We talk to author Kristyn J. Miller about Given our historya thrilling love story in which two professors with a complicated past get a second chance to prove that history does not repeat itself.
Hi Kristyn! Can you tell our readers a little about yourself?
Hi, hello! Thanks for letting me be here. Let’s see – I’m a contemporary romance writer, but I also just finished my Masters in History and Museum Studies last year, which served as real-time inspiration for the design. Given our history. In my free time, you can find me hiking, shopping for antiques, or tasting craft beers. I grew up in Southern California, but now live in an old colonial farmhouse in rural New England with my husband and son.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
When I was eight, I stapled computer paper together to make my own comic books. I did a whole series about a bunch of birds doing various sports (I wish I had an explanation for this – I liked birds, but I didn’t enjoy sports in general).
Quick blitz round! Tell us:
- The first book you remember reading: Do you know what I’m going to do next Saturday? by Helen Palmer. It was one of my mother’s children’s books and for some reason I found it hilarious as a four-year-old. I’m pretty sure it’s out of print now.
- The reason why you wanted to become an author: That is difficult to say, because almost everyone The book awakened in me the desire to become an author. The Hobbit definitely had a big influence. I also owe it to My Oxford year by Julia Whelan, who specifically drew my attention to contemporary romance novels.
- What you must always remember: I finally read The Cruel Prince by Holly Black in January and I can’t get Jude and Cardan out of my head.
Her latest novel, Given our historywill be released on 27 Augustth! If you could describe it in just five words, what would they be?
Autumn Academia ft. Older Emos
What can readers expect?
I’ve always been drawn to cozy, uncomplicated romance novels where characters juggle their budding relationship with realistic problems, so I set out to write with those in mind. Given our history. It’s my take on “the right person at the wrong time,” and how sometimes second chances have less to do with changing circumstances and more to do with how our priorities shift over time. It’s a gentle, nostalgic read with a few flashbacks to the turn of the millennium and a dash of angst.
Where did the inspiration come from for Given our history come from?
My husband helped me brainstorm various romantic ideas while we sat in the drive-thru of a local burger joint waiting for our food. He suggested I write a story about two professors who knew each other when they were younger, and from there the idea kind of took on a life of its own.
Were there any moments or characters that you particularly enjoyed writing or exploring?
It was incredibly fun to describe the dynamic between Clara and her little sister Reagan. I also loved writing the flashbacks when Clara was studying abroad. I always play around with descriptions of the setting in hopes of really pulling readers in, as that’s something I look for in my own readings – the more evocative the setting, the better.
See also
This is your second novel! What are the most important lessons you learned while writing them?
Oh God. I mean, I hope I learned a lot! I feel like each subsequent novel is a little stronger than the last. One thing I paid a lot more attention to, Given our history was the likability of the characters. Personally, I love protagonists with big flaws, but you have to find a good balance. It’s hard to wish love on a character when they just don’t seem ready.
What’s next for you?
There’s nothing official to reveal yet, but I’m constantly working on new stories. Hopefully I’ll be able to share more in the near future!
And finally: Which books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you really want to get your hands on?
I took a break from reading contemporary romance to catch up on other genres and am only now getting back into it, so I am a bit behind – currently I am reading Love, theoretically by Ali Hazelwood and I really like it. I think I have a weakness for stories that revolve around academic themes!
