Artie Miller: Another Great Writer at Associated Content

It seems as if there are new people signing up with Associated Content on a daily basis for one reason or another. One of these people happens to be Artie Miller. Finding out more about Mr. Miller was an eye opener here at AC.

Mr. Miller has been with Associated Content for a short time, and has much to say. I am glad to have been the one to interview Artie for Associated Content.

Artie, you seem to be a well-rounded American guy. What or whom would you say has influenced you in becoming who you are today? And if there is more than one personal influence, I am sure the readers would like to know of them.

Mainly, the people I've worked for or with and also the people I've come into contact with through the years. Some people are just unique and I try to remember their mannerisms and ways of thinking.

Now that you have a single article posted here at Associated Content, do you feel a sense of accomplishment, and if so why?

I've had a few other things published in the past, but I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I see my name in print.

How soon could we expect to be reading more from you in the future?

I have a few poems that need to be completed, but I've been trying to get this one short story down on paper for quite some time now. The words just don't want to come out the way I'd like and every time I start writing on it I more or less change everything to some degree.

Personally, I have only been around the Quad-City area of Iowa. How is Council Bluff different, and where would you recommend one to stay if they were visiting around there?

The bluffs aren't as high and the river isn't quite as wide. Other than that it's much the same. I don't think it's quite as run down. Omaha has a new Civic Center and next to it is a new Hilton. There are several nice places to stay in the area, but that is probably the nicest.

Writing can bring about writer's block. What do you do in order to get past that point?

I have to put my work aside until I either read or watch something inspirational enough to get me back to work. If that doesn't happen, I just keep plowing through it.

What reading material spurs you on to want to write more, or is it something that just comes to you?

I watch a lot of movies and keep thinking that I can write something like that. Every once in awhile I'll read something that makes me want to give it an extra effort.

I see from reading your interests that you like football. Do you have a favorite team or are there many teams you favor over others?

I'm a Packers fan and my wife is a Vikings fan, but we watch the teams that are playing that week.

Do you go to many games during the football season? If so, where do you prefer to get your tickets?

My wife has gone to a couple of Viking's games but because of my health I can't make it.

Writing comes natural for some as others struggle to get anything out. Where would you fall in this range, and why?

Writing, itself, comes naturally but I still have to struggle at times. I've been writing since I was fourteen and the words seem to just flow at times. I'm fifty-one now and wonder if I have anything worth saying or writing.

Is writing a passion for you, or is it just something to do to occupy time?

It must be a passion of some form because I've had to support my family in several different ways and gave up on my writing because of it. I was either too tired or didn't have the time to write and work at the same time. Somehow, I always come back to writing.

Do you have any favorite authors? If so, who are they?

John Steinbeck, Zane Grey, Tom Clancy, Hermann Hesse, Ken Kensey and several others that I can't think right now.

Are there certain books or other reading material that jumps out at you regardless of who has written them?

I like human interest stories mainly. "The Horse Whisperer", "An Unfinished Life", "Cannery Row". I like reading about real people in real situations, how down and out humanbeings make the best of the life they have.

Which of these would you recommend others to read?

I don't know as I'd recommend anything. I might mention something that I'd read lately.

How has writing changed your life or just you in general?

It has gotten me through some pretty rough times in my life. When things got tough I always dreamed how much better they would be if could become a famous writer.

How would you rate or critique your own writing?

Sometimes crude, sometimes immature, sometimes sentimental.

Tell us, "Who is Artie Miller?" What makes you unique and stand out from the rest of us?

I'm fifty-one years old. I've been married twice, the first time for five years, this time going on twenty-six years. I've been a state park attendant, a roofer, an electrician, a carpenter, a motorcycle mechanic, a cabinetmaker, a CAD draftsman and a janitor. I rode motorcycle from the age of thirteen until I was forty something when our Harley was stolen and we couldn't afford to replace it. I've had six back surgeries which end with rods running the full length of my spine. I've also been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. At this point in my life I am totally disabled so most of my living goes on in my head.

I am Irish-Scots-German and resently my sister traced our mothers side of the family back to 1638 Ireland, Donegal County to be exact. I would love to visit Ireland sometime, but for now I'll do it in my mind and by way of TV.

I don't think I'm special, I just try to look at the world with an uncluttered mind. I'm not into fad or whatever happens to be the latest thing. I try to see life without all the whistles and bells.

How did you find out about Associated Content?

My wife heard about Associated Content from one of the women at her job.

Do you have a favorite content producer yet or is that presumptuous at this point?

It's too soon. I'm just learning the ropes.

A question that readers may want to know is, "Can we expect more prose from you, or will there be other types of writing to be posted here at Associated Content?" Personally, I think it would be great if that is all you want to write about.

If all goes well there will be more prose and, hopefully, short stories

What would you most want others to remember about you in the future as a writer?

I may not be the best but I am honest with what I say.

Well Artie, is there anything more you want to share with me, and those who will read this interview?

Thank you for your interest and your efforts.

Thank you for your time and patience. It has been a pleasure interviewing you. I hope your goals and dreams as a writer come true.

Like the song says "I'll get by with a little help from my friends".