I write about my love affair, my sprawling close family, the unusual and intriguing people God brings into my life, and funny stuff. Once in a while I write about being Mennonite.
That’s how Lucinda J. Miller (Luci for short) introduces herself on her blog. Luci is a young, conservative Mennonite woman from a Wisconsin farm who attends a small church with well-used hymn books. Yet she declares that she wants “to be big, real, Heard.” She says so in her memoir published in July 2017.
I interviewed Luci last week about her experience of writing and publishing her first book. You can listen in here:
Why did you write your memoir Anything But Simple?
I wrote it because I love my place and my people and want very much to make them real to others. I look at these people sometimes and just love them. I feel so blessed to be a part of them. I feel that my culture is unique and that I have a rich heritage of faith. I want to share these things with the world.
What is the main theme of your book?
Simplicity of heart and spirit, and the journey to find that.
You are a busy teacher. How did you find time to write your book?
During my years of teaching at our little church school, I taught only four days a week, Monday through Thursday. That extra Friday gave me the time I needed to work on this book
What is your favorite scene or chapter in the book?
I like one of the final scenes in the book, where Dad and I are scrubbing dirty roasters and talking. Dad is wearing blue plastic gloves and scrubbing with an SOS pad. I love that about him, and I love the closeness I felt in that moment.
What does your family think about your book, revealing as it does some family secrets?
My family has always been a very private family, and that is why their abundance of support for my open and vulnerable style of writing takes my breath away. When I asked my dad for permission to write about some of the things I wrote, he basically told me, “Write whatever you want; just get a book published.” He knew how much my writing meant to me, and he wanted me to succeed.
What will readers learn from your book? What is the takeaway?
Well, people being what they are, everyone will take away something different. But my personal hope for this book is that readers will be able to see for themselves the difference Christ makes in a life and to realize the preciousness of simple, Christ-centered faith.
You have recently completed a book tour organized by your publisher, MennoMedia. What has surprised you most about meeting readers?
I was surprised at how so many people from so many different walks of life could relate to the story in one way or another. Some people whom I would never have guessed were anything like me said it felt like I was telling their story. That probably surprised me most.
What else do you think readers would like to know about you?
Hmm. I am thirty years old. I think they would like to know that, because everyone is always fascinated by age.
About your book?
That it is only the first of many. I don’t intend to stop writing.
More about Lucinda Miller
Monday evening (August 2017), I spoke in the fellowship hall of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. I found the experience both scary and thrilling. Mindblowingly, (yes, that’s a word, she lied) I enjoy public speaking. This is contrary to every instinct on the subject I ever held several years ago.
My Review:
Reading Lucinda Miller’s debut memoir is a lot like going for a walk in a Mennonite meadow, cows mooing in the distance, family flocking around the ripening apples on family trees. But it is more: It pushes forward like a coming of age novel: childhood, adolescence, young adulthood. And it plumbs deep, the writer fathoming her faith and her place in a larger, neon-lit world, which beckons.
Read the rest of my review here.
A Book Giveaway!
Yes, you can receive an autographed copy of Luci’s book. Here’s how:
- Comment on this post now or any time during the next week.
- The giveaway will close one week later on Wednesday, September 13 at 12:00 midnight.
- Only comments posted on this blog will count as an entry. Winner will be chosen by random.org I will announce the winner here and by email.
Terrific interview, ladies. Thanks for introducing us to Lucinda, Marian. Her book sounds fascinating!
A woman of faith yourself, I’m certain you would enjoy it, Jill. Getting up at 3:45 in the morning has many benefits, one of which is being commenter # 1 today. Thank you!
Lovely interview, Marian and Lucinda. Your memoir sounds very compelling, Lucinda. How nice that your family was so supportive of your writing dreams. Your Dad’s response is priceless. It reminds me of something my Dad would have said! Best wishes on your writing career. Thanks, Marian for introducing us to Lucinda.
Kathy, you know first-hand about the challenges of revealing family secrets and needing to acquire permission from living relatives to do so. I do remember feeling your dad’s benevolent presence in your own memoir. Thank you!
Great interview, Marian and Luci. I admire many things about Luci, not the least of which is her tenacity and dedication in getting her book written and published. I look forward to reading it.
You know the dogged determination required to write, edit, and publish a book. Thank you for applauding Lucinda’s efforts here, Linda.
