Premium Promotional Services Author Interview:
Author: Jay Miller (Bingo the Banjo Picking Bear, Sal and
Sally)
What motivated you too write children's books?
My intentions were to write mystery novels. But when the time came to get started, I think Jesus had other plans. He put beautiful, innocent words and thoughts in my mind, which led me instead, to carry His message of love to little children. I have found much joy in that.
You have developed so many wonderful and colorful characters for your books. Which character is your favorite? Why?
Bingo, because he was my first fun character. He also plays a big role in my “All God’s Critters” Young adult novel I’m writing. (Comedy/Adventure) Bears are easy, lovable, and fun to write about. Did you know that Dancing Bears only appear to be dancing? Most likely, they’ve been Bee stung in the rear end while trying to rob honey.
Opal runs a close 2nd. She’ll steal a lot of hearts.
Music and song play a large role in your stories. Are you a musician as well as an author?
Yes, I play several musical instruments, but not professional. My intention however is for the children to experience Christian values and morals, to sing and play for the Lord. He likes music. We’ve learned that from the early Biblical teachings.
What is the most difficult part of writing a children's book?
For me, it is keeping the story within the right age level of understanding. That’s why I am writing an “All God’s Critters” novel for young adults that have a compilation of five different but related stories, yet there will be five individual toddler books in the series. There will be more All God’s Critters series to come.
Have you entertained the idea of writing a book in a different genre?
My concentration at this time is only on my “All God’s Critters” novel and toddler books. Perhaps at a later date.
All of your books have morals and Christian values instilled in the story. Do you feel that it is important for children's books to teach as well as entertain?
There are many great Biblical children’s books available for teaching. My books are different, in that fun and play lets them experience those things in a way that they will remember easier. An example is in the songs they’ll get to sing for Jesus. Then in the book Sal and Sally, they’ll get to blow bubbles for Jesus. Is that fun or what?
What, in your opinion, are the most important thing children and parents can learn from your books?
A great way of letting children experience what God wants them to know.
What's next for Jay Miller?
I will continue work on my “All God’s Critters” novel and toddlerbooks. I plan on trudging ahead, as I have faith in what God wants me to do.
Would you like to add any final thoughts before we close?
I appreciate all the hard work that you and Jo Ann are doing in promoting my books. Both of you are doing a fantastic job. I highly recommend your service to any author who needs professional assistance in promoting their work. It’s much more fun writing and leaving the difficult part for you professionals. To all the readers, I hope you’ll give my books a try. God Bless - Jay Miller
Apex Reviews Author Interview:
Author: Jay Miller (Bingo the Banjo Picking Bear, Sal and
Sally)
Apex Reviews: Jay, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking
forward to learning more about your books.
Jay Miller: Thank you for this opportunity to speak about them. Thank you
especially for the wonderful and professional review Apex performed as well. I
am very pleased that the books were found to be worthy of such a high rating.
AR: It’s our pleasure. What exactly
makes Bingo so musically inclined?
JM: Honey, I think! Most bears, after a good afternoon snack, the honey bees
always seem to sting them in their rear end as they run away. They’ll spend
hours afterwards shaking their bottoms, which makes them appear to be dancing.
Bingo comes from a long line of “Dancing Bears.”
AR: Out of all the instruments that he
could choose from, what is it about the banjo that captivates Bingo's interest?
JM: It’s that Hillbilly picking sound that goes with the dance; it’s got that
certain swing to it. It could just as easily have been a fiddle, except he
liked the banjo picking sound better. Besides, Grandpa said fiddling can
sometimes get you in trouble.
AR: Why is his relationship with his
Grandpa so special?
JM: All Grandpas are special! They always have time to take you fishing and do
lots of other fun things. Naturally, if you can keep their attention, then
you’ll be their favorite. Then, they’ll teach you lots of important things you
wouldn’t normally get to know.
AR: In Sal and Sally, what inspired you
to use sea creatures as the main characters for the story?
JM: It follows along the lines of my All God’s Critters novel as story # 2.
That story is about two fish named Sal and Sally, only the story is different.
It begins with the thrilling excitement of actually experiencing the fish eggs
being laid and what happens from there (you’d have to read the book to
experience that first hand to believe it). Toddlers wouldn’t understand it, so
I decided to let them blow some bubbles instead. I figured the kids would like
that.
AR: Is there really such a thing as a Texas Long Nose Cowboy
Shark?
JM: Several locals claim to have spotted them along the Texas
coastline. Some were claimed to have longer noses than others, but they all
appeared to be wearing red Cowboy hats.
AR: What is the main message that you'd
like readers to take away from Sal and Sally?
JM: Making friends and learning to get along with everyone. Also, understanding
how to try and turn a bad situation into something good.
