Michelle M. Pillow is a prolific NY Times & USA TODAY bestselling author with over a million 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. Visit her at MichellePillow.com.

Find her extensive list of books here on her website https://michellepillow.com/ of here on here Amazon author page https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BMOOKC/allbooks

 

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me!  When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

Thank you so much for having me! I’m thrilled to chat with you about the ups, downs, and wonderful chaos that comes with being a writer.

As for my calling, I think it was always there, simmering. Growing up, I was that kid who would read under the blankets with a flashlight or jot down quotes in the margins of my notebooks. Writing is a beautiful blend of escape and connection—it lets us create worlds and characters who experience life in ways we sometimes can’t. What I love most is that it’s a chance to share this journey with readers who might see a piece of themselves in a character or storyline. Hearing back from them and knowing something I did resonates with them is amazing.

What frustrates me? Sometimes it’s the sheer process of getting those worlds and characters just right. Writing can be incredibly rewarding but also slow, meticulous work. And sometimes, after a long writing day, I’ll find my muse decided to take a break halfway through, lol.

Q for interviewer: Have you ever started a project and found that creative inspiration just wandered off without you?

Yes, but usually they just wander off to other shiny new ideas so it’s not like the creative inspiration is totally gone, just that it shifts to something different. Then I have to really practice discipline, willpower, and restraint to keep myself focused on the project I’m supposed to be completing lol.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? 

My books are a mix of romance, fantasy, sci fi, mystery, adventure. I love to genre and trope blend/hop and over the years I’ve been recognized for writing over 100 books. I’ve been at it a long time and there is nothing else I’d rather do.

I have a special love for paranormal and fantasy worlds. I love creating stories where the extraordinary meets the ordinary, where readers can escape into magical realms or futuristic societies but still feel those genuine emotions that make characters real.

One of my most beloved by fans is a collection of multiple series, part of the Qurilixen World, which is a vast universe of sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories. It started with Dragon Lords at the beginning of my career and has grown to include the series: Lords of the Var, Space Lords, Captured by a Dragon-Shifter, Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides, Qurilixen Lords… so many.

Then there’s the Merely Mortal series, romantic urban fantasy. Book two, Mostly Shattered, just released at the end of October. The series follows a character named Tamara on her own journey of self-discovery to learn where she belongs. She was born a mortal in a very supernatural family.

You can find out more about all my books and series on my website, MichellePillow.com, and you’ll find me active on social media. https://michellepillow.com/

Links

Facebook – https://facebook.com/AuthorMichellePillow
Twitter – https://twitter.com/MichellePillow
Instagram – https://instagram.com/michellempillow
Pinterest – https://pinterest.com/michellempillow
YouTube – https://youtube.com/user/AuthorMichellePillow
TikTok – https://tiktok.com/@michellempillow
Goodreads – https://goodreads.com/Michelle_Pillow
BookBub – https://bookbub.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow
Amazon Author Page – https://amazon.com/author/michellepillow
Newsletter – https://michellepillow.com/newsletter
Website – https://michellepillow.com

3) What projects are you currently working on?

I’m working on Barely Breathing (January 2025), which continues Tamara’s journey in my new urban fantasy series. And, of course, I’m always crafting stories within the Qurilixen universe, where there are always new characters and adventures waiting. The next book will be an installment in the Qurilixen Lords series.

I think change genres helps keep my writing fresh and me prolific. I love a new challenge.

Q for interviewer: Do you have a favorite genre you love reading or exploring? 

Yes!!! I absolutely love mysteries and thrillers. I mean I like plenty of other genres too, but I’m obsessed with mysteries and thrillers. They are my go to.

4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

There have been so many memorable milestones, but honestly, connecting with readers—hearing their thoughts on characters, seeing them escape into my stories—has been one of the most rewarding. Receiving a NY Times and USA TODAY Bestseller title was an incredible honor, as are the awards I’ve gathered over the years. It’s always a thrill to be recognized for hard work. But it’s those emails, letters, and messages from readers that remind me why I do this.

