In this entertaining episode of Miles Beyond the Page, Michelle chats with Max Shippee—actor, gym owner, storyteller, and all-around creative force. From rural Maine to Hollywood, with stops in Texas, Bali, and beyond, Max’s journey is full of unexpected turns, resilience, and reinvention.

We explore how his wide-ranging life experiences—from acting and entrepreneurship to parenting and writing—have shaped his creative voice. Max talks about what inspired him to finally put his stories on the page, how he balances discipline with spontaneity, and why embracing change is key to creative growth.

Whether you’re chasing your next chapter or just curious about how one man juggles it all with humor and heart, this conversation will leave you inspired.

🔔 Subscribe for more real talk with writers and creatives who are boldly carving their path—on and off the page.

ABOUT MAX:

Max Shippee grew up in rural Maine and knows the woods well. His own journey took him to Hollywood, California by way of Oklahoma, Nevada, Texas, DC, and even Bali, Indonesia. For the last 20 years, he has been busy as an actor, a gym owner, a husband, and a father. Along the way, he’s had some stories brewing in that silver-haired head of his. He thought he best write them down. You can find his spontaneous science-fiction installments on Reddit, and now, Moonshine: The Series has begun with Book One: Path of the Raven.

WHERE TO FIND HIM:

Website | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Threads

WHERE TO BUY: Amazon

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