Michelle M. Pillow's Blog, page 51
October 22, 2014
What costume Not to Wear? YOU get to help Michelle decide!
Michelle is so confused, she doesn’t know what to wear for Halloween?
So, I suggested ( a hem, physically forced her against her will) to allow her fans to make the decision for her. We, the people, fans and Pillow Fighters unite! And decide What costume NOT to wear.
So we have a poll on the sidebar to the right. You pick the Costume Michelle will wear for Halloween, and we’ll post a pic of Michelle in the final costume on Halloween Day!
So what will YOU decide? CLICK on the Costume idea you LIKE the most. Help Michelle decide.
A Witch?
Renaissance Princess?
Viking Maiden?
Zombie?
Alien Abductee?
What did you expect that to look like?
Well, it’s up to YOU! Majority Rules and only YOU can decide What Costume NOT to wear!
The post What costume Not to Wear? YOU get to help Michelle decide! appeared first on Pillow Talk Blog.
October 21, 2014
Online Love – Readers, your thoughts?
As a romance writer, I think about romance, dating, and love quite a bit–I know, rough life, right? LOL
I will be the first to admit dating in your 30s is rough. Most of the dating pool has already settled, or they come carrying baggage from their ex lives that creates obstacles/drama. For others, established careers get in the way.
It also seems the internet has made distance an even more viable option. Distance relationships are hard. My hats off to the military spouses who make it work. And if you meet someone online, there comes the the issue of, if you move forward, someone is relocating–sometimes across countries.
So, being a romance writer, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the modern romance dating scene. Has internet made it easier or harder? Would you be able to pack up and move across the world for love? Change your citizenship and start a brand new life? Or would you make them come to you?
The post Online Love – Readers, your thoughts? appeared first on Pillow Talk Blog.
October 17, 2014
History of the Pillow, Not always a softie.
History of the pillow? Come on, if you’re like me you love these tidbits of random information based on fact or whatever I can Google from Wikipedia.
Now, for the men reading this, at no time will we be heading off on a side tangent covering pillow fighting and scantily clad women, sorry but no.
Let us start at the beginning, the time about 7000 BCE in the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia, what you all know now as Iraq. Now picturing fluffy rectangles of comfort? Well don’t, they introduced the pillow in the classic stone variety. I’ve included an uncomfortable photo below:
Thank you http://hubpages.com/hub/The-History-of-the-Pillow# for exhibit #3.
These ancient pillows were not at all like our pillows today, (that’s funny, I often sleep on the cold hard abs of book models and call them pillows, not!) They were hard (THE PILLOWS! Just get your minds out of the gutter, there’s only so much room in here) -usually made of stone, as is the one in the above picture, which was found on an archaeological dig in Egypt.
More often than not, the ancient Egyptians propped their necks up on these stone pillars as a way to keep bugs from crawling into their ears, mouths, and noses. (EEEEWWWW!)
The Chinese Perfected the Hard Pillow
The ancient Chinese also used pillows constructed of stone or wood, but they always decorated them somehow. Asian cultures believed that soft pillows actually stole energy from your body while you slept (probably ancient trolls that stole your breath away like in Stephen King’s movie Cat’s Eye!).
But the Chinese even began making pillows out of ceramics sometime before the sixth century AD, as you can see in the picture above. Beautiful, but oh-so-uncomfortable-looking.
The Japanese geisha used a similar hard pillow to balance their necks on at night so they wouldn’t mess up their hair. Seriously, I’ve always said that Beauty is a rough gig. No pain, no gain…or was that working out? Anyhoo, they didn’t want their hair to get messed up while they slept. I guess it must have taken them a really long time to fix their hair, and they didn’t want to have to do it every day. (maybe I need one of these pillows)
Now, most of Japan have given up the hard pillows in favor of all-natural buckwheat pillows. Buckwheat hulls are a great pillow stuffer because they conform to the shape of your head and neck and provide the best support possible for this delicate area of the body. Not sure what they do to your hair, though. I’m sure the hairstyles are much more relaxed.
But not everyone in Ancient history liked them hard… Pillows people!