In five years, I hope to still be crafting stories that inspire readers. I’m also excited about expanding my fantasy and romance worlds further and perhaps even exploring new genres. Who knows where this path will take me.

Q for interviewer: How about you? Any five-year goals?

I think I would love to have at least a dozen or so more books published (I have 5 right now) and I wouldn’t mind being on someone’s best-seller’s list but I would just be happy to have people reading and enjoying my stories. I would also love to be able to travel in another five years and be able to experience more of the world.

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

Rejection is such a natural part of the journey. In the beginning, it sucked. It’s never easy to hear a no on something you’ve poured your heart into. But over time, I learned to think of each rejection as a redirection toward something even better. It’s all about resilience and knowing that every step, even the tough ones, brings growth.

6) Do you have a schedule for when you write?  Do you outline your novels?  How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

I write or work on writing related stuff every day. I’m a bit of a nomadic writer. I write anywhere that inspiration strikes—whether that’s my kitchen table, on the couch, or even sitting up in bed with the TV on in the background.

I do a hybrid of plotting and pantsing. I start with a general idea of where I’m going, but it normally changes along the way. The characters don’t always listen to what I have planned, lol. Depending on the complexity, a novel can take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete—that’s including any world building or prep time. I normally have multiple projects going at once at different stages.

7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry?  Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

Not at all! I truly believe that the path to becoming an author is unique for each person. Success in this industry can mean so many different things, and each journey is personal.

I saw a post where like a 75-year-old woman just completed her doctorate. Stories can be told at any age because they come from experience, emotion, and imagination—all things that grow richer with time. It’s never too late, and often a later start brings a depth and maturity that’s all the more powerful.

I think they only thing that hurts an author’s journey is when they stop learning and trying to improve the craft. I learn new things every time I write a book.

8) Are you an avid reader and have you always been? What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you?  Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

Oh, absolutely! Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen made a huge impact on me as a younger reader. I think it was the first book that made me want to learn more about history, and it opened my eyes to the beauty of character-driven stories. Currently, I’m diving into some works by author friends, and I just finished reading Mandy M. Roth’s Wind with a Chance of Wolfsbane, which was such a fun read.

Q for interviewer: Do you have any favorites that have left a lasting impression?

My all time favorite book that impacted me, and still does to this day, is Little Women. It was the book that made me first even think I could have the audacity to become a writer and I identified so much with Jo. I could never get enough of that book

9) Given the recent shake-ups in publishing, what are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is being represented today? Do you lean more towards traditional publishing or self-publishing as a preference? Does being a hybrid author interest you? 

I’m already known as a “hybrid” author, working with both traditional and self-publishing. This path offers the best of both worlds and provides flexibility to tell my stories in ways that feel right for each one. The industry is in such an exciting place right now, with opportunities for authors to take creative control over their work. It’s truly a wonderful time for storytellers.

10) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally.  I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?  How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

Writing gives me a way to explore those deep, often unspoken parts of ourselves—the parts that crave connection, understanding, and belonging. Through my characters, I’m able to get into emotions and challenges we all face, whether in fantasy or romance settings. I think what keeps my work authentic is that I genuinely care about the human experience and about connecting with readers. Writing has taught me to be true to my voice and trust that others will resonate with it.

Q for interviewer: How does writing empower you personally? I’d love to hear more about your journey.

I have always used writing as an outlet to communicate how I was feeling because I always felt that either no one was really listening or no one really cared. I had a really terrible childhood, and I always felt like I could never talk about how I was feeling so I put it in writing. I started with poetry. Then I used the stories I told to sometimes convey certain messages that I have always wanted to put out into the universe. I guess writing just empowers me to authentically be able to express myself without having to pretend.

Recent Books by Michelle M. Pillow