Fighting Prose Interview with Marissa Miller!

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

Marissa Miller

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

I've been an aspiring storyteller since I was about two. I wrote my first "book" as a gift for my mom when I was six. Then I have continued writing ever since.

If you've written several books, which is your favorite?

I think The Grim and The Fantastic is my favorite. It was one of those stories I felt I needed to tell. I had the idea in a dream, so I got to actually walk through the realm I created before putting it on paper.
I think it has an important message and is unique in its story. Moreover, I think it has the most potential to touch the heart of a sick child and give them some escapism and encouragement. That is what makes it special.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I'd say I am often drawn to fantasy stories. But, I will read any book of any genre as long as I connect it with it. I try not to limit by genre and more by the content of each book. I have a hard time with non fiction though, so I try to stick to fiction typically. But, I know it can get under my skin when folks will refuse to try a perfectly wonderful book because "it isn't in their genre." So, I actively try to fight genre prejudice, and read whatever sounds appealing!

How do you get in the mood to write?

I always have to have a cup of tea. On a perfect writing day, I will have a warm cup of tea, a cloud burst will lure me outside to race through it, I come in and dry off, get cozy, grab my tea and write to the sounds of heavy rain, thunder, and flashes of lightning. But, if I don't get my "perfect storm," I usually just sit down with the cup of tea. Or sometimes I watch/read something I personally find inspirational that gets me in a creative mindset. Going to a coffeeshop to write has been a long time favorite as well.

How do your characters come together?

I will do a rough character outline and backstory for each character to start off with. Then, I like to go more in depth sometimes, and I assign my characters Myers Briggs personality types and enneagrams so I have authentic psychological traits and motivations to pull from to make the characters feel more tangible. It is really amazing the added layers of depth you can get from it, if you have the patience to deep dive into researching it. For other projects, I honestly just start writing and the characters start sort of building themselves through dialog mostly.

How do you get your ideas?

Random chance, usually. Sometimes I will be inspired by something specific, like a movie, photo, or song. But, more often, an idea just pops up and I write it down. Or, I am a vivid dreamer, so if the dream was interesting when I wake up, I will write it down as a concept piece.

Who do you admire the most in the writing world?

So, I can't pick one, but I will give you my dinner part version!
It might be cliché, but I really have admired the depth of world building done by J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis, and J. R. R Tolkien. As an overall deliverer of storytelling, I would say my all time idol is Walt Disney (though he didn't necessarily do the writing, he oversaw the overall presentation of story). Beatrix Potter as well, for being so ahead of her time with her sense for marketing her books, persevering, and her beautiful illustrations and charming stories. Each of these authors/illustrators/storytellers have withstood the test of time. If I could have a dinner party of creatives, they would be the guests!

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I am also an illustrator, so I enjoy doing art as well. I also spend my time consuming all things Disney, learning new things, reading, and spending time with my pets and family.

Have you always been creative?

I wanted to be Walt Disney since I was two. I wanted to be a cartoonist, voice the cartoons, and write the stories. Eventually that whittled down to just doing the writing. I dabbled in art as a hobby but never had much confidence in it. Then, I ended up having to come up with the illustrations for my first book, Chasing Figments, and it sort of forced me to acknowledge myself as an artist as well. I enjoy using acrylic and watercolor paints, and some chalk pastels in my projects.

Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, how did you get out of it?

All. The. Time. I watch something with a story I really admire, or I listen to an instrumental track that sounds like there is story to tell with it. I don't really try to force anything though. I prefer to let it work itself out, even if that means switching to a different project for a little bit, painting instead of writing, or steeping myself in others' creative works. Eventually, my brain unsnarls and I will go back to it, but I like to allow the room so I don't fix the block just to write myself into a corner five seconds later.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

Some days it is easy, other days it is hard. I keep showing up because I have had a love of stories my whole life. I have to create somehow, and my medium of choice will always be words. Even if the words don't flow one day, and that is super frustrating in the moment, they will flow again another day. I usually have a few projects going at once, so if I can't get into a groove with one, I swap it out for a different one and that typically keeps the ball moving.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Don't be too caught up on advice from others. Though it can be helpful, writing is such a personal thing, and the story you have within you is YOUR story to tell. Sure, there are certain truths, like polish your manuscript before publishing, make sure there is a good flow for the reader to understand, and always be wary of plot holes. But, as far as the craft, you've got to find that for yourself through trial and error. What one person may swear is the absolute worst way to open a book, another person may tell you it is their absolute favorite way to open a book. Creativity is subjective, so never let advice constrain your own writing voice, but remain open to observations you might be too close to the work to see for yourself. The balance lies somewhere in the middle and that is for each writer to figure out for themselves.

What is your dream writing location?

A beautiful art/writing studio with big windows and a good thunder storm. Oh, and there must always be tea.
The most special place I have ever written at was a journal entry sitting in the Eagle and Child pub in Oxford, England. I sat in the Inklings regular booth and it was an absolute dream. I also got to do a bit of writing in a secret garden at a small villa in Tuscany. Those were like, out of this world writing locations for me that were dreams come true. The studio is more like an average everyday dream location.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

What age group is this book for? I have two children's books (a picture book and a middle grade book) that follow the theme of using imagination to conquer difficulties in one's life. Because of the subject matter, and the fact that I don't like to play down the struggles children can face, people often will ask me what age group my books are for.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Merton Clarke. He is my protagonist for The Grim and The Fantastic and he was based on my late grandfather, whom I would give anything to have back again. He was simply one of the very best people. Merton Clarke isn't him exactly, but close enough to be a sentimental tug on my heart.

What do you think makes a good story?

Authenticity and heart. I can't jive with a story that feels to contrived and "by the book" writing-wise. I like a book to feel unique to the author, with characters I can connect or sympathize with. Or, even a character you can really hate. If you get all that, then you have a story rich with authenticity and heart from the author, and that will shine through the pages of their book to keep you reading.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A cartoonist/voice actor/author/archeologist. Or Just become Walt Disney somehow. I believe there was a brief stint where I wanted to be singer as well. I have gone through phases, but the storyteller vibe has always been the strongest pull.