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

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

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

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles interviews author, reseller, and entrepreneur Kira Hartley-Klinger about her fascinating journey from aspiring fiction writer to nonfiction storyteller and indie publisher.

After a life-changing divorce, Kira transformed an eBay side hustle into a thriving resale business and later expanded into Etsy, specializing in vintage fabrics, antique textiles, and rare finds. Michelle and Kira dive into the world of estate and farm auctions, sourcing hidden treasures, and the art of spotting value where others might overlook it. From discontinued stained-glass molds that turned a massive profit to surprising bestsellers like vintage catalogs and retro products, Kira shares the stories behind some of her most memorable flips.

The conversation also explores Kira’s books, Fabric Wars and Fabric Wars and More, her indie publishing experience with KDP and IngramSpark, and her practical, low-cost marketing strategies. Kira also talks about developing “Grammy Whammy,” her all-natural textile odor-removal product, and balancing entrepreneurship with creativity and writing.

🎧 Join Michelle and Kira for a fun, insightful conversation about reselling, storytelling, indie publishing, and turning unexpected passions into a successful business.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!

ABOUT KIRA HARTLEY KLINGER:

Kira Hartley Klinger is a longtime internet shop owner andthe author behind two books that delve into the entertaining and lucrative world of auctions and resale.

WHERE TO FIND HER AND HER BOOKS:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon

“How do you write so fast?”

I get that question all the time—and today, I’m answering it honestly.

Not with hustle culture advice.

Not with unrealistic expectations.

And definitely not with some secret shortcut.

In this From the Author’s Desk episode of Miles Beyond the Page, I’m breaking down what my writing process actually looks like—and why “fast” isn’t really the goal.

Because the truth is, I don’t write fast because I’m special.

I write fast because I’ve built a process that’s consistent, sustainable, and repeatable.

In this episode, I talk about:

• What “fast writing” really looks like in my day-to-day life
• Why writing in two sessions a day changed everything for me
• How discipline removes decision fatigue (and keeps the words flowing)
• What I don’t do while drafting—and why that matters
• The mindset shift that makes writing faster without burnout actually possible

If you’ve ever struggled with consistency, felt behind on your writing goals, or wondered how authors produce so much work, this episode is for you.

Because writing fast isn’t about intensity.

It’s about showing up—again and again—in a way your creative brain can actually sustain.

I’d love to hear from you: What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to writing consistently?

About Me

I’m Michelle Miles, author of fantasy, romantasy, and fairy-tale retellings filled with quests, curses, kisses, and chaos. On Miles Beyond the Page, I share conversations with authors and behind-the-scenes insights into the craft and business of storytelling.

🌐 https://www.MichelleMilesBooks.com

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles interviews author and former inner-city teacher Jill G. Hall about her writing journey, her award-winning fiction, and the inspiration behind her latest release, On a Sundown Sea.

Jill is the author of the acclaimed Ann McFarland dual-timeline trilogy—The Black Silver Coat, The Silver Shoes, and The Green Lake Corset—stories centered on a San Francisco artist who discovers vintage clothing connected to women from the past. In this conversation, she shares how those layered, emotionally resonant stories came to life and how her love of history continues to shape her work.

Michelle and Jill also dive into On a Sundown Sea, a biographical historical novel about Catherine “Madame” Tingley and the origins of Loma Land in Point Loma, San Diego. Jill discusses the childhood memories that sparked the idea, the deep research behind the book, and her immersive process of interviews, travel, and experiential exploration. They also talk about her intuitive journal-first writing method, what she does when she feels stuck, and the unique challenge of ending a story rooted in real life.

🎧 Join Michelle and Jill for a thoughtful conversation about history, intuition, creativity, and writing stories that connect past and present in unforgettable ways.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!

ABOUT JILL HALL:

Jill G. Hall is author of the award-winning “Anne McFarland Series.” The Black Velvet Coat, The Silver Shoes, and The Green Lace Corset are bestselling book club favorites. On a Sundown Sea, a Novel of Madame Tingley and the Origins of Lomaland will be released October 2025. Hall’s poems and personal narratives have appeared in a variety of publications and on her blog Crealivity, the art of practicing a creative lifestyle. Her tenure as an educator spanned over twenty years, incorporating the arts along the way. She is an instructor and past board president at San Diego Writers, Ink. and holds a doctorate from Northern Arizona University. A native San Diegan she resides in Point Loma.

WHERE TO FIND HER:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:

Amazon

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with Richard Sparks, author of the New Rock fantasy series, to discuss his creative journey from British television sketch writing to novel writing.

An England-to-Los Angeles transplant, Richard shares stories from his early career—including writing a sketch that helped launch Rowan Atkinson’s stage career—and his current work developing new material for a potential project. The conversation also dives into his New Rock series, where three online gaming champions are transported into a fantasy world as their avatars, blending humor, adventure, and high-stakes danger.

