Hello everyone! Today is so exciting! One of my favorite authors has agreed to join us in the Reading Nook. You might know her, Ms. Michelle M. Pillow
Yes? No? Either way you are going to want to join us for our interview. But first, let me take a few minutes to share with you some of my favorite pieces of her work. Okay, you are probably right, and it is going to take more than a few minutes, but I just can’t help myself.
I really fell in love with her as an author when I read this book. Now don’t get mad at me, well any madder than I am at myself, I read this before I started writing reviews, so I don’t have a review to share. It is on my list to re-read, but I haven’t gotten to it yet. As much as I loved the action, adventure and intensity of the book, I don’t really think I will be given it the proper amount of love if I don’t re-read it first. Let this be a lesson to us all to be sure that we feed the authors, they like to know we care.
Barbarian Prince: A Qurilixen World Novel (Dragon Lords Anniversary Edition)
Published to Amazon on May 12, 2014
Author Michelle M. Pillow
Once mated, these shifters will do anything to protect the women they love!
The original Dragon Lords series' Anniversary Edition by NYT Bestselling Author, Michelle M. Pillow.
Breaking up is hard to do...
Going undercover at a mass wedding as a bartered bride, Morrigan Blake has every intention of getting off the barbaric alien planet just as soon as the ceremony over. Or, more correctly, just as soon as she captures footage of the mysterious princes rumored to be in attendance.
After a euphoric night, Morrigan discovers her ride left without her and an alien dragon shifter is claiming she's his wife. It's not exactly the story this reporter had in mind. And to make matters worse, the all-to-seductive alpha male refuses to take no for an answer.
Being cursed by the gods was never so frustrating...
Prince Ualan is prepared to follow dragon shifter tradition and marry the woman revealed to him during the marriage festival. When the stubborn, yet achingly sexy, Morrigan refuses to accept their shared fate, it is all he can do to keep from acting like the barbarian she accuses him of being.
About the Dragon Lords Series
The dragon-shifting alien princes have no problem with commitment. In one night, these alpha males will meet and choose their fated mates in a simplistic ceremony involving the removing of masks and the crushing of crystals. With few words spoken and the shortest, most bizarre courtship in history, they will bond to their women forever.
Ms Pillow has a true talent for creating quirky characters that get themselves into the craziest situation. Have you read any of her contributions to the Intergalactic Dating Agency collection? I just love Spark! I could really connect with both of these lonely characters. I especially felt the need to come to the rescue of the female character, she needed somebody in her corner, and she found it in her hot alien man. This book is a must read.
Spark: A Qurilixen World Novella: Intergalactic Dating Agency (Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides book 1)
Published to Amazon on October 5, 2016
Author Michelle M. Pillow
NYT Bestselling Author, Michelle M. Pillow, shows what happens when hot aliens looking for love land in Las Vegas, the city of decadence and sin.
Mining ash on a remote planet where temperatures reach hellish degrees doesn't leave Kal (aka Spark) much room for dating. Lucky for this hard-working man, a new corporation Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides is ready to help him find the girl of his dreams. Does it really matter that he lied on his application and really isn’t looking for long term, but rather some fast action? Earth women better watch out. Things are about to heat up.
Official published review:
What’s a bridesmaid to do?
This is such a delightful story. The almost childlike joy Kal gets from experiencing earth culture for the first time and the instant connection he feels for Carrie is infectious. I found myself laughing at almost every page and such a dramatic ending. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
4 stars
A GR BB
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RMRAA8FKVHK1M
This book is part of the Intergalactic Dating Agency collection
For those of you who are a member of the Pillow Fighters, Ms. Pillow’s Facebook group you may already know this, and if not, what are you waiting for? It’s a fan group where we get to interact with other lovers of Ms. Pillow’s works and the author herself.
But I digress, Ms. Pillow has worked on several collaborations with one of my other favorite authors (who will be a Featured Author in just a few weeks) Mandy M. Roth. I wonder if the “M” stands for the same thing? Well, anyway, you are not going to want to miss out on their dragons. These books are a little older, published in 2013, but are so good. I would actually love to see more in the series myself, but that is in the hands of the ladies.
