What is it about the medieval world that continues to captivate readers?

Castles. Knights. Epic battles. Powerful love stories set against a backdrop of history, danger, and honor.

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, I’m joined by bestselling historical romance author Kathryn Le Veque, whose sweeping medieval novels have transported readers into richly detailed worlds of chivalry, court intrigue, and unforgettable romance.

We talk about why the Middle Ages continue to inspire storytellers, how Kathryn builds immersive historical settings, and what makes a truly compelling medieval hero. If you love historical romance—or you’re fascinated by the medieval world—you’ll enjoy this deep dive into the stories and history behind her books.

In this conversation we discuss:

• What first inspired Kathryn to write medieval romance
• The enduring appeal of knights, castles, and courtly intrigue
• How research shapes historical fiction
• What makes a powerful medieval hero and heroine
• Why readers continue to fall in love with stories set in the Middle Ages

If you enjoy conversations about storytelling, history, and the creative process, you’re in the right place.

ABOUT KATHRYN LE VEQUE:

KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a critically acclaimed, USA TODAY Bestselling author (having hit the list over 30 times), an Indie Reader bestseller, a charter Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 150 published novels.

Kathryn's novels are known for their strong and complex heroes and heroines, intricate plots, and rich historical backgrounds. Her stories feature knights, warriors, and noblewomen, bringing to life the chivalry, courtly intrigue, and epic battles of the medieval era. She is adept at creating emotionally charged narratives that keep readers engrossed from beginning to end.

Kathryn has received praise for her writing and has won several awards for her work, including three nominations for the Holt Medallion. Her books have topped bestseller lists, and she has gained a loyal fan base that eagerly anticipates each new release. Readers appreciate her ability to transport them to a bygone era, where they can experience the passion, honor, and challenges faced by her characters.

In addition to her historical romances, Le Veque also writes in the Contemporary Romance and Historical Fiction genres, showcasing her versatility as an author. However, it is her medieval romances that have garnered her the most recognition and made her a prominent figure in the historical romance genre.

Kathryn is a talented author who has made a significant impact on the world of historical romance fiction. Through her captivating storytelling and meticulous research, she has brought the medieval period to life, enchanting readers with her tales of love, adventure, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

In addition to her own published works, Kathryn is the President/CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, Amazon's #1 ebook publisher of Historical Romance (K-Lytics reporting July 2020). Dragonblade Publishing has become known for its commitment to quality historical romance fiction and has gained a reputation as a trusted source for engaging and well-researched novels. Through her ownership of the publishing house, Kathryn has continued to contribute to the romance genre by nurturing and supporting other authors who share her passion for historical storytelling.

WHERE TO FIND HER:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:

Amazon

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles welcomes Dianna Gunn, a dark fantasy author and passionate advocate for building supportive writing communities.

Dianna’s fiction includes the Moonshadow Rising duology—Moonshadow’s Guardian and Moonshadow’s Champion—along with anthologies like Killer Debt and Choices: An Anthology of Reproductive Horror. Her upcoming release, Woman of Sorrow and Blood, continues her exploration of dark, thought-provoking speculative fiction.

Beyond her own writing, Dianna is the founder of Weeknight Writers, a social enterprise dedicated to making writing education and community more accessible. Through virtual conferences, online discussions, and countless events, she has helped thousands of writers connect, learn, and grow together in what can often be a solitary creative journey.

🎧 Join Michelle and Dianna for a thoughtful conversation about dark fantasy, publishing, and the power of community in a writer’s life.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more author interviews and creative conversations on Miles Beyond the Page!

ABOUT DIANNA GUNN:

I've has been passionate about words since I first learned to speak, and I've been writing stories almost as long. I had a YA fantasy novella, Keeper of the Dawn, published in 2017 and my first dark fantasy novel, Moonshadow's Guardian, was released in November 2018. I followed this with Moonshadow's Champion in 2024, completing the Moonshadow Rising Duology. I've since released Killer Debt: An Anthology of Murder and Choices: An Anthology of Reproductive Horror. My next book, Woman of Sorrow and Blood, is set to release March 13th.

I've also long been dedicated to sharing the lessons of my writing journey with other fiction writers and building community around what is far too often a solitary hobby/career. In 2018 I founded Weeknight Writers, a social enterprise dedicated to providing accessible community and educational support for fiction writers, with this goal in mind.

Since founding Weeknight Writers I have hosted dozens of virtual conferences, hundreds of Bluesky chats, and countless other events. I love sharing my knowledge of writing, publishing, and marketing, and helping fiction writers find their way to joyful community.

WHERE TO FIND HER:

Website | Writers Block Buster

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:

Universal

Every writer has characters they love.

And then there are the ones who change you.

In this From the Author’s Desk solo episode of Miles Beyond the Page, I dive into the characters who fundamentally reshaped the way I write romance and story structure.

Two couples did that:

Anna & Kincade – a relationship forged under pressure, built on truth, and defined by devotion that costs something.

Calliope & Henry – a romance rooted in myth, identity, redemption, and the power of story itself.

In this episode, I explore the craft lessons these characters taught me, including:

• Why love is a code of behavior—not just a feeling
• How to write a heroine who refuses to be managed
• Why redemption arcs work best when accountability replaces forgiveness on easy mode
• The romance question that now drives every relationship she writes:
• What does it cost this person to love well?

This episode is part craft discussion, part behind-the-scenes look at my storytelling process, and part love letter to the characters who refuse to stay small on the page.

If you’re a writer interested in emotional architecture, character-driven romance, and building relationships that feel powerful and real, this episode is for you.

✨ Because sometimes the characters we create don’t just live in the story—they transform the way we tell it.

💬 Join the conversation:

Which characters changed the way you write—or the way you read stories?

📚 Learn more about Michelle Miles:

Author of fantasy, romantasy, and fairy-tale retellings filled with quests, curses, kisses, and chaos.

Find my website here.

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes of Miles Beyond the Page

Conversations with authors, craft discussions, and behind-the-scenes insights into writing and publishing.