In an effort to introduce my readers to other authors and their work, every week I run an Author Spotlight, sharing information about an author, their work, and how they go about writing their books.
The author of several books and numerous articles, Darlene Miller and her husband Terry were full-time RVers for 15 years, exploring all of the United States and the provinces in Canada. Her wanderlust has also taken her to foreign countries, including the Netherlands and Africa. When not traveling, she lives in Iowa.
She and Terry have grown children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She says that family, friends, church, reading, sewing, and gardening are important parts of her life
A conversation with Darlene:
When did you decide to become an author and why?
I always read books and wrote stories from the time I was in kindergarten. My first poem was printed when I was in first grade. My first article was when I was 14 years old. After I read the 400 books in the one-room school library, the teacher got books from town for me to read. Writers need to read!
What genres do you write in?
My first book was a novel called A Place in the Promised Land. It was about 800 Dutch people arriving in Pella, Iowa, and a girl finding her place in the community. Then I wrote RV Chuckles and Chuckholes – The Confessions of Happy Campers and a sequel, More RV Chuckles and Chuckholes – More Confessions of Happy Campers, which told of the fun things that happened while RVing. I also wrote a story/color book for children called Elijah and Emma Meet Friends and Visit History, and a book called Callie and Natalie’s Dutch Family History. My mystery books include The Search for Grandma Sparkle and Surviving Disasters and Finding Grace.
My newest book, which was released in May 2026, is called Sweet and Bittersweet Memories of the 20th Century. The book includes true memories of 30 people as it travels from 1900 to 1999. It is both historical and a memoir.
How many books do you have out?
8, but the first book is sold out.
Are you trade published, independent, or a combo?
Independent
Do you write more than one book at a time?
No
How much research is involved in your writing?
I research everything. I use boxes of memorabilia, stories from other people, Wikipedia, books, and I’ve traveled to the locations of my books.
Where do you write? Do you have a home office, write in a coffee shop, or what?
I have a home office.
Do you use any programs like ProWritingAid, Grammarly, or?
I use Grammarly.
How do you promote your books?
Mostly by book signings, but I’m using the internet more for this new book.
What are your writing goals, long and short term?
To teach history through humor.
Any advice to new authors or someone who wants to become an author?
Read and read some more. Write! Write! Write! Your stories need to be told!
If you have questions or want to purchase any of Darlene’s books? go to Amazon, Publication Consultants/Darlene Miller, or rovingpenna@gmail.com
And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.
Thought For The Day – Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. – Jane Yolen
Nick Russell
World-Famous, New York Times Best Selling Author, and All-Around Nice Guy!