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.

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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

In this lively episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with Lexi Blake, New York Times bestselling author of over three million books sold, to talk about the journey from journalism and playwriting to becoming a powerhouse in the romance world.

Lexi shares how she discovered her voice in romance, the importance of humor even in unexpected places, and why she’s a firm believer in happy endings. With a career spanning since 2010 and a loyal fanbase hooked on her unforgettable characters and twisty, emotional plots, Lexi pulls back the curtain on her writing process, storytelling philosophy, and what keeps her creatively fueled.

From laugh-out-loud moments to heart-tugging love stories, this episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and plenty of real talk about the highs and lows of the writing life.

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ABOUT LEXI BLAKE

New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

WHERE TO FIND HER AND HER BOOKS

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube

Pinterest | TikTok

BUY LINKS

eBook: Amazon | Amazon UK | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Nook

Print: Lexi’s Store | Amazon

Audio: Amazon | Audible

In this enchanting episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle chats with Sophie Jordan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose passion for romance began in the back of a high school Spanish class and grew into a powerhouse career spanning historical, contemporary, paranormal, and YA fiction.

We dive into the world of Romantasy—romantic fantasy—discussing how Sophie crafts swoony, high-stakes stories filled with magic, danger, and unforgettable characters. She shares what it’s like to write across genres, how she balances romance and adventure, and why she's drawn to strong heroines and richly imagined worlds.

From her debut to her latest fantasy-fueled romances, Sophie’s career is a masterclass in genre-crossing creativity and the enduring power of love stories.

🔔 Subscribe for more candid conversations with bestselling authors and the magical worlds they create.

ABOUT SOPHIE JORDAN:

Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.

A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed a natural choice. After several years teaching high school students to love ANTIGONE, Sophie decided it was time to pursue her long-held dream of writing. Two years later, she landed her first publishing contract.

Her first book, ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT, was a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical. Her second novel, TOO WICKED TO TAME, released in March 2007 with a bang - landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List. A few books later marked her first appearance on the New York Times bestseller list with the release of IN SCANDAL THEY WED.

And as if she's not busy enough, Sophie writes young adult fiction for HarperTeen and contemporary paranormals for Pocket. Sophie resides in Houston with her family and loves to hear from readers. To learn the latest information about Sophie and her books, follow her on Facebook and Twitter/X.

WHERE TO FIND HER ONLINE:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:

Website | Amazon

In this fascinating episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with Dr. Kevin Hwang, practicing physician and debut novelist, to explore the intersection of medicine and fiction. His novel The Regression Strain is a high-stakes medical thriller set aboard a cruise ship—packed with authenticity, tension, and life-or-death decisions only someone with real clinical experience could write.

Dr. Hwang opens up about his unique journey from examining room to writing desk, balancing a demanding academic medical career with the creative challenges of fiction writing and self-publishing. We dive into how his background influences his storytelling, the ethical lines of drawing from real-world experiences, and the transferable skills between medicine and narrative craft.

This episode is a must-listen for professionals with creative dreams, fans of medical thrillers, and anyone curious about how real-life expertise can elevate fiction to the next level.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with storytellers who blur the lines between career and creativity.

ABOUT KEVIN HWANG:

Dr. Kevin Hwang is a practicing physician and debut novelist whose first book, The Regression Strain, blends medical realism with pulse-pounding suspense aboard a cruise ship. Drawing on his background in academic medicine, he crafts authentic, high-stakes fiction while balancing a demanding healthcare career. Passionate about helping professionals pursue creative paths, he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of storytelling and science.

WHERE TO FIND KEVIN:

Website | X | LinkedIn | Substack

WHERE TO BUY HIS BOOK:

Amazon in KU

In this unforgettable episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle sits down with the legendary Gena Showalter, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of nearly 100 novels, including fan-favorite series Lords of the Underworld and her hotly anticipated upcoming release, Kingdom of Tomorrow with Montlake.

