Author Vanessa Miller is headed toward forever with the release of her 50th book.
Tell me about your latest book.
Forever is about the possibility of staying together.
Book 1 in the Let’s Stay Together Series (Forever) is bestselling author Vanessa Miller’s 50th Christian fiction title.
Real estate agent Jewel Dawson is headstrong, outspoken and very much in love with her fiancé, the mega-millionaire sports agent, Jackson Lewis. But after he gives her a prenuptial agreement to sign, she calls off the wedding because she could never marry a man who doesn’t believe in the possibility of forever.
Jewel was raised to appreciate the sanctity of marriage. Her great-grandparents lived to celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary, her grandparents just celebrated their emerald, and her parents are about to celebrate their coral wedding anniversary. Jewel believes love can last a lifetime, but her fiancé doesn’t have the same experience. Jackson’s father [is] currently on his fourth marriage and everyone around him was getting divorced.
Jackson loves Jewel, but has no idea if this love withstand the test of time. Jewel’s heart was broken by a man who thought like that, so she will not put her trust in Jackson unless he can promise her forever. Along the way, the two discover that lasting love doesn’t come easy, but with God on their side, anything is possible.
Why did you decide to write it?
I’m still a newlywed. I’ve only been married for three years, and I’m thankful that we’ve lasted this far because we live in a quickie divorce culture. You make me mad and I’m out. So, I wanted to write something about two people who learn what it means to not just get married but to stay together.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
Jewel because she is a complicated character. When you first meet her, you don’t know that she is carrying a lot of baggage from a previous relationship, but as it all unfolds, the reader will fall in love with Jewel as she turns to God to guide her through some sticky situations.
What was the hardest part about writing the story?
Actually, it’s the same thing that gets me with every book I write. The beginning. I am a fast writer, but not until I get a flow going with the story. I have to get to know the characters to get a good understanding for how they will react in certain situations. But once I get through the beginning, and get about 10,000 [words] under my belt, the rest of the book comes pretty easy.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would be the title and why?
Oh my goodness, I have no idea. My life would be so boring. All I do is stay home and write, spend time with my husband and my grandkids. No one wants a book like that. I try to live as drama free as possible and leave all the drama for my books. I thank my Lord Jesus for that.
Tell me about a book that changed your writing life and why.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. When I read this book, I was still working on my first series. The book had me laughing, crying, and so angry I wanted to jump back in time and take up for the main character. But it was also the ministry that I saw in a novel that changed me. By the time I closed that book, I remember getting down on my knees and praying for a double portion of the anointing Francine Rivers has that gave her the ability to write such a soul-stirring books. Now, every book I write, I want reader to feel God’s presence in the midst of all the drama.
What’s next for you?
Forever is my 50th novel, so what I want to do is take my time and enjoy this accomplishment. I will be doing a 50 Days of Book Lovers Fun, which begins on August 8 and ends September 25, 2020. I’m excited about this virtual tour because I want to spend time reconnecting with my readers, letting them know I’m still out here writing books that stir the soul and lead you straight to God’s redemptive love.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I also host the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat, which is a retreat that we normally hold in October, in Charlotte, North Carolina. We have adjusted to a virtual retreat this year. The virtual will be October 22=24, 2020. Readers can register at: www.christianbookloversretreat.com. And the in-person retreat will be held June 24=27, 2021. It’s all about Faith. Fun. Fellowship… and a whole lot of books!
To learn more about Vanessa Miller, visit her websites or connect with her on social media.
www.christianbookloversretreat.com
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77899021863/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vanessamiller01
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/vanessamiller
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christianBookLoversRetreat/
Use Black Fiction Addiction’s affiliate link to purchase your copy of Forever by Vanessa Miller.