Miles Beyond the Page

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 bestselling author Michelle Pillow, who has written over 100 books across genres, with a focus on sci-fi and paranormal romance.Michelle Pillow shares exciting news about her seven-book deal with Tor Bramble (Pan Macmillan), which brings new audiobook editions of her beloved backlist series—Tribes of the Vampire and Realm Immortal—along with new hardback and print releases. She also discusses her hands-on role in selecting narrators and bringing these stories to life in a new format.The conversation dives deep into her approach to writing morally gray anti-heroes, dual POV storytelling, and the emotional core of dark romance. They explore themes of redemption, identity, duty versus desire, and the thread of hope that runs through even the darkest stories. Michelle also shares her research process, how her voice has evolved over time, and the unexpected rise of fan-favorite characters like Uncle Rebert.🎧 Join Michelle and Michelle for an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at writing, publishing, and the enduring appeal of dark, character-driven romance.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT MICHELLE PILLOW:Michelle has had a strange fascination with anything supernatural and sci-fi for as long as she can remember. After discovering historical romance novels, it was only natural that the supernatural and love/romance elements should someday meet in her wonderland of a brain. She’s glad they did for their children have been pouring onto the computer screen ever since.Michelle loves to travel and try new things, whether it’s a paranormal investigation of an old Vaudeville Theatre or climbing Mayan temples in Belize. She’s addicted to movies and used to drive her mother crazy while quoting random scenes with her brother. She is the very proud mom to the most talented artist. Though it has yet to happen, her dream is to be a zombie in a horror movie. (She came close as a refugee extra on SyFy’s Z Nation, Fall 2016!) Michelle is involved with various film and historical documentary projects with her filmmaker husband.Come say hello! She loves talking with readers on social media!WHERE TO FIND HER:Social Media | Press KitWHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:Website

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with Ryan Consell, a writer, educator, and internationally acclaimed theorist on the science of fiction.Born near Toronto and having lived and worked in Tokyo and Vancouver, Ryan brings a global perspective to his creative work. As a teacher of science and mathematics, stage actor, armorer, and passionate advocate for nerd culture, he blends analytical thinking with storytelling in fascinating ways.Michelle and Ryan dive into his work exploring the science behind fiction—including his contributions to projects like The Science of Game of Thrones—as well as his appearances at major events like DragonCon and Convergence. They discuss how real-world science can enhance storytelling, how to make complex ideas accessible, and why overthinking fictional physics might just make stories even better.🎧 Join Michelle and Ryan for a fun, insightful conversation about science, storytelling, and the intersection of imagination and reality.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT RYAN CONSELL:Ryan was born and raised near Toronto. He has lived and worked in Tokyo and Vancouver, but currently calls Ontario home. Aside from writing, he is a teacher of science and mathematics, stage actor, armorer, and nerd culture activist. His work has been featured on io9, Kotaku, Boingboing, MTV Geek, madartlab.com and in Game Developer Magazine. Ryan is an internationally acclaimed theorist on the science of fiction. He has consulted on such titles as "The Science of Game of Thrones," spoken at events including DragonCon and Convergence, and partnered with the American Chemical Society. He employs his background in materials science and engineering to overthink fictional physics and to make science more accessible to the public.WHERE TO FIND HIM:Website | InstagramWHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS:Amazon

