Michelle M. Pillow's Blog, page 2

Fiction Tropes: My Bored Panda Interview on “Hot” Tropes That Would Be Disturbing in Real Life

I’m excited to share that I was recently featured in a Bored Panda article discussing popular tropes in literature that, while enticing on the page, might be unsettling in real life. In the interview, I delve into the allure of fated mates, the fascination with morally gray antiheroes, and the balance between creating complex characters without glorifying their flaws. It’s an interesting exploration of how fiction allows us to safely navigate intense themes and emotions.

Explore the Topic: My full interview answers are below!

You can read the article “What’s Something That’s Hot In Books But Repulsive In Real Life?” (40 Answers) Interview With Expert here: https://www.boredpanda.com/hot-in-books-repulsive-real-life/

 

While fiction gives us a safe space to explore dark and complex relationships, real life is a completely different story. No one should ever feel trapped in a toxic or abusive situation. If you’re in a relationship that makes you feel unsafe, unheard, or unworthy, please know that you deserve better. Love should never come at the cost of your well-being. If you need support, reach out to trusted friends, family, or professional resources—help is out there, and you are not alone. You are worthy of love, respect, and a future filled with happiness. 💜

Michelle M. Pillow

Romance Fiction Author

Full Bored Panda Interview

A special thank you to Austeja Zokaite for having me!

1. What’s a trope you love writing, even though it would be disturbing/repulsive in real life?

Oh, where do I start? The fated mates trope is a favorite of mine—where two people are irresistibly drawn together by an unbreakable, supernatural bond. In fiction, it’s all-consuming, swoon-worthy, and layered with tension. But in real life? If someone showed up claiming destiny had decided we must be together, I’d be reaching for a restraining order.

This is a trope I love playing with in my books, especially in the fan-favorite relationships of my Dragon Lords series. These guys are the ultimate believers in love at first sight—they even have crystals that glow to tell them who they’re meant to be with. It’s excellent for futuristic fantasy, but can you imagine a stranger telling you a magic rock wants you to get married? The fun comes in exploring what happens when fate has a sense of humor—because nothing says romance like discovering your soulmate is a stubborn dragon-shifter royal who thinks fate means you belong to him.

And let’s not forget the morally gray antihero—so much fun to write, but in real life, red flags would be waving like it’s a parade. Fiction allows us to examine power, redemption, and emotional intensity in a way that’s thrilling and consequence-free. It gives us the space to ask, What if? while safely knowing we can close the book at any time.

 

2. Why do you think readers are drawn to themes like toxic romance and broken heroes, despite how disturbing they would be in real life?

For me, it’s the same reason I love watching horror movies. They’re exciting and fun. Fiction is a playground for the what if—a space to explore intense emotions, darker themes, and high-stakes drama without any real-world mess. Toxic traits in books can be thrilling because we know they’re not real. No one is actually signing up for a relationship with a brooding, dangerously possessive shifter or a ruthless vampire. Instead, we get to experience the emotional intensity and drama from a safe distance, all while rooting for that cathartic moment of redemption or realization.

My books delve deep into intricate worldbuilding that allows readers to experience the innermost thoughts of characters as they respond to a situation or place. In the Warlocks MacGregor series, for example, my centuries-old warlocks are powerful, charming, and used to getting their way… until love comes along to knock them down a few pegs. They’re arrogant, mischievous, and prone to magical hijinks, but that just makes it even more fun to watch them fall hard.

Then there are the broken heroes—damaged, complex, and fighting their own demons. They appeal to our innate love for transformation and hope. In Barely Breathing, the third and newest book in my Merely Mortal series, Tamara comes face-to-face with characters who carry emotional scars, some of whom have let their pasts define them, while others are desperately trying to claw their way toward something better. Fiction lets us explore those struggles without being trapped in them, allowing us to see ourselves reflected through the lens of a different world.

