 | | Asked why he writes, Ron Miller said, "It's my obsession. It's an escape. It's something I love to do and it's fun." Heather A. Perry/News-Leader |
It began with the Hardy Boys By Heather A. Perry, News-Leader A healthy appetite for young adult novels as a youth spurred Ron Miller's first efforts as an author.
"That's when I developed a love for the written word," Miller explained.
"I would craft short stories and bad poems and then read them to my classmates for amusements," said Miller, who started writing seriously about four years ago.
"I used to tell my children stories when they were little to amuse them. I would make up stories about elves, trolls and fairies. I would also tell them about my adventures while growing up. They were fascinated enough to remember (the stories) and pass them along to their own children," said Miller.
When grandchildren came along, Miller started writing the stories down to share with them. "I write what I know and from my experiences," said the author of Horse Bones - 12 Tales of Secrets, Ghosts and Legends, scheduled to come out Oct. 1.
The first two stories in his book are about encounters Miller's oldest daughter had as a little girl at her grandparents' home in Lake City.
Four stories deal with Miller's childhood adventures with friends in the woods and swamps of Columbia and Suwannee County. The other six are based on local legends and folklore Miller heard from a friend's grandparents and other adults.
Illustrations for Horse Bones were done by local artist Paul Massing.
"Paul is one of the most gifted people I know," said Miller. "I tend to be very descriptive and he captured the stories perfectly. His illustrations alone are stories without words."
Employed at Smurfit-Stone for 36 years, Miller credits his friend and critique partner, Terri Wright, with beginning his involvement with the Amelia Island Book Festival. A participant since 2005, this year Miller was asked to join the board of directors in addition to chairing the publicity committee.
"I believe in its concept in bringing literacy to the community," said Miller of the book festival, "especially children. The Authors in Schools program has been highly successful in instilling in young people the value of reading. Some, as a result, have pursued an education in English and journalism."
Miller advises anyone headed for a writing career to be an avid reader, especially in the genre in which they wish to write.
"Learn your craft, go to school, take workshops, enter contests, join a critique group and practice discipline. Most of all, don't make excuses, just sit down and write."
Miller shares his Fernandina home with his wife, Linda. The couple has 10 children between them, ranging in age from 24 to 40, and 18 grandchildren.
type@fbnewsleader.com Story created Sep 24, 2008 - 16:30:23 PDT.
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