Episode 82 - A Story of Waiting, Obedience, and the Power of Redemption with Maureen Miller

Date: August 1, 2025

Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Maureen Miller

 

Episode Highlights: In today’s heartfelt episode of The Women Behind the Words, host Debbie Dufek is joined by the beautiful soul and kindred heart of Maureen Miller, wife, mom, Mosie, writer, encourager, and award-winning author. A connector of people and a true wordsmith, Maureen shares the deeply personal journey behind her debut novel Gideon’s Book, a story God placed on her heart during a season of quiet surrender.

Through vulnerability and wisdom, Maureen invites us into the tension of living what you write. She shares the moment God whispered fiction into her heart, the obedience it took to begin, and the waiting that refined both her message and her character. From rewriting the manuscript entirely to wrestling with themes that mirrored her own life, Maureen’s story is one of transformation, trust, and hope for all of us navigating seasons of delay.

This conversation explores:

• How God nudged Maureen to begin her first novel

• Why fiction felt like a stretch and a surrender

• The trials and delays that served as divine preparation

• What Maureen learned about God, herself, and the creative process in the waiting

• The moment she felt called to start the manuscript over completely

• Whether Gideon’s Book will become part of a series

• The real-life inspirations behind her characters and themes

• Scriptures that carried her through the writing and rewriting process

• How writing something so close to the heart makes it both harder and holier

• Her prayer for how Gideon’s Book will impact readers and draw them closer to Jesus

If you’re a writer, a dreamer, or someone stuck in a long season of not yet, this episode will gently remind you the Author of your life is always writing and He finishes what He begins.

 

About Our Guest: Maureen Miller has been wife to Bill for 35 years, is mom to three “born-in-her-heart” children, and Mosie to two grand-girls with a third on the way.

A teacher by degree and writer by calling, Maureen has been crafting stories, devotions, and essays for decades. She is an award-winning author featured in over twenty collaborative works including Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures and regularly contributes to both print and online publications including her own blog, Penning Pansies.

Though she identifies as an introvert, Maureen is known as a connector, someone who brings people together for God’s greater purpose. She is passionate about encouraging others to pursue their gifts and grow in their relationship with Jesus.

She is currently finishing her first novel Gideon’s Book and is the author of the children’s title Daisy the Circus Dog. Through all of her work, Maureen hopes to show others the extraordinary character of God revealed in the ordinary moments of life.

 

Book Spotlight: Gideon’s Book In this captivating time-split Christian novel, Maureen Miller beautifully weaves together three lives on a journey toward healing, purpose, and faith.

2016: Cassie faces a daunting health diagnosis and lingering insecurities when she is given the chance to write a memoir for her friend’s parents. As hidden truths about her past come to light, she must confront where her worth truly lies.

Spring, 1969: Ava Jackson is 19 and in love with her best friend’s brother. A Spring Break trip to Myrtle Beach sets off a chain of events that will alter her future in ways she never expected.

Summer, 1969: Gideon Stallings is a successful architect battling inner doubts. But when he opens a Bible found in his room, a new story takes root in his heart, one that just might change everything.

From Myrtle Beach to Eden, North Carolina, Gideon’s Book is a sweeping tale of faith, self-discovery, and the impact of one life surrendered to God. Inspired by true events and real people, it’s a deeply emotional read that fans of The Notebook and Stepping Heavenward won’t want to miss.

 

Connect with Maureen Miller: Website & Blog: www.penningpansies.com Instagram: @penningpansies Facebook: Penning Pansies Email: [e-mail]

 

Books by Maureen Miller:

• Daisy the Circus Dog (Children’s Book)

• Gideon’s Book – Published May 2025

• Contributor to 20+ devotionals and collaborative works including Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures

 

Closing Thought: Maureen end