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with Kyle Shoop, an author whose storytelling spans romance, fantasy, and heartfelt contemporary fiction.Kyle is the author of eight novels across two distinct series. His romance series features five standalone love stories inspired by the five senses, including titles like The Touch of Love. He has also written a fast-paced fantasy trilogy beginning with Acea and the Animal Kingdom, filled with magic, adventure, and imaginative worldbuilding.Michelle and Kyle discuss his upcoming ninth novel, Protecting Home, a powerful father-and-son baseball story reminiscent of Field of Dreams. They talk about writing across genres, the inspiration behind emotionally driven storytelling, and balancing a creative life while working as an attorney and releasing music online as Guy Plus Guitar.🎧 Join Michelle and Kyle for a thoughtful conversation about storytelling, creativity, and the many paths that lead to writing the next great book.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT KYLE SHOOP:Kyle Shoop is the author of 8 novels set in two different series. One is a compelling romance series that tells 5 standalone love stories told through the lens of the five senses - which includes books like The Touch of Love. The other is a fast-paced, magic-filled fantasy trilogy that begins with Acea and the Animal Kingdom. They’re all available on Amazon. We're also excited to announce that Kyle's newest and 9th novel will be released this spring. It's entitled Protecting Home, and is a compelling father and son baseball story in the vein of Field of Dreams. When Kyle’s not writing, he’s releasing music online as Guy Plus Guitar. Kyle is also an attorney. His books are available in ebook, print, and audiobook.WHERE TO FIND HIM:Instagram | WebsiteMusic | SpotifyWHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS:AmazonProtecting Home releases May 12! Get it here!

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles welcomes Dianna Gunn, a dark fantasy author and passionate advocate for building supportive writing communities.Dianna’s fiction includes the Moonshadow Rising duology—Moonshadow’s Guardian and Moonshadow’s Champion—along with anthologies like Killer Debt and Choices: An Anthology of Reproductive Horror. Her upcoming release, Woman of Sorrow and Blood, continues her exploration of dark, thought-provoking speculative fiction.Beyond her own writing, Dianna is the founder of Weeknight Writers, a social enterprise dedicated to making writing education and community more accessible. Through virtual conferences, online discussions, and countless events, she has helped thousands of writers connect, learn, and grow together in what can often be a solitary creative journey.🎧 Join Michelle and Dianna for a thoughtful conversation about dark fantasy, publishing, and the power of community in a writer’s life.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT DIANNA GUNN:I've has been passionate about words since I first learned to speak, and I've been writing stories almost as long. I had a YA fantasy novella, Keeper of the Dawn, published in 2017 and my first dark fantasy novel, Moonshadow's Guardian, was released in November 2018. I followed this with Moonshadow's Champion in 2024, completing the Moonshadow Rising Duology. I've since released Killer Debt: An Anthology of Murder and Choices: An Anthology of Reproductive Horror. My next book, Woman of Sorrow and Blood, is set to release March 13th.I've also long been dedicated to sharing the lessons of my writing journey with other fiction writers and building community around what is far too often a solitary hobby/career. In 2018 I founded Weeknight Writers, a social enterprise dedicated to providing accessible community and educational support for fiction writers, with this goal in mind.Since founding Weeknight Writers I have hosted dozens of virtual conferences, hundreds of Bluesky chats, and countless other events. I love sharing my knowledge of writing, publishing, and marketing, and helping fiction writers find their way to joyful community.WHERE TO FIND HER:Website | Writers Block BusterWHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:Universal

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles welcomes Canadian authors and entrepreneurs Dave & Lillian Brummet, founders of the Brummet Media Group. Since 1999, the Brummets have built a dynamic creative business that spans blogging, publishing, music, YouTube, and property management—proving that storytelling and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.Lillian joins Michelle to celebrate the writing life and discuss their upcoming release—Book #2 in the Purple Snowflake Marketing series—offering insights into marketing, branding, and standing out in a crowded creative landscape.The Brummets also share the heart behind their projects, including their Conscious Blog, focused on positive and proactive living, and Drum It With Brummet, which supports musicians and percussionists. Through it all, they remain passionate about inspiring others to build sustainable, purpose-driven creative careers.🎧 Join Michelle and Lillian for an energizing conversation about marketing, creativity, conscious living, and carving out your own purple snowflake path.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT DAVE & LILLIAN:Canadian authors Dave & Lillian Brummet have operated the Brummet Media Group since 1999. Their days are filled with managing 2 popular blogs, 8 published books (so far), drum teaching and repair services, a YouTube channel and Property Management services. Lillian joins us today to celebrate the world of writing and discuss their upcoming book release: book #2 in the Purple Snowflake Marketing series. The Brummet's Conscious Blog focuses on inspiring, positive, proactive topics offering a fresh outlook on the world. The Drum It With Brummet blog serves musicians with a heavy slant toward drummers and percussionists. The Brummet Media Channel shares conscious living topics as well as a behind-the-scenes look at being an entrepreneur, author, musician or writer.Discover the Brummet's entire library of books hereWHERE TO FIND THEIR BOOKS:Amazon US | Amazon Canada WHERE TO FIND THEM:Brummet's Conscious BlogDrum It With Brummet BlogBrummet Media ChannelLillian's FacebookLinkedInDave's Facebook