Luci is the daughter of my husband’s cousin. She always seemed rather quiet and reserved. There is a saying that a slow stream runs deep. I think Luci’s writing reveals that there is a lot more to her than what meets the eye. I love reading her blog and am excited about reading her book.
Lucinda is fortunate to have a supportive family and other caring relatives standing behind her.
I agree: her outward demeanor doesn’t reveal her bold spirit. Thank you, Beth!
I can’t wait to read this book. I love Luci’s blog.
I’m certain Luci appreciates your following her blog which I follow and often comment. Maybe we’ve met in her comment “thread.” Welcome, Sarah!
I have been waiting eagerly to read this book!
Thank you for reading this blog post and commenting here, Rosie. I have a feeling you’ll be reading Lucinda’s memoir soon.
Thanks to Luci for introducing me to your blog. Ill enjoy checking it out!
Welcome to my blog, Jane. Thank you for visiting here today. Like Lucinda, I often blog about my Mennonite heritage and close family members.
Congratulations to Lucinda for publishing her first book at age 30. I was happy to provide an endorsement for the book, and I love the quiet tenacity and clarity of her desire to write. I fully expect that this book will be the first of many. Glad you combined an interview with a review today, Marian. You and Lucinda share many themes even though you have chosen different pathways from similar origins.
Yes, Shirley, I do remember reading your lively book blurb when I read Lucinda’s book. Yes, it is true she and I have chosen different pathways from similar origins. But Lucinda is quite young, and it will be interesting to observe how her life unfolds.
I would love to read this book!
Thank you for reading about Lucinda and her book here. I especially appreciate your leaving a comment – you’re in the running, Katrina!
I grew up close to the same area as Luci. I would love to read her memoir.
Thanks for visiting my blog, Liz. I wonder if you have an heritage similar to Lucinda’s. You can probably visualize the setting for her story.
I would love this book! Pick me, please! 🙂
I checked out your website which appeared with your comment here. I have another faithful reader from Thailand, but I don’t believe she has an anabaptist background. Welcome, Lori!
A winner will be chosen by random.org You have as good a chance as any to win a copy!
After enjoying the first read through of Anything But Simple, I find myself reading it the second time and enjoying it even more. I would love to win it in a give away 🙂
Lucinda will probably read your comment and be thrilled that you are reading her book for a second time, Yoli. What an endorsement – thank you!
I’m hooked. Thank you for bringing us together.
Would love to read the book.
Congratulations Luci!
Welcome, Glenda. Thanks for reading and commenting along with complimenting Lucinda on her book. I wonder if you know her personally.
Hi, Dolores. Yes, you never know who you’ll meet here, either on the blog post itself on in comments. I believe you’d find Lucinda’s depiction of farm life (complete with animals) fascinating. Thanks for stopping by with a comment.
Great interview – I’d love to have a copy of this book.
Thank you for visiting my blog today, CJ. And I’m glad you enjoyed the interview style. Lucinda is very candid and genuine, qualities you will find in the book also.
Marian — I had the pleasure of meeting Lucinda at the Writers’ Institute at UW-Madison a couple of years ago. We’ve stayed in touch since that time. As you can well imagine, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ANYTHING BUT SIMPLE.
Here’s a link to the review I posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and Riffle Books: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2059927857?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
Laurie, you actually introduced me to Lucinda via an email sent after you met her at the Writers’ Institute. We have been online friends ever since and now I get to showcase her published writing here. Sharing is caring: You are a fine example of that!
By the way, I remember admiring your review when you posted it in Goodreads. Or maybe Amazon. 🙂
This makes me want to read the book even more. 🙂 I have enjoyed the honesty and “touchableness” of Luci’s writings. And I admire her courage in sharing her journey, her faith.May it bless and encourage many people.
Blessings,
Lucinda
Thank you for remarking about how accessible Luci’s writing style is. She certainly debunks the idea that a life of faith has to be serious all the time. Welcome to my blog, Serene Lou.
This is my third chance to win Luci’s book. Sounds so intriguing!
Maybe three’s a charm, Rhoda. You will be as intrigued reading the book as you obviously are reading the interview here. Thanks for posting a comment too!
I’d love to read this book!
Thank you for joining the chorus of endorsements for Lucinda’s book. And thank you for saying so here in this column, Mary K.
