In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with award-winning author Krysten Lindsay Hager to talk all things writing, friendship, fame, and the emotional journey of growing up. From first crushes and awkward moments to the pressure of fitting in, Krysten's books explore the heart of teen and young adult life with honesty, warmth, and wit.

We dive into her hit series like Cecily Taylor, Stars in the City, and Landry’s True Colors, as well as what inspired her to write about self-esteem, values, and navigating fame. Plus, she shares insights from her writing journey—including how Cecily in the City won the 2023 Readers Favorite Award for Best YA Romance—and what it’s like to guest host on Michigan Avenue Media.

Whether you’re a fan of sweet YA romance or just love stories with heart and humor, this episode is for you.

ABOUT KRYSTEN:

Krysten Lindsay Hager writes about friendship, dating, self-esteem, fitting in, fame, and values. Her work includes YA contemporary books, new adult, and middle grade fiction. She is the author of the Cecily Taylor Series, the Stars in the City Series, the Star Series, the Landry’s True Colors Series, and Dating the It Guy. Cecily in the City won the 2023 Readers Favorite Award for best young adult romance. She received her BA in English and master's degree from the University of Michigan-Flint. Krysten's work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Bellbrook Times, Springfield News-Sun, Grand Blanc View, Dayton Daily News and on Living Dayton. She is a frequent guest host on the Michigan Avenue Media podcast with Marsha Casper Cook.

WHERE TO FIND KRYSTEN:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

@KrystenLindsay on Threads & X

BUY LINKS:

Amazon Author Page | When Stars Collide in the City

Stars in the City | Falling for a Star in the City

Cecily in the City | Middle School Series |

Pop star YA romance Cecily Taylor Series

In this fascinating episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with none other than Harry Turtledove, the acclaimed “Master of Alternate History.” Known for his award-winning historical and speculative fiction, Turtledove takes us into new territory with his latest release, Twice as Dead—a gritty urban fantasy noir where the supernatural collides with the shadows of a haunted city.

We discuss the twists and turns of Twice as Dead, his upcoming dystopian novel Powerless, and how writing across genres—from fantasy and mystery to hard-hitting alternate history—has shaped his legendary career. With a PhD in Byzantine history and decades of genre-defining stories under his belt, Turtledove shares how historical depth and imagination create the perfect storm for unforgettable fiction.

This episode is packed with insight on worldbuilding, genre-blending, and what it means to stand by your principles in fiction and life. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, this is a must-watch conversation with one of speculative fiction’s greats.

ABOUT HARRY TURTLEDOVE:

He’s been dubbed “The Master of Alternate History,” –but now author Harry Turtledove’s latest book, Twice as Dead, is a thriller, urban fantasy into a world where the supernatural and the human realm intersect in shadowy corners.

A hard-boiled detective is drawn into a maze of mystery and danger, where every step can be his last. This sleuth navigates through a city that breathes secrets, facing threats both human and otherworldly. Added to that he’s confronting his own internal demons.

This noir fantasy expertly weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue and supernatural – a tightrope between the real and the unreal.

Turtledove won the Homer Award for Short Story in 1990 for Designated Hitter, the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction in 1993 for The Guns of the South, and the Hugo Award for Novella in 1994 for Down in the Bottomlands. “Must and Shall was nominated for the 1996 Hugo Award and Nebula Award for Best Novelette and received an honorable mention for the 1995 Sidewise Award for Alternate History. Two Georges also received an honorable mention for the 1995 Sidewise Award for Alternate History.

WHERE TO FIND HIM AND HIS BOOKS:

Amazon Author Page | BlueSky

BUY AT AMAZON

🔔 Subscribe for more powerful author interviews, genre mashups, and the writing wisdom that fuels it all.

In this insightful episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle welcomes Dr. C. Daniel Miller, copyright consultant, educator, and co-founder of Integrated Writer Services, LLC. With decades of experience helping authors and publishers protect their creative rights, Dr. Miller offers expert guidance on some of today’s most pressing issues—like how copyright law intersects with artificial intelligence and what every writer needs to know to stay compliant.