Romancing the Recluse (Stop Dragon My Heart Around Series book 1)
Published to Amazon on December 18, 2013
Author Michelle M. Pillow and Mandy M. Roth
Viktor Dracodomus' biological clock is ticking. As a dragon shifter, he only has a short time left to find his mate and reproduce or he'll be forever sterile. Considering he's lived for centuries, it shouldn't be too hard. But there's one catch. This recluse hasn't been on a date for some time—since Queen Victoria took the throne. Modern women are nothing like those he remembers dealing with.
What to read more in the Stop Dragon My Heart Around series? Check out Tipping the Scales by Mandy M. Roth writing with Michelle M. Pillow. More titles coming soon to the Series World.
Official published review:
Breathing him back to life
This book is fantastic. It is the perfect pairing of these two authors blending elements of both their writing styles together seamlessly. The only thing I wish they had included was if Samantha was actually a descendant of Elise. Maybe Elise was just keeping him warm for her, as Frederick said. I can’t wait to read the next book, I need to know if Frederick finds his perfect mate.
4 stars
A GR BB
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R32TOPJ7JH82DA
Now it is time to get to the real reason you stopped by and that is to hear from the author herself. Let’s see what she had to say when I interviewed her.
When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
I have always loved to tell stories, but I started with my camera. I liked to capture moments in time. That translated naturally into writing. It was a gradual process through the course of my life.
This year marks my 15 year published author anniversary and my fan favorite series, Dragon Lords’ anniversary.
How long does it typically take you to write one of your books?
It depends on the book research involved and length of the book, as well as what I have going on besides writing. A full length historical with detailed research can take a couple of months. A full novel in my sci-fi Qurilixen world can be anywhere from 3-6 weeks. It also depends on how cooperative the muse is being. I try to tell my characters what to do, but they rarely listen.
Do you usually write one book at a time or do you find yourself working on multiple books as your muse takes you?
Working as a professional author means deadlines. Lots and lots of deadlines. So normally I’ll have one book being promoted, another in writing/edits, another in the planning stages, and then there is the admin and marketing. It’s a never-ending cycle.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Anywhere and Everywhere. Being a prolific author, I’ve learned to write wherever I am. I’ve written in hotels, in cars, in parking lots, coffee shops, airports, waiting rooms, it doesn’t matter. If there’s a deadline, I’m writing…and there is always a deadline.
I’m one of those Type A, work-a-holic personalities, so I’m always writing and working. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t do at least one work thing a day. When I’m on deadlines, it’s grueling hours (10-18 hrs) in front of the laptop. Hiney in chair, hands on keys. It’s the only way to push through and get it done.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Is dancing in my kitchen a quirk? I mean, I’m generally not the one cooking in there and food does make me happy, and writing requires fuel and mini breaks.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Doing things away from the computer can help to refill the creative well and is great for research. Often, that’s when the best ideas strike—when you’re not looking for them.
Experiencing something makes you better versed in writing about it—not that I can take off into spaceships, but I can tour a ghost town like the one in my newest cozy mystery, or I can interview an expert in paranormal investigations about their techniques, or climb Mayan Temples in Belize, or visit museums.
My family and I love to travel and meet people. You’re bound to learn something every time you step out into the world.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
In 8th grade we were assigned to write short stories with the theme of Thanksgiving. Most kids did a version of oh-no-the-turkey-is-burnt. I tried to be Edgar Allen Poe. I honestly can’t tell you if I succeeded because I never got it back, but I’m pretty sure it was an epic fail with notes of a 1980-90s bad horror movies thrown in.
When I started writing, I didn’t think it would take the path it did. My first books were historical set romances. I liked the challenge of building a world within specific parameters and creating characters that had to conform to the era in which they lived.
After my first book, a Regency ghost story, published in 2004, the editors contacted me needing authors for their sci-fi list. That first sci-fi series, Dragon Lords, a futuristic dragon-shifter series, turned into the Quirlixen World collection with 34 books within seven series installments and it’s still growing. I’ve since written in multiple genres: Science Fiction, Futuristic, Paranormal, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Parallel Universe/Alternate Reality, Historical, Chick Lit, Cozy Mystery. I’m fortunate to have readers who follow me where my muse leads.
I’ve learned to stay open to new opportunities and have come across some exciting jobs that way.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I don’t know that authors have a lot of free time. Usually we’re working, or thinking about working, or fretting about not getting enough time to work. LOL
I have a photography degree, so I love taking out my camera. My husband and I are also into film production. I also love to travel and try new things, like paranormal investigations.
