Welcome to author
Stefne Miller. Stephenie's debut young adult novel
Salvaged was released in May.
Bio:
Stefne Miller was born an "Army Brat" and lived in many states growing up including: Oklahoma, Hawaii, Georgia, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Before trying her hand at writing, she held various jobs including working along side her husband in Children's Ministry; becoming the Director of Operations and later a Public Policy Specialist and Cabinet Liaison for then Governor of Oklahoma, Frank Keating; and later, a pharmaceutical representative for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.
In 2008, while visiting a friend out of state, Stefne had a dream. Upon waking, she wrote down the dream and Salvaged was born.
Stefne currently lives in Edmond, Oklahoma and has been married to Shaun, a realtor, since 1994. Shaun and Stefne have three sons - Jacob (13), Caleb (11) and Yohannes (10).
Interview:
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
I would go back to 1999 and travel to Ethiopia to see what my son looked like when he was a baby. We didn’t adopt him until he was 9 years old, so we’ve never seen what he looked like as a baby/toddler. We have one picture of him at about 6 years old – that’s it.
If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
Jesus – to say the blessing, give some advice and inspire everyone at the table. (Oh, and to forgive me for lusting after guest #3 from below)
Julia Childs -to do the cooking
Robert Pattinson – to look at and listen to his accent
Stephenie Meyer – to pick her brain (and to make Rob more comfortable)
Bob Stoops – to talk Oklahoma Sooner Football
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
My three sons. But don’t tell my husband he got left out. He would’ve been my next choice.
What is one book everyone should read?
The Bible – at least the words of Jesus in the New Testament. Because rather you choose to believe he is the Messiah or not, his words about love, grace and forgiveness are ones we should all aspire to follow.
If you were a superhero what would your name be?
I’ve always believed that the spelling of my name is so unique, I’d just use that. “Stefne” – sort of like “Madonna” or “Cher”.
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I would be a “jumper” like in the movie. I would love to be able to travel anywhere in the world in a split second and not have to pay for airline tickets.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Rocky Road
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Corn Puffs with 2% milk
What's your favorite music genre? Favorite artist? Song?
Anything from the 80’s. Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, Journey… really, I could go on and on. Favorite song? Faithfully by Journey.
Is there anything you need in order to write? (ie Chocolate, quiet, music)
Music. I’ve created playlists according to the type of scene I’m writing.
Night owl, or early bird?
Night owl.
One food you would never eat?
Livers, gizzards or any internal organs. Gross.
Pet Peeves?
People that don’t AT LEAST drive the speed-limit, use their blinker or pull out in front of you when there are no cars behind you. I get serious road rage and have told my children that cuss words aren’t bad words if they’re said in the car – and by me.
Skittles or M&Ms?
Usually I would pick anything chocolate, but between these two, Skittles.
Favorite Cartoon?
Sponge Bob Square Pants – especially the episode where Sponge Bob and Patrick tease Sandy about being from Texas.
What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Football!!!!!
How do you react to a bad review?
Negative reviews sting and they stay with me longer than positive ones. Sad but true. Hopefully, as time goes on I’ll learn how to toughen up. I think I’ll have to if I want to try to stay in this business.
If you could be a paranormal creature, what would you choose to be?
I think I’d be a fairy god-mother so that I could grant people’s wishes.
What is your favorite book that has been made into a movie?
To Kill a Mockingbird
What do you do when you are in-between books?
Catch up on reading. I don’t ever read a book while I’m writing one. For some reason it messes with my head. So, I read like a crazy person between personal projects.
Where is your favorite place to read/write?
My office/”girl cave”.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
Everyone loves a nice, sweet, innocent love story every once in a while!
If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world. which would it be?
Harry Potter
What is your dream cast for your book?
Attie – AnnaSophia Robb (I also have her in mind for a book I’m writing right now.)
Riley – The closest looking I’ve seen is Tim Urban from last season’s American Idol. But, he didn’t have Riley’s build.
Tammy – Emily Osmet (but with red hair)
Anne – the girl that plays “Taylor” on My Life as Liz – LOVE her!
Tess – Selena Gomez
Cooper – Christopher Egan
What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
Bridge to Terabithia
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
“You’re Not Alone” by Meredith Andrews
What is your favorite quote?
From the book: “Oh Anne, you like everybody. Why can’t you just be judgmental and hateful like the rest of us?”
Favorite general quote: “Love speaks louder.” A dear Ugandan friend of mine, Franciso, told me this.
If you were a super hero what would your kryptonite be?
Chocolate
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
A Salvaged Life – the word “salvaged” has a lot of meaning to it and I feel it fits me perfectly.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate and trash television… at the same time… and in large amounts.
What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
Housewives of Beverly Hills, 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom
How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
My girlfriends took me out to dinner.
Write a haiku about your book.
Damaged. Rejected.
Now restored and accepted
Fully living life
To learn more about Stefne and her books please visit her website:
http://www.stefnemiller.com/
Salvaged by Stefne Miller:
'My body was being torn apart, and my stomach felt as if it exploded. The pain was excruciating, and I was aware that I was dying... 'Mom?' My vision was murky, but I could see her face. It was bloody, and her eyes were large and full of fear. Her voice calmed. 'Get out of the car, Attie.' Her words sounded crisp and clear. I looked into the backseat in search of Melody and found her lying covered in blood in a twisted heap on the floor. I turned my attention back to my mother and out of the corner of my eye saw fire. 'Get out, Attie!' 'Mom?' Everything went dark.' Attie Reed should have died in the wreck that stole the lives of her mother and best friend. But her life was spared. Why? When Attie moves to Oklahoma to stay with the Bennetts for the summer, she hopes she has left her nightmares behind. But her battle is far from over, and Riley Bennett steps forward to help her fight the nighttime monsters. As the battle wears on, Riley begins fighting monsters of his own: his feelings for Attie. And Attie realizes she must begin to face the monsters of the night herself if she wants to conquer them for good. Can Attie's life be Salvaged?
Giveaway Details:
The winner receives a signed copy of Salvaged now, AND a signed copy of the sequel, Rise, when it comes out in the spring.
USA and Canada only, please.
Optional Extra entries:
1. “Like” Stefne on
Facebook
2. Follow Stefne on
Twitter
3. Sign up for Stefne's newsletter (just send an e-mail to stefnemiller @ yahoo.com and ask to be added to the newsletter list. (The newsletter includes deleted scenes, etc)
To enter the giveaway please fill out this form:
