Michelle M. Pillow, a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author, is known for her paranormal and sci-fi romance novels. With over 100 titles, including series such as Merely Mortal, Order of Magic, Warlocks MacGregor, and Dragon Lords, Michelle has captivated readers with her intricate world-building and immersive storytelling. A passionate advocate for the power of fiction, she believes stories are more than just entertainment—they’re an emotional journey that helps readers navigate real-life challenges. When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and brainstorming new ideas with her cat Bunny. Meet Michelle:

You are an author, but is it your day job? If not, what fills your days? Writing is indeed my day job! I’ve been lucky enough to turn my passion for storytelling into a full-time career. However, when I’m not writing, my days are filled with brainstorming new storylines, chatting with my readers, and enjoying time with my family. I also manage all aspects of the publishing business, so my days can get pretty hectic, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Did you always want to be an author? I’ve always had a wild imagination and a love for storytelling. Growing up, I would make up stories and create entire worlds in my head. So it was no surprise when my passion for reading and writing eventually became my career. It’s a dream come true.

What is your most recent book and what inspired you to write it? My most recent book is Mostly Shattered, the second in my Merely Mortal series. This urban fantasy series explores the intersection of mortal life and supernatural elements. The inspiration came from my love of blending the extraordinary with the ordinary, and exploring what it truly means to belong in a world where you feel out of place.

How do you hope your book uplifts those who read it? I hope my books offer readers an escape from the stresses of everyday life. In Mostly Shattered, the main character, Tamara, faces a lot of challenges but grows stronger by confronting them. It’s a reminder that we’re all capable of overcoming difficulties, even when they seem insurmountable. My goal is to leave readers feeling empowered and connected to the characters, all while taking them on a thrilling, magical adventure.

What are you most excited about with this book? I’m most excited to share Tamara’s continued journey with my readers. She’s such a relatable character—flawed but strong, determined but vulnerable—and her story only gets more exciting as the series unfolds. I love the balance of emotional depth and supernatural intrigue, and I think readers will, too.

How did writing a book help your career take off? Writing has been my gateway to everything. My first book was picked up by a publisher in 2004. I never looked back. And as my readership grew, so did my career. With each book, I learned more about the industry, built relationships with readers and other authors, and honed my craft. Now, over 100 books later, I still love every minute of it.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in your professional industry? Persistence is key. Writing is not always easy, but you have to keep at it. Also, be open to learning. The publishing industry is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable is crucial. Lastly, build connections with your readers and fellow authors—community is everything.

How do you handle setbacks and criticism? Setbacks are part of the journey, and I’ve learned to see them as opportunities for growth. Criticism can be tough, but it’s important to remember that no story will resonate with everyone. I focus on the readers who connect with my work, and I take constructive criticism as a way to improve.

Being an author today is like running a business. How do you manage all your publicity, social media, and keep your engagement up with readers? I’m not going to lie. There are days when I can’t get it all done the way I want to. It’s all about balance. I have many systems in place to keep things running smoothly. I set aside time for writing, but I also make sure to connect with my readers on social media, through newsletters, and at events. It’s important to stay engaged, but it’s equally important to protect my creative time. Plus, my cat, Bunny, helps keep me on track—she’s a diligent manager.

How do you hold yourself accountable and achieve the goals that you set forth? I set realistic goals and break them down into manageable tasks. It helps me stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. And I’m a big fan of lists and post-it notes. They keep me accountable, especially when I’m juggling multiple projects at once.

How do you structure your day and make time for writing? My day starts with coffee, and then I jump straight into writing while the ideas are fresh. I find that I’m most productive in the morning, so I tackle the hardest writing tasks first. Later in the day, I handle emails, social media, and other business-related tasks. It’s a balancing act, but I make sure writing stays my top priority.

What do you find most fulfilling in the career that you’ve chosen? The most fulfilling part is hearing from readers who connect with my stories. Knowing that my books have affected them in some way, or provided escape from hard times is the best reward. I also love the creative freedom of being able to build entire worlds and characters from scratch. Every day feels like an adventure.

What book uplifts you? Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen always uplifts me. There’s something timeless and comforting about the story, the characters, and the wit. It’s a classic that I can read again and again and still find something new to appreciate.

Anything else you’d like to share with your readers? I just want to say a big thank you to my readers! Your support means the world to me. I’m so grateful for the community we’ve built together, and I can’t wait to share more stories with you in the future.

Learn more about Michelle and all her books via her website.