What does your family think of your writing?
I am blessed with an incredibly supportive network of family and friends.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
As an author starting out I had a notion that all I had to do was write the book, and the publishers would take care of the rest. That notion didn’t last long, and I quickly learned I needed to know contract law, website building, promotions and marketing… really the list is endless.
Out of all of the books that you have written, which is your favorite?
Romance Writers of America recently recognized me for publishing over 100 books. Out of those, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I’m blessed to have a career that allows me to visit many different worlds. My first book, Forget Me Not (formerly The Mists of Midnight) will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s what started my career. It’s a Regency era ghost story.
I’m best known for books that fall under the Qurilixen world sci-fi umbrella with 37 books within 8 series installments and growing—there are shifters, aliens, and space pirates. I like the Realm Immortal series for the vast world building and the big cast of characters. It’s almost like an adult fairytale. I like the Tribes of the Vampire series because I’m a horror genre fan, and those books have darker themes. Just as I love the new cozy mystery, Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes ((Un)Lucky Valley Book 1), for its lighter antics.
Oh my goodness! I love this book! The characters are so endearing, and I wish I had my own Aunt Polly. I can’t wait to see what comes next out of (Un)Lucky Valley
Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes: A Cozy Paranormal Mystery – A Happily Everlasting World Novel ((Un)Lucky Valley book 1)
Published to Amazon on June 6, 2018
Author Michelle M. Pillow
Welcome to Lucky Valley, Colorado, where nothing is quite what it seems.
Lily Goode wasn’t aware she had an inheritance waiting for her in the form of a huge Victorian house in Lucky Valley, Colorado. Life might finally be coming together for her. That is if you don’t count the endless home repairs, dealing with eccentric Aunt Polly who claims they’re both witches, and Nolan Dawson the handsome home inspector who seems to have it out for her, then, sure, life is grand. Oh and not to mention the strange hallucinations and garden gnomes who are far more than lawn ornaments.
If mysterious accidents don’t do her in, then the rebellious gnomes just might. With the help of Aunt Polly, it’s up to Lily to discover who’s sabotaging her new home and trying to drive the Goodes out of Lucky Valley once and for all.
*Books in The Happily Everlasting Series can be read in ANY order!
Official published review:
What’s one more garden gnome?
I absolutely love this book! It’s full of so much laughter, and crazy, that you manage to get through the painfully sad parts and onto the HEA. I think my favorite line is when Dante says, “It’s probably a shipment of refugee gnomes seeking sanctuary “. It just fit perfectly with the scene and had me rolling on the floor laughing. I look forward to reading the next book and in the meantime, I’ll catch on the other books featuring Aunt Polly.
5 stars
A GR BB
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3V9DO7OPGMSAS
One theme that runs through several of my series is the idea of family. Warlocks MacGregor series is a prime example. They’re a close-knit family of mischievous immortals living in modern-day Wisconsin. They might not always get along, but they’ll protect each other until the end… but not without a few pranks in the process.
Sorry to interrupt again, but if you guys haven’t read this series you are truly missing out. This family is a train wreck of hilarity that you just can’t help falling in love with.
Love Potions (Warlocks MacGregor book 1)
Published to Amazon on July 23, 2015
Author Michelle M. Pillow
A little magical mischief never hurt anyone until a love potion goes terribly wrong.
From the Highlands of Scotland to the valleys of Wisconsin...
Erik MacGregor is from a line of ancient (and mischievous) Scottish warlocks. He isn’t looking for love. After centuries of bachelorhood, it’s not even a consideration… until he moves in next door to Lydia Barratt. It’s clear the beauty wants nothing to do with him, but he’s drawn to her and determined to win her over.
The last thing Lydia needs is an alpha male type meddling in her private life. Just because he’s gorgeous, wealthy, and totally rocks a kilt doesn’t mean she’s going to fall for his seductive charms.
Humans aren't supposed to know about his family's magic or the fact he's a cat shifter. It's better if mortals don't know the paranormal exists. But when a family prank goes terribly wrong, causing Erik to succumb to a love potion, Lydia becomes the target of his sudden and embarrassingly obsessive behavior.
