In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles welcomes Alison Gieschen, an award-winning author, lifelong sailor, and horsewoman whose life story is as sweeping and adventurous as the novels she writes.

A former schoolteacher and founder of an internationally successful equestrian program, Alison and her husband Dan sold everything they owned to pursue their dream of sailing around the world. Now having traveled to 46 countries—and recently crossing the Panama Canal toward French Polynesia—Alison draws deeply from life at sea, her connection to horses, and the cultures she encounters along the way.

The conversation explores Alison’s wide-ranging body of work, including her Rising Star Award–winning novel Blue Ridge, her children’s stories The Legend of Altor and Julia’s Vaulting Dream, her sailing memoir Riding the Waves of Reality, and her powerful latest release, The Seven—a soul-stirring novel that blends fantasy with real-world experience in a story spanning continents, cultures, and the bond between humans and horses.

Michelle and Alison also talk about her upcoming children’s fantasy Seanna: A Mermaid’s Tale, inspired by Alison’s lifelong connection to the sea and brought to life through stunning illustrations.

🎧 Join Michelle and Alison for a captivating conversation about adventure, imagination, and the stories waiting just beyond the horizon.

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

ABOUT ALISON GIESCHEN:

Alison Gieschen is an award-winning author, lifelong sailor, and horsewoman whose life story is as epic as the novels she writes. A former schoolteacher and graduate of the University of North Carolina Charlotte, Alison spent 30 years running an internationally successful equestrian program on her family farm in New Jersey. After raising three children with her husband Dan—whom she met during a sailboat race—they sold everything they owned to pursue their shared dream of circumnavigating the globe aboard their 43-foot sailboat.

To date, Alison and Dan have traveled to 46 countries and recently crossed the Panama Canal, setting their course for the remote islands of French Polynesia. Her time at sea and her deep connection with both horses and people across cultures have inspired a powerful body of work spanning children’s literature, memoir, and adult fiction. Her books include the Rising Star Award-winning novel Blue Ridge, the magical children’s stories The Legend of Altor and Julia’s Vaulting Dream, and the nonfiction sailing memoir Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph—with a sequel on the way.

Her latest release, The Seven, is a sweeping and soul-stirring novel that blends fantasy with deeply rooted real-world experience. The story follows seven humans and seven horses in a tale that spans continents and cultures, asking one pivotal question: Can the hearts of a few determine the fate of all humanity?

Alison is also preparing to release her newest children’s fantasy, Seanna: A Mermaid’s Tale—a story especially close to her heart. As someone who has always felt a magical connection to the sea and its mythical creatures, Alison brings the underwater world to life in this early reader chapter book. The story is being brought to even greater life through the artwork of seven-time international award-winning illustrator Barbara Owczarek, whose stunning illustrations add an extra layer of magic and wonder.

Through it all, Alison remains deeply connected to the world around her—from the sea life off her bow to the ancient cultures in the world’s most remote places. Her journey is far from over, and with every mile sailed, a new story is waiting to be told.

WHERE TO FIND HER:
Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS:
Website

In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles sits down with Deanna Lang, Publishing Partner and founder of Deanna’s World Author Services, a company dedicated to helping authors navigate the full publishing lifecycle.

With more than a decade of experience supporting over 300 book projects—and a professional background in corporate IT consulting, project management, and business operations—Deanna brings a uniquely strategic perspective to the publishing world. Her approach helps authors treat their writing careers like sustainable businesses while still protecting the creative heart of the work.

Michelle and Deanna talk about the realities of independent publishing, the importance of strong project management in book production, and the many ways authors can build a solid foundation for long-term success—from editing and manuscript development to launch strategy and platform building.

🎧 Join Michelle and Deanna for an insightful conversation about publishing smarter, building sustainable author careers, and bringing books successfully into the world.

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

ABOUT DEANNA LANG:

Deanna Lang is a Publishing Partner and the founder of Deanna's World Author Services, offering comprehensive guidance through the full publishing lifecycle. Deanna has been involved in bringing over 300 book projects to publication over more than a decade , establishing her as an experienced professional in the independent publishing space. Her foundation rests on two decades in corporate IT consulting, project management, and business operations. This distinct background allows her to provide strategic, operational support that enables authors to approach their careers as a sustainable business. Deanna's flexible, tailored services ensure authors receive the necessary support—from manuscript critiques and editing to book release management and platform building—allowing them to focus on the creative process.

WHERE TO FIND HER:

Deanna Lang, Publishing Partner & Author Services Provider

Deanna's World Author Services

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