Miles Beyond the Page | Christian Hurst
In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with Pennsylvania author and creative director Christian Hurst to discuss his YA sci-fi/fantasy series, Lily Starling.
Beginning with Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander, the series follows a memory-loss protagonist who discovers her place in the universe alongside a found family of starship crew members in a coming-of-age space opera filled with adventure, mystery, and heart. Christian shares the inspiration behind the series, his long-term vision for the five-book story arc, and the progress of the books released so far.
Michelle and Christian also explore his journey from a career in advertising, film, and games to becoming a published novelist. They discuss his writing process—from blocking major story beats and drafting linearly to revising aloud—and what he learned from producing an audiobook version of his work.
The conversation goes beyond writing craft into the business side of publishing, covering self-publishing, partnering with Outpost Books, audience targeting, comp titles, funnels, newsletters, social media, and practical marketing strategies that help authors reach the right readers without burning themselves out.
🎧 Join Michelle and Christian for an insightful conversation about storytelling, publishing, and building a sustainable creative career.
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ABOUT CHRISTIAN HURST:
Christian Hurst is an American author and creative director whose work blends epic science fiction adventure with emotional depth. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and raised in the LDS church, he often speaks about growing up feeling like an outsider—an experience that shaped the empathy and curiosity at the heart of his writing. After leaving the church as a young adult, he now identifies as an atheist.
He began his creative career as a teenage graphic design intern for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and later studied Graphic Design at Harrisburg Area Community College. After more than fifteen years in advertising and brand strategy, including major rebranding initiatives for Marriott International, he is now an Executive Creative Director at AARP (3).
A lifelong fan of science fiction, Hurst is known for The Lily Starling Series, which explores identity, connection, and belonging (4). He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, their son, and three dogs (5).
WHERE TO FIND HIM:
Website | X | Instagram | TikTok
WHERE TO FIND HIS BOOKS:
Website
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 | Stephen Oram