They’ll have to find a way to pull Erik out of the spell fast when it becomes clear that Lydia has more than a lovesick warlock to worry about.
Warning: Contains yummy, hot, mischievous MacGregors who may or may not be wielding love potion magic in an effort to prank their older brother, and who are almost certainly up to no good on their quest to find true love.
Official published review:
I cast a spell on you
What an adorably fantastic start to a series. I love the constant back and forth of family, of course the fact they are all pranksters and magical takes it to an entirely different level. I think I laughed just as much as I teared up while reading this book. This was such a fun adventure to reach the HEA. I can’t wait to read the next book. I hope Charlotte finds her a mate among the crazy family, the girl seriously needs an anchor in this world.
5 stars
A GR BB
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1BCEDWCG0CJI5
What do you think makes a good story?
Stay true to the characters and your world building. If you know them, and respect who/what they are and where the characters come from, the story will unfold for itself. If any element—sci fi, paranormal, romance, intimate scenes—can be lifted out of the story and it doesn’t really make a difference to the overall book, it doesn’t need to be there.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I have always loved to tell stories, but I started with my camera. I liked to capture moments in time. I thought photography is what I’d be doing for the rest of my life. But, life often has other plans, and when my writing career took off, I put the camera aside for the keyboard. I still love to take pictures, but it’s become more of a pastime.
What an amazing author! I think life gave us all a boon when she led Ms. Pillow to writing. In fact, did you guys know Ms. Pillow has a brand-new Warlocks MacGregor book coming out on January 28th? That’s just 3 days away! Yay!!!!
Magick and Mischief (Warlocks MacGregor book 7)
Publishing to Amazon on January 28, 2020
Author Michelle M. Pillow
Magic, Mischief & Kilts!
A modern-day Scottish warlock paranormal romance by NYT Bestselling Author Michelle M. Pillow.
Kenneth doesn’t have room for anything in his life beyond his responsibilities as an immortal warlock and a father. Being a single dad is difficult, especially when that toddler is more powerful than his entire magickal family combined. Standing against forces who want nothing more than to harness his daughter’s power takes focus, dedication, and the willingness to put his life on hold. So when the mysterious yet beautiful Andrea appears on his doorstep, he can’t help but distrust her.
For two years, Andrea Breaux has been running from a dangerous supernatural force. She’s learned to stay on the move, to never allow grass to grow under her feet, and to be suspicious of everyone and everything. When she finds herself in a house surrounded by magicks and a powerful child who would rather she not leave, Andrea isn’t sure what to do or if she even wants to go. But staying puts everyone at risk, especially the Scottish hottie in a kilt, Kenneth MacGregor.
Warning: Contains yummy, hot, mischievous MacGregors who are almost certainly up to no good on their quest to find true love. And Uncle Raibeart.
As we come to the end of our time for today, I just wanted to share with you a little more about Ms. Pillow and her social media links. Be sure to drop in and show her some love. And you don’t want to miss out on your chance to receive one of my adult book pillows, kind of ironic huh?, and a print book by the author. Just fill out the form at the end of the page.
As always, click on any of the links and pictures to pop over to Amazon and add to your kindle collection.
Happy Reading
Sydney
Hello World!
I'm Michelle M. Pillow.
I'm a NY Times & USA TODAY Bestselling Author of Romance, Cozy Mystery, and Paranormal Women's Fiction (PWF). I write books. I take pictures. I heart my readers. I sometimes dance in my kitchen.
I'm a romantic who loves books with a happy ending, characters who aren't perfect but can grow, and a good mystery you can't solve right away. My body runs on coffee, and I'm an admitted pasta addict. I'm wife to a wonderful man who makes me laugh (and cooks), mom to a talented kid I couldn't be prouder of, and pet to three dogs and a cat. I love to travel and try new things. Life is a grand adventure.
Author’s Website: https://michellepillow.com/
Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichellePillow/
Author’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellempillow/
Author’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Michelle-M-Pillow/e/B002BMOOKC
Author’s Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8604.Michelle_M_Pillow
Author’s BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michelle-m-pillow
Click HERE to go fill out our form and be entered in a giveaway for an adult book pillow and a print book written by this author. Book and pillow may be different then image shown. Drawing will be held on February 4, 2020.
Thank you for having me <3
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome :-)
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