We dive into his work as co-author of Copyright Clearance for Creatives, his role in NASA’s Classroom of the Future, and his vast experience speaking to creatives across the country. Whether you’re traditionally published, indie, or just starting out, Dr. Miller’s advice is essential for navigating the legal landscape of publishing.

If you’ve ever wondered “Can I use that?” or “How do I protect my work from AI scraping?”—this is the episode for you.

🔔 Subscribe for more expert interviews on writing, publishing, and the business of being a creative professional.

ABOUT DR. MILLER:

Dr. C. Daniel Miller is a co-founder of Integrated Writer Services, LLC, which provides copyright consulting and copyright clearance services. He formerly served as president of the Collective of Independent Publishers and Authors (CIPA), previously known as the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. Dr. Miller regularly speaks and conducts workshops on “Copyright Basics” and “Copyright in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” These presentations are designed for writers, authors, editors, independent publishers, and other creative professionals.

In addition to his consulting work, Dr. Miller is working on a second edition of the award-winning Copyright Clearance for Creatives, which serves as a guide to copyright issues for the creative community. The new edition will include a section on copyright and artificial intelligence (AI).

Through his various roles, Dr. Miller contributes to the copyright literacy of individuals needed to help them ethically create and use copyrighted materials in the digital age.

WHERE TO FIND HIM: Website

The best moments. The biggest insights. One magical highlight reel.

Ready to revisit the most unforgettable moments from Miles Beyond the Page Season 1? This highlight reel brings together the top writing tips, inspirational quotes, laugh-out-loud moments, and behind-the-scenes wisdom from your favorite author interviews.

Hosted by fantasy author Michelle Miles, Miles Beyond the Page is a podcast that dives deep into the creative lives of writers—from bestselling legends to indie powerhouses. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just starting your writing journey, this highlight reel is packed with motivation, practical advice, and a dash of writerly magic.

✨ In this video, you'll find:

• Top writing tips and creative insights
• Favorite quotes from our author guests
• Highlights on publishing, productivity, and plotting
• Real talk about the writer’s life

Subscribe for more author interviews, writing advice, and behind-the-scenes storytelling inspiration. Season 2 is just around the corner!

📢 Hit that like button, share with your fellow writers, and don’t forget to comment with your favorite moment from Season 1!

#writingcommunity #booktok #authorlife #writingtips #writingadvice #storytelling

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In this episode, I'm thrilled to chat with the fabulous Janet Leigh—author of snarky time-travel romances and laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. Janet shares how she turned her stash of wild family stories into her debut novel The Shoes Come First and how she balances being a full-time chiropractor and acupuncturist while writing her wildly fun Jennifer Cloud series.

We dive into her love for quirky characters, eighties movies, and why she believes ordinary people can do extraordinary things (especially with a little humor and a lot of heart). 🕰️❤️

ABOUT JANET:

Janet Leigh writes snarky time-travel romance and romantic comedy novels. She decided to take her love of storytelling and her archive of crazy family stories and write her first novel. Janet published her literary debut, The Shoes Come First, in 2015. Today, she is a full-time chiropractor and acupuncturist who splits her time between seeing patients and working on her next Jennifer Cloud novel.

Janet loves to write about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. She lives in Texas with her husband, three children, and two dogs. After working all day and writing at every opportunity, she enjoys the smell of an old library, relaxing on her porch swing with a glass of red wine and her dogs Fin & Bella, reading a good Rom-Com, an ice-cold Dr. Pepper, and binge-watching eighties movies with her husband.

WHERE TO FIND JANET:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkTree

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, I’m joined by the talented Mary Karlik, writing as Mary J. Wilson, to chat about her Scottish roots, her writing journey, and how she blends her Texas charm with Scottish magic to create heartwarming happily-ever-afters.

If you're interested in learning more about RWA, check out the org here.