We talk about everything from cursed immortal warriors to the magic of building entirely new kingdoms, and what it takes to keep readers hooked across fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. Gena opens up about her writing process, life’s unexpected turns, and how her passion for storytelling—and swoon-worthy heroes—continues to guide her forward.

With wisdom, warmth, and her signature wit, Gena shares what keeps her inspired, what readers can expect next, and why she believes the best days are still ahead.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Lords of the Underworld or curious about Kingdom of Tomorrow, this is a must-listen episode full of heart, humor, and behind-the-scenes magic.

🔔 Subscribe for more candid conversations with the authors who bring epic love stories and unforgettable characters to life.

ABOUT GENA:

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of nearly 100 novels. Most stories fall under the genre of romance, be they paranormal, fantasy, contemporary, or young adult. She’s also co-authored a (delightfully quirky) cozy mystery series as well as a nonfiction guide about how to write a book in a year.

Gena is a dedicated mother, grandmother, and fur-mom. A woman under construction, whose life took a few unexpected turns the past few years. But she’s learned a lot and firmly believes her best days are ahead of her, not behind her. Chances are good she’s writing her next novel and already in love with the hero.

WHERE TO FIND GENA:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | Amazon

Goodreads | BookBub

WHERE TO BUY KINGDOM OF TOMORROW:

Amazon

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

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle chats with Zoe Allison, romance author, doctor, and self-proclaimed notebook hoarder, about balancing real-life intensity with fictional happily-ever-afters. Growing up in Yorkshire in a mixed-race family, Zoe loved stories of love and bravery—but instead of being saved by the knight, she imagined fighting dragons beside him.

Now based in Scotland with her family, Zoe shares how writing became the creative outlet she needed to escape the emotional toll of her medical career. Her stories are packed with strong heroines, slow-burn romance, and the kind of swoony, satisfying endings we all crave.

Tune in for a heartwarming conversation about identity, resilience, and why the best love stories are the ones where both characters come out stronger—together.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with authors who write with heart, hope, and a little bit of fire.

ABOUT ZOE:

Zoe lives in Scotland with her husband, two children, and massive notebook collection—having been brought up in a mixed-race family in Yorkshire. Her favourite past times include reading, movies, music and pop culture, and walking into rooms and then forgetting what she went in there for.

Growing up, she always enjoyed stories about falling in love. But rather than daydreaming of being rescued by a knight in shining armour, she would imagine fighting dragons alongside him.

As an adult, she went to medical school and became a doctor. However as time passed, she began to crave a creative outlet to counter the burnout that her career inflicted upon her, and also to achieve the happy endings that were so often lacking in the real world. So, she began to write romance featuring heroines who are not only their heroes’ equals in ability and intellect, but whose heroes equal them in emotional intelligence.

WHERE TO FIND ZOE:

Website | Newsletter sign up

X | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:

Linktree

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

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Or somewhere in between?

In this Behind the Mic special from Miles Beyond the Page, 10 bestselling and award-winning authors weigh in on one of the biggest questions writers face: Should you plan your novel—or fly by the seat of your pants?

From detailed outlines to wild creative chaos, each author shares their unique process, favorite tools, and the lessons they’ve learned about storytelling.

Featuring:

- Adrienne Giordano (Romantic suspense powerhouse)

- Amanda Reid (Mystery with bite)

- L.E. Sterling (YA sci-fi/fantasy author)

- Harry Turtledove (Legendary alternate history author)

- Jami Gray (Urban fantasy and romantic suspense)

- Janet Leigh (Time-travel rom-com queen)

- Jeanne Skartsiaris (Women’s fiction & suspense)

- Elizabeth Hobbs (Historical romance with heart)

- Misty Evans (Paranormal & espionage thrillers)

- Tracey Devlyn (Romantic suspense & historical intrigue)

✍️ Whether you swear by spreadsheets or thrive in the unknown, this compilation will inspire your writing journey—and maybe help you find the process that works best for you.

🎧 Like, comment, and subscribe for more author advice, writing insights, and behind-the-scenes creativity.