20 Questions
(Author Interview)
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Book Nook Nuts
1. Where do you write from?
Wherever I need to -- home office, dining room table, car in a parking lot, airplanes/airports, hotel rooms. Deadlines wait for no author.
2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was blessed with supportive parents who encouraged creativity, but also the value of hard work. I have always love telling stories and capturing moments. For a long time I thought I would do that with photography. I have always had a love of reading, and the craft of telling a story always fascinated me. One day I sat down to see if I could do it, and I loved it. I haven't stopped writing since.
3. How long does it take you to write a book?
It really depends on the book. If it is a full size plus historical that demands a lot or historical fact checking and research, it can take 3 or more months. If it is a fun novella that I can make up the world building as I want then a few weeks.
4. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Research and life experiences. I studied history in college, and often that influences my worlds. Even the futuristics/science fiction romances have some sort of historical base or element to it.
5. When did you write your first book?
I was first published in 2004 called The Mists of Midnight, a Regency era ghost story. It was my 8th story written. Some of the others have gone on to be published. Some are still in cyberspace waiting for attention. At the time publishing wasn’t as easy as opening a vendor account. I had to submit to publishers and agents and wait months to hear back. It was a case of, why not try?
The Mists of Midnight re-releases in a new remastered version in Nov 2016, called Forget Me Not. http://michellepillow.com/forget/
6. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I’m quirky and adventurous. Not adventurous in the sense you’ll find me hanging off the top of Everest, but more I’m willing to try new things and am always open to new opportunities. I love this job because it gives me the flexibility to learn and the opportunity to try new things. I've been on paranormal investigations of an old vaudeville theatre and historical museums. I've met interesting people, including my readers. I was even an extra on Syfy's Z Nation (episode airs in Nov, I believe).
7. What Genre do you write?
I am primarily a romance writer, but I’m published in many genres of romance—historical, contemporary, futuristic, science fiction, paranormal, and every combination thereof.
8. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Over 100. It’s hard to count when you take into account all the different formats, collections, and foreign editions. I like different ones for different reasons. I could never pick just one.
I started writing Dragon Lords over 12 years ago, and it’s still one of my hottest selling series. What started as 4 books has grown to include several spinoff series with readers asking for even more. (Much love to my readers!) The great thing about my dragon-shifters is that they are not afraid of commitment. In fact, they tend to fall in love at first sight. Their enemy the cat-shifters (Lords of the Var series), are the opposite. They’ll do everything they can think of to not fall in love. It makes for a fun contrast between the two races.
My books can be found at http://michellepillow.com/title/ and http://michellepillow.com/michelle-m-pillow-printable-book-list/
9. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Writing is hard work. There is no doubt about it. It’s long hours and sore hands, but in the end knowing you created an adventure that other will enjoy is an amazing feeling, and accomplishment. The feedback from the fans telling me they love the work is always amazing.
I try to let my readers know all the time how much I appreciate their support. Without them I wouldn't have a job and I LOVE my job. Often times it is their emails and kind words that keep me going when on those killer deadlines. I am truly blessed with the most awesome fans! <3 b="">
10. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
When I was ten, my dad gave me a camera. I couldn't put it down. For the longest time, I was confident I'd be a photographer. I loved capturing moments and telling stories with my camera, and tried to see things as a visual story. But after my first book was published, I became so busy writing that photography took a backseat to it. Now I capture moments with words.
11. Tell us about your current project.
I'm currently releasing a science fiction trilogy called Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides. They've been a lot of fun. The books are: Spark, Flame, and Blaze.Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides is a connected spin off to the Dragon Lords series. It’s the company that first delivered brides to the Dragon Lords. http://michellepillow.com/galaxy-alien-mail-order-brides-trilogy/
Book 1 Title: Spark
Book Description (Back Of The Book):
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.
Amazon Print Purchase Link https://www.amazon.com/Spark-Galaxy-Alien-Order-Brides/dp/1539051641/
Kindle Purchase Link https://www.amazon.com/Spark-Galaxy-Brides-Intergalactic-Dating-ebook/dp/B01J2ANVPO/
12. How do you handle writers block?
I switch gears and work on something else.
13. What one subject is TABOO in your writing?
Generally, for the heroes of the story, it's the harming of children and animals. Feeding children and the animal shelter are two charities I support.
14. If there was one book you wish you'd written, which would it be?
I see great ideas all around me that I wished I would have thought of first. It would have been awesome to be responsible for Harry Potter, though.
15. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Missing a deadline, not being able to do what I say I'm going to do.
16. Is there one current tv show that is a "can't miss" for you?
Z Nation Season 3!!! I recently was on the set as an extra for season three so I’m excited to see how that turns out. Plus, the show is a lot of fun. It’ll be my television acting debut. I had no lines, but I’d like to think Michelle Refugee played a pivotal role. Without me, the others might not have had torches.
17. Who was your greatest influence?
I fell in love with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. When Darcy gave his first botched proposal, I was hooked. I love characters that are imperfect because it gives them room to grow over the course of the book.
18. How do you choose your book covers?
By what's prettiest. I'm lucky I work with some great artists who can interpret my thoughts.
19. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
I once played an elderly Chinese man who was murdered, turned into a meat pie, and then came back as a ghost in a HS adaptation of Sweeney Todd. Taking off the latex they put on my face still gives me nightmares, lol.
20. How would a reader find you online? IE: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Street Team, Reader Group.
Michelle M. Pillow, NYT & USAT Bestselling AuthorAuthor of All Things Romance – MichellePillow.com
As long as she can remember, Michelle has had a strange fascination with anything supernatural and sci-fi. After discovering historical romance novels, it was only natural that the supernatural and love/romance elements should someday meet in her wonderland of a brain. She's glad they did for their children have been pouring onto the computer screen ever since.
Michelle loves to travel and try new things, whether it's a paranormal investigation of an old Vaudeville Theatre or climbing Mayan temples in Belize. She's addicted to movies and used to drive her mother crazy while quoting random scenes with her brother. Though it has yet to happen, her dream is to be a zombie in a horror movie. For the most part she can be found writing in her office with a cup of coffee in pajama pants.
Website: http://MichellePillow.com
Author Mailing List: http://michellepillow.com/newslettersignup/
1 Comments
Thank you for having me :)
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