Miracle Austin

Salutations, my name is Miracle Austin, and I'm a YA/NA cross-genre author. You'll find an interview, which I wish to share some things about myself with my readers. I hope that you enjoy and learn a little about me. Feel free to contact me via my email on my website, www.miracleaustin.com. Love to connect with my readers.

***

Is there any special reason why you favorite horror/suspense over the other genres of fiction?

My exposure to horror/suspense arenas occurred prior my junior high years. My mom used to listen to an AM radio station, cannot recall name, on Friday nights that aired creepy stories. I was sold instantly and couldn't wait until the next airing. Horror/suspense just meshed with me from the start. I craved all forms except possession type horror.

I also enjoy writing other genres and will mash-up, at times.

When did you start writing?

I started writing in the sixth grade, mostly free-verse poems. I would also write out the lyrics of my favorite love songs in a decorated notebook with New Edition, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Ralph Macchio's, names written all over with hearts and sparklies. I had a lot of crushes. :)

I wrote off and on throughout my early and mid adult life. I didn't take writing seriously until three years ago. Someone from my past writer's group made a comment a few times that I should consider sending out my works to e-zines, magazines, and anthologies.

So, I started submitting and received so many rejections that I almost gave up, but one acceptance is all it took to boost my confidence and encourage me to keep sending out, regardless of the rejections emails outweighing the acceptance emails.

When I look back now, I know that writing saved me from an extremely dark place I didn't think I could ever climb out of. Writing is now my therapeutic playground.

What books did you read as a child?

Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys Series, Charlotte's Web, A Separate Piece, Scarlett Letter, The Lord of the Flies, Freckle Juice, Frankenstein, Of Mice and Men, Grimm Fairy Tales, To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet, and others.

Where do you get ideas to write?

I must give my mom credit for many of my stories. She's my inspiration. She's always sharing stories about her youth and early adulthood. I usually take something from her stories and twist it up to make it my own.

My other inspirations come from conversations (protected of course), a song, movie clip, something that I've read, and/or mash-ups of all above.

I learnt from online that Stephen King's writing has had greater impact on your writing. Could you tell us anything about Stephen King?

Oh, my, yes he surely has. I could tell you so much about Mr. Stephen King, but I'll keep it short and sweet.

Mr. Stephen King so rocks!! I must say the one of many things that I admire about Mr. King is his extreme, writing ranges. I'm so captivated by his works, especially his short stories.

Mr. King's short stories opened the door for me to start writing shorts. If you've never read any of King's short stories, then I so encourage you to try one or more. His horror levels are multi. I so recommend two off the top of my head, "The Man Who Loved Flowers," and "The Last Rung."

Therefore, I focused on writing mini and short stories for a few years before I decided to climb up the novel stairs. I was so scared to walk up those first few steps that I just lingered around and stared at the first step for awhile. My fears subsided and my debut novel, "Doll," transformed. I never imagined that I would have my own book on Amazon/CreateSpace.

Do you like watching horror movies?

I absolutely love horror movies/series!

Netflix and Hulu are the best because I can watch when I want between writing and reading. Oh, don't forget Redbox too. I recently watched a movie called "Revenge." It wasn't a major blockbuster, but it was one that I enjoyed. I have also enjoyed "Contracted" and "Contracted 2."

I love the classics: "Nightmare on Elm Street," "Halloween," "Dracula," "American Werewolf in London," "Carrie," "Fright Night," "The Lost Boys," and a host of others.

I also enjoy watching all types of movies, including drama, fantasy, comedy, romance, action, and etc.

Could you tell me how you came to write "Slippers" as published in Yellow Chair Review, the Halloween issue?

The idea hit me one night before bed--a circus and a ballerina for some strange reason. So, I meshed those two together and "Slippers" was created.

Could you give me a brief summary of your story, "Invincible Ones" in the Stray Branch issue?

This particular piece is about the "have-nots" going unseen by the "haves" in the world. The "have-nots "and "haves" can be defined by the reader.

How do you determine when a story you're writing is not going well?

There are times when I really get stuck, and I know that it is time to move on to another project and return back later. Some projects can be returned to, while some may need to be completely dissembled in order to start anew.

I've recently discovered how beneficial outlining can be, even if it means just jotting down a few major points/ideas and building from there--you at least have a starting part and can transform it as you wish.

Do you read reviews of your own works?

I sure do. I'm aware that everyone will not like my works and that's okay. I hope that the reader takes something positive away from reading my work, even if it's microscopic. I believe that I can gain something from every review, even if it is not the shiniest star...focusing on my inner and outer shine helps me tremendously.

What are your future literary ambitions?

I would love to write full-time, but until then, I continue to work in the social work world by day and writer's world night and weekends. Plus, I love to attend diverse book festivals and comic conventions, when I can. I love to engage with established author friends and meet new authors/readers.

Anything else you would like to add?

There are so many amazing authors out here, including traditionally and self-published. Check them out!

Finally, I hope that you enjoy reading "Doll," my debut novel, my past works, and future works.