Then I double majored in English (literature) and creative writing, and then in grad school, I taught writing to college students. And STILL, I didn’t know. I was shooting for college professor. I didn’t buckle down and write with the intention of publishing until I stopped writing literary fiction and switched to YA UF in the last couple years.

Sounds like you found your niche! What stage are you in, currently, in your journey toward publication? And--how is that going for you? Has anything surprised you about this stage?

I’m working on a new project while finding a home for an old one. I’ll just say I’ve had some interest from peoples. But yeah, lots of surprising things in this business, at every stage I think. But most of all, I think I’ve surprised myself. I’m a more confident writer than I realized. That’s kind of freaking awesome. 

That is freaking awesome! As is the interest in your work--I'm hoping that you will have good news for us soon! 

Your blog is wonderful, and warmly followed. If you had to pick a favorite blog, what would it be?

You naughty interviewer, asking such a question. Blogs are like ice cream. Who has a favorite? (coffee with Heath) 

Mmmm. Is it too early for ice cream? Carol--tell us about your favorite blog post that you have written.

I haven’t posted it yet. Not sure I will. But it’s called, “Aw, F@#$ Me.”

I know, right?

I'll keep my eyes peeled for that one! What online resource have you found most helpful?

Honestly, I usually keep Thesaurus.com up while I’m writing. I have a poopy memory, and I’m often wracking my brain for the word that eludes me. I can usually come up with a similar word, so I’ll look it up and check the synonyms. I always know it when I see it.

I like that tip. And laughing about your 'poopy memory'. What has been your biggest trial in writing?

OCD probably. I’m an obsessive writer. I have SuperFocus, and it’s easy for me to tune out the rest of the world and do nothing but write. I’m surprised anyone talks to me anymore. I’m trying to be better about it, though—especially after I looked up from my laptop and realized my children were a year older than I remembered.

That sounds like a very useful 'trial' to have. What tricks have you acquired to make you write or create when you don’t feel up to writing?

I don’t really have that problem…so, I don’t know. I guess my advice would be to pick up writing as an addiction, like crystal meth. My less psychotic piece of advice might be to watch movies. For some reason, that makes me REALLY, REALLY want to write. It’s like an aphrodisiac for writing. 

Another great tip. It's nice to be able to watch movies and call it research! Fun! Carol, do you have a writing schedule? Are you an everyday writer?

I write every day, if you count editing. Actually, I normally write every night. During the day, while the kids are at school, I usually try to catch up on blogging comments or other blogs or…well, okay, sometimes, I’ll write then, too. Who am I kidding? I write all the time. It’s just at night no one’s allowed to bother me. They do anyway, but delusions keep me sane.

LOL. Tell us about a book that has impacted your writing life.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. My husband read the whole LOTR series to me while I was ill. It was the first fantasy story I’d consumed, and for the first time, I realized fantasy wasn’t lame. It took me a few (lots) of years to realize I could write it, but it planted the seed.

He sounds like a sweet husband. What a wonderful inspiration. What is your practical goal with your writing? Do you have a reach-for-the-stars goal that you would like to share?

Riches. Oprah.

My reach-for-the-stars-goal involves Jared Leto. 

Carol, so far, what has been the best part of your writing experience?

Falling in love with my characters. Meeting other writers and publishing people comes a close second.

I agree--there are some wonderful kidlit people out there! If you could create the perfect place for writing, what would it look like?

I’m thinking some cabin in the woodsy mountains with my muse Jared Leto in a hot tub.

LOL. If you could be a character in a book, and live within their world, what character would you be?

I don’t think I’d want to be my characters. They’re teenagers and angst sucks. So does acne. 

What other distractions are in your life?

Blogging. Driving. Sex.

It’s hard to do while writing. 

I'll say! And, just because I’m curious, coffee or tea?

Tea. Yorkshire Gold with a splash of milk.

Thanks for having me, sweet Heather! I had a blast!

Aww, I'm blushing. You're sweet too! Thanks, Carol for the great interview--I loved hearing more about your writing life! 

Everyone, please be sure to leave a message or question for Carol in the comments--she'll stop by to answer them. And, visit her blog on your way out. She's chock full of fun and encouragement over there!  Thanks again, Carol!