About Mary Karlik / Mary J. Wilson:

Mary is the author of five indie-published contemporary young adult romance novels and two fantasy novels, crafting love stories that stretch from Texas to the Highlands of Scotland. With deep ties to her Scottish heritage and a passion for storytelling, Mary brings authenticity, heart, and a dash of Celtic flair to everything she writes.

She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, a B.S. from Texas A&M University, and is currently studying Scottish Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the beautiful Isle of Skye.

When she’s not writing, Mary is a certified professional ski instructor, a Registered Nurse, and an active member of Romance Writers of America, Contemporary Romance Writers, and Dallas Area Romance Authors. Married to a real-life Scot, she splits her time between Texas and Scotland—two places that inspire her rich, romantic storytelling.

In this interview, we discuss:

• The influence of her Scottish heritage on her writing
• Her journey from Texas nurse to published author
• How she balances YA romance and fantasy
• Her experience studying Scottish Gaelic and how it adds depth to her stories
• The writing process, inspiration, and advice for aspiring authors

Listen now for a cozy, inspiring conversation filled with heart, heritage, and happily-ever-afters! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes author interviews.

Where to find Mary: Website

Where to find Mary’s books: Available on Amazon

This episode discusses adult content, trauma, and themes of reinvention and redemption.

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, I sit down with award-winning author Jeanne Skartsiaris to discuss her powerful novel, The Magdalenes, as well as her writing and publishing journey. Jeanne’s books tackle real-life challenges with raw honesty, making readers laugh, cry, and deeply connect with her characters.

About Jeanne Skartsiaris:

Jeanne is the author of The Magdalenes, a novel about shedding the past and reinventing oneself after trauma, which has won and been nominated for multiple prestigious awards, including:

• 1st Place – San Antonio Writer’s Guild (2019)
• Finalist – 2023 Page Turner Awards
• Finalist – 2024 American Fiction Awards
• Finalist – 2024 Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award

She is also the author of:

• Dance Like You Mean It – A coming-of-middle-age story, finalist for the Best Book Awards in Humor (2017)
• Surviving Life – A YA novel tackling life’s hardships
• Snow Globe – A YA novel with emotional depth

By day, Jeanne is a sonographer in an OB/GYN office, with a background in medical and legal photography. She studied creative writing at Southern Methodist University and has built a career on crafting stories that explore the human experience with heart and humor.

In this interview, we discuss:

• The inspiration behind The Magdalenes and its themes of survival and reinvention
• How Jeanne brings depth and realism to her characters
• Her writing journey, challenges, and successes in publishing
• Balancing a full-time career with a passion for storytelling
• Advice for aspiring writers on writing deeply emotional and impactful stories

WHERE TO FIND JEANNE:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

BUY LINK: Amazon

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, I’m joined by the wildly talented and unapologetically bold AK Nevermore, author of Overlord and countless other explosive reads. We dive into her spicy dystopian sci-fi, chat about shifters on motorcycles, and yes—blowing things up in the most entertaining ways possible.

ABOUT AK NEVERMORE:

AK Nevermore is an award-winning author known for her dark, irreverent, and addictively entertaining stories that blend dystopian sci-fi, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. Whether she's writing about alpha shifters, gritty rebels, or post-apocalyptic worlds, her books deliver steam, sass, and lots of action.

She’s been traditionally, digitally, and indie published, and when she’s not wrangling characters or operating heavy machinery, she’s likely freebasing coffee or giving up sarcasm for Lent (bless her).

Her work has been featured in Blush Magazine, on NPR, and even made it into the BookBub blog roundup. She's also a creative writing teacher, a prolific industry volunteer, and somehow manages to write full time around a literal nest of ravens.

• In this interview, we discuss:
• The badassery behind Overlord
• The appeal of shifters + motorcycles + explosions
• How AK builds dark, gritty, and unputdownable worlds
• Her approach to spicy romance and antiheroes
• Advice for writers who want to blend genre fiction with attitude

WHERE TO FIND AK NEVERMORE:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | BlueSky | Threads

WHERE TO BUY HER BOOKS:

Amazon