The B-Life had the opportunity to get to know author Mitzi Miller, a little better. Now it's your turn. Once she determined her path and what she did NOT want to do, she accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. Sound familiar? Let's all take a Mitzi-moment to reflect...
Q: I read your story. How did you make a switch from the business to the editorial side of magazine publishing?
A: Did you really “read my story”? Wow, you make it sound like I led some type of some scandalous, future Hollywood tell all, scandalous type of life!! HA! Somehow, I don’t think I’m quite that interesting. But to answer your question: I didn’t really ‘know’ that I wanted to switch to the editorial side of the magazine business. However, I did know that I wanted no parts of marketing and sales. I am so not a numbers person! I’ve always loved to read- books, magazines, newspapers whatever I could get my hands on. So when the editorial internship opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.
Q: What were your days as the ‘face of Honey Magazine' like? How do you feel about Honey’s comeback?
A: Working at HONEY was one of the best periods of my life. Not only did I have the pleasure of learning from and working with some of the most amazing and talented people in the publishing/entertainment industry, but I essentially also wrote my own ticket. From surfing in Hawaii to learning how to drive stick shift on a brand new Porsche, every month I got to choose my own adventure for my ‘Road Trippin’ column.
Q: Which books have you authored, and can you give me a quick description of each in 10 words or less? (This is tricky – kinda like haiku).
A:
The Angry Black Woman’s Guide To Life - How to claim/ work being an ABW to your benefit.
The Vow - Three scandalous, fabulous and determined BFFs plot to get married.
HOTLANTA (3-book series) - The hottest Af-American teen series on the shelves.
Q: Where you do you get the inspiration for these books? Are they totally fictional or are they based in any truths from your life?
A: I am continually inspired by the wonderful men and women in my life. I’ve been blessed with a colorful family and fabulous friends so there’s never a dearth of fodder surrounding me. I believe the best stories always include a little bit of truth. Now which part of the drama is mine? That’s for you to guess.
Q: What is your next project?
A: Hmmm, that’s a good question. Well, it feels like I’m always working on my blog-
www.mitzimoments.blogspot.com. But in addition, I’m currently the EIC of a boutique athletic lifestyle magazine named SET. (Which I must say, has been an interesting experience because I’m about as far removed from anything sports related as a girl can get.) Oh and I’m feverishly working on my next book proposal… at least what I keep telling my agent.
Q: What advice do you have for a young authoress or magazine editor?
A: Whatever it is that you’re doing, be authentic and enjoy it. You’ve got to believe in your story in order for anyone else to do so.
Mitzi pictured with co-author Denene Millner
A: I am certainly happy. Nothing beats being able to live life on my own terms.
I am uncertain about tomorrow. Every day is a new opportunity to start over, who knows what I’ll decide to do when I open my eyes in the morning.
Q: What would you want a reader to “B” after they experience your work? In other words, what impact do you want one of your novels to have on them?
A: “B” moved. Whether its laughter, empathy, anger or disbelief, I hope my words always make readers feel something.