Enjoyed the interview! Would love to read this book!
I appreciate your stopping by to read and comment. I am sure Lucinda does too. Thank you, Marlese.
I’d love the opportunity to read this book!
You have entered the “contest” to win this book, Elaine. One way or another, I hope you get to read this fine memoir. Thank you for stopping by to comment today.
I have this book on my Christmas wish list. But I would love to read it before then!!
How did I miss replying to you, Rachael. I hope you get your wish! Thanks for reading and responding here.
No need to enter my name, Marian but delighted you included an actual interview–beyond just a review. This helps introduce readers even further to the delight that is Luci Miller. It was fun to sit down to lunch with her a couple of weeks ago when she peppered me with questions about writing books and selling them and even creating audio books. I’ll share a secret here that is not too secret: being in a family of audiobook lovers, she pays great attention to the sound and flow of words, reading her manuscript out loud until she thinks the aural sound is great too. Isn’t that a neat tip? I confess I don’t always do this–have done it for some writings but not book length!
Thank you for offering an editor’s viewpoint, Melodie. Reading aloud adds another sense to the writing process. One hears rhythm (or not) and can hear how words fit together.
As a college teacher, I urged my students to read their essays aloud, but few did. I think writers talk themselves out of it because it’s very time consuming – but so worth it!
Thank you for supporting Melodie all through the writing & publishing process, and now continuing into her book launch. 🙂
I’d love to win this book! I enjoy Luci’s writing.
Maybe you’ll win – Your name goes into the draw. Thanks for reading and commenting here, Rosina.
I would love to win and learn from one living the life.
Thanks for the offer and the interview. I found this giveaway from Luci’s blog.
I enjoyed the interview too.
Have a great day.
Carie
Oh, how thankful we are for these digital connections. I’m so happy you found this blog, Carie. Do visit again. 🙂
This is a captivating book! I could hardly put it down until I was finished. Will be eagerly awaiting Luci’s next book!
What an endorsement, Connie. I have heard this I-could-hardly-put-it-down comment from someone else. Thank you for saying so here. Welcome!
I would love to read this book! Sounds so interesting!
Your comment enters you into the drawing. 🙂
Thank you for reading the interview and commenting here, Rhoda.
I’d love to win a copy of this book. I follow Luci’s blog and enjoy it very much. I’ve learned so much from Luci and it’s just so enjoyable to read about her family and life. Now that I’ve found yours, I’ll be following you as well. Thank you for your review and this opportunity to win.
Welcome to my interview with Lucinda and this blog. It’s sounds as though you are broadening your horizons, Teckla. I’m glad we have this connection now.
Have lots of books, and would like to have this one!
Leah, I picture book shelves lined with books – or, maybe just a neat pile by your bedside. One way or another, I predict you will read this book. Thanks for commenting here.
I would love to read the book.
I would love to have you read Luci’s memoir too. Michele. Thanks for posting this comment.
I read Luci’s blog and really enjoy it!
Thanks for chiming in with a comment here. It’s great to meet Luci’s friends, Eva. Very much appreciated.
I love Luci. I love Luci’s book. Captivating. Was blessed to have Luci teach our children the past 3 years. 🙂
So Lucinda is Miss Miller to your children. I am sure she is a competent and attentive teacher. Now you know what she was doing on her Fridays away from teaching. Ha!
I have to ask, “Is knitting sweaters a hobby for you? A ministry perhaps? I’m intrigued by your nickname beside the profile. Thank you for reading and commenting here.
I enjoy reading . This book looks very interesting. I would love to win one.
I hope you win too, Brenda. Next Wednesday I will place the all names, including yours, in the “random.org” application and see what happens. You have as good a chance as any of winning this book. Thanks!
I keep seeing her book and I definitely want to read it sometime! 😉
Lucinda is very active on social media, including Facebook and her blog. Now other bloggers are sharing the news of her recently published memoir. I’m glad you tuned in here, Wanda.
I recently met Lucy’s and would love to receive her book. I also enjoyed the interview and review.
It sounds as though you met Lucinda personally. If so, that’s quite a privilege. Thank you for reading the interview and book review and also commenting here, Mollie.
I’d love to win this book!!!
And I’d love to have you read it. Best wishes, Ruth Anna.
Sounds like a great read. Will add it to my list! Thanks!
