Beyond The Cover With…
“No one owes you anything and the sooner you realize that, the better off you’ll be.”
Some stories are born from imagination, others from lived experiences and some begin as a quiet escape into a world of words.
For indie author, Bianca Miller, storytelling has always been a part of who she is. What began as a way to process emotions through diary entries and fan-fiction eventually became something more. Her latest book, Past The Stars, brings readers to the cozy fictional town of Quincey Falls, where the MCs (and readers) will discover that love — and people aren’t always what they seem.
Keep reading to learn more about her writing journey, the inspiration behind her latest release, the relates of publishing, and the human connections that make storytelling so meaningful.
When did you realize that storytelling was something that you wanted to pursue?
“I’ve been storytelling for as long as I can remember, even if hose stories were just indie of my head. I grew up coping with my emotions by getting the words out of my head. It started as diary entries and turned in a MySpace community where I wrote fan-fiction. At some point the act of writing stopped, there were iPhone notes here and there but nothing more than that. Then, I remember sitting down with my husband in 2020 as a burnt out teacher and knew I needed to do something. He pushed me to pursue my writing and I guess I never looked back.”
Tell me about your latest book?
“My latest book, Past The Stars, is a small-town rom-traum that takes place in a fictional town called Quincey Falls. The town is nostalgic and cozy and makes you believe in community. This story follows Scarlett, the town’s firecracker whose past has controlled her whole life. Recently, she was left at the altar and fears it’s because she doesn’t deserve love. Stetson is a country music’s biggest star and everything you’d picture of an arrogant play-boy… or is he? Their worlds collide in the most unexpected way and bring light to the fact that maybe everyone isn’t exactly who they seem to be.”
What inspired you to write Past The Stars?
“A lot of people might not know this, but I grew up in the country on a farm. From a young age, I found myself constantly wanting to be outside, wanting to get lost in the beauty of the mundane and it wasn't until I had to move away because of my parent’s divorce did I understand how lucky I was to have had so much beauty to grow up with. I also always hope that my stories bring some comfort to others, especially others that might be going through something. For example, Scarlett was sure she didn’t deserve love and I think it’s crucial for everyone to understand they’re worthy of love no matter what.”
How do you know when a manuscript is truly finished?
“I’m not sure you do? And if other authors do, please let me know your ways. Ha. But in all seriousness, for me, I just have to force myself to be done because I think I could continue to tweak and change so many things, so I set a deadline with my editors and once it’s handed off, I’m done until I get it back.”
What does your writing process look like?
“My writing process has evolved over the last three years and thankfully so. When I wrote Diving In, my debut novel, my writing was taking place entirely in the middle of the night. I did my best writing between 11pm-4am, but this was taking a toll on me mentally, especially with a tiny human running around. Since then, I took the leap to do this author thing full time, so when in heavy drafting mode, that occurs during normal business hours. Although, I’d be lying if I said I don’t enjoy a late night writing session every now and then, particularly when I’m struggling with what comes next.”
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned as an indie author?
“No one owes you anything and the sooner you realize that, the better off you’ll be.”
What is your favorite part about interacting with readers?
“The human connection. Our world has gotten so far away from human connection, it’s what I crave most. I was also once told that I could talk to a wall if I needed to, so it’s safe to say that I thoroughly enjoy conversation and when readers are able to connect with my stories it means more than anything else.”
What’s your ultimate comfort read?
“One downfall of this job is that I don’t read as much as I wish I could, BUT I am a mood reader through and through and my answer would depend entirely on my mood and what I was hoping to feel by the end of the story.”
Where can readers find your books and follow your journey as an author?
“Readers can find my books on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, or my website (www.authorbiancamiller.com). They can follow along on my journey on Instagram (www.instagram.com/biancamillerwrites) or TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@authorbiancamiller).”
What book made you fall in love with reading?
“I don’t think there was one single book that made me fall in love with reading, but rather the feeling that reading gave me every time I cracked open a book and fell deeply in love with the story, characters, and setting.”
With a love of nostalgic settings, small-town charm and characters who remind us that we are worthy of love even when we struggle to believe it ourselves, Bianca Miller creates stories that offer readers more than an escape. They offer connection, comfort, and the reminder that there is often more to a person than meets the eye.
Thank you Bianca Miller for giving us a peek Beyond The Cover. We can’t wait to see what comes next!