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with Anthony M. Caro, a writer whose work lives at the intersection of transgressive horror, dark science fiction, and incisive pop culture commentary.The conversation explores Anthony’s latest project, Cogs in a Neon Globe: A Cyberpunk Noir Collection, a bleak and gripping look at criminal life in a dystopian future. Michelle and Anthony also dig into his horror collections Dread Invocations and Tragedy Man, as well as his nonfiction work Universal Monsters and Neurotics, which examines the psychology behind classic horror icons.With nearly two decades of professional writing experience, Anthony brings sharp insight into genre storytelling, indie publishing, and the cultural impact of horror and speculative fiction. They also touch on his work in indie film, his passion for cinema, and how discipline, travel, and the darker corners of human experience fuel his creativity.🎧 Join Michelle and Anthony for a thoughtful, provocative conversation about horror, cyberpunk, pop culture, and stories that are meant to haunt long after the final page.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT ANTHONY CARO:Anthony M. Caro is passionate about transgressive horror, dark sci-fi fiction, and insightful pop culture commentary. His latest work, the upcoming Cogs in a Neon Globe: A Cyberpunk Noir Collection, reveals the despair of criminal life in a dystopian future. Caro is also the author of the chilling collections Dread Invocations: Terrifying Horror Tales to Utter in Hushed Tones and Tragedy Man, as well as the essay collection Universal Monsters and Neurotics: Children of the Night and Their Hang-Ups, which delves into the psyche of classic horror icons. With 18 years of professional writing experience, Caro’s non-fiction work graces outlets like FanSided’s 1428 Elm, Horror News, Cinema Scholars, and Comic Book Historians, where he explores horror, Generation X pop culture, and speculative themes with sharp wit and deep insight.A passionate supporter of indie cinema, Caro has earned production credits on films such as Executive Producer on Alien Horde and Associate Producer on Pancake Man, Skate to Hell, and Bikers vs. Werewolves, bringing his love for the macabre to the screen. A brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Rigan Machado, he balances discipline with creativity, often drawing inspiration from his travels and the eerie corners of human experience. Caro’s work resonates with readers who crave stories that haunt, provoke, and entertain.WHERE TO FIND HIM:LinkTree | Website | Facebook | TikTok | X | Facebook ProfileWHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS:Amazon | Website