Michelle and Richard explore the influence of multiplayer gaming on storytelling, the importance of structure and surprise, and his balance between plotting and improvisation. He also shares insights into his editing process, his decision to complete multiple books before pursuing publication, and his ongoing marketing efforts—including connecting with readers across both the UK and US.

🎧 Join Michelle and Richard for a lively, behind-the-scenes conversation about storytelling, humor, and building immersive fantasy worlds inspired by gaming.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!

ABOUT RICHARD SPARKS:

Richard Sparks' writing credentials span the gamut of the entertainment world, from film and TV and books through lyrics for operas. He has been commissioned by the Los Angeles Opera and has completed translations/adaptations of classic operas.

He has worked with such luminaries as Placido Domingo, Rowan Atkinson and the inimitable John Cleese of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers fame. Richard got his big break as a writer on "Not the Nine O'clock News”, (BBC TV), an irreverent take on the days affairs that featured anchors broadcasting from bed and the unique talents of Rowan Atkinson.

One of Richard's biggest claims to fame is as the author of Atkinson's famous "Schoolmaster" routine, in which the future Mr. Beane puts a hilarious spin on attendance taking and discipline.

As satisfying as his career was, Richard always had an itch to scratch as a fantasy fiction writer. Buoyed by his nighttime hobby of online gaming, his latest novel "New Rock New Role" hits this month, just in time for the holidays.

In 1992, he was hired by Columbia Picture Television to work with Blake Hunter and Marty Cohan, the creators of Who’s the Boss? That’s when he moved his family to Los Angeles and has lived there ever since.

He’s written a number of libretti for operas, almost all for the LA Opera – some original pieces, some translations from German or Italian.

Richard’s been a hard-core RPG gamer for years, so buoyed by his nighttime hobby of online gaming the idea for his books just fell out of the sky one morning, and he started writing. He says now he’s hardly had a moment to log on to any game — as he’s too busy exploring the New Rock stories as they unfold.

The first book, New Rock, New Role has been a huge success. Now three sequels – New Rock New Realm, New Rock New Rules, and New Rock New Roads, have been completed and will be published in due course. He’s currently working on the fifth book.

Other books he has written include the biography of the music producer Milt Okun, Along the Cherry Lane. (Oku discovered and launched John Denver and mentored him throughout his career. He created arrangements for Peter, Paul and Mary that the trio performed for half a century. He brought Placido Domingo a crossover career that made him an international star beyond the world of opera.)

Richard was born in England.

WHERE TO FIND HIM:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

WHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS:

Amazon

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles interviews T.D. Severin, a practicing glaucoma surgeon turned medical thriller author, whose debut novel Deadly Vision blends cutting-edge science with high-stakes suspense.

With over 30 years in medicine, Severin draws from real-world hospital politics, ethical dilemmas, and emerging “flashpoint” healthcare technologies to craft gripping fiction. At the heart of Deadly Vision is a chilling concept—virtual-reality heart surgery powered by micro-robotics—brought to life through meticulous research and fast-paced storytelling reminiscent of Michael Crichton.

Michelle and T.D. dive into his unique writing process, including his use of graphic plotting and 3x5 scene cards, his disciplined early-morning writing routine, and how his characters evolved through revision. He also shares his remarkable 30-year journey to publication—from an early draft in 1994 to releasing the novel with Penmore Press in 2024—along with his work in music through Ripple Music and the creation of a companion Deadly Vision soundtrack.

🎧 Join Michelle and T.D. for a fascinating conversation about science, storytelling, and the long road to bringing a powerful idea to life.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!

ABOUT T.D. SEVERIN:

T.D. SEVERIN. MD., is a physician/surgeon and the author of the award-winning medical thriller, DEADLY VISON.

T.D. Severin, is an internationally renowned professor of medicine, who has been publishing both fiction and non-fiction since 1994. His writing has appeared in national and regional magazines/journals around the world, while his first novel, Deadly Vision, was the winner of the 2025 American Fiction Award, and The 2025 International Impact Book Award, and is a Finalist for the Clive Cussler Adventure Writers Award, the 2025 Global Book Award for Fiction, and was an award winner at the SEAK National Medical Fiction Writing Competition.

T.D. Severin has been named one of the Nation’s Best Ophthalmologists by Newsweek Magazine, and has been honored to receive the prestigious Telly Award, the Oscars of public access television, for his work on medical television programming.

T.D. has trekked across Tibet, scaled Mt. Everest, scuba dove the Great Barrier reef, white water rafted through the Australian Rain Forest, and delved into the mysterious ancient history of Malta, Istanbul, and the lost kingdom of Siam, all of which makes it's way into his writing.

T.D. lives with his wife and two pups in the San Francisco Bay Area and Florida, where he is currently at work on his next medical thriller. A former radio disc jockey, he also runs the heavy rock record label Ripple Music: www.ripple-music.com.

WHERE TO FIND HIM:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Ripple Music

WHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS:

Amazon