In this lively episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle chats with Elizabeth Hobbs/Elizabeth Essex, the author of the Marigold Manners Mysteries, a new historical mystery series full of wit, wickedness, and unforgettable heroines. Her debut mystery, Misery Hates Company, released in 2024, with Murder Made Her Wicked on the way in 2025.

Elizabeth talks about blending humor and suspense in her stories, her lifelong love of history, and what it’s like writing across genres—also known to readers as Elizabeth Essex, USA Today bestselling author of award-winning historical romance. From clever sleuths to scandalous love affairs, her books are always packed with charm, tension, and rich period detail.

Whether you're into mischief, murder, or a dash of romance, this episode is for readers who love a smart heroine and a twisty tale.

🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with authors who bring the past to life with sharp wit and irresistible storytelling.

ABOUT ELIZABETH HOBBS:

Elizabeth Hobbs is a New Englander born and bred, who spent her childhood roaming the woods and shoreline, making up stories about characters who live far more exciting lives than she. It wasn’t always so—long before she ever set pen to paper, Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a B.A. in Classics and Art History, and then earned her M.A. in Nautical Archaeology from Texas A & M University. While she loved the life of an underwater archaeologist, she has found her true calling writing historical mysteries full of wit, wickedness and adventure. MISERY HATES COMPANY, released in 2024, is the first book in her Marigold Manners Mysteries series. The second, MURDER MADE HER WICKED will be released Nov. 11th, 2025, with the third MERIDIAN OF MALICE to follow in 2026.

Elizabeth also writes as USA Today Bestselling author of Romance, Elizabeth Essex. Her critically-acclaimed and award-winning Reckless Brides and Highland Brides historical romance series have been nominated for numerous awards, including the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and RWA's prestigious RITA Award, and have made Top-Ten lists from Romantic Times, The Romance Reviews and Affaire de Coeur Magazine. Her fifth book, A BREATH OF SCANDAL, was awarded Best Historical in the Reader's Crown 2013.

Elizabeth loves to travel from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband, the Indispensable Mr. Hobbs, and her darling dogs, Ghillie and Brogue, in an empty nest of an old house filled to the brim with bicycles and books.

WHERE TO FIND HER:

Instagram

WHERE TO BUY HER BOOKS:

Misery Hates Company

Murder Made Her Wicked

🎃 BONUS HALLOWEEN EPISODE! 🎃

In this spine-tingling special of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle welcomes long-time friend and horror author S.E. Howard for a chilling chat just in time for Halloween. By day, she’s a registered nurse and certified toxicologist in Kentucky. By night, she spins dark, unforgettable tales that crawl under your skin and linger long after the lights go out.

We talk about her horror novella Prairie Madness, her novel The Vessel (from Wicked House Publishing), and her many terrifying short stories featured in anthologies like PUSH!, Carnival of Horror, and The Horror Collection. S.E. shares her journey into the horror genre, how her medical background influences her stories, and what it was like having her work adapted for the screen in Worst Laid Plans.

This episode is packed with creepy vibes, behind-the-scenes insights, and lots of laughs between two friends who love dark fiction. If you enjoy smart, unsettling horror with a psychological twist—this one’s for you.

🔔 Subscribe for more hauntingly good author interviews… and don’t forget to leave a light on.

#SEHoward #HalloweenSpecial #HorrorAuthor #PrairieMadness #TheVessel #WritingPodcast #MilesBeyondThePage #MichelleMiles #AuthorInterview #WorstLaidPlans #ChildbirthHorror #DarkFiction #WomenInHorror #HorrorWriting #SpookyReads #CreativeWritingTips #BehindTheBook

ABOUT S.E. HOWARD:

S.E. Howard lives in Kentucky where she works as a registered nurse, certified in toxicology (a fitting field given her side-hustle writing horror stories). Her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies, including PUSH! An Anthology of Childbirth Horror presented by Ruth Anna Evans, Carnival of Horror from Undertaker Books, and the Amber, Sinister, and Green Diamond Editions of The Horror Collection by KJK Publishing. Her short story “You’ve Been Saved” was also adapted for the screen in the 2022 GenreBlast film anthology Worst Laid Plans. Her horror novella, "Prairie Madness" is available from Baynam Books Press, and a novel, The Vessel from Wicked House Publishing. For more information, visit online at www.sehoward.com.

