Frequently (& Not-So-Frequently) Asked Questions

Have a question that isn’t answered here? See michellepillow.com/contact/ for current contact info. Michelle reads every fan email, even when she can’t reply to all of them. (She doesn’t bite.)

FAQ: What advice do you have for new authors?

New Author Advice

There is no magic pill. You have to do the research and the work. Well, coffee is kind of like magic, and energy helps do the research, so maybe that’s my secret.

Research everything, your book, marketing, promo, your genre, and think about the long-term goals, not just instant career gratification. That’s what separates career authors from hobbyists. Writing as a hobby is fine, if that’s what you want to do. If you want to be a professional, you just have to spend the time and study up. There is no magic formula or secret handshake. I so wish there was. You just have to put in the hours and do the work. Knowledge really is power.

Write the book. No book, no reason to go through the trouble of everything else. The book is the fun part!

Michelle M. Pillow

Readers

What do your Readers mean to you?

I love my readers. Their loyalty and willingness to follow me as I move from sub-genre to sub-genre is wonderful. Traditionally, publishers would want you to find a niche and stay there. I much prefer to be all over the place, writing futuristics to historicals, contemporaries to fantasy, dark to light paranormals, wherever the muse takes me. My readers not only seem to enjoy it, they encourage it.

Their emails and wall posts will often keep me going. I can’t thank them enough and love hearing from them.

Where can I buy your books?

For the most part, Michelle M. Pillow ebooks are online at all major vendors: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books (formerly iBooks), Google Play, and others.

Print books are sold online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ingrams, Walmart, BAM, and more. If you have the ISBN and title info, you might be able to order the book from a local bookstore. If you can’t, give them the sad face and sigh at them, because they should. (But always be nice.) And then come get it online.

To find where books are being sold, go to the book’s page and click on the Buy Links tab. My team works hard to keep them up to date. The full retailer hub is at michellepillow.com/links/.

Will there be more books in a series?

If there are more books planned in a series, it will be listed on that book’s series page as coming soon, or in the book lists. For a full reading order across every series, see michellepillow.com/reading-order-booklist/.

Why did you stop a series I love?

Sadly, series do end. For some, it’s the natural ending. For others, piracy and shifting sales force a choice between continuing a quiet series and writing the books readers are actively turning up for. The best way to keep a series alive is to tell others why you love it and where they can buy a copy.

Which series are getting more books?

Active series with more books in the pipeline:

For the complete reading order across every series, see the Reading Order Booklist at michellepillow.com/reading-order-booklist/. To be notified of new releases first, join the newsletter.

Library Copies

Many ebooks are available to libraries through a service called OverDrive. You can see a list of supported library systems on michellepillow.com. You have to request ebooks from your local library if they don’t have copies in stock. Check their website for directions on how to request ebooks, or talk to the librarian. They can help you with the check out process.

If you think other readers in your area might like the book, you can still request it. Or, have them request as well. The more requests, the more likely the library will get it in. Beyond this advice, I can’t control what the libraries pick.

Helpful explainer (from a Draft2Digital blog post):

OverDrive serves a large number of libraries globally, but having a book in the system doesn’t necessarily mean it’s available for library patrons to find. Libraries typically won’t spend money on a book unless there’s sign of a demand. Fortunately, the best sign of demand is completely within your grasp: go and request the books. Log on to your library’s web portal, use the library’s app, use the OverDrive app, or swing by a physical library location, and ask for your title. This will call attention to the fact that the title isn’t actually available, and the helpful librarians will then place an order for it. It takes a bit for books to appear in the catalog once they’re ordered. You can expect a 14- to 21-day wait, in most cases. So the sooner you ask for it, the sooner it’s there.

Kate Rudolph also did a helpful video walking through how to request ebooks through online library systems with OverDrive. The more people who request a book, the better the odds of them getting it in stock. It costs you nothing to request.

How are your book prices determined?

Every Michelle M. Pillow book is professionally edited, professionally proofread, fact-checked, and cover-designed before release. Writing is her full-time career, and book prices reflect the craft and the team behind each title. Indie ebook prices typically run lower than a fancy coffee and last a lot longer. For readers on a budget, your local library can add Michelle’s ebooks through OverDrive. Ask the librarian, or request through your library’s app.

Is your book in Kindle Unlimited?

Most Michelle M. Pillow titles are NOT in Kindle Unlimited. To be in KU, a book must be exclusive to Amazon, which means it can’t be sold at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play, or other retailers, and her readers buy across all of those storefronts. To read Michelle’s books for free, ask your local library to add them through OverDrive. To support her work, buy from your preferred retailer at michellepillow.com/links/.

When will the book be in audio?

Audio production varies, but typically it won’t be for several months after the ebook release. Audio production takes time and is expensive. Some series may never go into audio. It’s a business decision.

As a reader, what can I do to help promote the books?

First, you can wrap your arms around yourself and hug yourself from me. I mean it. The fact so many of you email to ask me how you can help spread the word about me or my books is awesome.

Word of mouth is the best way to help. The most important thing you can do is take the time to write a quick online review of the books you love. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, Goodreads, and BookBub all offer spots for readers to write reviews. It tickles me to no end when readers go the extra mile and write a review.

