Merely Mortal
Author's Profile + Interview + Book Profile / by michellepillow / 974 views
- Listing ID: 23166
- Author's Name: Michelle M. Pillow
- Your Email Address: michelle_pillow@yahoo.com
- About the Author: 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, Merely Mortal, and Warlocks MacGregor series. She loves to interact with readers. Visit her at MichellePillow.com.
- URL of the book's purchase link: https://books2read.com/MerelyMortal
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Awards, reviews, press releases, and other relevant information:
Author Awards
* New York Times (#8) & USA Today Bestselling Author
* 2015 Virginia Romance Writers HOLT Medallion Award of Merit recipient for outstanding literary fiction in Paranormal, Love Potion
* #1 Bestselling Author, Amazon.com
* Bestseller in a variety of genres at Apple Books, Googleplay, Kobo, Nook
* 2011 Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee
* Winner 2006 Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for the historical romance Maiden and the Monster
* 2007 Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award Nominee for the futuristic romance The Bound Prince
* Kensington Brava Novella Contest Finalist (3rd)
* Recognized for writing over 100 books.
* MAC 2022 Grant Recipient
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Quotes About the Author
“Michelle M. Pillow crafts an incredible story. Paranormal romance as hot as dragon fire!” Gena Showalter, NY Times & USA TODAY Bestseller
“Michelle Pillow creates characters to cheer for, to hope with, while building worlds that are portals for the imagination. Truly, Ms. Pillow is a master of futuristic fantasy.” Yasmine Galenorn, NY Times, Publishers Weekly, & USA TODAY Bestseller
“Michelle M. Pillow brings us yet another hilariously touching story, this one set in the world of paranormal women’s fiction, and you won’t want to put it down. I know I didn’t! Then again, she had me at séance.” Darynda Jones, NY Times Bestselling Author.
“Michelle M. Pillow weaves a story so engrossing that I lose track of time while reading and think about the characters long after I’m done.” Mandy M. Roth, NY Times & USA TODAY Bestseller
“Second Chance Magic starts with a bang and does not slow down! It’s a beautifully written story of starting over and finding your inner power. Highly recommended.” Elizabeth Hunter, USA TODAY Bestselling Author of the Elemental Mysteries
“Michelle Pillow always delivers!” Renee George, USA TODAY Bestseller
“Michelle M. Pillow’s Qurilixen World romances are like chocolate for my eyeballs.” Cynthia Sax, USA TODAY Bestseller
“I absolutely fell in love with Michelle M. Pillow’s steamy, funny, fast-paced writing.” Tasha Black, USA TODAY Bestseller
“Before all these newer authors starting writing about dragons and off-world sci-fi alien books… Michelle M. Pillow was bring it home, girls! And she did it with amazing originality and characters. I have devoured all of her original books from this fabulous author.” T. A. Grey, USA TODAY Bestseller
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Online
Website
https://michellepillow.com
TikTok BookTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@michellempillow
Facebook Author Page
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichellePillow
Facebook Fan Club
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MichellePillowFanClub/
Instagram
https://instagram.com/michellempillow/
You Tube
https://www.youtube.com/user/michellepillow - Genre: Urban Fantasy with Romance
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Titles of All Books:
Romance Writers of America has recognized Michelle for publishing over 100 novels.
A complete chronological list can be found on her website: https://michellepillow.com/printbooklist/
Series Listing:
Qurilixen World – Multi-Series:
* Dragon Lords
* Lords of the Var
* Space Lords
* Qurilixen Lords
* Captured by a Dragon-Shifter
* Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides
* Dynasty Lords
More Series:
* Warlocks MacGregor
* Order of Magic
* Merely Mortal
* Lords of the Abyss
* Realm Immortal
* Divinity Warriors
* Divinity Healers
* Call of the Lycan
* Tribes of the Vampire
* Naughty Cupid
* Matthews Sisters
Cozy Mystery Series
* Happily Everlasting
* (Un)Lucky Valley - Did you love reading books when you were little? Why or why not?: Yes. Books were doorways to another world.
- At what age did you start reading books? What were your best memories of that time?: We always had books in the house. My mom subscribed to a book club and we always loved getting new books in the mail. My dad would take us to bookstores and let us browse. They both encouraged the library. I have a lot of fond memories of reading as a kid.
- What was the first book you loved reading? Why?: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has always been a favorite re-read. Mr. Darcy's first botched proposal is probably one of my favorite scenes. I also loved Travels with Charley by Steinbeck because I, too, like to travel and meet different people. In college I was interested in social anthropology, so I love studying and learning about different cultures. I used to love grabbing books in the school library that hadn't been checked out for decades. That usually ended up being classical literature.
- When did you first think about writing your first book? Why?: I started writing my first book when I was in Middle School. It was never finished. I wanted it to be a novel but lacked the fortitude to finish more than two chapters, lol.
- What was the greatest obstacle you've encountered when you were writing your book? What made you overcome it?: The greatest obstacle I encountered while writing Merely Mortal was balancing the intricate worldbuilding with the deeply personal first-person narrative. It was challenging to ensure that Tamara's internal struggles and growth felt authentic while still immersing readers in the complex supernatural world around her. What helped me overcome this was focusing on Tamara's emotions and relationships, allowing her experiences to naturally unfold the world she inhabits. Support from my readers and belief in the story's potential kept me motivated through the toughest parts.
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What pieces of advice can you give aspiring authors? What worked for you?:
My best advice is if you feel you have a story to tell, tell it. The world needs your unique voice.
On the practical side, there is no magic pill. Do your research. Research everything—your book, marketing, promo, your genre—and think about the long-term goals, not just instant career gratification. That’s what separates career authors from hobbyists. Writing as a hobby is fine if that’s what you want to do. If you want to be a professional, you just have to spend the time and study up. There is no magic formula or secret handshake. I so wish there was. You just have to put in the hours and do the work. Knowledge really is power.
But the Number 1 Thing? Write the book. No book, no reason to go through the trouble of everything else. The book is the fun part! - Who are the authors or what are the books that had the greatest influence in your own writing? Why?: When I started reading romance, I fell in love with the historical romances of Amanda Quick and her contemporaries. There is something powerful and wonderful about being immersed in another time or world. I also read a lot of Victorian gothic and horror novels.
- What are your current or future writing plans? What can readers further expect from you?: I'm currently working on book two of the urban fantasy Merely Mortal Series: Mostly Shattered. I also have several other series in the works, including the next Qurilixen Lords book. It's a sci-fi romance and part of my fan favorite collection of series in the Qurilixen World.
- Do you offer a free book copy to interested readers?: Please contact me to discuss.
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