So, when Miller was nominated this year by the IBMAs for “Songwriter of the Year,” it was no surprise to those within the bluegrass industry, though it might have caught Miller himself a little off-guard.

“It’s beyond a cliché, but it really is an honor to be nominated,” he said. “If you look at the math of the situation, considering the number of songwriters and songs out there, to make the final list of nominees is beyond a long shot, and I never take that for granted. Living in Nashville, I see extremely talented people moving to town every day with their heads and hearts full of dreams — unfortunately, the odds are against us.”

And though he didn’t win the award — at least this year — Miller sees the whole picture: awards are a bonus to the real prize of being a songwriter, getting to create and make a living doing what you love.

“Sure, it would have been great to hear my name called, but, to be honest, it doesn’t change anything about my approach,” he said. “I’ve been at this long enough to know that if I sit down and make a conscious effort to write a ‘hit’ song, it never works out. The best that I can do is work hard, write the best songs that I can, and try to create lyrics and melodies that connect with people.”