 

3. Do you try to make a character engaging and complex without romanticizing their flaws? If so, how?

Absolutely! The key is balance. I love writing morally gray characters, but their flaws have to matter—actions have consequences, and redemption isn’t handed out like free candy. If a character is controlling, manipulative, or destructive, those traits aren’t excused just because they’re attractive or have a tragic past. Instead, I make sure their flaws serve the story and push character growth rather than being framed as desirable.

For example, in Merely Mortal, Tamara encounters beings who operate by their own supernatural rules. Some of them have a warped sense of morality, but that doesn’t mean they get a free pass. She’s not afraid to call them out. 

I avoid romanticizing flaws by exploring the character’s growth over the course of the story, so we see a flawed character evolve, whether that means learning from their mistakes or choosing a different path. In my Lords of the Var series, my shape-shifting heroes start out as arrogant warriors with deeply ingrained cultural ideas about power and dominance. They don’t believe in love at all, only control. Their heroines don’t let them off the hook, and watching them struggle and ultimately choose to be better men makes their romances all the more satisfying.

I also love using paranormal and fantasy elements to explore what it means to be human. My books often feature supernatural creatures grappling with their mortality, purpose, and emotions—giving readers an avenue to process their own experiences through a fantastical lens. Sometimes, it’s easier to see ourselves through the struggles of a dragon-shifter, a cursed warlock, or a vampire prince than it is to face those same emotions head-on in real life.

 

Would you like to add anything else?

Fiction lets us explore the messy, intense, and sometimes morally questionable aspects of love and power in a way real life never could—or should. It’s an escape, a thrill, and sometimes even a mirror reflecting our own emotions and desires in exaggerated, fantastical ways. I believe people need escapism for mental well-being, and stories have the power to transport and provide a path to self-discovery. Whether it’s a futuristic society, a haunted town, or a supernatural realm, stepping outside of reality for a while can be healing.

And, let’s be honest—sometimes we just want to watch the villain fall hard for the heroine and grovel spectacularly for redemption. I’ve written a few of those scenes, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as watching a powerful, arrogant hero realize he’s absolutely wrecked without the woman he didn’t know he needed. If you love that kind of thing, I’ve got plenty of books waiting for you.

 

Michelle M. Pillow is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author with books spanning paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and sci-fi. Known for her rich worldbuilding, dynamic characters, and a touch of humor, she believes fiction is the ultimate escape—whether it’s dragon-shifter royals, mischievous warlocks, or supernatural mysteries. When she’s not writing, she’s probably brainstorming new ideas over coffee, wrangling her cat, Bunny, or avoiding her actual office. Find her books at MichellePillow.com.

AI and Creatives, My Current Thoughts

Updated March 21, 2025

I deeply respect the work of artists and authors understand the concerns surrounding AI-generated content. Coming from a family of artists in multiple mediums, this is a conversation we’ve had at length. Creativity (whether in writing, filmmaking, painting, digital art, etc) takes time, skill, and passion, and I support human creatives.

As someone who has had my own work badly (oh so badly) stolen via plagiarism (CopyPasteCris stole a confirmed 12 of my books before I had to stop looking for my own mental health), I take copyright and ethical sourcing very seriously. Then there is the more recent Meta pirated books to train their AI thing (At least 189 of my book files are in the pirated training database. Yes, 189+. That’s like every book I’ve ever published in multiple editions.) I understand firsthand the frustration and harm that comes when creative work is taken without permission, which is why I’m mindful about the tools I use.

These are my current thoughts:Yes, my books have “No AI Training” in the copyright since this became an issue. It’s been ignored. They’re using pirated books to train, so they really don’t care.I use a service that actively tracks and takes down my pirated books. I’m not ok with pirating. It’s theft. Ask any prolific author: it’s an expensive, time consuming, uphill battle.Because of the nature of this and my 189+ books, I am automatically a part of the class action lawsuit going on.I spent years mentally and physically recovering from the CopyPasteCris stress, and that was 12 books by one person. I can’t do that to myself again.I’m recognized for having written and published over 100 books by RWA before AI was possible. I don’t need to prove I’m a human who can write books.I’m a working author. Full time.

This toothpaste is not going back into the tube.