WHERE TO FIND HER:

Website | Facebook

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:

Amazon

"Worst Laid Plans" movie links

Rent or purchase through Prime Video

Stream for free through Tubi

In this delightful episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle chats with Kathy L. Wheeler, author of both contemporary and historical romance where the heroines save themselves—and the heroes are smart enough to love them for it.

From her love of the NFL and karaoke to her passion for crafting swoony stories with dark suspense and witty banter, Kathy brings a vibrant voice and fearless energy to every page. She shares her journey as a writer, cover designer, and publishing mentor—plus how musical theater and a musically talented husband help keep the creativity flowing.

Whether she’s writing daring historicals or modern love stories full of sass and spark, Kathy knows how to deliver a story that empowers, entertains, and sticks with you long after the HEA.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring author interviews packed with laughter, heart, and behind-the-scenes magic.

ABOUT KATHY L. WHEELER:

Kathy L. Wheeler loves reading, writing, the NFL, the NBA, musical theater, travel, and, er... karaoke. She assists other authors in critiquing, formatting, and creating covers for their publishing dreams.

She writes contemporary and historical romance under Kathy L Wheeler where the heroines save themselves and the heroes who honor their courage with dark suspense and humor. She is thriving in the Pacific Northwest with her musically talented, lawyer husband and her adorable dog Angel who lives up to her name (…mostly).

WHERE TO FIND HER:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | TikTok

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS: Amazon

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with G. Michael Hopf, USA Today bestselling author of The New World series and over forty other pulse-pounding novels. Known for his raw, realistic takes on post-apocalyptic survival and gritty westerns, G. Michael shares how his diverse background—including time as a Marine combat veteran, bodyguard, and commercial diver—shapes every story he writes.

We dive into the power of resilience, the realities of writing intense, high-stakes fiction, and the global success of The New World, which has sold over a million copies and been translated worldwide. G. Michael also talks about his role as co-founder of Beyond The Fray Publishing and what it takes to thrive in today’s publishing landscape.

Whether you’re a fan of survival fiction, western grit, or just love a story with heart and muscle, this is a must-watch.

🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered author interviews that go beyond the page.

ABOUT G. MICHAEL HOPF:

G. Michael Hopf is a USA Today bestselling author renowned for his post-apocalyptic and western novels. He has penned over forty books, including the internationally acclaimed "The New World" series, which has sold well over one million copies worldwide and been translated into multiple languages. A Marine Corps combat veteran, Hopf's diverse background also includes roles as a bodyguard and commercial diver.

These experiences infuse his writing with authenticity, particularly in themes of survival and resilience. He is the co-founder and managing partner of Beyond The Fray Publishing and resides in San Diego with his family.

WHERE TO FIND HIM & HIS BOOKS:

Website | Instagram | X | Amazon

In this inspiring episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with creative powerhouse Wren Valentino—actor, bestselling author, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and CEO of Blue Dasher Productions. With over twenty-one novels, seventy stage plays, and numerous screen adaptations to his name, Wren shares how storytelling drives every facet of his artistic journey.

We explore his work across multiple genres—romance, thriller, YA, and horror—his passion for empowering writers, and the vision behind Blue Dasher Productions and Blue Dasher Press. Wren also reflects on how his background in theater, film, and publishing allows him to nurture creativity and build platforms that champion diverse voices.

Whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, or lover of the arts, this conversation is a masterclass in creativity, craft, and carving your own path in the storytelling world.

🔔 Subscribe for more compelling conversations with the creators shaping stories that move us.

ABOUT WREN:

Wren Valentino is an actor, entrepreneur, film producer, movie critic, workshop instructor, and writer. As the bestselling author of twenty-one novels, Wren writes in multiple genres, primarily romance, thriller, young adult, and horror. To date, he has written more than seventy stage plays that have been performed in twelve countries in three languages. Eight of his original screenplays and seven of his stage plays have been adapted for the screen.

Wren is the CEO and Owner of Blue Dasher Productions, a multifaceted creative company dedicated to empowering writers, celebrating storytelling, producing groundbreaking films and television, and championing the transformative power of the arts. The company serves as the parent organization for three dynamic divisions including publishing company Blue Dasher Press.

