- Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Kara Leigh Miller. I’m a wife and stay-at-home mom to 4 kids, 3 pit bulls, and 6 cats. I’m a full-time writer and the Editorial Director here at Anaiah Press. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m busy herding my family, reading, and going to the gym.
- What does your writing process look like?
I’m not really sure I have a process. LOL. I tend to get the spark of an idea, and then I just run with it. Sometimes, it’s a plot idea or a snippet of dialogue or a character’s voice, and when that happens, I let it simmer in my brain for a couple of days. If it’s still there, then I know I have to explore it more, so I sit down and just start writing. And then I write until I hit a wall. Only then do I stop and go back to read what I’ve already written to help get myself around the wall.
- What is the significance of the title of your book?
When it comes to titles for my books, one of two things always happens: (1) I come up with a fantastic title before I ever start writing, or (2) I can’t think of a decent title to save my life. There’s never an in-between for me on this. With Perfectly Imperfect, I had the title pretty early on, but I didn’t become aware of the significance until much later, and this significance goes quite deep—deeper than I ever intended…
Isabelle used to have the perfect life, but then her brother died, and suddenly, nothing’s quite so perfect anymore. She struggles to keep up the façade of perfection, though, and it isn’t until Grayson points out that everyone is imperfect that she realizes no one (but her) cares if she’s perfect, least of all God. And it was this line in the book that truly solidified the title for me:
I wait a moment, but she doesn’t speak. “No one is perfect, Belle, and God doesn’t
expect us to be. Every one of us is so perfectly imperfect. That’s what makes us all so
unique. Try not to forget that when you and Cam…” I shake my head in defeat. “Never
mind.”
- Is anything in your book based on real life experiences?
Yes! There’s quite a bit based on real life experiences, actually. Isabelle’s best friend betrays her in a way that happened to me while in high school. That sucked. LOL. And the issues Grayson faces with his church in how they shunned him and pushed him out is loosely based on real-life situation as well.
- If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Loyal. Persistent. Friendly.
- Are you working on anything at the present?
I’m always working on something 😉 Currently, I’m finishing up a young adult secular paranormal romance series, and then I’m diving into an adult Christian romantic suspense series.
AMAZON LINK
Isabelle Carson is charging into her senior year equipped with a handy checklist to ensure nothing goes awry. Things she didn’t account for: a hot, new guy who almost runs her over, a messed up class schedule, and a boyfriend who dumps her for one of her best friends. All of that pales in comparison to the threat of her dirty family secrets breaking free from the perfect façade she’s diligently maintained since the death of her brother.
Grayson Alexander is on his fourth school in as many years. Lakewood Valley High is exactly like all the others, with one shiny exception: Isabelle Carson. She’s smart, funny, beautiful— the perfect package. But Isabelle is hiding something, and Grayson is determined to do whatever it takes to win her trust, except step foot in another hypocritical church.
As Isabelle’s life spirals out of control and her carefully crafted, picture-perfect image begins to shatter, Grayson does what no one else can: he makes her laugh and allows her to be imperfect. With rekindled faith, Isabelle sets out to right all the wrongs in her life. But Grayson has been damaged by his own family secrets, and Isabelle will have to decide if the boy she’s falling for more and more each day is a right or a wrong.
Anaiah Press 