A look at the life and times of Robert E. Lee, one of the most mythologized men in American history. From his turbulent childhood, his years of service in the U.S. army, his fame as a Confederate general in the Civil War, how did this man become an American myth and what was the real story?
Brandon Marie Miller is the author of 13 award-winning biographies and histories for middle grade and young adult readers. I last interviewed Brandon on this site in June 2016. Since then, she has published another very important historical nonfiction book, this time about Robert E. Lee. Since it came out just prior to Covid, I wanted to catch up with the author to find out about the book and what the effects of both the pandemic and the recent stir about Robert E. Lee and the dismantling of statues has had, if any, on this book. Briefly describe your latest book, “Robert E. Lee: The Man, The Soldier, The Myth"
A look at the life and times of Robert E. Lee, one of the most mythologized men in American history. From his turbulent childhood, his years of service in the U.S. army, his fame as a Confederate general in the Civil War, how did this man become an American myth and what was the real story?
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I am lucky to get another interview with a non-fiction writer, Brandon Marie Miller, from the Southwest Ohio Chapter of SCBWI I attend, who has a newly released book for those interested in American history. When I first joined the group, Brandy was especially helpful to me by critiquing a few chapters of a YA historical fiction book I am revising. I think she felt pity on me when she learned I was getting through only three pages a month with a critique group I attended. Recently, she has been providing advice on writing book proposals and query letters as I struggle through that process. |
I remember the excitement of visiting the public library as a child. The magic and suspense of reading favorites like The Velvet Room and The Secret Garden tugged at my imagination. Biographies of George Washington Carver and Betsy Ross allowed me to see the lives of those who came before me and to appreciate their accomplishments. Poetry collections like my favorite The Tall Book of Poems, which I took with me on sleepovers, introduced me to a range of poetry where I could consider how the placement and rhythm of words affected your mood – sometimes bouncy, other times melancholy. Plus, I really loved the way that book felt in my small hands. My goal in writing children’s books, I think, is an attempt to recreate those feelings, those early years of reading books where everything seemed possible.
I received an M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University and won the Karen and Philip Cushman Late Bloomer Award from SCBWI. I worked as a Children's Librarian for 20 years and still prefer to read books written for young people. I have two Cavapoo dogs named Prince Albert and Daisy Wu, and a black kitten named Mortimer. I am married and split time between homes with my husband Rod in Dayton, OH and in Cadiz, KY where we enjoy our pontoon boat on Lake Barkley.
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