Several ARC readers have said, “Every woman should read this book,” and one even called it a “modern-day fairy tale that will empower little girls for generations to come.”

Deb Miller – 24 June 2025

The Back Flap

Who says a prince is needed to save the day? Certainly not debut author Deb Miller. In her bold and empowering memoir, Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness, Miller flips the script on outdated princess narratives and proves that real-life happiness is not about finding a prince—it’s about finding ourselves.

Once upon a time, women were sold the idea that love and fulfillment came neatly packaged with a white horse and a glass slipper. But what happens when the fairy tale doesn’t deliver? Miller’s journey—at times raw, funny and deeply relatable—challenges the old script and offers a refreshing perspective: women can be the heroes of their own stories

About the book

What is the book about?

It’s an inspirational memoir. Imagine a modern-day Cinderella realizing that Prince Charming isn’t the key to her happily ever after. So, she hops on a white horse, straps in her kids behind her, and takes charge of her own destiny.

When did you start writing the book?

In 2020, when many of us were looking for ways to spend our pandemic.

How long did it take you to write it?

The writing process was on and off for about two years. Then came editing, followed by the publishing journey. In total, the memoir will have been about five years in the making.

Where did you get the idea from?

Both of my grandmothers were fascinating women, and I often wished they had written a memoir. Toni Morrison famously said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” So, during the pandemic, I started writing a collection of family stories that my kids and grandkids might appreciate later in life.

But after I submitted the first draft to the publisher, the feedback was that I should delete most of the family vignettes and refocus on the portions that featured my personal transformation.

After submitting my first draft to the publisher, their feedback was to shift the focus from family vignettes to my personal transformation. The publisher wanted to follow my journey. They loved how I used cultural commentary on the evolution of Disney princesses to introduce each chapter. And how my story mirrored the evolution of these characters from damsels in distress to warrior heroines.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Well, it’s a memoir. So, sharing personal details of my life is difficult to put into print and you worry about potential fallout for or from others featured in the book.

What came easily?

Dialogue.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

All of the characters are real. There are a couple of composite characters, and aside from my family or public figures, I changed most names to protect the innocent.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I’ve always enjoyed biographies, but I hadn’t read many memoirs before writing one. I took a few classes, watched a lot of podcasts, and read recommended books. Mary Karr’s The Art of Memoir was especially influential—it encouraged me to dig deep and “tell it like it was.”

Do you have a target reader?

Several ARC readers have said, “Every woman should read this book,” and one even called it a “modern-day fairy tale that will empower little girls for generations to come.” I’ll happily take that scope—and love that prediction!

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I believe it’s called putting your “butt in the seat.” I had to carve out regular, uninterrupted writing time—usually Sundays—and commit to it, no excuses.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I think in outline form, so that’s how I started. Initially, the outline was chronological, but I later shifted parts into flashbacks and flash-forwards. As for the writing, I jumped around—writing whatever scene or chapter I felt inspired by that day. I’ve described the process as putting together a thousand-piece puzzle: the outline defined the edges and main images, but the writing came together piece by piece.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

A bit of both.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, and I had the best editor, Julie Artz.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Imagine the most magical earworm. From A Whole New World to Let It Go, I couldn’t stop hearing princess songs while writing. I even imagined key scenes playing out as a Broadway musical—with Disney tunes. It became so addictive that I created a chapter-by-chapter playlist for the book’s website. Then, I spiraled into imagining alternate versions: a pop remix, a Taylor Swift playlist, even a country version. Book clubs could have a lot of fun with these lists!

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Nope. Life is short. It already took a couple of years to write the book—I didn’t want to lose more time querying agents. I was ready to get my message into the world and get on with my life.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I feel fortunate that She Writes Press—a pioneer in hybrid publishing—chose my book. They specialize in memoir, and Brooke was the only publisher I spoke with. She Writes has traditional distribution through Simon & Schuster which makes the book available everywhere books are sold. She Writes also handles the copyediting, cover design, interior design, and proofreading for its authors.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

The publisher designed the cover, but I found the image. I had a vision in my head, searched for photography to match, and found the perfect one on Pinterest—an image by photographer Victoria Avvacumova that spoke to me.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I was a vice president of marketing and communications for several Fortune 500 companies, and I now teach marketing at universities. That said, book marketing is a whole different planet. I’m still learning the terrain!

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Any advice you’d like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Most authors are the coolest people, and I’ve loved meeting so many through this process. We’re all in this together. Being a She Writes author feels like joining a sorority—it’s an incredible community.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I spent my childhood in Columbus, Indiana, an idyllic small town in the southern part of the state.

Where do you live now?

You’ll find me happily landscaping in an enchanted forest near Seattle.

What would you like readers to know about you?

Now that my three kids have left the nest, I’m a proud dog mom. After traveling the globe as a corporate executive, I’m now on a mission to visit every U.S. national park.

What are you working on now?

I do what brings me joy, plain and simple. A good night’s sleep. Beautiful sunsets. Listening to birdsong. Instead of rushing through life, I sip tea at my kitchen table in the morning rather than gulping it down in the car during a stressful commute.

I’ve found my happiness.

I’m forever a mom. Besides landscaping and exercising with my dog, I’m known as “Dr. Miller” to my students and “Grammy” to my grandkids. That tells you all you need to know.

End of Interview:

For more from Deb Miller, visit her website.

Get your copy of Forget the Fairy tale and Find Your Happiness from Amazon US.