By: Clara Jennings

For many authors, the process of creating a new world involves layers of inspiration drawn from various sources—whether literary, cinematic, musical, or personal experiences. For Lee Matthew Goldberg, his new Young Adult series Miles in Time—which follows a teen detective traveling back in time to solve his brother’s murder—was no exception. With influences ranging from classic time travel literature to the music of the late ’90s, Goldberg weaves a story that is both rooted in nostalgia and fresh in its approach to the time travel genre.

Goldberg’s ability to blend personal memories with popular cultural references creates a unique, immersive experience for readers. As he shares the many inspirations behind Miles in Time, it’s clear that the process of creating this time-bending adventure was deeply connected to his own experiences growing up and exploring the world of books, films, and music.

Literary Inspirations: Classic Time Travel and Fictional Universes

The foundational idea for Miles in Time was inspired by a combination of literary works that Goldberg read in his youth. Among the most significant of these influences was Time and Again by Jack Finney, a beloved time travel novel that Goldberg encountered when he was around Miles’ age. Time and Again centers around the concept of time travel through a physical transformation—one that is not entirely reliant on technological gadgets, but on the very process of human memory and perception. The novel’s ability to transport readers to another time was a crucial inspiration for Goldberg, especially in how the passage of time and the idea of revisiting the past could be emotionally powerful.

“Jack Finney’s Time and Again was pivotal in shaping my vision for Miles in Time,” Goldberg explains. “It showed me that time travel could be used as more than just a plot device—it could help you explore the emotional complexities of people and places, as well as the regrets and decisions that shape who we become.”

But it wasn’t just novels that inspired Goldberg’s time travel tale. The Back to the Future trilogy, one of the most iconic time travel franchises in film history, also played a critical role in the development of Miles in Time. Goldberg recalls watching Marty McFly’s adventures with a sense of wonder as a kid, paying particular attention to how the movies navigated the tricky terrain of time travel.

“Those movies were a huge inspiration,” Goldberg says. “I watched them countless times growing up, always trying to figure out how they managed to handle time travel without losing sight of the emotional stakes. Back to the Future was one of the first films to make time travel feel both fun and meaningful. It set the bar for what a time travel story could accomplish.”

The time travel tropes established by Back to the Future—where small actions in the past can have massive ripple effects on the present—are echoed in Goldberg’s own work, particularly in how Miles’ actions while traveling back in time influence not only the mystery he’s trying to solve but also his relationships with his family and friends. The delicate balance between adventure, emotion, and time manipulation is something Goldberg sought to mirror in Miles in Time and its follow-up, Time Fixers.

Music as a Catalyst for Character and Setting

While novels and films served as vital literary cornerstones, it was music that became the lifeblood of Miles in Time and its sequel. Time Fixers takes place in 1999, a year that’s especially significant for Goldberg, who was in college during that time. As such, music from the late ’90s became an integral part of the narrative. The inclusion of songs like “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera, Len’s “Steal My Sunshine,” and The Verve Pipe’s “The Freshman” weren’t just nostalgic choices; they acted as a backdrop to the emotional lives of the characters, reflecting their struggles, hopes, and growth.

“Music was a huge part of my life in 1999, and I knew I had to incorporate it into the novel. These songs bring an emotional resonance to the story that wouldn’t have been possible without them,” Goldberg says. “For me, writing Time Fixers was like creating a soundtrack for the characters. The music captures the feelings they are experiencing—whether it’s the confusion of adolescence, the thrill of new discoveries, or the heartbreak of loss.”

The songs are more than just markers of the time period; they serve as thematic touchstones that mirror the characters’ internal conflicts. Just as the characters are learning about themselves and facing personal dilemmas, the music they listen to serves as an emotional guide. It’s not merely background noise; it’s integral to how the story unfolds, acting as a reflection of the characters’ emotional states.

The Influence of Video Games: The Nintendo Glove as a Time Travel Device

In addition to books and music, Goldberg’s childhood love for video games also played a pivotal role in the development of Miles in Time. One of the most distinctive features of the time travel technology in Miles in Time is its resemblance to the Nintendo Power Glove, a unique piece of technology from the late ’80s and early ’90s that allowed players to interact with their games using hand gestures. For Goldberg, the Nintendo Power Glove was not just a childhood toy; it was a symbol of innovation and imagination.

“The time machine in the novel is based on the Nintendo glove I had as a kid. I wanted a time travel device that felt different from anything else I had seen,” Goldberg explains. “The Power Glove was something that seemed futuristic and had this potential for something more. I wanted to create a time machine that wasn’t just a typical gadget—it had to feel personal, like it came from Miles’ world and his own history.”

The inclusion of the Power Glove-inspired time machine is a clear nod to Goldberg’s formative years. The device serves as a metaphor for how the past, present, and future can overlap in unexpected ways, blending technology with the personal history of the protagonist.

Creating Miles in Time: Inspiration as a Creative Necessity

As Goldberg reflects on the creative process behind Miles in Time, he emphasizes the importance of drawing inspiration from a variety of sources. “You can’t create something from nothing,” he admits. “There’s always something that sparks an idea, and for me, it’s important to only consume things that will enhance the project I’m working on, rather than detract from it.”

By incorporating influences from his own childhood—books, movies, music, and video games—Goldberg was able to craft a time travel narrative that is both nostalgic and fresh. The resulting series blends the suspense of a mystery with the emotional depth of YA fiction, offering a compelling reading experience for teens and adults alike. With Miles in Time and the upcoming Time Fixers, Goldberg has created a world that bridges the past and present in a way that resonates with readers on both an emotional and intellectual level.

Whether you’re a fan of time travel stories, ‘90s nostalgia, or character-driven YA fiction, Goldberg’s latest series aims for a thrilling ride through time, technology, and memory.

Order Miles in Time Now and Preorder Time Fixers

Don’t miss out on the thrilling YA time-travel mystery series! Order Miles In Time: A YA Time Travel Mystery by Lee Matthew Goldberg now on Amazon and dive into Miles Hardy’s journey to solve his brother’s murder across time. Plus, get ready for the sequel Time Fixers—preorder it today and join Miles as he travels back to 1999 to save his mother from her past trauma. Miles In Time is available now, and Time Fixers will be released on June 3, 2025! Order Miles In Time on Amazon | Preorder Time Fixers on Amazon.