AI itself isn’t inherently bad—it’s a tool. For example, I love grammar check and self editing tools. (I’ve watched editors fight each other over comma placements for decades in my documents, so it’s all subjective and needs my decision in the end.) I find several tools to be useful for my job.

I will continue to work with humans for some of my book covers and professional projects. I say some because I have many times in the past made my own covers and art when the inspiration strikes, and will continue to do so. I’ve acted as my own editor. I format my books and print covers. I’ve acted as my own marketer. I’ve booked my own events. I’m also lucky to have artists, editors, and writers in my close family and friend groups that lend a hand. I’m married to a talented filmmaker. I build and maintain my own stores and website. Not much of this has changed. This is all part of being a small business owner/indie author. I work 18 hour days, 7 days a week most of the time and have for 20 years.

The real issue is how Gen AI was/is trained.

AI is in everything and isn’t going anywhere. I can either hide and quit my job, or I can try to navigate into the future. I’ve worried myself into an ulcer over it. (And to be honest, it took me a long time to recover from the CopyPastCris thing–too long, I’m still digging out of that hole) I love my job. I love creating. I don’t want to quit.

But, like I have multiple times in my career, I have to yet again adapt and figure out the best path forward. I published in ebook format when it was new and no one thought they were “real” books. I went from Trad publishing contracts to indie when everyone told me it was a stupid mistake. I pouted when camera film went digital and I didn’t want to give up my darkroom.

For the record, I do want a cleaning robot. That is one job I’m happy to quit.

AI is becoming a part of many industries and is in everything (it’s popped up in my writing software and in social media even though I didn’t ask for it). If you use AI to write in any form (yes, even on facebook or in emails or a chat bot), chances are it was trained on my 189+ and other authors’ books without our knowledge or compensation.

Am I asking you to stop using the internet? No. Like many creatives, I’m navigating how to use tech responsibly while ensuring that it doesn’t take opportunities away from creatives. I’m a full time plus creative and I have to work to pay my bills. Income is woefully down for all authors. We’re paid less for more work.

As technology evolves, I hope to see stronger copyright protections for both artists and authors. I hope that I get retroactive compensation, however unlikely, for the stolen books. Ethical AI use should respect, support, and uplift creatives, not replace or exploit them.

But I’ll say it again. We’re not putting the toothpaste back into the tube. We have to figure out a way to right what we can and work our way forward.

If you’re interested in my personal experience with the CopyPasteCris plagiarism and why I take this issue seriously, you can read more about it here: Plagiarism and Hard-Working Authors.

If you’re interested in seeing proof of the pirated books use to train AI. There’s a database for that: Search LibGen, the Pirated-Books Database That Meta Used to Train AI

Article from The Atlantic about this: The Unbelievable Scale of AI’s Pirated-Books Problem

If you want to read the Author Guild blog post about this: Meta’s Massive AI Training Book Heist: What Authors Need to Know 

I appreciate the ongoing conversations happening within the creative community and value respectful discussions on this evolving topic.

Energy use is another issue that will need to be addressed by tech companies. This is not my field of expertise.

Please Note: My thoughts and feelings about this topic change constantly as new conversations and information comes to light. I adjust myself accordingly, which is why it’s so important we have this conversation and listen to each other.

My Thoughts on AI Art, Creativity & Ethical Use

I deeply respect the work of artists and understand the concerns surrounding AI-generated art. Coming from a family of artists in multiple mediums, this is a conversation we’ve had at length. Creativity (whether in writing, filmmaking, painting, digital art, etc) takes time, skill, and passion, and I wholeheartedly support human creatives.

As someone who has had my own work stolen (CopyPasteCris), I take copyright and ethical sourcing very seriously. I understand firsthand the frustration and harm that comes when creative work is taken without permission, which is why I’m mindful about the tools I use and continue to support human artists.