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles welcomes Lawrence C. Connolly, a celebrated author whose work spans science fiction, fantasy, horror, thrillers, and beyond—and whose career has been deeply shaped by the magazine market.The conversation focuses on Lawrence’s upcoming novel Minute-Men: Execute & Run, a high-octane, globetrotting adventure blending military science fiction, gaming, medical suspense, and a bold reinvention of the superhero genre. Michelle and Lawrence also dive into the evolving magazine landscape, writing for short fiction markets, and how publishing in top magazines and anthologies has influenced his long-form storytelling.Lawrence’s body of work includes the Bram Stoker Award–nominated collection Voices, the critically praised Visions, and the eco-thriller novels Veins, Vipers, and Vortex. His writing has crossed into film, podcasting, and theater, with adaptations, collaborations, and stage productions that highlight the versatility of his storytelling.🎧 Join Michelle and Lawrence for a craft-focused, industry-savvy conversation about magazines, novels, and building a career across formats and genres.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT LAWRENCE CONNELLY:Lawrence C. Connolly’s books include the collections This Way to Egress, whose titular tale of psychological horror was adapted for the Mick Garris film Nightmare Cinema; and theBram-Stoker-nominated Voices, which features Connolly’s best stories from The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Twilight Zone, Year’s Best Horror, and other top magazines and anthologies of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. A third collection, Visions, was praised by Publishers Weekly for featuring an eclectic mix of “entertaining and satisfying” SF. His novels include the eco-thrillers Veins, Vipers, and Vortex. World Fantasy Award winner T. E. D. Klein called Veins “a crime thriller as intense and fast-moving as a Tarantino movie.” This fall, Caezik Science Fiction will release hisnew novel Minute-Men: Execute & Run, a globetrotting adventure that combines elements of military science fiction, gaming, and medical suspense in a thrilling reinvention of the superhero genre. He is collaborating with brother Christopher Connolly andAcademy Award-winning producer Jonathan Sanger to develop a feature film based on Execute & Run. He is also the writer of Mystery Theatre, a podcast produced by Prime Stage Theatre, who premiered his adaptation of Frankenstein in 2022. His newest commission, a play based on the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe, opens in November 2025 at Pittsburgh’s New Hazelett Theatre. WHERE TO FIND HIM:Website | Amazon | Facebook | InstagramWHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS:Minute Men: Execute & Run, now on Audioat Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, and in Print & ePub at Barnes & Nobel, Books-A-Million, Thrift Books, Amazon & wherever fine books are sold. Other Buy Links: AmazonAuthor Page

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with Deanna Lang, Publishing Partner and founder of Deanna’s World Author Services, a company dedicated to helping authors navigate the full publishing lifecycle.With more than a decade of experience supporting over 300 book projects—and a professional background in corporate IT consulting, project management, and business operations—Deanna brings a uniquely strategic perspective to the publishing world. Her approach helps authors treat their writing careers like sustainable businesses while still protecting the creative heart of the work.Michelle and Deanna talk about the realities of independent publishing, the importance of strong project management in book production, and the many ways authors can build a solid foundation for long-term success—from editing and manuscript development to launch strategy and platform building.🎧 Join Michelle and Deanna for an insightful conversation about publishing smarter, building sustainable author careers, and bringing books successfully into the world.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT DEANNA LANG:Deanna Lang is a Publishing Partner and the founder of Deanna's World Author Services, offering comprehensive guidance through the full publishing lifecycle. Deanna has been involved in bringing over 300 book projects to publication over more than a decade , establishing her as an experienced professional in the independent publishing space. Her foundation rests on two decades in corporate IT consulting, project management, and business operations. This distinct background allows her to provide strategic, operational support that enables authors to approach their careers as a sustainable business. Deanna's flexible, tailored services ensure authors receive the necessary support—from manuscript critiques and editing to book release management and platform building—allowing them to focus on the creative process.WHERE TO FIND HER:Deanna Lang, Publishing Partner & Author Services ProviderDeanna's World Author ServicesSocials

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with Rebecca Wrights, a Charleston-based romance author who writes deeply emotional stories about swoon-worthy men and the people they fall in love with.Rebecca writes for soft-hearted readers—those who want to feel seen, heard, and supported in the stories they choose. Her novels are crafted to linger long after the final page, reflecting real-life possibilities while offering hope, healing, and the promise of a happily ever after.Michelle and Rebecca talk about writing romance with intention, creating emotionally resonant characters, and why love stories matter—especially for readers searching for connection and reassurance through fiction.🎧 Join Michelle and Rebecca for a heartfelt conversation about romance, reader trust, and writing stories that stay with you well beyond “The End.”👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT REBECCA WRIGHTS:Rebecca Wrights is a Charleston-based romance author writing stories about swoon-worthy men and the people they fall in love with. She writes with the soft-hearted readers in mind who crave to feel seen, heard, and supported in the stories they enjoy.The stories she writes are ones that are meant to stick with you well after you’ve read ‘The End’. Each of her books is written with you in mind and mirrors real-life possibilities while also giving you hope for your own happily ever after.WHERE TO FIND HER:Website | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | NewsletterWHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:Amazon | Signed Paperbacks