AR: What draws you to Christian fiction?
JM: I knew many years ago that I wanted to write, but I thought it would be
mystery novels. When the time came to get started, something led me in this
direction instead. I believe that something was God.
AR: What inspired you to create and
develop the "All God's Critters" series?
JM: Again, that’s where God led me to start writing. I find it easy to tell the
stories using various critters in each. I think people will relate more closely
with them. I like to bring them to life as much as possible, yet leaving them
in their natural surroundings.
AR: Have you shared the books in the
series with churches, bible camps, or other religious institutions?
JM: That is my next step. I’ve been waiting to get the first three books
completed in the series to introduce them. Having good professional review
ratings now will make that task much easier.
AR: The illustrations in your books are
outstanding. Who did them?
JM: Bingo was done professionally by Bobbi Switzer through Outskirts Press. Sal
and Sally was done professionally by Jessica Ball (my niece). Opal, Herby, and
Squeaky was done professionally by Lee Qualls (my granddaughter). I was
extremely pleased with each.
AR: We noticed that you published Bingo
the Banjo Picking Bear through Outskirts Press. What was your experience like
with them?
JM: I found their service to be outstanding. They were very helpful and
professional in every detail. I would highly recommend them, and I plan to use
their service again.
AR: You published Sal and Sally through
Gather Community Press. Please share more with our readers about them.
JM: Gather Community Press operates through AuthorHouse Publishing. It’s a
means for special benefits for members of the Gather Community site to have
access to self publishing. My book was the first book to be published through
them. Again, as with Outskirts Press, I was pleased with their service.
AR: What are your future
writing/publishing plans?
JM: I plan on trudging ahead. Unless, by some miracle, I get an offer from a
traditional publisher, I’ll be self publishing my books. I have faith in what
God wants me to do (I have not submitted any books for consideration).
AR: Also, how can they contact you
directly?
JM: jmdls@charter.net.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to
share?
JM: Bringing happiness to children and bringing them closer to God is the goal
I have set. This is what God wants me to do. I want to wish everyone a very
Happy and Prosperous New Year! Remember everyday to thank God for another
beautiful day…it’s all about Him. Thank you for the outstanding service, the
wonderful reviews, and this professional interview. You have made me feel right
at home.
AR: Thanks again, Jay, and best of
continued success to you in all your endeavors!
JM: Thank You!
Author: Jay Miller (Opal, Herby, and Squeaky)
AR: Jay, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to
learning more
about your book.
JM: Thank you! I appreciate the great review
and Rhonda’s kind words
regarding my book. I especially appreciate the rapid
response to meet my needs. It was a job well done.
AR: What inspired you to craft this allegorical tale?
JM: Jesus Christ is
my true inspiration. Somehow, he causes beautiful, innocent words and thoughts
to come from me that I know I would never be able to express on my own. I feel
the desire to carry his message of hope to others, especially to the little
toddlers.
AR: Our reviewer
mentioned that the theme of forgiveness is prominent in the book. Is that what
you intended the story to entail?
JM: Forgiveness is the foremost value in
this story. I’m glad that Rhonda was able to reach that conclusion.
AR: What is the main message that you'd like readers - specifically young readers -
to take away from the book?
JM: It’s about friendship,
as when three completely different strangers join
together in prayer. It not
only puts God first, but he in turn will sometimes enable the impossible to
happen. Learning how to make good decisions when solving problems is,
hopefully, a natural result of putting God first, as when Herby told Opal not
to eat little Squeaky but instead to share their food with him.
AR: Opal, Herby, And
Squeaky is actually one of three titles included among "All God's
Critters," a series of toddler books that you've put together. Please
share more with our readers about the series.
JM: The series derives
from my main novel called All God’s Critters. It is a YA/Adult novel, and will
have a compilation of five different, but related stories. (70% Completed).
Following the
same line of characters are these five separate toddler books.
Book 1) Bingo the Banjo Picking Bear (Published)
Book 2) Sal and Sally (Published)
Book 3) Opal, Herby, and Squeaky (Published)
Book 4) Work in progress
Book 5)
AR: Has writing
Christian Fiction always been a passion of yours, or is it a genre that you
grew into over time?
JM: I knew many years
ago that I wanted to write. I thought it would be mystery novels. When the time
came to get started, something led me in this direction. I believe that
something was God.
AR: How has your publishing experience been with Author House?
JM: Professional! I’m
very pleased with their service. I would like to see my books in a more
competitive price range, however.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
JM: Merry Christmas! Remember … It’s all
about Jesus Christ our Savior!
Thank you for this wonderful review
and your professional interview. You made me feel right at home.
AR: Thanks again, Jay, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
JM: Thank You!