These are my current thoughts:

AI itself isn’t inherently bad—it’s a tool. The real issue is how it’s trained and used. That’s why I only consider AI tools that state they source data ethically, and I will continue to work with human artists for my book covers and professional projects. Though, I have many times in the past made my own covers when the inspiration strikes, and will continue to do so. (I started as a photographer and enjoy playing in photoshop.)

AI is in everything and isn’t going anywhere. I can either hide and quit my job, or I can try to navigate into the future. I’ve worried myself into an ulcer over it. I love my job. I love creating. I don’t want to quit. But, like I have multiple times in my career, I have to adapt. (Publishing in ebook format with it was new and no one thought it was a “real” book, going from Trad publishing contracts to indie, etc)

AI is becoming a part of many industries and is in everything (it’s popped up in my writing software and in social media even though I didn’t ask for it). If you use AI to write in any form (yes, even on facebook), chances are it was trained on my and other authors’ books without our knowledge or compensation. Am I asking you to stop using the internet? No. Like many creatives, I’m navigating how to use it responsibly while ensuring that it doesn’t take opportunities away from creatives. As technology evolves, I hope to see stronger copyright protections for both artists and authors. Ethical AI use should respect, support, and uplift creatives, not replace or exploit them.

If you’re interested in my personal experience with plagiarism and why I take this issue seriously, you can read more about it here: Plagiarism and Hard-Working Authors.

I appreciate the ongoing conversations happening within the creative community and value respectful discussions on this evolving topic.

Please Note: My thoughts and feelings about this topic change constantly as new conversations and information comes to light. I adjust myself accordingly, which is why it’s so important we have this conversation and listen to each other.

2025 MS Arts Commission (MAC) & National Endowment for the Arts Grant Recipent

Celebrating Creativity with Gratitude: Thank You, Mississippi Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)!

I am honored to announce that I have been awarded a 2025 $500 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This incredible opportunity will be used to purchase review copies of my books, enabling me to share my work more broadly and connect with readers, reviewers, and literary enthusiasts across Mississippi and beyond.

Receiving this grant is not just a financial boost—it’s an affirmation of the value of storytelling and creativity within our community. Although I am not a lifelong Mississippian, I have been deeply inspired by the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of this state. The support of MAC makes it possible for artists like me to pursue our passions and contribute to the vibrant creative ecosystem here.

The Mississippi Arts Commission’s mission, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mississippi State Legislature, is a testament to the power of the arts to enhance the quality of life and strengthen local economies. As David Lewis, MAC’s executive director, so eloquently put it: “Mississippi is synonymous with the quality of art that emits from our state. The arts enhance the quality of life and local economies.”

Grants like this allow artists to share their work with a wider audience, making a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of our communities. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited to see how it will help amplify my storytelling efforts and connect me with readers across the region.

To the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi State Legislature, and the National Endowment for the Arts: thank you for investing in the arts and empowering creatives to bring their visions to life. Your dedication to supporting artists, arts organizations, and arts education is truly inspiring.

To learn more about the incredible work of the Mississippi Arts Commission and its commitment to enriching our communities, visit www.arts.ms.gov. To learn more about the NEA visit https://www.arts.gov/.

For anyone looking to get a review copy of any of my works (ebook or print) please contact us through the website with your request.

With gratitude,
Michelle M. Pillow
NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

This project is supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Win a £100 eBook Bundle from Michelle M. Pillow & Marie Claire Magazine

Win a £100 eBook Bundle from Michelle M. Pillow A Chance to Escape into Romance & Fantasy!

Calling all UK readers aged 18+! 🌟 Here’s your chance to win an enchanting bundle of books from NY Times bestselling author Michelle M. Pillow! Fall into worlds filled with romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters. Whether you love paranormal, sci-fi, or magical stories, this bundle is the perfect escape.

📖 What’s included?
A selection of Michelle M. Pillow’s bestselling novels

📍 Who can enter?
UK residents aged 18+

🕰️ Hurry, this competition won’t last forever! Enter now for your chance to bring a touch of magic to your bookshelf.

Good luck, and happy reading! 💕

P.S. Don’t keep the magic to yourself—forward this to a friend who loves books!

