Interview with YA Author Miriam Thor Part Two: Writing YA Contemporary
July 27, 2025
Today’s post is part two of my interview with Miriam Thor, author of the contemporary young adult novel Listening to the Rain.
DJS: For writers who want to write about young adult contemporary issues, what words of wisdom or advice do you have?
MT: I think it’s important to write about an issue that you are passionate about. That will make it easier to do research on the topic if needed and will give your writing authenticity. I also recommend praying quite a bit before you sit down to write.
DJS: Having an investment in the topic you write about is certainly important, prayer even more so. Do you have any words of encouragement for writers who have encountered difficulties or have lost their vision for their work?
MT: I’d like to tell them they’re not alone. I’ve been there. I started querying Listening to the Rain in 2014, and it wasn’t accepted for publication until 2021. During that time, I received numerous rejections and quite a bit of criticism. I revised the first four chapters so extensively that they are unrecognizable compared to the first draft. There were many times that I despaired about it ever being published.
What helped me then, and still helps me now when I am feeling discouraged, is to take a step back, to stop focusing on what publishers are looking for or the feedback I received, and remember why I write. Sometimes, that means literally laying my manuscript on the floor in front of me and surrendering it to the Lord.
Other times, it looks like writing something different just for fun. Most of the time, I keep my “fun” stories to myself, but not always. My first novella that was ever accepted for publication, Her First Noel, began as a story I wrote for my own entertainment one Christmas because I was feeling burnt out.
I would also encourage those who are struggling, once they’ve taken a step back and refreshed themselves, to go back to the project they were working on and prayerfully decide if it is a story they still believe in and want to see published. If it is, I would encourage them to press on.
DJS: What wonderful words of wisdom and encouragement! What would you want readers to take away after reading your book?
MT: I hope readers will have two main take-aways from Listening to the Rain. First, if we surrender our difficult circumstances to the Lord, He will use them for good in our own lives and in the lives of others. Second, our gifts and talents are intended to be used for the Lord’s glory, not our own. In addition, I would be thrilled if my novel inspired someone to learn ASL.
DJS: Are you working on a new project right now?
MT: I am working on a YA Christian fantasy trilogy. It’s a secondary-world military academia story that I’m really excited about. I’ve completed the first novel and am currently pitching/querying it. I am also working on a contemporary Christian romance, though I only have a few chapters written.
DJS: I can’t wait to see what stories you have out next!
Miriam Thor started writing in second grade and never stopped. Her published works include Listening to the Rain, A Kringle Family Christmas, and Her First Noel. She has also had several short stories and poems published. Miriam grew up in Louisiana. After graduating from high school, she attended Gardner-Webb University where she earned a degree in American Sign Language and elementary education. Currently, she lives in Alabama with her husband and six adorable cats.
When Ally Griffin discovers her thing, a talent that makes people cheer just for her, she thinks the hardest part of high school is behind her. But then her cousin’s accident turns her whole word upside down. As Ally tries to be there for her cousin, she wrestles with why God allows bad things to happen and if she should keep doing her thing at all.
Donna Jo Stone is an award-winning, multi-genre author. She writes contemporary young adult, historical fiction, and southern fiction. Many of her novels are about tough issues, but she always ends her stories on a note of hope. Finding the faith to carry on through hard battles in a common theme in Donna Jo’s books.
For the latest news on upcoming releases sign up for Donna Jo’s newsletter at donnajostone.com.
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