What does it really take to write and publish more than forty books—and still love the process? In this episode of Write It Scared, I sit down with fantasy author Michelle Miles, who’s done exactly that.

Michelle pulls back the curtain on the realities of indie publishing—how to manage burnout, balance creativity with deadlines, and build systems that let you keep writing for the long haul. We talk about shifting from traditional to indie publishing, finding joy in the work again, and learning when to push forward (and when to pause).

If you’ve ever dreamed of a full-time writing career—or wondered how to make it sustainable—this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom, practical strategies, and heart.

Episode Timestamps:
 00:00 Rapid release strategies that actually work
 01:25 Meet fantasy author Michelle Miles
 03:29 From traditional to indie publishing
 06:21 Lessons from 40+ books: challenges, triumphs, and persistence
 17:31 Finding balance between writing and real life
 24:17 Building sustainable publishing systems
 31:01 Advice for aspiring indie authors
 34:19 When to hire an editor (and when to trust yourself)
 40:58 Dealing with doubt and staying motivated
 48:38 Final thoughts and encouragement

Links

Holly Lisle

 How To Think Sideways

Liegh Bardugo’s TED Talk: The Art of Discomfort 

Miles Beyond the Page Podcast 

Michelle Miles Author Website

Direct Store: http://www.michellemilesbooks.com

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