0036_MillerThe author of fifty books and more than 200 magazine articles, Kathy Collard Miller is a founding member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). She has appeared on the 700 Club, Joy, and numerous radio shows. Her speaking engagements have taken her to thirty-one states and eight foreign countries.

Kathy and her husband, Larry, have been married for more than forty years and reside in Southern California. They have written books together and speak together on marriage.

What started you on your writing journey?

In 1978, after God delivered me from being a child abuser toward my two-year-old daughter, I wanted to fulfill a childhood dream of being a writer. So I attended a community class about writing and learned about a query letter. I sold an article about my story to a magazine and then attended a writers conference. I returned to that conference for several years before God finally opened the door for my first book, Out of Control (my testimony) in 1984. Since then God continues open doors and now I’m amazed that my recent non-fiction book Never Ever Be the Same (co-authored with my husband Larry) is my 50th book. I’m amazed!

KCMQ1

Just as all good novels include a plot twist, the Author and Creator of our lives often writes in a twist that ultimately blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a Divine Detour?

Oh, yes. About six years ago, after having 49 books published and traveling all over the world speaking, God invited Larry and I to leave ministry for a sabbatical and we didn’t know if we would ever go back to ministry. During that time, God purified our motives for serving Him and designed several unique experiences (like taking care of Larry’s mother in our home who had dementia), that revealed our selfish and ungodly motives and wrong beliefs.

9780891124504Lets talk about Never Ever Be the Same: A New You Starts Today (Leafwood Publishers, December 2014). Please tell us about it.

This book contains our story of how God purified us and also gives biblical principles, motivating instruction and inspiring examples for drawing closer to God by purifying motives resulting in trusting God more. It also has discussion questions for individuals or small groups. Obviously, God did release us from the sabbatical. But don’t worry, the heart change is still going on.

What did you learn from writing it?

We learned to communicate more clearly what God had been teaching us. By putting it in a usable form that others could grow from, we’ve been able to grow more ourselves. And we can point out a particular principle that helps us respond with greater love and grace—toward each other and others. And since we’re lay-counselors, we can also walk people through the sanctifying process more wisely.

KCMQ3

A few fun questions

When the words arent flowingor when you want to celebrate if they arewhat is your favorite comfort food and why

Chocolate—in any form, manner, taste, recipe, etc, etc. Just give me chocolate and no one will get hurt!

If you knew you couldnt fail, what dream would you pursue?

To write a novel. I have started one but I’ve been so busy with non-fiction books that I haven’t been able to get back to it.

What Bible passage or story best describes your journey of faith?

I’m like the Samaritan Woman, I think. Because of the abuse I heaped upon my daughter, I felt like her with a secret, that I tried to hide even from God. I was actually a Christian at the time and that made it even more shameful. But just like Jesus reaching out and loving unconditionally that needy woman at the well, God delivered me from my anger and showed me the lies I was believing about Him, life, and myself. Then I could “leave my water pot at the well and tell the villagers” about His saving and sanctifying grace through writing and speaking.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I think I’m the little girl trying to walk in high heels. Sometimes I still feel like I’m an imposter. I’m so amazed at the opportunities that God has given me but I don’t feel like the person how others sometimes see me. I’m still a little kid seeing God’s incredible work through a broken vessel.

Im a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

Larry and I don’t have any pets right now; we travel for speaking too much. But I had a parakeet named Tweedy when I was young. How do you like that original name? LOL

Thanks, Kathy! Its great to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

Thank you!!!!

 ~ ~ ~

For more information about Kathy, visit her website or the Millers website.

To purchase Never Ever Be the Same, log on to:

Amazon logo

bnlogo

CBD LOGO

DeeperShopping