ENTER HERE About the Competition

Get ready to fall in love as you go on an unforgettable journey across enchanting worlds with NY Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Michelle M. Pillow, where romance, adventure, and mystery are waiting for you on every page! We’re thrilled to offer five lucky readers a specially curated eBook bundle featuring 33 of Michelle M. Pillow’s most popular novels. Known for her captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and science fiction, Michelle’s stories promise both an escape and an emotional journey—perfect for cozy nights spent adventuring into new realms.

This exclusive bundle, worth over £100, includes 33 ebooks from Michelle’s top romance and fantasy series, like Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Warlocks MacGregor, Order of Magic, and Merely Mortal. Each story weaves powerful characters, immersive worlds, and heart-pounding romance that will keep you turning pages long into the night.

Whether you’re new to paranormal romance or a seasoned fantasy lover, this collection is a treasure trove of love, adventure, and imagination. Enter today for a chance to win and rediscover the magic of reading with Michelle M. Pillow!

About the prizes: Dragon Lords (Fiery Dragon-Shifter Romance, part of the Qurilixen World), Warlocks MacGregor series (Mischievous Scottish Warlocks in Modern-day Wisconsin), Order of Magic (Paranormal Women’s Fiction), Merely Mortal (Romantic Urban Fantasy), Lords of the Var (Cat-Shifter Royal Romance, part of the Qurilixen World).

Terms and Conditions apply. Rules and full details on the Marie Claire UK website as they are hosting the event.

She wanted normal… but fate had other plans.

🌌✨ She wanted normal… but fate had other plans. ✨🌌

💔 Tamara’s heart is split between two worlds—between the longing for a “normal” life with Paul and the pull of her supernatural family. But her past isn’t letting go, and neither is her ghostly, vengeful brother Conrad or the dangerously intriguing vampire, Costin. 🧛‍♂️🔥

In Mostly Shattered, the second book of the Merely Mortal series, follow Tamara as she falls deeper into her family's supernatural secrets, facing haunting memories, forbidden feelings, and the terrifying cost of loyalty.

👉 Are you #TeamCostin or #TeamPaul? This choice will shatter her world either way.

🔗 https://books2read.com/MostlyShattered

#ParanormalRomance #UrbanFantasy #MostlyShattered #MerelyMortalSeries #MichellePillow #SupernaturalDrama #ForbiddenRomance #TeamCostin #TeamPaul #NewRelease #Vampires #Magic #FamilyDrama

🎃👻 Happy Halloween from Tamara and me! 👻🎃

🎃👻 Happy Halloween from Tamara and me! 👻🎃
https://michellepillow.com/mostly-sha...

Tonight’s the perfect night for a dark new adventure. Whether you’re in costume or cozy with candy, treat yourself to Mostly Shattered—and get ready for magic, danger, and forbidden romance! 🖤📖 #Halloween

Thank You, Kobo Writing Life, for Featuring Me on the KWL Podcast!

I had an amazing time chatting with Laura and Rachel for the Kobo Writing Life Podcast.  

Thank You, Kobo Writing Life, for Featuring Me on the KWL Podcast!

I had a fantastic time on the Kobo Writing Life podcast, chatting about my journey as a writer and the world of paranormal romance. In this episode, we cover everything from my early start—when I actually thought I’d go into photojournalism!—to the many aspects of my writing process, including plotting, building vivid worlds, and balancing new writing projects with marketing my backlist.

We also dive into my experiences in both traditional and indie publishing, and I share insights on writing across genres, adapting to market trends, and following my creative instincts. If you’re curious about how I approach long-running series, balance writing with evolving reader interests, or want to hear more about Mostly Shattered (which releases today!), be sure to check it out.

Catch the episode and join me in celebrating Mostly Shattered’s release!

GO TO KWL Episode #355 - Writing Paranormal Romance with Michelle M. Pillow

In this episode, we are joined by New York Times and USA Today best-selling author and prolific writer Michelle M. Pillow, author of dozens of novels across several series. Michelle writes in the genres of fantasy romance, paranormal romance, science fiction, cozy mysteries, and more.  Michelle has sold over a million copies of her books and has written over 100 titles! Her prolific catalogue and years of experience mean she has a wealth of advice to author for indie authors, those both established and entirely new to the world of indie publishing.

