How I Decide What Book to Write Next | From the Author’s Desk
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 intuition
- Why having a plan matters (and why it shouldn’t be a prison)
- Recognizing the stories that won’t wait
- How reader demand quietly shapes creative decisions
- When breaking your own rules is the right move
- Choosing the right book at the right time—not just the next one on the list
If 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.
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Author, Narrator, Podcaster
MICHELLE MILES is the host of Miles Beyond the Page, a podcast that celebrates the magical, messy, and inspiring journey of storytelling.
As an author of fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, Michelle brings her passion for writing and publishing to every episode—whether she's interviewing debut authors, bestselling giants, or industry pros. With her warm, down-to-earth style and curiosity for all things creative, she dives deep into the heart of the writer’s process, from first drafts to final edits, rejections to rave reviews.
When she’s not behind the mic or crafting enchanting worlds on the page, Michelle can be found wrangling her to-be-read pile, sipping wine, or plotting her next story twist. Miles Beyond the Page is her love letter to authors, readers, and the stories that connect us all.
Miles Beyond the Page | Dawn Chartier
