Lois Miller, 19, is a debut author with her romantasy novel Don’t Fear the Fire set to release in the UK on 25th March, 2025.
Recently, I spoke to Lois to find out a little more about her path into writing, the books that make her tick, and what readers should expect from Don’t Fear the Fire when it’s published later this year.
Hey Lois, thanks for taking the time to talk to Tales from Absurdia. It’s a pleasure to have you on the blog!
First and foremost, please tell us a little about yourself. When did you first start writing, and what was your journey into getting your first book published?
Hi! I am Lois, a nineteen (nearly twenty) year old debut author, originally from Buckinghamshire, now living in Bournemouth.
I was always a lover of creative writing – it was definitely my favourite lesson in school, but I first started writing my debut novel at the age of sixteen. I started writing what is now Don’t Fear the Fire as a way to escape the world at the time (the national lockdown caused by COVID-19).
I never really intended to get DFTF published, as it was just a creative outlet when i first began the project, but after some really positive feedback from friends i decided to try and pursue publication at the age of eighteen (I did shelve the manuscript for a year and a bit due to A-level and higher education commitments).
It was about November 2023 when I re-looked at the novel and after some long nights of editing, I felt it was finally time to start querying. This was a long, painful and nerve-racking process, where I sent out many letters to several agents and publishers. After maybe two months of waiting, I received an interest from my current publisher, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, and have never looked back!
So, Don’t Fear the Fire — do tell us more about it!
What’s the novel about? And where did the idea for this book come from?
Don’t Fear the Fire is a YA (young adult) romantasy (romance and fantasy) novel which follows eighteen year old Scarlett Dalton as she attends Leighton Academy, a magik (yes, with a K) school for Mystics and Warlocks. Very loosely inspired by Wiccan culture, as well as my own personal interest in spirituality, the magik system is all about inner powers/thoughts. The novel features popular ‘Booktok’ tropes such as enemies to lovers, found family, dark academia and the somewhat infamous ‘knife to the throat’ scene.
During her time at the school, Scarlett meets her two roommates (which are decided by the zodiac star signs) Samira and Ophelia, and throughout the novel, they experience all sorts of love, loss and heartbreak together.
During the hand-fasting ceremony, Scarlett is bound to her soul twin, Claude Richardson, the son of the wealthy and highly respected Richardsons. Delighted, but somewhat frightened by him, Scarlett is keen to utilise this bond to make a positive name and career for herself. However, when strange occurrences start to happen at the academy, the pair are contacted by the governing agency, OMEN, to complete a top secret mission.
The idea for DFTF started as quite literally a single scene in my mind, and after many weeks of planning and worldbuilding, I felt I had developed enough of a concept I could turn it into a full novel.
Which writers and genres have inspired you the most?
And are there any authors’ books you’re excited about reading, that you haven’t yet read?
For sure Harry Potter, as that’s what I grew up reading and what sparked my passion for literature and creative writing.
I love fantasy or dystopian (e.g. the hunger games / maze runner) as they allow me to completely escape reality for a short period of time. I also love anything with romance in it, as I am a sucker for love – especially when there is some angsty tension or an enemies to lovers dynamic (just as long as they work out in the end).
I have loved the Powerless series by Lauren Roberts, and I can’t wait for April to get the final installment ‘Fearless’. I am also eagerly anticipating reading Fourth Wing on my upcoming holiday, as I am yet to indulge in that series (despite my colleagues raving about it for ages).
Do you have any writing rituals or habits that help you stay creative?
I try to write in short bursts/sprints. I find my mind gets tired or distracted, especially after a long day in the office or doing university work, so I find concentrating for thirty minutes to an hour in one go works for me.
I also find it’s helpful to approach writing sessions with a plan or idea of what you are aiming to write. Whether that be a specific scene, finishing a chapter or to hit a word count, having a clear goal of what you want to accomplish really motivates me.
In terms of rituals, I have found that putting on instrumental music of songs really aids me when I write.
I like the noise, as it weirdly helps me focus, but anything with lyrics would be too distracting (I start to, very badly, sing along).
If you were stranded on a desert island, and had only three books, which ones would you pick?
Hmmm… very tough question! I would for sure say a Harry Potter novel, although it has been several years since I read them…perhaps The Goblet of Fire. There are some amazing parts of that book that were not included in the film which I love.
For my second book, I would say The Maze Runner by James Dashner. I love this book (and the whole series), so much so that I read the entire novel in under a day. I love the short chapters, the pacing and the characters, so this would have to make my top three.
For the third book, I would once again say Powerless by Lauren Roberts. I love the feisty female main character Paeydn, the cocky, yet loveable Kai and the tension that the two have. I read it on my holiday last year and it really had me giggling and kicking my feet!
What are you currently reading?
Slightly a cop-out answer, but my current work in progress…I am writing something completely different from DFTF and I am loving it!!
Without revealing too much, it is a dystopian novel, with a very unique societal structure and a head-strong FMC (female main character). I am in the process of both writing and editing the manuscript, so feel like it’s currently the main thing I am reading.
To confess, I am not much of a reader anymore…I spend all my free time writing (or proofreading) my own work. However, that being said, I do love to take a couple books with me whenever I go on holiday, but unfortunately that is all the reading I can typically do.
How can readers best support debut authors like yourself?
Of course there is an obvious answer – preorder/buy our novels! Any sale we have not only makes our day, but also shows to other readers, publishers and even booksellers (aka the Amazon algorithm) that our book is something that could be worth your time.
However, I would also love to stress that interacting with us on social media is another amazing way to support any debut author. The power of Instagram and TikTok is truly remarkable (whilst also terrifying), so every like, follow, comment or repost makes a huge difference. One viral video can boost sales by an unbelievable amount, so any chance you get to interact with debut/indie authors helps us immensely.
And finally, if you had any advice for your younger self starting this novel — or any other young writers — what would it be?
For my younger self writing DFTF, I would say maybe read up a bit on grammar – the subtle nuances of en/em dashes etc can really be a make or break for an agent or publisher.
I would also say to myself, but also any writer (no matter their age), that you do need a plan. Whether that be a loose synopsis (which also is not set in stone – if you have another, better idea, you can adapt it) or a chapter-by-chapter plan, an empty document is much more intimidating if you don’t know what you’re filling it with.
Definitely take the time to flesh out your characters and world building – perhaps by making lots of Pinterest boards or creating detailed character profiles on word – as this will save a lot of headache, stress and confusion in the long run.
One final thing I would also love to say to anyone thinking of starting a novel is ‘don’t compare yourself to anyone else.’ Everyone has a different writing journey, and that is okay. Some people will write a whole draft in three months, others in three years. That does not dictate the success or merit of your work.
The same goes for the querying process; the odds of getting an agent/publisher are quite low, and it may take some people months to find the right person for their work, whereas others might hit the nail on the head first try.
If you believe in your work, others will too.
Don’t Fear the Fire, published by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, is out on the 25th March in the UK.
You can pre-order your copy from all good bookstores, or order directly from the publisher to support their ongoing work.
