Miles Beyond the Page

Michelle Miles
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Where we dive deep into the world of writing and publishing. Each week, I sit down with authors from every stage of their journey—whether they’re just starting out, building their readership, or seasoned pros with stories to tell. We’ll explore their creative process, uncover tips and insights, and celebrate the highs and lows of the writing life. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join me as we go Miles Beyond the Page!

  1. 6d ago

    Laura Van Wormer – Publishing, Reinvention & The Power of Story

    In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with author and former Doubleday editor Laura Van Wormer to discuss her remarkable journey through publishing, fiction writing, and creative reinvention. Laura shares how an unexpected opportunity led her to write a biography-style book about the fictional Carrington family from Dynasty, which opened the door to official tie-in novels for Dallas and Knots Landing. Those experiences helped shape her unique storytelling approach and influenced her bestselling novel Riverside Drive, a sweeping story of interconnected lives brought together by an unlikely catalyst. Michelle and Laura explore the realities of working in traditional publishing, protecting creative energy, and balancing the demands of writing with the business side of a creative career. Laura also offers insights into her chapter-driven, serialized style and the lessons she learned from both sides of the publishing industry. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Laura shares how a devastating head-on collision left her with a brain injury that ended her ability to write novels. Rather than stepping away from storytelling, she found a new creative path through her podcast, The Class of ’74, where she continues to connect with audiences through research, history, and compelling stories. 🎧 Join Michelle and Laura for an inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, publishing, and finding new ways to tell stories when life changes the script. ABOUT LAURA VAN WORMER: Laura Van Wormer is the creative force behind "The Class of ’74," a serialized fictional podcast that blends nostalgia, drama, and meticulous historical detail. Set in 1971–1974 in a well-heeled Connecticut suburb of New York City, the show has been praised for its authenticity and period-accurate setting, detail and events, and draws on Laura’s decades of experience as a novelist, editor and researcher, with a specialty in the ways the past informs the present. Her storytelling style is rooted in a good sense of humor, character psychology, the rhythms of small-town life, and creates a world listeners fall in love with. She herself was a member of the Class of '74 in Darien, Connecticut and was infamous for stopping high school parties to read stories she had written. Laura started her career at Doubleday as a secretary (in the era Jackie Onassis worked there) and worked her way up to editor. She left to pursue her own writing and while learning how to write a novel, supported herself by creating books with the creators of the hit night-time TV serials, "Dynasty," "Dallas" and "Knots Landing." Laura's first novel, RIVERSIDE DRIVE, was a bestseller when it was published in 1988. She published 13 more novels with major houses but in 2015 she was on her way to the airport to visit Betty White in Los Angeles when a drunk driver going the wrong way on the Merritt Parkway in CT hit her head-on. She woke up a month later in Yale New Haven hospital with a crushed collar bone, 16 broken ribs, torn diaphragm, broken knee, and a severed foot that required four surgeries to save. Ten years later she attended her 50th high school reunion and was sad because no one could hear her. When she went home her other half suggested why didn’t she write a story as a podcast so her classmates could hear her – and THE CLASS OF ’74 was born, a weekly narrative soap opera about teenagers starting high school in 1971. While the story is fiction, it faithfully recreates the fascinating time before cell phones existed and is guaranteed to take the listeners' minds off their problems – at least for half an hour each week. WHERE TO FIND HER: Class of '74 Podcast Website | Apple | Facebook | YouTube | BlueSky WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS: Amazon

  2. Jul 23 ·  Bonus

    Writing Morally Gray Anti-Heroes Readers Can Trust

    In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles breaks down how to write morally gray anti-heroes who feel dangerous, compelling, and emotionally safe for readers. Using what she calls a “relationship engine,” Michelle explores why morally gray characters aren’t defined by attitude or aesthetics—but by their personal code, the lines they refuse to cross, and the repeated choices that build reader trust over time. She discusses how to create anti-heroes whose devotion feels earned, whose love costs them something, and whose emotional arc centers on partnership instead of control. Michelle also dives into defining a character’s survival strategy, building conflict around self-protection versus vulnerability, and establishing non-negotiables in romance storytelling such as consent, accountability, emotional repair, and honesty. The episode includes practical guidance and a writing prompt authors can use to start building their own unforgettable anti-hero. 🎧 Whether you write fantasy romance, dark romance, paranormal romance, or emotionally intense love stories, this episode offers a deeper look at creating anti-heroes readers can obsess over without breaking emotional trust.