The ancient Greeks and Romans used pillows that were more similar to what use today. When we hear the word “pillow”, I think of fluffy clouds of goodness, don’t you? These pillows were made of cloth and stuffed with feathers, reeds, or straw. They were often embroidered, and great prestige was given to the highly skilled pillow maker/decorator. (All Hail the interior designer!)
Then the Pillow Fell Out of Favor
In Europe during the Middle Ages, many people did not use a pillow at all. Pillows became status symbols and were mostly reserved for the upper classes. In fact, when Henry VIII was king of England, he banned the use of pillows by anyone except pregnant women (and himself, I think). Most men didn’t want to use pillows anyway because pillow use was seen as a sign of weakness. (Apparently I would need to remain pregnant and weak throughout the middle ages… I MUST have my pillows!)
And Then the Industrial Revolution Hit
Mass pillow production commenced by textile companies in the United States and Europe. Suddenly, everyone had pillows on their bed at night and even had decorative pillows on their couches and chairs. These were very similar to the ones we use today. (Although I doubt they cost $100 a pop like some do now.)
The History of the Pillow Is Not Yet Complete
Manufacturers continue to make improvements on the standard pillow. Bed pillows now come in a range of firmnesses and sizes. There are even special contour and memory foam pillows that are designed to adjust to the weight of your head to give you custom head and neck support, no matter what position you sleep in.Now back to the neck pillow? It’s the same idea the ancients had – support the head by supporting the neck – but it’s a lot more comfortable. Thank goodness neck pillows today aren’t made out of stone. Sometimes change is good, In the words of Martha Stewart; “it’s a good thing”.A little history and a bit of fun. I can hear my 3 pillows calling me now… Sweet & Fluffy dreams my friends.
Ooops, how did that get there… Sweet dreams!
Special thanks to http://hubpages.com/ where I acquired most of my facts and wikipedia.
The post History of the Pillow, Not always a softie. appeared first on Pillow Talk Blog.
October 12, 2014
One of my favorite book trailers
This is one of my favorite book videos I’ve had done to date. It’s a tongue-in-cheek commercial for Galaxy Brides–the corporation supplying brides to futuristic planets in need of women. The concept comes from my bestselling Dragon-Shifter romances: Dragon Lords. Enjoy!
Galaxy Brides: Joining Hearts Across the Universes
**Be sure to check out the NEW Revised Expanded Anniversary Editions!
Dragon Lords Series by Michelle M. Pillow
Futuristic Dragonshifter Romance
The dragonshifting princes have no problem with commitment. In one night, they will meet and choose their life mate in a simplistic ceremony involving the removing of masks and the crushing of crystals. With very few words spoken and the shortest, most bizarre courtship in history, they will bond to their women forever. And once bonded, these men don’t let go… Too bad nobody explained this to their brides.
Barbarian Prince (Dragon Lords)
Revised Expanded Anniversary Edition
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JSAB49Y
Perfect Prince (Dragon Lords)
Revised Expanded Anniversary Edition
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K31Q320
Dark Prince (Dragon Lords)
Revised Expanded Anniversary Edition
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K31Q2ZS
Warrior Prince (Dragon Lords)
Revised Expanded Anniversary Edition
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K31Q3CU
For the rest of the Dragon Lords Series visit
http://www.michellepillow.com/futuris…
About the Author:
Michelle M. Pillow, Author of All Things Romance™
Bestselling futuristic romance series: Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var
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 in a horror movie as 1. A zombie or 2. The expendable screaming chick who gets it in the beginning credits. But for the most part she can be found writing in her office with a cup of coffee in pajama pants.
Come say hello! She loves talking with readers on social media!
Author Website: MichellePillow.com
Newsletter: michellepillow.com/newsletter/?p=subs...
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorMichellePillow
Twitter: @MichellePillow
Video by Book Chick
Narrated by Rebecca Cook
The post One of my favorite book trailers appeared first on Pillow Talk Blog.
October 9, 2014
Interested in Reviewing Michelle M. Pillow books?
