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Writer's pictureHayley Rushbrook
Sep 206 min read

Interview with an Author: Michelle Pillow (NY Times and US Today bestselling author)


Author photo of Michelle M. Pillow wearing a black top and smiling at the camera.

Michelle M. Pillow is a prolific NY Times & USA TODAY bestselling author with millions of books sold. Though she writes in many genres, she is best known for romance and mystery. Her rich world-building creates portals for the imagination. She is a winner of the RT Reviewers' Choice Award. Fan favorites include the Qurilixen World (a multi-series collection), Order of Magic series, and Warlocks MacGregor series. She loves to interact with readers.



Hi Michelle, why don't you start by telling me a little about yourself and why you became an author?


Hi there! I’m Michelle M. Pillow, a NY Times and USA TODAY romance fiction author.


I have been fascinated by all things romance for as long as I can remember. I like to write in multiple genres, but I am best known for sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal. However, I also write historical novels, contemporaries, Regency Gothics and cosy mysteries among others.


My first book was published in 2004, so this marks my twenty-year authorversary. Since then, I’ve been recognized by RWA for writing over 100 books.


My latest novel, Merely Mortal, blends urban fantasy with deep human emotions. It’s the start of a brand-new series by the same name and has just been published. I’m excited for readers to explore Tamara’s world.


Telling stories has always been a part of me; it started with a passion for photography and evolved into writing entire universes where anything is possible.



The front cover of her 'Merely Mortal' boo, the first in a series. The cover is black with shades of orange and pink. A large butterfly dominates the cover.


Great! Can you tell me what inspired you to write Merely Mortal?


I love the possibilities in the paranormal genre.


The best fiction doesn’t hammer the reader with lessons of mortality and humanity but rather lets them explore the range of emotions they inspire. I want readers to become fully immersed and to read themselves into the story, whether it is to agree or disagree with the characters. Seeing characters deal with problems (even dealing with them poorly) helps us to navigate our own issues.


The inspiration for Merely Mortal came from a desire to explore what it means to be human, but more than that, that search we all have to find the place we belong in the world. I wanted to create a story where an ordinary human finds herself entangled in extraordinary circumstances.


The themes of mortality and belonging are universal, and I wanted to explore these in a setting that offers both adventure and introspection.



It sounds fascinating. Can you tell me what Merely Mortal is about?


Absolutely! Merely Mortal follows the journey of Tamara, a 28-year-old mortal woman born into a powerful supernatural family of immortals.


Her entire life she’s told she’s not special and has an expiration date. She gets all of the family danger with none of the perks. No one expects great things from her.


But then she’s thrust into a world of supernatural intrigue and adventure, where she must navigate complex family dynamics, face hidden dangers, and discover her place in the world.


The story is filled with themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and the eternal struggle each of us faces to own our place in the world. I hope the emotional depth of Tamara’s journey resonates with readers.


Blurb:


A gripping new first-person POV urban fantasy romance series by NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Michelle M. Pillow.


All I want is a simple, normal life.


Unfortunately, normalcy is a luxury I can’t afford as a lowly human born into a powerful supernatural family embroiled in magic. They’ve always been quick to remind me that I have an expiration date. Imagine everyone’s surprise when it’s me standing above their graves, not the other way around.


The fire that took their lives wasn’t my fault, yet everyone is blaming me, especially the vampires. Now I have a target on my back and a bounty on my head. Without the protection of my family, I’m caught up in a tangled web of supernatural dynasties and arcane power struggles.


So when a handsome stranger and his young daughter take pity on me and offer me a ride, I don’t say no. It’s a mistake. One I hope doesn’t cost us all our lives.


Sometimes, being merely mortal really sucks.


Links







Author website for more info: https://michellepillow.com/merely-mortal/ 



You write in a wonderfully diverse genre and have 20 years of experience. Can you tell me more about the other books you've written?


