Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Kelly Miller
Book Title: A Dutiful Son
Released: 04/04/23
Genre: Historical Romance/Classic Derivative
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “A Dutiful Son”?
Miller: Thank you for asking, Heather! "A Dutiful Son" is my most popular Austenesque Regency romance! I wanted to explore the possibilities of what might happen if Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy's father is still alive when he meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I felt that since the Mr. Darcy in Canon lost his father five years before meeting her, this version of Mr. Darcy would be different: The past five years with his father's influence would ensure he behaved better. The Mr. Darcy in "A Dutiful Son" would not insult Elizabeth; rather they like each other from the start. This Mr. Darcy faces falls for a lady of whom his father would not approve.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Miller: I am borrowing Jane Austen's names for the main characters in "A Dutiful Son." Other character names are chosen because they would have been in use in the Regency Era. However, I participated in a fundraiser for Ukraine before this book released, and in exchange for a qualifying donation, I gave Ann Shortell, author of "Celtic Knot," the right to name a minor character. She chose "Herbert Solway." So that became the name of a tenant at Pemberley estate. Mr. Solway's son, Davy, appears in a pivotal scene.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Miller: I am often frustrated when I encounter books, TV, or movies where a storyline does not make sense or has plot holes. Of course, we all have different experiences and expectations, but I write plots that make logical sense to me while adhering to the customs and language of Regency England. It is a particular challenge to write historical fiction, but I enjoy the process-even though I must constantly look up words or phrases to ensure they would have been used back then. My books have won multiple awards, so I hope that means I am on the right track!
If "A Dutiful Son" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Miller: The challenge is always finding someone age appropriate, since the names that come to mind are all too old for the parts now. I loved Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as Darcy and Elizabeth. I think a young Richard Armitage-type would be great too. For Elizabeth, someone like Emillia Clarke or Lily James.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Miller: I either work on a different manuscript or skip ahead and return to the "difficult" part later.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Miller: It's very important to hire a professional editor. Almost no one can self-edit well enough to get a book ready for publication.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Miller: Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice" is a treasure trove of delightful prose and memorable characters. I'm also fond of suspense, mystery, and horror fiction. I am a fan of Agatha Christie, Daphne Du Maurier, Barbara Vine, and Stephen King.
What are you working on next?
Miller: My next release (I think in late May 2023) is a "The Darcy Secret, a suspenseful "Pride & Prejudice" variation in which Darcy and Elizabeth face a number of challenges to their felicity, including a cloud of suspicion that falls upon Darcy's sister, Georgiana.
Learn More About the Author and A Dutiful Son:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kellyrei007
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Kelly.Miller
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or Kindle Unlimited
Interested in submitting your book for review? Visit my review page for guidelines and submission requirements.
review