You know several Mennonites in Virginia, most notably Shirley Showalter. However, I wonder whether you see Mennonites (or Amish) in the Charlottesville area.
I know you will enjoy the read, Joan. Thanks for commenting.
I’ve seen this book around and would love to read it!
You may win a copy, Susanna. This comment enters you into the contest. 🙂
Thanks for reading and registering your wish here.
Luci and I met when we were young girls, our Mom’s being good friends. I enjoyed your interview with her. I would enjoy reading her book!
Julie, how wonderful that you and Lucinda share a history because of the friendship of your mothers. I am certain you would enjoy reading her memoir and am glad the interview resonated with you too. Thanks for sharing!
Really nice to learn about Lucy and how she incorporated her faith and life into her book. I’m bookmarking this book to add, after the contest. You never know who will win. 🙂
Debby, I like your belt & suspenders approach to the contest: If you win, fine. If you don’t, then you have a back-up plan. So you!
Lucy’s faith is bound up in her life, but she is anything but a prude – or simple, as her title implies. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I was under the impression Luci was no prude, lol. I figured her story may be similar to yours in values, but you are the Plain and Fancy! Lol, yes, I’m pretty crafty, and an optimist! 🙂
😀
I’ve been following Luci on social media for awhile now, and would love to read her book!
Hello, Mrs. S. I am sure Lucinda will ready your encouraging comment. Wow, she certainly does have a large and faithful cheering section. Thank you and do visit here again!
Great interview – you asked some good questions. Sounds like an interesting read.
Yes, the interview allowed Lucinda to tell about her writing process, something that readers couldn’t perceive from reading the book alone. Thank you, Lady Fiona!
A lovely review Marian and interesting to learn about Lucy and the support she has from her family and her community. I would love to read her book as different faiths fascinate me. The religion here is predominatey Buddhism and it was fascinating to learn that it has similarities to Hinduism. Many religions intertwine and have closer ties and links going back centuries which many people don’t realise. I take it I am your reader/ follower from Thailand that you mentioned in a comment…lol..I am a Christian, Church of England and was even a choir girl for my sins…ha ha Lovely review Marian 🙂
Oh, thank you, Carol. Now we hear some illumination about religions in Thailand. You are kind to comment here again.
I am just interested, Marian…the differences in religions fascinates me 🙂
Wow! Simple is as simple does. Did I just make that up? Whatever- simple, and Lucinda, have a huge following. I love the way she can be simple and clear and open and vulnerable and willing to share that with all of us, her readers. Huge congrats to her on the publication of this beautiful book, and kudos to you, Marian, for interviewing her.💙
I am thrilled at all the buzz Lucinda’s book publication has created. She does have loyal followers who are attracted to a writer who does not hesitate to reveal her wishes and dreams – her vulnerable self. Thanks for recognizing that, Pam.
Thank you for this interview and the giveaway – we’d love to read this!
You are welcome. I appreciate your visiting my blog today. Your comment enters you into the contest, Suz.
I wonder whether Lucinda is one of your friends or a relative; she has many in her cheering section, that’s for sure.
I would love to read this book but even more than that it would be such an honor to meet Luci. Thanks for doing the interview and introduction to her Blog.
Thanks for commenting here, Donna. I hope you will experience both of your wishes: to read Lucinda’s book and to meet her in person. She does blog weekly. Just click on the phrase Visit Her Website noted in red near the end of the post. That way, you can keep up with current events in Lucinda’s life.
I love Luci’s blog, and look forward to reading her book!
Thank you for reading and replying here, Abie. In my opinion, Lucinda’s blog connects seamlessly to her book. Both feel authentic, not stuffy.
Marian, I am just now entering the fray! Thanks for alerting me to the book. It sounds lovely, and I’m so glad Lucinda is following her calling to write!
All generations, including ours, are on this bandwagon. Thanks for chiming in here, Elfrieda!
I enjoyed your review and interview with Luci. I have visited her blog many times and enjoy it, and would love to read her book!
Thank you, Mary Beth. You are still in the running!
Lovely interview and review. It’s wonderful and heart-opening when we older ones support the younger ones in this way. I hope Lucinda’s book does well and there are many more to come. She’s 30. There is time ahead.
I’m learning so much about the Mennonite community from you and yours. Thank you for that, too, Marian.