Interview with Author Michelle Miles

Today I welcome author and podcaster Michelle Miles to the blog. Check out this interview with her and learn about her and her books.

Tell us about your new book.

My latest is a Sleeping Beauty retelling, ONCE UPON AN ENCHANTED KISS. This is book three in my Enchanted Realms series.
Rosamund is a rebellious princess determined to chart her own destiny. Prince Phillip is determined to ignore court politics. But a daring journey that will lead them to more than just adventure.
 
What inspired you to write it?

I’ve wanted to do fairy tale retellings for a long time. For nearly a decade, I was writing a dark urban fantasy. When I finally finished book five of that series, I was ready for something light, fun, and sweet. Over those years, I started amassing pre-made covers that just spoke to me and told me these were fairy tale retellings. I was happy when I finally started the series. The first three books launched last summer.
 
Can you share a little about your writing process?

Sure. I generally know how the story will go, but getting there is somewhat of a challenge. The first thing I do is think about the story and what the blurb will be for that story. That gives me a general idea of the plot. Mostly, I wing it so I’m a pantser. 😊 When I start writing, I have to know the ending or I will never get there and give up. I also spend a lot of time finding the perfect names for my characters in every book. To me, names really mean something and I want it to be a good fit for the story I’m trying to tell.  Once I get started, I write at least two hours a day and try to hit a specific word count, especially if I’m headed toward a deadline.
 
What inspires your creativity/writing (music, movies, art, etc. Feel free to share links to playlists or Pinterest boards)?

I’m a sucker for a good story of high adventure, so everything I write has a little bit of that in it. I also love good versus evil, slow burn romance, magic, and – of course – true love! What inspires me are beautiful images of fantasy worlds, renaissance festivals, and movies. I prefer action/adventure movies to rom-coms, high stakes fantasy to drama. I’m a huge Lord of the Rings fan, so those movies really fuel the imagination for me.
 
Tell us about the first book you wrote or published. How has your focus changed since then?

The first book I published was a spicy contemporary romance with a small press that is no longer around. It gave me the confidence to continue writing and publishing, but it’s not what was in my heart. Deep down, I wanted to write fantasy. That book is no longer available, because I don’t write in that genre anymore.

The first book I wrote before that, which will never see the light of day, was a fantasy romance about a young girl who comes into her power. It was a learning experience for me in that I learned I didn’t have the writing skills – yet – to write what I wanted. Eventually, I started to understand how worldbuilding worked and now that I’m 30+ books in, I know this is what I want to write.
 
Favorites:

Favorite book in your preteen and/or teen years?
My mom was a voracious reader – she introduced me to sweet romance. There are two books that have stuck with me for years since there:
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip – this book introduced fantasy romance to me. I was hooked! I loved this book – about a reclusive girl who lives alone surrounded by a magical menagerie. I still have this book on my shelf and still love it.

The Road to Paradise Island by Victoria Holt – this book was a historical romance about a girl who discovers a cryptic journal by her ancestor with a map to a mysterious far-away island. She eventually sets sail for this island. To me, this was the ultimate adventure. I still remember the vivid descriptions the island.
 
Favorite book now?

Such a hard question! I have so many. I loved the Throne of Glass series. A total must read if you love adventure, fantasy, and romance. Sophie Jordan’s Fire in the Sky was an amazing read. The Unseen by Lilla Glass also amazing! Illusion of Stars by Sara Marie Page – LOVED this one so muc!
 
Favorite actor/actress?

Harrison Ford. Always and forever.
 
Movie and/or TV show?

Raiders of the Lost Ark is hands-down my favorite movie of all time. I also love Star Wars and Star Trek. I’m an equal opportunity nerd. 😉
Favorite TV shows: Once Upon a Time, Game of Thrones, Ghosts, Big Bang Theory
 
Singer?

I’ve loved the Beatles forever. I’m a classic rock lover, so that’s what I mostly listen to.
 
Where can we find more about you and your books online?
 
Direct Store: http://www.michellemilesbooks.com
Website and Blog: http://www.michellemiles.net
Newsletter Sign Up: https://viplist.michellemiles.net/enchanted
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMilesAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MichelleMiles
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/MichelleMilesAuthor
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@michellemilesauthor
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/michellemiles.bsky.social
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/MilesOfRomance/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleMilesBooks
 
BIO:

MICHELLE MILES believes in fairy tales, true love, and a little bit of magic in every story. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and young adult books packed with adventure, action, and swoon-worthy romance—because what’s a story without a bit of danger and a whole lot of heart? From angels and demons to dragons, elves, and time travelers, her books are filled with epic quests, fierce heroines, and the kind of heroes worth falling for.

When she's not crafting new adventures, she brings stories to life as a narrator and hosts Miles Beyond the Page, a podcast where she chats with authors about their writing journeys. A Texas girl through and through, she loves getting lost in a good book, binge-watching movies, hiking the trails, and sipping a glass of wine. Come hang out with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more!