I’m honored to share that I’ve received a 2026 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC), made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
As a full-time author writing romance, fantasy, and emotionally immersive stories for adult readers, this support means more than I can say. The grant will help me distribute complete series book bundles through my personal author store and offer review copies to support the launch of my latest series, Merely Mortal, an urban fantasy romance that explores the intersection of supernatural chaos and raw human vulnerability.
This assistance comes at a pivotal moment. The Merely Mortal series has already caught the attention of a traditional publisher for subsidiary rights, and increased visibility is crucial to growing readership and expanding professional opportunities. In a highly competitive publishing space, grants like this help women writers like me amplify our voices, reach new audiences, and build sustainable creative careers.
Thank you, MAC and NEA, for investing in independent artists and helping us bring stories into the world that might otherwise go unheard.
Michelle M. Pillow
🖋️ Learn more about the Mississippi Arts Commission at www.arts.ms.gov.
📚 Explore the Merely Mortal series and my full book catalog at www.michellepillow.com.
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.
