Q & A with Michelle Pillow!

Tell us about your newest release.

Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice (Jan 2013) is a long novel, historical romance set in England in 871 A.D. Due to tragic events in her past, Lady Della hates everything to do with the Viking people. She’s reserved, some even call her cold-hearted, but that is her way of protecting herself from getting hurt. Unfortunately, her father doesn’t seem to care about her aversion and, to prove his continued allegiance to the Viking king, betroths his only daughter to a respected Viking Lord—a warrior who’s legendary prowess isn’t reserved for the battlefield.

The hero, Lord Blackwell, is passionate and bold where Della is reserved and cool. He soon discovers that his bride is anything but the meek and mild woman he envisioned for his wife. One minute she’s kissing him back, the next she’s swearing to do whatever it takes to dissuade him from their marriage.

I wrote this book in the style of my award winning, Maiden and the Monster. Though the stories are not technically connected, there is a cameo appearance by Maiden and the Monster’s hero before his story took place.

Can you tell us a little about your favorite scene in the story?

I like the arguments. It’s fun to write both sides of a fight when each person things they’re right.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I have always loved telling stories, whether with words or pictures. For the longest time I thought I would be a photographer, but I always wrote. With some encouragement, I submitted a couple books and the rest is history. Now photography is more like a hobby and writing a wonderful full time job.

How long have you been writing?

Since I can remember.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk or habit?

I usually have three books (or more) being written at the same time. If one starts to lag I switch gears. It’s one of the ways I stay prolific. Plus, I’m kind of a work-a-holic.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned as a published author?

Being a professional author really is more than just writing the stories. You have to have a solid business head if you want to succeed. Marketing, contract  negotiations (even if you have an agent, you still need to understand what your signing), constant promotions, are all musts.

What authors or friends influenced you in helping you become a writer?

I have been very lucky to have a best friend in author Mandy M. Roth. We started our careers at the same time and have hit several milestones together. It’s been great going through the journey with someone who gets it.

What does your family think about your career as a published author?

They’re very supportive. I’m very blessed.

Besides writing, what other interests do you have?

I’m a photographer. To see some of my work: www.PrettyPoisonPhotography.com

Can you tell us about what’s coming up next for you writing wise?

I have a lot of things on the coming soon list, including several new stories in my bestselling futuristic romance series, Dragon Lords and Lords of the Var. The readers keep me busy and I couldn’t be happier!

How can readers connect with you online?

www.MichellePillow.com

http://ravenhappyhour.com/Michelle_M_Pillow_Books.html

Blurb:

Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice by Michelle M. Pillow

Medieval Historical Romance

“She found herself unimpressed with him, having expected more of the legendary man—Brant. Lord Blackwell. Brant the Gladiator. Brant the Vigorous. Brant the Flame. Brant the Viking Hero. Della snorted in unladylike disgust. More like, Brant the Thorn in my Arse!”

Lady Della the Cold-Hearted

Lady Della despises all things Viking. They may rule the land, but they will never rule her. Unfortunately, her father doesn’t seem to agree. To prove his continued allegiance to the Viking king, the Ealdorman of Strathfeld betroths his only daughter to a respected Viking Lord—a warrior who’s legendary prowess isn’t reserved for the battlefield. Fighting the newfound craving in her body and the unwelcome fire in her heart, Della must choose between everything she knows to be true and the one thing she never expected…

Lord Brant of Blackwell, the Fiery One

Lord Blackwell is as fiery on the battlefield as he is in his passions. He has fought valiantly for King Guthrum and has earned the respect of the nobles. When his overlord offers the hand of his beautiful daughter and the right to inherit his lands, Blackwell can hardly refuse. However, he soon discovers that his noble bride is anything but the meek and mild woman he envisioned for his wife. One minute she’s kissing him back, the next she’s swearing to do whatever it takes to dissuade him from their marriage. Can his lust for life and his new bride melt the ice that surrounds her heart? Or will Lady Della the Cold be this warrior’s undoing?

Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.

Michelle's Bio:

Michelle M Pillow, Author of All Things Romance, is a multi-published, award winning author writing in many romance fiction genres including futuristic, paranormal, historical, contemporary, fantasy and dark paranormal. She is a Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee 2011, winner of the 2006 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, nominated for the 2007 RT Award, Brava Novella Contest Finalist, and a PAN member of RWA.

In 2009 she and fellow author Mandy M. Roth started their own highly successful self-publishing endeavor named The Raven Books. Michelle is a chief executive officer for The Raven Magazine, and is a journalist/photographer for Paranormal Underground Magazine. She has a BGS in History/Business with an English Minor, and a Photography degree.