Please note there are set guidelines for being a Michelle M. Pillow Reviewer that will be strictly enforced. This is NOT just a place to sign up for free books that you may eventually get to. As always, honest reviews only. I also will not be running this group. See the link for more details
Not scared away by my very stern sounding description?
http://www.michellepillow.com/blog/review-arc-requests/
The post Interested in Reviewing Michelle M. Pillow books? appeared first on Pillow Talk Blog .
September 22, 2014
FAQ: Lords of the Abyss – How can you say that you were finished with the series when there are still so many stories to tell?
FAQ: Lords of the Abyss – How can you say that you were finished with the series when there are still so many stories to tell?
Simple answer. A book series has to sell well to justify it’s existence in a working author’s schedule. If it doesn’t, I’ll work on the series that are.
If a book or series’ sales are not there, the series gets discontinued. At the time, at the publisher it was with, the sales were not there to justify the money and time investment into producing more. I had to focus my attention on the books readers seemed to want at the time (no matter how much I love the series). One of the biggest indications of what readers want is the sales numbers. That’s where buying the book when it releases and leaving reviews comes in.
It first came out in March 2006. I had even tried to revive a few years back by putting out book three after I got the rights back to books 1-2. Readers found it 8 years later (2014) in the box set, and started asking for it. Reader requests are the only reason it was put back on my schedule. 
I’m hoping that a new one will release 2015. If it does well, I’ll write several more. If not, it was fun while it lasted. (Of course, I really hope it does well, lol).
September 12, 2014
Author update…been awhile…
Michelle M. Pillow Author update…been awhile…
I’m working my fingers off.
1. A Brand new Dragon Lords spin off.
This one I haven’t even told you all about. But it’s been so OMG FUN to work on. It will appear in the “Taming the Alpha” set I’m doing with several fabulous authors coming end of this year to ebook. So, if you get that set, and if you like the story you HAVE to tell me so I can do more along those lines. No, I’m still not telling you what it is yet. LOL Writer’s gotta keep some mystery.
2. Everlastingly: A Paranormal Romance – this will appear first in a collection with another group of amazing authors this holiday season, and then by itself afterwards. The cover is amazing!
3. Space Lords 2 – Dev’s book
4. Warlocks MacGregor 2 – Iain’s book
5. I really want to write those Lords of the Abyss books you’ve been asking for so fingers crossed everything flows well and I can get here.
Then next on the line up will be more Space Lords stories, Stone Queen’s re-release, Eternally Bound’s re-release, and more Dragon Lords/Vars.
As always, if you want more in a series, be vocal–tell me with reviews, thumbs ups, private emails, posts. I do listen to you. It’s readers who brought Lords of the Abyss back onto my schedule after I wrote it off as finished.
September 5, 2014
Present for my readers! $0.00
For a LIMITED time only! (Be sure to double check the price when you get to Amazon’s Site bc I can’t guarantee how long the sale/promotion will last or when you will see this post. Also, I have no control if its offered on Amazon outside the US.)
Frost Maiden by Michelle M. Pillow
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00514J1DW/
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
Also grab Blaze of Glory by Mandy M. Roth while you’re there! Same deal as my post
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LVPIK0
August 20, 2014
Dragons Everywhere! (NOOK, ARe, iBooks, etc)
August 20, 2014
Dear Readers,
NOOK, ARe, KOBO and other vendors - For those of you looking to purchase books at different vendors, I’m happy to let you know that Dragon Lords 1-4 anniversary editions, and Dragon Lords 8: The Impatient Lord are all out at most vendors (or will be any day now, as it is taking some a little longer than others to show live on their sites).
AUDIO - Dragon Lords 1: Barbarian Prince Anniversary Edition is now in audio format. DL 2-4 is in various stages of production. Want a title of mine in audio? Let me know which one. If it gets enough votes I’ll bump it up on the list. Audio Coming Soon: Good with his Hands, Last Man on Earth, Dragon Lords 2: Perfect Prince
On the Writer’s Desk- Currently, I’m working on the next Warlocks MacGregor story, as well as a new novella secret project I haven’t told you all about, and also more futuristics with a Space Lords story. Yes, I work on multiple things at once.
Upcoming Releases – You can look for Realm Immortal: Faery Queen to re-release soon. I sent this one back to an editor before it’s re-release.
