Interview with Annie Miles, author of 'Misled'

Annie Miles is the pseudonym for the real woman portrayed in Misled. In real life, she writes a mystery series and is the mother of two sons and the legal guardian of her mother, who gives her new material daily. Annie is a firm believer in the saying, “People are put into your life as either a blessing or a lesson.” You will find both in the characters of Misled. It is the lessons that fuel the book and the blessings that fuel Annie. She lives in the South where she enjoys reading, writing, baking, and photography. She welcomes correspondence, particularly from women who are suffering through trying times.

For More Information

• Visit Annie Miles’ website.
• Connect with Annie on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Annie at Goodreads.

About the Book:

Title: Misled
Author: Annie Miles
Pages: 446
Genre: Women’s Fiction

When Diana, a lonely housewife, falls for Daniel--her daughter Annie's teenage crush—she will stop at nothing to ensure he stays in her life. In Machiavellian style, Diana betrays her daughter, secretively designing, controlling, and planning Annie’s future. It isn’t until years later, when Annie discovers letters exchanged by her mother and Daniel, that she learns the truth and sees the manipulation and lies that led her to a doomed marriage.

  

Twenty years later, when Diana is diagnosed with dementia and Annie is forced to be her mother's caretaker, she must come to terms with her mother’s betrayal, her husband’s deceit, and her own desire for love and happiness, all the while managing to maintain her sanity and sense of humor. Based on a true story, this book will shock, entertain, and astound you.

For More Information

• Mislead is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life!  Now that your book has been published, we’d love to find out more about the process.  Can we begin by having you take us at the beginning?  Where did you come up with the idea to write your book?
 

Misled is based on my real life. What I was going through was so intensely personal, I couldn’t talk about it with anyone, and I needed an outlet. I started writing about what was happening and what had happened in the past and the irony of it all. It was therapeutic but it also turned into a novel.

Q: How hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?
 

It was hard to live the most trying times of my life twice – once in real life and then again when I wrote about it. But I felt like I was telling my story to a friend and that helped. Writing the present day scenes was much easier than writing what had occurred 30 years before. Memories and feelings resurfaced that I’d just as soon not have revisited.
 

As far as advice, I’m a huge believer in beta readers. Not only in having them but in listening to what they say! If one person mentions something, you need to consider it, but if more than one person says the same thing, you need to listen and act on the advice. Beta readers made my book better.

Q: Who is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?

I got tired of collecting rejection letters from publishers, so I decided to self-publish. I felt like this was a story that a lot of people would identify with. I wanted to get the book out there for others who may have gone through (or are going through) similar situations. I think reading about something that you’ve experienced makes you feel less alone. I hope this book does that for some readers. On the other hand, readers who may not identify with the same struggles will be entertained. I’ve had readers say they feel a little guilty for enjoying my pain! But as much as the book is about drama, it’s also humorous, so I love it when readers laugh, cry, jeer, and cheer when reading the book.

Q: Is there anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?

Nothing I can think of. Publishing was easy. The hard part is promoting and marketing the book.

Q: What other books (if any) are you working on and when will they be published?

I’m working on the sequel to Misled. I also write under my real name and I continue to work on a series of books I publish “in real life.”

Q: What’s your favorite place to hang out online?

Definitely Pinterest. I can get lost on there for hours.

Q: What’s your nightly ritual before retiring for the night?

I love Jimmy Fallon. My nightly routine is to get in bed and watch Jimmy. I guess you could say I go to bed with Jimmy!

Q: Finally, what message (if any) are you trying to get across with your book?

“When you’re going through hell, just keep going.” Winston Churchill said that, but I hope my book shows that it’s possible.
  

Q: Thank you again for this interview!  Do you have any final words?

If readers like Misled, I hope they will check out the sequel, The Year of Ugly, due out soon. Readers won’t believe what has happened since Misled left off!

Thank you so much for having me here. It is so hard for authors to get the word out about indie work, and every bit of exposure is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 Annie Miles