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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#HowToWriteANovel #CreativeWritingTips #NovelWritingAdvice #WritingTipsForBeginners #WriteABook #FictionWritingHelp

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.

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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

#JLSullivan #FromBrickAndDarkness #YoungAdultBooks #UrbanFantasy #MythRetelling #DarkFantasy #YAfiction #MilesBeyondThePage #MichelleMiles #WritingPodcast #AuthorInterview #GrittyYA #ContemporaryFantasy #BookishTalk #StorytellerSpotlight #BehindTheBook #DebutAuthor #YAreads

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle chats with Suzanne Ferrell, USA Today bestselling author whose journey from nurse to novelist is as compelling as the stories she writes. From discovering her aunt’s secret romance stash as a teen to creating unforgettable characters of her own, Suzanne shares how she fell in love with the genre—and never looked back.

We dive into her steamy romantic suspense, charming small-town love stories, and historical tales that tug at your heartstrings. Whether she’s keeping readers on the edge of their seat or warming their hearts, Suzanne’s stories always deliver passion, danger, and a satisfying Happily Ever After.

Tune in to hear how Suzanne balances danger and desire, why characters linger long after the final page, and what fuels her storytelling magic.

ABOUT SUZANNE:

USA Today bestselling author, Suzanne Ferrell discovered romance novels in her aunt’s hidden stash one summer as a teenager. From that m It took her a number of years and a secondary career as a nurse to finally start writing her own stories. Suzanne's sexy stories, whether they are her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the heartwarming small-town stories or historical suspense books, will keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.

WHERE TO FIND SUZANNE:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | Pinterest |

Goodreads | BookBub

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In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with Tracey Devlyn, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With a knack for weaving together mystery, romance, and even environmental crime, Tracey shares how she crafts thrilling, emotional journeys that stay with readers long after the last page.

We talk about her inspirations, her love of suspense across timelines, and how living a peaceful, "annoyingly normal" life in the North Carolina mountains (with her husband and rescue pup) fuels her high-stakes stories. Whether it’s uncovering dark secrets of the past or racing against time in the present, Tracey’s books deliver all the intrigue and heart you could want.

If you love suspense, romance, and characters who fight for truth and love, you’ll definitely want to catch this conversation.

ABOUT TRACEY:

Tracey Devlyn is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical suspense, which often contains elements of mystery, romance, and environmental crime. Despite the thrilling, emotional ride she crafts for her readers, Tracey enjoys an annoyingly normal lifestyle with her husband and rescue dog at her home in the mountains of North Carolina.

WHERE TO FIND TRACEY:

Website & Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | BlueSky

BUY LINKS:

The Blackwells Series

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle dives into the action-packed, magic-fueled mind of Jami Gray—urban fantasy and romantic suspense author extraordinaire. Known for crafting gritty worlds where magic and danger collide, Jami brings us behind the scenes of her many thrilling series, including Arcane Transporter, The Kyn, PSY-IV Teams, and The Collapse.

With coffee in hand and a soundtrack of epic tunes, Jami shares how she balances being Queen Nerd of her Geek Squad and Alpha Mom to her Fur Minxes—all while wrangling the voices in her head into fast-paced fiction filled with magical intrigue, high-stakes romance, and powerful heroines.

If you love genre-bending stories, fierce characters, and authors who aren’t afraid to mix grit with heart, this interview is your next obsession.

ABOUT JAMI:

Jami Gray is the coffee addicted, music junkie, Queen Nerd of her personal Geek Squad, Alpha Mom of the Fur Minxes, who writes to soothe the voices crammed in her head. You don’t want to miss out on her multiple series that combine magical intrigue and fearless romance into one wild ride – with the worlds of the Arcane Transporter, The Kyn, PSY-IV Teams, or The Collapse.

WHERE TO FIND JAMI:

Website | Newsletter | Amazon Page | Facebook | Threads | Pinterest | Instagram

BUY LINKS:

Amazon Arcane Transporter Series | Universal Links | B&N

Apple | Kobo | GooglePlay | Smashwords

Audible Arcane Transporter Series

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

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