  3. Jul 21

    Christopher Choate – Apollo Wept, Dystopian Satire & Military Sci Fi

    In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles interviews retired Air Force officer and author Christopher Choate about his satirical military sci-fi space opera, Apollo Wept. Christopher shares how his writing began with entertaining Christmas newsletters and how events in 2020 inspired him to imagine a dystopian America in 2104, where the Constitution has been ruled unconstitutional, the country is broke, history has been erased, and identity politics dominate public life. Michelle and Christopher discuss the book’s central mission: launching the USS Despair to intercept Voyager and replace its original plaque with one reflecting the altered values of his fictional future. They also explore the novel’s pop-culture references, including Star Trek and Groundhog Day, as well as an AI character tied closely to the protagonist’s family. The conversation also covers Christopher’s writing process, hybrid publishing with Defiance Press, the challenges of marketing and reviews, his long-distance running, and his upcoming illustrated Christmas ghost story, Christmas Above the Clouds. 🎧 Join Michelle and Christopher for a wide-ranging conversation about satire, science fiction, military experience, and writing stories that ask bold questions about where society might be headed. ABOUT CHRISTOPHER CHOATE: Coyote is a decorated retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with an extraordinary career spanning four decades of military and civilian federal service with a distinguished background in military aviation and strategic planning. A seasoned Weapon Systems Officer, he flew both the legendary F-4 Phantom and the advanced F-15E Strike Eagle, embodying the precision and expertise that define the tactical air forces of the United States. As an author, Coyote brings his wealth of military and strategic experience to his current literary pursuits. His writing is characterized by a direct, incisive style punctuated with dry humor and satirical wit. With a passionate commitment to critiquing contemporary social dynamics, he writes with the goal of challenging what he perceives as ideological trends threatening Western cultural foundations. His work is marked by a provocative examination of societal shifts, delivering commentary with the same strategic precision he once applied to military operations. WHERE TO FIND HIM: Website | Newsletter Signup | Facebook | X | Instagram WHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS: Amazon

  4. Jul 14

    Brad Elder – Recoil of Justice, Legal-Light Thrillers & Indie Publishing Lessons

    In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with author and real estate attorney Brad Elder to discuss his debut thriller, Recoil of Justice. The novel follows Houston lawyer Ryan Wolf as a seemingly straightforward case involving stolen software code spirals into a dangerous world of corporate espionage, cartels, human trafficking, and corruption. Blending legal thriller elements with high-stakes action, the story asks a compelling question: can Ryan pursue justice without losing himself in the process? Michelle and Brad discuss the authors who inspired his writing journey, including John Grisham, Harlan Coben, and Jack Carr, as well as his pantser-style approach to storytelling. They also dive into the realities of indie publishing, covering editing, cover design, blurbs, newsletters, reader engagement, and the lessons Brad learned while bringing his first novel to market. The conversation also explores marketing challenges, the role of AI as a writing and business tool, and Brad’s upcoming sequel, Core of Truth, which continues Ryan Wolf’s story. 🎧 Join Michelle and Brad for an engaging conversation about thrillers, publishing, and the journey from reader to author. ABOUT BRAD ELDER: Brad Elder is an award-winning, best-selling thriller author and a licensed attorney in the state of Texas. He is an avid golfer (read: mediocre) and enjoys playing racquetball, hunting, fishing, and a beer or two (not all at the same time). Though a sub .500 Little League baseball coach, he is expecting a call from an MLB team any day now. Prior to publishing his best-selling debut thriller, Recoil of Justice, his writing credits included millions of emails and text messages, a couple of dozen witty social media posts, and one “for a good time call” message in the bathroom stall at a roadside truck stop. When not poking fun at himself, Brad spends his days in Lubbock, TX, with his wife, Ashton, and two children, Lauren, 22, and Jake, 12. Their golden doodles, Chili and Frito, are usually hanging around, too. WHERE TO FIND HIM: Website | Facebook | Instagram WHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS: Amazon

