Paranormal romance author Michelle M. Pillow is chatting with me about her new urban fantasy, Merely Mortal.
Bio:
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.
Welcome, Michelle. Please tell us about your current release.
I’m thrilled to introduce my latest novel, Merely Mortal. It’s the first book in a brand-new series that delves into the world of supernatural intrigue and adventure, focusing on the complexities of human emotions amidst the chaos of the supernatural. Told from the unique perspective of the protagonist, Tamara, this novel promises to engage readers with its rich storytelling and dynamic characters. Her journey of self-discovery is complicated by her growing relationship with Paul. Tamara is an ordinary mortal caught in the midst of a supernatural world, grappling with her identity and belonging while navigating romance and dark family secrets.
What inspired you to write this book?
Merely Mortal was inspired by my fascination with the intersection of the mundane and the supernatural. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of a regular person being thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and Tamara’s journey is a reflection of that. The themes of mortality, belonging, and identity are central to this story, as are the romantic and familial relationships that add depth and complexity to her world. The idea of exploring these themes through the lens of urban fantasy and paranormal romance was incredibly exciting to me.
What exciting project are you working on next?
I’m currently working on the second book in the Merely Mortal series, titled Mostly Shattered. This next installment will continue Tamara’s journey, delving deeper into the supernatural intrigue and the personal challenges she faces. There will be more romance, more secrets revealed, and plenty of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I’m also exploring new storylines and characters that I can’t wait to share with my readers.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve always loved to write and make up stories, but I guess if I had to put a date on it, I first considered myself a writer when I completed my first novel. It was a moment of realization that I had created an entire world and story from my imagination. That sense of accomplishment and the joy of storytelling made me embrace the identity of a writer fully. It’s been a journey of growth and discovery ever since.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Yes, I write full-time. My workday typically starts with a strong cup of coffee and some time spent outlining or brainstorming new ideas. I like to write in long stretches, often losing track of time as I get absorbed in the story. When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading, researching, or spending time with my family. I also love brainstorming with my husband and best friend, which often sparks new ideas and keeps me inspired.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Lately, my cat, Bunny, has been insisting on picking where I write. Sometimes, it’s in the kitchen where she can sit on a chair and watch me. Sometimes, it’s in the bedroom with my laptop where she can lay next to me and keep an eye on me. It’s never the office, though, lol. She’s a cute but tough manager.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I wanted to be an archaeologist. Maybe it was too much Indiana Jones, lol. The idea of uncovering ancient secrets and exploring lost civilizations fascinated me. While I didn’t pursue archaeology, that sense of adventure and discovery is something I’ve carried into my writing, creating worlds and uncovering stories in my own way.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my readers for their support and enthusiasm. Writing Merely Mortal has been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to share it with you. I hope you enjoy Tamara’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Stay tuned for more adventures and thank you for being part of this magical journey with me!
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Thank you for having me!
Thank you for having me!