Her latest release is Mostly Shattered, the second book in the urban fantasy romance series Merely Mortal. Be sure to check out the rest of the series.

We spoke to Michelle about her start as a writer, how she plots her books and what her writing process entails, her world-building process, her experiences in the early days of indie publishing, marketing her backlist and balancing new writing projects, writing (or not writing) to the changing reader market, and much more!

Kobo Writing Life

#355 - Writing Paranormal Romance with Michelle M. Pillow, Kobo

Indie Author Spotlight at Barnes and Noble

Thank You to Barnes & Noble Press for Spotlighting Indie Author Michelle M. Pillow and the Merely Mortal Series!

 

Today, I’m thrilled to share that Mostly Shattered—the second book in my Merely Mortal series—has officially released! And I’m honored to be featured in the October 29, 2024 Indie Author Spotlight by Barnes & Noble Press. It’s a true privilege to celebrate alongside so many talented indie authors who bring fresh stories and unique voices to readers.

With Mostly Shattered now available, I hope you’re ready to dive back into Tamara’s world of romance, danger, and supernatural intrigue. If you’re looking for a new favorite urban fantasy romance, please check out my Merely Mortal series spotlight on Barnes & Noble Press.

Thank you to Barnes & Noble for supporting indie authors and helping us connect with readers. Be sure to follow the link below to explore Mostly Shattered and many other fantastic indie titles!

GO TO Indie Author Spotlight at Barnes and Noble Press

New Release Alert: Mostly Shattered

Get Mostly Shattered Here:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

Amazon AU

Nook

Kobo

Apple Books

GooglePlay

Michelle’s Bookstore

🔥 New Release Alert: Mostly Shattered is Here! 🔥

Urban fantasy fans, get ready to dive back into the mesmerizing world of Merely Mortal! Mostly Shattered, the latest installment in Michelle M. Pillow’s spellbinding series, is out NOW, and it’s packed with everything you crave: high-stakes adventure, forbidden romance, and supernatural intrigue that will leave you breathless!

This book takes you deeper into Tamara’s world as she faces powerful enemies, battles her own heart, and uncovers secrets that threaten her supernatural family. Caught between the dangerously irresistible vampire, Costin, and the lingering hope of a lost love, Tamara’s journey is one you won’t want to miss. This release brings pulse-pounding twists and a deeper look at Tamara’s dark family legacy, all while tempting readers with the perfect blend of suspense and romance.

💀 Ready to read? Head to your favorite retailer and get your copy of Mostly Shattered! Fans of urban fantasy bestsellers, this is your next addiction!

Merely Mortal Series Book #2

Fall deep into book two of the spellbinding new first-person POV romantic urban fantasy series by NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Michelle M. Pillow.

I’m the mortal outcast in a powerful magical family, and danger is my constant companion.

The man I love doesn’t remember me. My adoptive brother’s ghost won’t let me live in peace. And my uncle is dead set on marrying me off to the worst supernatural suitor.

If that’s not enough, there’s Constantine—an irresistibly dangerous master vampire who claims I’m part of an ancient prophecy. He’s tempting, seductive, and makes me feel like prey. Being on his radar is more than I’m prepared for.

As the balance between my mortal life and the supernatural realm blurs, I’m thrust into a whirlwind of family secrets, deadly enemies, and treacherous alliances. The clock is ticking, and I must accept my true calling before the shadows swallow me whole.

Will I rise to claim my destiny or be consumed by the dark forces hunting me?

Perfect for fans of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, supernatural mysteries, forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, power struggles, and heart-stopping twists. This is a must-read for anyone craving more than a little danger in their love stories.

Recommended for readers who like Carrie Vaughn, Faith Hunter, Jennifer Estep, Lindsay Buroker, Ilona Andrews, and K.F. Breene.