  5. Jul 9

    Christian Hurst – Space Opera, Self-Publishing & Marketing That Works

    In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with Pennsylvania author and creative director Christian Hurst to discuss his YA sci-fi/fantasy series, Lily Starling. Beginning with Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander, the series follows a memory-loss protagonist who discovers her place in the universe alongside a found family of starship crew members in a coming-of-age space opera filled with adventure, mystery, and heart. Christian shares the inspiration behind the series, his long-term vision for the five-book story arc, and the progress of the books released so far. Michelle and Christian also explore his journey from a career in advertising, film, and games to becoming a published novelist. They discuss his writing process—from blocking major story beats and drafting linearly to revising aloud—and what he learned from producing an audiobook version of his work. The conversation goes beyond writing craft into the business side of publishing, covering self-publishing, partnering with Outpost Books, audience targeting, comp titles, funnels, newsletters, social media, and practical marketing strategies that help authors reach the right readers without burning themselves out. 🎧 Join Michelle and Christian for an insightful conversation about storytelling, publishing, and building a sustainable creative career. ABOUT CHRISTIAN HURST: Christian Hurst is an American author and creative director whose work blends epic science fiction adventure with emotional depth. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and raised in the LDS church (1), he often speaks about growing up feeling like an outsider—an experience that shaped the empathy and curiosity at the heart of his writing. After leaving the church as a young adult, he now identifies as an atheist (2). He began his creative career as a teenage graphic design intern for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and later studied Graphic Design at Harrisburg Area Community College. After more than fifteen years in advertising and brand strategy, including major rebranding initiatives for Marriott International, he is now an Executive Creative Director at AARP (3). A lifelong fan of science fiction, Hurst is known for The Lily Starling Series, which explores identity, connection, and belonging (4). He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, their son, and three dogs (5). WHERE TO FIND HIM: Website | X | Instagram | TikTok WHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS: Website

  6. Jul 7

    Stephen Oram – Brain Fruit, Applied Science Fiction & Near-Future Questions

    In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles welcomes London-based speculative fiction author Stephen Oram, whose work sits at the fascinating intersection of storytelling, science, and emerging technology. Stephen discusses his latest work, Brain Fruit, a futuristic fable exploring trust, symbiosis, and finding common ground through the unlikely combination of a bee, a bug, a brain fruit, and a group of droids. He shares why he enjoys writing shorter, fable-like stories that leave room for reader interpretation and imagination in ways that novels often cannot. Michelle and Stephen also dive into his work in applied science fiction, where he collaborates with scientists and technologists to spark conversations about real-world research and its potential impact on society. From artificial intelligence and biotechnology to the ethical questions raised by emerging innovations, they explore science fiction’s unique role in asking “what if?” and helping readers think through possible futures. The conversation also covers Stephen's research process, working with experts and beta readers, his hybrid publishing approach, idea-capture habits, and his flexible, discovery-driven writing style. 🎧 Join Michelle and Stephen for a thought-provoking discussion about speculative fiction, technology, creativity, and the stories that help us imagine tomorrow. ABOUT STEPHEN ORAM: Stephen Oram writes social science fiction, often exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfect technology. Described by Linux User & Developer Magazine as, "A soothsayer for this century’s relationship with technology,” he is published in many anthologies, including the award-winning Best of British Science Fiction 2022 (Newcon Press). He has three novels: We Are Not Anonymous, 2025; Fluence, 2015; and Quantum Confessions, 2014. And three short story collections: Extracting Humanity, 2023; Biohacked & Begging, 2019; and Eating Robots, 2017. He has co-edited four anthologies: Virtual Futures, 2019; Vital Signals, 2022; 22 Ideas About the Future, 2022; and All Tomorrow’s Futures, 2024. The Financial Times said that his work, “Should set the rest of us thinking about science and its possible repercussions.” He is also a leading proponent of applied science fiction, working with scientists and technologists to explore possible outcomes of their research through short stories. He has been a writer for the Sci-Fi prototypers- SciFutures, was author in residence at Virtual Futures and one of the masterminds behind their new Near-Future Fiction series. He is also a member of the Clockhouse London Writers and the Spectrum Writers. Stephen is based in the heart of central London and attributes much of the urban grittiness and the optimism about humanity in his writing to the noise, the bustle, and the diverse community of where he lives. Previously, he was Head of Policy for post-16 Strategic Development and Innovation at the Department for Education. You can read more about his work in The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and at https://stephenoram.net WHERE TO FIND HIM: Website | X | Instagram | LinkedIn WHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS: Amazon