I have an extensive collection of series, including the fan favourites collection that is part of the Qurilixen Book Universe. The Qurilixen World isn't just about one series; it's an epic sci-fi fantasy romance universe that includes a variety of interconnected series like Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Qurilixen Lords, Space Lords, Captured by a Dragon-shifter, Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides, and Dynasty Lords. Each instalment features a different set of characters – shifters, space pirates, prisoners, warriors, and various alien incarnations –allowing readers to explore diverse narratives within a cohesive world.


Officially this multi-series world begins with the Dragon Lords, a series that intertwines the lives of dragon shifters and human women, set in a medieval-esque futuristic society. The journey of these star-crossed lovers unfolds across an alien landscape filled with danger, romance, and adventure. But readers can jump in at any series instalment and not be lost.


Other unconnected fan favourites include the Order of Magic, a paranormal women’s fiction series featuring heroines over 40. And the mischievous Warlocks MacGregor series, which are Scottish warlocks living in modern-day Wisconsin. This is a family of pranksters and a lot of fun.


Over the years, I have written in many genres. Readers can explore them on my website here. We try to make it easy to navigate to what you are in the mood for.





Links to start at book one:





What was your process for publishing?


I’m a hybrid author, meaning I’ve been published both indie and traditional.


I started with traditional. Some of my publishers include Random House, Virgin Books, Simon and Schuster, Adams Media, Running Press, Robinson Publishing, and others.


Now I’m mostly indie because I like the control.


Both routes have their pros and cons, so it depends on the project.


Traditional publishing had great marketing reach. Indie gives me more control and a better timeline. I can’t say I have a favourite way. I have worked with agents in the past and would again if the project called for it.


Regardless of the path, my books go through multiple rounds of edits, both self-edits and professional. I want the highest quality product going out to readers.


For Merely Mortal, I used beta readers, worked with professional editors and proofreaders to ensure the story was polished, and collaborated with a talented cover designer to create the cover.


Marketing is an ongoing process involving social media, newsletters, and reaching out to book bloggers and reviewers.


Each step is crucial to bringing the book to life and into the hands of readers.



What have you learnt from your writing and publishing career?


Over the course of my career, I’ve learnt that flexibility and perseverance are key. Every book brings its own set of challenges.


Also, always trust your instincts and stay true to your vision. It is your unique voice that readers want to see. There is no one path in the publishing world.


One thing I could always do differently is to start the marketing process earlier. Engaging with readers and building anticipation before the book’s release is incredibly beneficial. But when you’re doing something indie, you are responsible for everything, and there are only so many hours in the day, so it’s a fine balance.



What’s next for you? Do you have more books in the pipeline? Can you give a hint as to what to expect?


I’m currently working on the next instalment in the Merely Mortal series, Mostly Shattered (October 2024).


It promises even more supernatural intrigue and emotional depth as Tamara explores the complexities of her supernatural world. It is available for preorder on any of the links below.


Links:







Author website for more info: https://michellepillow.com/mostly-shattered/



The front cover of the second book in Michelle Pillow's 'Merely Mortal' series, 'Mostly Shattered'. The background is black with grey ghostly flowers. The main image is a droplet pendant necklace with a shattering green gem in the middle.


There are a few other projects in the pipeline, including new adventures in the Qurilixen Lords series.



What advice do you have for other authors looking to publish?


Don’t be afraid to take risks and put your work out there.


Whether you choose self-publishing or traditional publishing, the important thing is to keep writing and learning.


Build a network of supportive authors and readers, and always be open to feedback.


Most importantly, believe in your stories and the magic you create with your words.



Final words from Michelle


I’d like to thank all my readers for their incredible support and enthusiasm over the years.

Your love for these stories inspires me every day.


And for those new to my books, I hope you enjoy exploring these fantastical worlds as much as I enjoy creating them.


Thank you for having me, Hayley!



Find Michelle Pillow online

















Please note: Any views expressed in this post are those of Michelle Pillow and not those of Hayley Rushbrook or Proofreading by Hayley.



 


I hope you've enjoyed this post. If you have your own author story you'd like me to feature, please get in touch.

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