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles welcomes Jen Graybeal, an award-winning certified Creativity Coach, editor, and international speaker dedicated to helping authors build both stories and careers that truly fit them.With over eleven years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, Jen has supported more than a thousand authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem-solving, and gently applied tough love. Her work focuses on aligning creativity, mindset, and business so writers can define success on their own terms.Michelle and Jen talk about creativity coaching, overcoming blocks, developing sustainable writing practices, and the mindset shifts that help authors move forward with clarity and confidence. They also touch on Jen’s Books, Business & Mindset podcast and her passion for helping writers feel empowered in both craft and career.🎧 Join Michelle and Jen for an insightful, affirming conversation about creativity, confidence, and building an author life that actually works for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!ABOUT JEN GRAYBEAL:Jen Graybeal (she/her) is dedicated to empowering authors through encouraging feedback, collaborative problem solving and gently-applied tough love. In eleven years of coaching, workshops, and editing projects, she has helped over a thousand authors create stories they are proud of and businesses that align with their individual vision of success. Jen is an award-winning certified Creativity Coach and international speaker with a degree in English, an ever-expanding TBR pile, and a furball assistant that is usually on her lap. Visit her website for client testimonials at www.jentheeditor.com or follow her on social media: @JenTheEditor. Listen to season one of Jen’s Books, Business & Mindset podcast, now available on all your favorite podcast apps. WHERE TO FIND HER:https://www.jentheeditor.com/#JenGraybeal #MilesBeyondThePage #AuthorInterview #WritingPodcast #CreativityCoach #AuthorMindset #WritingCommunity #CreativeCoaching #BooksBusinessMindset #WritingLife #Creativity #MichelleMiles

Everyone assumes there’s a master plan.A spreadsheet. A calendar. A perfectly mapped-out publishing roadmap where every book releases on schedule.And yes—I do plan.But some of my best books were written because something in me said,“No. This one. Now.”In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, I’m sharing how I actually decide what book to write next—and when I choose to ignore the plan and trust the story instead.In this episode, we talk about:How I balance long-term strategy with creative intuitionWhy having a plan matters (and why it shouldn’t be a prison)Recognizing the stories that won’t waitHow reader demand quietly shapes creative decisionsWhen breaking your own rules is the right moveChoosing the right book at the right time—not just the next one on the listIf you’re a writer, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the invisible decisions that shape a career.If you’re a reader, it’s a glimpse into how the stories you love are chosen—and why some arrive sooner than expected.Behind every “next book” is a hundred unseen choices. Strategy matters. Planning matters. But so does listening—to the story, to yourself, and to the people walking these worlds with you.Sometimes the bravest creative decision isn’t sticking to the plan. It’s trusting yourself enough to know when it’s time to change it.If this episode resonated, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who loves stories as much as we do.Until next time—keep telling the stories that won’t let you go.

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle welcomes Taylor A. Jenkins, an author whose love of storytelling began with a single spark of encouragement from a teacher and grew into a lifelong passion.With over twelve years of writing experience, Taylor has turned her early school assignments into entire worlds of imagination. After earning her degree in English and Creative Writing from Weber State University, she dedicated herself to creating the kinds of stories she once escaped into as a reader. Now living in Utah with her family and a lively crew of animals, she continues to explore the beauty, heart, and adventure found in fiction.Join Michelle and Taylor for an inspiring conversation about creative beginnings, the joy of worldbuilding, and how one teacher’s belief can change a life forever. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more heartfelt author interviews and creative journeys on Miles Beyondthe Page!Subscribe to the official newsletter hereJoin the official podcast Discord channel here#TaylorAJenkins #MilesBeyondThePage #AuthorInterview #WritingCommunity #CreativeWriting #Storytelling #Books #WritingPodcast #Inspiration #Worldbuilding #IndieAuthor #WritingLife #Creativity #MichelleMiles