Now at BN NOOK, ARe, iTunes, Page Foundry, and more…
Dragon Lords 1-4 Revised Expanded Anniversary editions
Dragon Lords 1: Barbarian Prince
BUY LINKS: http://www.michellepillow.com/thebarbarianprince.html
Dragon Lords 2: Perfect Prince
BUY LINKS: http://www.michellepillow.com/theperfectprince.html
Dragon Lords 3: Dark Prince
BUY LINKS: http://www.michellepillow.com/thedarkprince.html
Dragon Lords 4: Warrior Prince
BUY LINKS: http://www.michellepillow.com/thewarriorprince.html
Dragon Lords 8:
The Impatient Lord
BUY LINKS: http://www.michellepillow.com/theimpatientlord.html
AUDIO FANS!
Dragon Lords 1: Barbarian Prince is now in audio book!
Buy Audio:
AudibleAmazoniTunes
Audio Coming Soon: Good with his Hands, Last Man on Earth, Dragon Lords 2: Perfect Prince
Thanks readers for making
The Dragon’s Queen (Dragon Lords) #1
Mede of the Draig knows three things for a fact: As the only female dragon shifter of her people, she is special. She can kick the backside of any man. And she absolutely doesn’t want to marry.
Mede has spent a lifetime trying to prove herself as strong as any male warrior. Unfortunately, being the special, rare creature she is, she’s been claimed as the future bride to nearly three dozen Draig—each one confident that when they come for her hand in marriage fate will choose them. When the men aren’t bragging about how they’re going to marry her, they’re acting like she’s a delicate rare flower in need of their protection.
She is far from a shrinking solarflower.
Prince Llyr of the Draig knows four things for a fact: He is the future king of the dragon shifters. He must act honorably in all ways. He absolutely, positively is meant to marry Lady Mede. And she dead set against marriage.
Llyr’s fate rests in the hands of a woman determined not to have any man. With a new threat emerging amongst their cat shifting neighbors, a threat whose eyes are focused firmly on Mede, time may be running out. It is up to him to convince her to be his dragon queen.
Release: Aug 2, 2014
Print Version(US) // Print Version(ALL)
Kindle Version(US) // Kindle Version(ALL)
All Vendors – October 2014
Author Request
(I’d call it a plea, but I’m trying to look dignified as I beg)
Readers, have you read something of mine you enjoyed? Please consider leaving a (honest) review at the vendor sites to let other readers know–Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, etc…
FAQ: Why it’s important to leave good reviews for books you like:
I know a lot of readers don’t know how important leaving a review can be, but a lot of vendor sites use that in their algorithms to determine what people see. The more popular the book, the more it’s seen, the more potential sales for the author, the bigger chance they’ll keep writing that series/genre.
It doesn’t have to be long, or ready to be turned in to a college professor. Just keep it honest. And thank you to all who take the time to review books for myself and other authors. It’s appreciated.
Happy Reading!
Michelle M. Pillow
August 11, 2014
Bestie Mandy Roth has a new book and he’s mine. MINE.
WHOO HOO! Look what released from bestie, Mandy M. Roth!
Now Available! A View to a Kill (King of Prey 2)
Nook link coming soon.
A trained assassin…a man even the deadliest of warriors fear. To cross him is foolish. To steal his heart is pure madness.
Book two in King of Prey series.
Sachin, head advisor to the king of the Accipitridae realm, has been forced to put his trips to Earth on hold. He’s not been honest with himself or King Kabril about his need to visit the primitive planet. The king thinks him to be a womanizer, out to bed as many human females as possible.
In truth, a woman he should have been able to woo with little to no effort—his mate—has found someone else to fill that void in her life. She wasn’t supposed to be on Earth. She wasn’t supposed to be human. And she sure the hell wasn’t supposed to agree to marry another man while Sachin was away.
Sachin must make a choice, give up the one woman he knows to be his true mate and let her live in ignorant bliss of what walks among her people, or fight for what’s his, taking it at all costs. A trained assassin…a man even the deadliest of warriors fear. To cross him is foolish. To steal his heart is pure madness.
