SEATTLE, WA – 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memoir, “Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness” (She Writes Press, June 24, 2025), Miller flips the script on outdated princess narratives and proves that real-life happiness is not about finding a prince—it’s about finding ourselves.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.
Through poignant personal revelations and a witty, insightful examination of how Disney princesses have evolved from helpless damsels to fierce, independent warriors, Miller encourages women to break free from limiting beliefs and build a life that is truly their own. With resilience, grit, and a little bit of magic (the real kind—the one that comes from within), she proves that the best happily-ever-afters are the ones we create for ourselves.
“Despite being taught to believe in princes on white horses saving the day, Deb Miller manages to teach herself (and her readers) to ride her own horse. With character and strength, Deb breaks out of tired traditions while embracing a very important one: motherhood. An inspiring read!”
– Brenda Chapman, writer/director of Disney/Pixar’s BRAVE
“Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness”
Deb Miller | June 24, 2025 | She Writes Press | Memoir, Inspirational
Paperback | 978-1-64742-922-5 | $17.99
Ebook | 978-1-64742-923-2 | $12.99
About the Author
DEB MILLER’S life is a tapestry of adventure and achievement, weaving together experiences from her small-town Indiana roots to business opportunities across the globe. Her job as a hardworking Fortune 500 executive led to rappelling the Great Wall and riding elephants in India, all while remaining a devoted mom. Now a part-time marketing professor, Dr. Miller cherishes the opportunity to learn from her global students as well as her beloved children and grandchildren. Deb resides in an enchanted forest outside of Seattle, where the landscaping projects are endless and enjoyable. Find out more about Deb and the book at https://forgetthefairytale.net/
Follow Deb Miller on social media:
Facebook: @Forget-the-Fairy-Tale-and-Find-Your-Happiness
Instagram: @forget_the_fairy_tale
Goodreads: @Deb_Miller
“Pure magic! Deb Miller’s story is proof that we live our best lives when we refuse to settle for less than we deserve. Inspiring and powerful; every woman should read this.”
– Jill Zarin, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City
Early Praise for “Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness”
“Deb Miller cleverly examines her relationships and experiences through the lens of lore of the ubiquitous princess fairy tale, ultimately encouraging readers to embrace a happy ending that might not look like the one they expected.”
– Emily Zemler, author of Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara
“Forget the Fairy Tale & Find Your Happiness is a hopeful memoir about claiming ownership over one’s life.”
– Forward Clarion Reviews
“In Miller’s inspiring account of finding happiness outside of societal expectations, she reminds readers—and herself—that ‘my happiness is up to me.’”
– BookLife
In an interview, Deb Miller can discuss:
- Happily Ever After On Your Own Terms – The book encourages women to break free from societal expectations and discover their own paths to happiness, rather than waiting for external validation or a “Prince Charming” to define their future
- Self-Discovery – Drawing from the author’s hard earned lessons on resilience and reinvention, the book shows how women of all ages can reflect on their lives, learn from their experiences, and embrace the joy in creating and living your best life, refusing to settle for less than you deserve
- Ditching the Damsel Act – A critique of traditional princess narratives, the book highlights how modern women don’t have to wait to be rescued, the shift from passive princesses to powerful protagonists, and showcasing how fulfilling it is to be the author of your own story
- Wisdom Across Generations – By blending personal anecdotes as a mother and executive with evolving roles of women in pop culture, Miller explores how shifting expectations have shaped our paths—and how today’s women can take control—the ultimate power move
- Your Happiness, Your Rules – Miller’s memoir reminds women that they don’t have to wait for permission or for another person to make them happy, and is a rallying cry for women to step into their power, embrace independence, and unapologetically pursue the happiness they deserve
An Interview with Deb Miller
1. Your memoir is structured around Disney princess narratives. What inspired that creative choice?
My personal transformation story seemed to mirror the cultural shift affecting the lives of women everywhere. The ’70s and ’80s feminist movement cracked the glass slipper ceiling, reshaping societal expectations around gender equality, sexual freedom, and career ambitions. These were complex themes, and I needed a framework to make them both relatable and engaging. I recalled Peggy Orenstein’s provocative New York Times article, “What’s Wrong with Cinderella?” and had an epiphany: What could be more universal than Disney?
2. What was on your writing playlist? Did any Disney songs fuel your journey?
All of them. Imagine the most magical earworm. From “A Whole New World” to “Let It Go,” I couldn’t get the princess songs out of my head and even imagined key scenes that I was writing being portrayed in a Broadway musical – with Disney tunes. I have a vivid imagination. You’ll find my chapter-by-chapter playlist on the book’s website as a giveaway.
3. If readers take away just one thing from your book, what do you hope it is?
The title says it all. If you can Forget the Fairy Tale then, you can Find Your Happiness. As one author said about the book, “It’s a modern-day fairy tale that will empower little girls for generations to come.”
4. As a kid, did you have a favorite Disney princess? Which one resonates with you most now?
I loved the live action Cinderella on tv by Rodgers & Hammerstein, but I thought the early Disney princesses were boring. Then, I watched Disney’s revival of the franchise with my daughters as the characters became more adventurous with Ariel, Belle and Jasmine. The other day, my 5- year-old granddaughter, who already knows every Disney movie and song by heart, asked me about my favorite princess. My response to her was I like the three whose names begin with M: Mulan, Merida, and Moana – because they are warrior princesses.
5. You say that happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a practice. How do you actively cultivate joy in your own life today?
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, not gulp it down in the car during a stressful commute. After visiting nearly 50 countries as a corporate executive, I’ve shifted gears and set my sights on exploring every national park. I’ve had the time to earn a doctorate, write a book, and truly enjoy the process. Living in an enchanted forest, you’ll find me outside on my John Deere tractor or chasing after my energetic Auggie. Best of all, I have more time to spend with my kids and hugging my grandkids. This, to me, is happiness.
A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.
Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.
