Featured Interview With Michelle M. Pillow
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi, I’m Michelle M. Pillow, a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author. I grew up in the Midwest, amongst open prairies as wide as my imagination. Now, I live in the American South, where the friendly people make up for the dreadful humidity. My constant companion is my cat, Bunny, who doubles as my writing buddy and manager. She’s a hard taskmaster–even demanding where I should work for the day. When I’m not crafting new worlds, you can often find me brainstorming story ideas with my husband or exploring our new location.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My love for books began early. My mom had us in the book a month club, and we loved new book mail. It created an excitement for reading. My dad would always take us to the library and bookstores. By the time I reached high school, I knew I wanted to be the one to create worlds. I loved to read and would love to find books that had not been checked out for decades in the school library. It was like a game, and ended up being a lot of the classics.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have a deep admiration for many authors. Anne Rice’s blending of romance, fantasy, and the supernatural has been a significant influence on my work. Jane Austen’s sharp wit and pushback against societal norms resonate with me, inspiring character-building in my stories. John Steinbeck’s ability to portray the human condition with such depth and empathy is something I strive to emulate. In terms of genre, I gravitate towards paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction, as they offer endless possibilities for exploration and creativity. As to modern-day authors, Mandy M. Roth and her Immortal Ops and Grimm Cove series are favorites.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Merely Mortal, is an urban fantasy novel that explores the intricate dance between the mortal and supernatural. The story follows Tamara, an ordinary woman born into an powerful supernatural family where she must navigate dangers, uncover family secrets, and grapple with her own identity. Writing this book was a journey of discovery. The characters in Merely Mortal are richly developed, each with their own struggles and triumphs that readers can relate to. Tamara’s journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, and I hope it resonates with readers who enjoy emotionally charged stories. If you’re looking for a blend of magic, mystery, action, danger and heartfelt moments, please give Merely Mortal a try. Book one is currently released. Book two, Mostly Shattered releases Oct 2024.
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Thank you for having me!