  7. Jun 30

    C.D. Bennett – Romantic Suspense, Found Family & No Good Deed

    In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles interviews author C.D. Bennett about her award-winning romantic suspense novel, No Good Deed. Set against the rugged beauty of Colorado, the story was inspired by C.D.’s love of the outdoors and follows a loner facing impossible odds who unexpectedly discovers the power of found family. Michelle and C.D. talk about the emotional layers of romantic suspense, reader reactions to the book, and the way genre labels can shift depending on what readers bring to a story. C.D. also shares how she became more serious about writing during the pandemic, her pantser-style creative process, and how nature walks help her reset when motivation runs low. The conversation also explores C.D.’s publishing path with Wild Rose Press, the challenge of writing blurbs and taglines, and the marketing experiments she’s tried—from contests and social media to author networking. 🎧 Join Michelle and C.D. for an encouraging conversation about writing through uncertainty, building creative momentum, and finding success by staying passionate about the next story. ABOUT C.D. BENNETT: C.D. Bennett is an award-winning romantic suspense author who enjoys writing romantic tales that completely immerse the reader in a world of fast-paced action, adventure, and eventually love. Stories where the characters feel like friends that you are rooting for. She is an avid reader and nature lover who enjoys adventurous outdoor activities when she’s not busy plotting or writing. Her favorite pastimes are horseback riding, hiking, kayaking/paddleboarding, and swimming. She has even "taken the plunge" with skydiving and scuba diving. She lives in rural NW Pennsylvania with her family and a menagerie of animal companions. She is currently working on her third book. WHERE TO FIND HER: Website | Amazon Author | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Wild Rose Press | Universal

  8. Jun 23

    Isis Chandler – YA Romance, Family Trauma & Choosing Your Own Future

    In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with author Isis Chandler to talk about her debut YA romance, a story shaped by the quiet ache of an unfinished high school experience and the lasting impact of intergenerational family trauma. In a candid and heartfelt conversation, Isis shares how her own experience with family estrangement influenced her characters and why themes like going no contact with toxic relatives matter so deeply in fiction. She and Michelle discuss the emotional reality of leaving abusive situations, the social pressure to reconcile, and the importance of telling stories where survival, healing, and self-protection are treated with honesty and care. They also dive into Isis’s writing process, from structured outlining and music playlists to creative collaboration with her husband and author Lauren Cuney. Isis opens up about a difficult experience with a small press, why she now values indie control, and the lessons authors should know about protecting themselves in publishing. 🎧 Join Michelle and Isis for a powerful conversation about writing through trauma, reclaiming agency, and creating stories that speak truth with heart. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page! ABOUT ISIS CHANDLER: When Isis isn’t writing, she uploads YouTube videos about spirituality and recovering from an abusive family. She loves drawing, painting, and spending time with her husband and two cats. WHERE TO FIND HER: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | BlueSky | TikTok WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS: Amazon

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About

Where we dive deep into the world of writing and publishing. Each week, I sit down with authors from every stage of their journey—whether they’re just starting out, building their readership, or seasoned pros with stories to tell. We’ll explore their creative process, uncover tips and insights, and celebrate the highs and lows of the writing life. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join me as we go Miles Beyond the Page!

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Miles
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michelle Miles
  • Show Website
    Miles Beyond the Page