First, let me start with an apology to my readers and viewers. It has been nearly four months since my last post/interview on this blog, and I seriously have been wanting to update it. Nevertheless, I'm back in the Literature Lounge once again to welcome the author of the Chin Up Tits Out series, Miranda Oh.
LL: For starters, welcome to the Literature Lounge.
MO: Thanks, Edward for having me on here, very excited!
LL: What started you on your journey as a writer?
MO: My journey started in my mid-twenties when I had finished a roller-coaster ride of life I sat back and thought to myself, damn girl, you HAVE to share that story. So I did, as cliche as that sounds. I started to write out my story because it was wild, and no one would believe that it was ever real (you know, sometimes fiction is stranger than reality), and through writing, I began to heal, and once I launched, I had readers reach out and share how I impacted their lives with my books. In the end, it ended up being a healing tool, and a source of entertainment all wrapped up in one.
LL: Who are your biggest influences?
MO: Oh gosh, my parents hands down. They have been married for 30+ years, and are still in love and respect each other madly. They are each other's best friend and partner in crime, and not to mention they have a successful business they've run for 30+ years. My mom taught me how to love, nurture and always be kind, my father taught me how to be loved, how to respect and demand respect in return. My parents gave me an amazing childhood, and as I get older we keep getting closer, I can't think of anyone else being a bigger influence outside of my folks.
LL: What would you say are the biggest inspirations for writing your books?
MO: LIFE! Because life is beautiful in itself. I mean, it isn't PRETTY, it's messy, dirty, unconventional, confusing and sometimes uneasy, but the fact that we wake up each morning is a blessing in itself. Each day is an adventure, whether you choose to look at it that way or not.
LL: I could be wrong, but it sounds to me like the concept of Chin Up Tits Out is a way of saying "Keep your head up and chest out through the good and bad times of life." Would you agree?
MO: 100% agree - no matter what happens, through good times and bad times, head held high, shoulder back, and keep moving forward. Remember - Everything is temporary, so you might as well enjoy it as much as you can, right?!
LL: Tell us a little more about the Chin Up Tits Out series.
MO: It follows a young woman in her 20s running through life, love, and all its battles. Imagine you sitting with one of your good friends over a bottle of wine (of bevvy of your choice) and her catching you up on the last few years of her crazy life. Now the stories through the series cover numerous serious topics like long-distance relationships, immigration, racism, mental illness, and addiction. BUT don't worry as heavy as those topics are they are dipped in sarcasm and wit with the main characters inner voice battling against her throughout the story. It is for sure a page-turner. (So they say)
LL: What's next for Miranda Oh?
MO: The 3rd book for the Chin Up Tits Out series is coming out soon. I am putting the final touches on it, and then getting ready to get it published. I can't wait for the world to see the third installment of the series. It's the ending you didn't expect!
LL: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
MO: Bad words written are better than no words written. Someone else said that - those aren't my words, but when I don't feel like writing, sometimes I force myself to, and I tell myself that. When I reread the drafts, I can't tell what was 'good writing days' and what parts were 'bad writing days'. So always write it out, anything can happen when you write it out!
LL: Finally, tell the readers why the Chin Up Tits Out series is a must-read.
MO: Chin Up Tits Out series is the series that connects you to the main character, connects you to your own inner-self, and connects you to all the things you try and run away from in your own life. It forces you to look at your own drama and try and spin it positively. But it doesn't do it in a self-help book kind of way, you're reading a story and having a laugh, and sipping a cocktail and somehow learning about life.
Epilogue
Whew! "Each day is an adventure," might be an understatement, but I think that's an interesting way to look way at it. As far as Miranda's words of advice, as much as I enjoy writing, I too have days when I don't feel like doing it, but that's where discipline comes in. It also reminds me of something I've read in a book years ago that stated to write it down, get it right later.
I thank Miranda again for being a guest on the Literature Lounge. To learn more about Miranda, and her Chin Up Tits Out series, visit her website at www.mirandaoh.com.
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