In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle chats with Lyndsey Lewellen, author of The Chaos Grid duology—a gripping YA dystopian series set in a futuristic Texas landscape pulsing with danger, heart, and a rebellious spirit.

Lyndsey shares how her love of comic books, punk music, and sci-fi shaped her writing style and fueled the bold, high-stakes storytelling in her novels. We explore the power of “what if” in dystopian fiction, the risks her characters take to stand up for what matters, and how growing up surrounded by creativity and chaos (yes, including peacocks!) influences every word she writes.

When she’s not writing or conquering her massive TBR pile, Lyndsey is designing gorgeous book covers and custom-painting shoes—because, of course, her creativity knows no bounds.

If you love fierce YA heroes, dystopian drama, and a dash of punk-rock heart, you won’t want to miss this episode.

ABOUT LYNDSEY:

Lyndsey Lewellen is the author of The Chaos Grid duology, a YA dystopian series set in futuristic Texas. Growing up on a healthy dose of comic books, punk music, and sci-fi, she infuses all three loves into novels written for young adults. Inside her “what if” worlds, her characters take risks, grow, and fight for what matters. When she’s not writing or whittling down her endless TBR, she designs novel covers and paints on shoes. She lives on a small Texas farm with her best friend/husband, five children, and what some might call a zoo of animals (especially after meeting the peacocks).

WHERE TO FIND LYNDSEY:

Instagram | Facebook | Newsletter

WHERE TO BUY HER BOOKS:

Amazon | Direct | B&N

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Stuck on the blank page? You’re not alone.

In this special compilation from Miles Beyond the Page, 5 bestselling and award-winning authors share their most effective tips for overcoming writer’s block. Whether you're drafting your first novel or your tenth, this is the motivation you need to get those words flowing again.

💬 Featuring insights from:

- Allie Lasky (romance author with emotional punch)

- A.K. Nevermore (urban fantasy with a twist)

- J.L. Sullivan (YA author of From Brick & Darkness)

- Lexi Blake (NYT bestselling romance author)

- Mary Karlik (fairy tale retellings & fantasy worldbuilding)

✨ What you’ll learn:

- Simple mindset shifts to silence your inner critic

- Practical strategies to get unstuck

- Why writer’s block might not be what you think

- How these authors push through doubt and distraction

📌 If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen in and take notes—your next breakthrough starts here.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more author interviews, creative advice, and behind-the-scenes insights every week.

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with J.L. Sullivan, award-winning author of From Brick & Darkness, to explore the gritty, magical world of urban young adult fiction. Drawing inspiration from abandoned buildings, back alleys, and the hidden stories buried in concrete landscapes, J.L. shares how he blends the real with the fantastical to reimagine ancient myths for a new generation.

We talk about his writing journey—from newspaper stories in high school to discovering contemporary fiction infused with subtle magic in college—and how those experiences shaped his dark, atmospheric debut. With the sequel From Ash & Darkness on the horizon, J.L. gives a sneak peek into what’s next for his hauntingly real characters and mythological twists.

If you love YA that walks the line between reality and wonder, this conversation is not to be missed.

🔔 Subscribe for more author interviews, writing wisdom, and the stories behind the stories.

ABOUT J.L. SULLIVAN:

J. L. Sullivan writes young adult novels inspired by gritty urban environments and the fantastical tales that percolate within abandoned buildings and desolate alleys. He began his writing journey in high school with a local newspaper before venturing into creating writing in college where he found himself lost in contemporary stories with magic summering just underneath the surface. His debut novel, From Brick & Darkness, is a dark reimagining of an ancient myth that won multiple awards following its spring 2022 release, with its sequel, From Ash & Darkness, out in 2025. He currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, two daughters, and a dog named Princess Penelope Picklesworth.

WHERE TO FIND HIM AND HIS BOOKS:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok
B&N | Amazon

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