Guest Post: How much research went into your book and how you went about it
The foundation of any good book begins with the author doing the research work necessary that validates the details of the storyline. For Finding Grace there was a tremendous amount of time spent researching the most minute detail. The first half of Finding Grace is Judith’s road trip by bus (to her dismay) from Barstow, California to Nashville, Tennessee via I-40E. The distance from Barstow to Nashville is 1,891.5 miles, so you can imagine the number of sights along the interstate, the number of restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, etc. From those it was necessary to choose which to include in the story from which I could best create a living, breathing world, researching every detail and nuance to bring that world and the characters in it to life.
One example of my research was Judith’s bus trip from Barstow to Nashville on I-40E. I planned on making that bus trip myself but then COVID-19 hit. My solution came thanks to YouTube. I searched and found video recorded from each city to the next along Judith’s journey that was taken by truck drivers, students, and retirees driving their RVs. I was able to experience every mile virtually and while it certainly wasn’t the same as being there, it helped tremendously.
My goal for Judith’s bus journey was to share each character’s story in each chapter, while weaving selected details about the stops and cities in such a way that, to a degree, is almost like a travelogue for the reader. The bus app was the literary device I used that made incorporating interesting details as natural and possible.
They say “write what you know.” and that’s what I did in the chapters regarding Grace’s doctor and lab visits, and the other treatment related details. Those details came directly from me being with Sharee during every doctor/lab visit and observing all the protocols and procedures.
There is a strong component of St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in part of Finding Grace. Sharee and I knew that cures for all forms of leukemia would eventually come from the research teams at St. Jude. Three months after her passing, I spent a day with an executive at St. Jude which included a full tour of their facilities. It was an emotional day for me. I paid close attention to every detail during my tour and worked hard to convey details accurately for my readers.
My first sentence in the first paragraph says “The foundation of any good book begins with the author doing the research work that validates the details of the storyline.” I did that detailed research work, so Finding Grace’s foundation and storyline would be sound. I hope my readers will agree.
Author: Gary Lee Miller
Blurb: Finding Grace follows a young woman, Judith Lee, who grew up with her very poor grandmother, Grace, and grandfather, Virgil, in Nashville. As a child, she was bullied and mocked in school. After attending Vanderbilt University on full scholarship, Judith moves to California, where she starts her own tech company and becomes extraordinarily successful and wealthy.
Grace calls Judith with a dying wish…for Judith to travel from Los Angeles to Nashville to come visit her. But, there’s a catch, Judith must make the journey by bus.
Each day of Judith’s bus journey becomes a story, as the people she encounters and places she visits along the way challenge her to rethink life. Finding Grace is about Judith’s transformation back into the real world during this journey as a result of the people she meets on the bus, how she deals with the imminent passing of her grandmother, and how all this changes her future life plans. There are tears and laughter throughout, with interesting, well-developed characters whom readers would recognize from their own lives. Today, more people are reflecting on what is and is not important. Finding Grace provides food for thought on many levels, and inspiration, recognizing each of us are on our own journey in hope of finding grace.
Advance Praise
“In Finding Grace, author Gary Lee Miller draws on personal tragedy to craft the story of Judith Lee, who is drawn into a journey back home and the real world. Every mile of her wonderful road trip is filled with unforgettable characters who bring tears of both laughter and sadness. Finding Grace reminded me of Horton Foote’s The Trip To Bountiful, and I highly recommend it.”— Brian Helgeland, Academy Award-winning screenplay writer of L.A. Confidential
“The thing about Finding Grace is that it is without question, the thing that makes Gary Lee Miller so special. He seems to find grace everywhere and in everyone, and it somehow reflects back on everyone he meets. Finding Grace is just the latest collection in written form of how he sees the world.” — Barry Courter, Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter/columnist
“Life lessons are delivered in many ways, and Gary Lee Miller, in Finding Grace, takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery through the eyes of his relatable, and often unpredictable, characters. An easy and insightful read, Finding Grace will leave you thinking about your own journey and the grace we can give to ourselves and others.” — Steve Anderson, Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of The Bezos Letters
“A well-written, captivating story of human triumph and finding your way in a complex world of challenges and uncertainties.” — Literary Titan
About the Author
Gary Lee Miller’s writing is rooted in life experiences and people who have crossed his path during his life’s journey. Gary draws on his ability to translate his observations into highly relatable stories for readers. Prior to beginning his writing career, Gary was a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He also acts in movie and TV productions, and is listed in IMDb.com. He resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Website and Social Media:
Website: garyleemillerbooks.com
Facebook: @garyleemillerbooks
Twitter: @garymillerbooks