Wren graduated with honors from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and English. He earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina. He is a graduate of the Professional Program in Screenwriting at UCLA.

He is a proud member of Rainbow Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America, who presented him with a Volunteer Service Award.

He lives in Sacramento, California.

WHERE TO FIND HIM:

Website | LinkTree | Facebook | Instagram

BUY LINKS : Amazon

In this adrenaline-charged episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle chats with award-winning author Julie Rowe, whose background as a medical lab technologist in Canada’s Northwest Territories adds unforgettable authenticity to her romantic suspense, thrillers, and paranormal romance.

Julie shares how her real-life medical experience informs her fiction—and why some of her wildest true stories can’t make it into her novels (because, as she puts it, “Fiction has to be believable!”). With nearly 20 novels and multiple anthologies under her belt, she opens up about blending science with sizzling tension, navigating genre crossovers, and writing characters who thrive in chaos, danger, and love.

If you love stories with heart, heat, and a pulse, this interview is not to be missed.

🔔 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes conversations with storytellers who live—and write—on the edge.

ABOUT JULIE:

Julie Rowe brings her fascinating background as a medical lab technologist in Canada's Northwest Territories to her compelling romance novels. Known for weaving authentic medical details into her stories, she jokes that some of her real experiences will never make it to the page because "Fiction has to be believable." As an award-winning author of almost twenty novels and eight anthologies, Julie captivates readers with her romantic suspense, thrillers, and paranormal romance.

WHERE TO FIND HER AND HER BOOKS:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram

BookBub | Amazon | Goodreads

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:

Universal Link

In this inspiring episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with T.L. Johnson, romantic suspense author, long-term care pharmacist, and founder of the gothic-glam mobile bookshop Midnight Haven Books. From her night-shift pharmacy work to spotlighting indie authors on wheels, T.L. is a powerhouse of passion, creativity, and community.

We chat about her debut novel The Storm and the Rose and its upcoming sequel, the inspiration behind her moody, atmospheric stories, and how she’s building a space—literally and figuratively—for indie authors to shine. T.L. shares how she balances writing, bookselling, and motherhood while cultivating a literary movement rooted in beauty, empowerment, and indie pride.

Whether you’re an author, reader, or book lover dreaming of a mobile bookshop of your own, this episode is packed with encouragement, entrepreneurial insight, and bookish joy.

ABOUT T.L. JOHNSON:

T.L. Johnson is a romantic suspense author, long-term care pharmacist, and founder of Midnight Haven Books, a gothic-glam mobile bookshop dedicated to promoting indie authors. A Mississippi native now based in West Virginia, she blends a love of language, storytelling, and community into everything she does. Her debut novel, The Storm and the Rose, launched in 2025, with its sequel, The Rose and the Shadows, releasing later this year. When she’s not writing, curating her bookshop shelves, or working her 7-on/7-off night shifts, she’s usually sipping coffee, reading something moody, or cheering on her daughter at dance.

WHERE TO FIND HER:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Threads

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:

Amazon

MIDNIGHT HAVEN BOOKS:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

In this wickedly fun episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with Lila Grey, author of dark, emotionally intense romance that’s as seductive as it is devastating. Known for crafting stories full of emotional chaos, sharp edges, and dangerously irresistible men, Lila shares how she balances fictional heartbreak with real-life hustle.

We talk about the allure of morally gray heroes, the magic of redemption arcs, and what it takes to keep readers hooked (and wrecked) from the first page to the last. Lila doesn’t shy away from the messy, the passionate, or the painful—and that’s exactly what makes her books so addictive.

If you love dark romance that bites, bleeds, and still leaves you begging for more, this is your episode.

🔔 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes chats with authors who write stories that leave a mark.

ABOUT LILA:

In this wickedly fun episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with Lila Grey, author of dark, emotionally intense romance that’s as seductive as it is devastating. Known for crafting stories full of emotional chaos, sharp edges, and dangerously irresistible men, Lila shares how she balances fictional heartbreak with real-life hustle.

WHERE TO FIND HER AND HER BOOKS:

Facebook Page | Facebook Profile | LinkTree

Buy Links:

Amazon | Website

(Available in KU!)

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