Other ways to help:

  • Talk about the books online.
  • Post about the books.
  • Blog about the books.
  • Share the links to the books.
  • Tell your book club about them.
  • Join Michelle’s Fan Group and share ideas with other readers.
  • Become a Review Team member (if spots are open).
  • Agree or disagree with reviews already posted on various vendors.
  • If you see someone reading an author similar to me, suggest they try me (politely, of course).

Anything online is the single most important thing you can do to help me. The majority of my sales have always come from ebooks, and the market keeps shifting more toward ebooks.

If you would like some promo goodies (bookmarks and the like) to pass around to your friends, local bookstores, reading groups, and libraries, see michellepillow.com/contact/ for current request info. Fulfillment depends on what’s on hand and how soon the assistant can get to mailings.

What is the best way to learn about preorders and new releases?

Join the Reader Club newsletter at michellepillow.com/newsletter/. Subscribers always hear about new books and preorders first.

Which books do you recommend for people new to your work?

Here’s a list of where to start, broken down by genre:

My bestselling, reader-favorite series are the shape-shifter multi-series: Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Space Lords, and Captured by a Dragon-Shifter. Warlocks MacGregor is also a reader favorite.

How do you handle reader mail?

I love my readers. I love talking to them. I love hearing from them. Most are wonderful, and respectful emails with concerns get read, weighed, and taken seriously, even when the answer has to be no. I just don’t have time to respond to them all, and I’d rather save my limited email time for readers with questions or comments not answered on my website. Keep those emails coming.

The rare rude ones? Filed under “mocked, then deleted.” Be kind. The assistant who reads them first is a person too.

Booklists?

Yes. For the complete reading order across every Michelle M. Pillow series, see michellepillow.com/reading-order-booklist/. The top menu navigation also has Books and Series links.

What is your next project?

My moods change with my whims. We will just have to see. Try checking out the Coming Soon page at michellepillow.com/comingsoon/.

Can I send Michelle a story idea, plot suggestion, or character idea?

No. For legal reasons that protect both Michelle and her readers, story ideas, plot suggestions, character concepts, and series direction emails cannot be accepted. They’re deleted unread by an assistant before reaching Michelle. The good news: she has more story ideas than years left to write them. Every series you love is in good hands.

What if I notice a typo in one of your books?

I am a professional author. All of my books go through several rounds of professional edits and final line edits. I hire a team of qualified people (many of them with reputable publishers) to make sure the cleanest book is reaching your hands. I’m lucky that I don’t get many emails about this subject, but just in case, here is what you need to know.

I’m only human, as are my team of editors, proofers, final line editors, fact checkers, and test readers. (Now, I am working on that. Until my dream of a cyborg robot editor comes true, well, anyway.) As humans, typos occasionally slip through the cracks. If you find a typo and want to tell us out of the goodness of your heart with no hope of anything in return, we want to hear about it.

Reporting a typo:

Step 1: Make sure you have the newest edition of the book. Older books are often re-edited before being re-released. Those first editions could be 15 years old by now. Much has changed.

Step 2: Be aware that:

  • Any book ideas, suggestions, story lines, characters, and such will not be read and will be deleted immediately by Michelle’s Assistant. They are not read or given to the author.
  • Some things are personal preference: the use of the Oxford Comma, the spelling of dragonshifter / dragon-shifter / dragon shifter, the spelling of magick / magic, and author voice (how she phrases sentences and the words she chooses to use).
  • The writing world changes. What was commonplace ten years ago when some of these books were written might be less common today. For example: s’ and s’s are now both correct.
  • Michelle is a fiction author. She can and will make up her own rules and words.
  • Names have various spellings. Iason is correct, for example. It’s the Ancient Greek form of Jason. The Merr were from that time period, so that’s why it was chosen.
  • Some things are publisher house styles: UK or US spellings (realised / realized), the highly debated placement of a comma, and other regional conventions. Michelle has written books in both UK and US English.

Step 3: If you think you found a typo in one of Michelle’s books, see michellepillow.com/contact/ for current submission instructions. Please include: book title, format (print, PDF, Kindle, iBook, and so on), page number or location, and a clear example of the typo including the sentence.

Legal disclaimer: You will NOT be paid or compensated in any way for turning in what you feel is a typo. You will not be entitled to an editor credit or similar acknowledgements. Doing so gives you no rights to Michelle M. Pillow’s books or ideas. All Michelle M. Pillow books, websites, and ideas are copyrighted to the author.

More FAQs (links lead to new pages)

  • Are you a Pillow Fighter?
  • Amazon Kindle FAQs
  • Be sure you’re seeing your favorite authors on Facebook
  • Have you added the Pillow Fighters Group to your Facebook Group Favorites?
  • Amazon Automatic Book Update
  • How to turn on Whispersync Settings for Kindle
  • How to find your review hyperlink on Audible.com
  • Need to find your Amazon Review URL to turn it in for reviews?
  • How to find your post URL on Facebook and Twitter

Newsletter

What if I need Tech Support?

The Michelle Pillow Team does not provide computer tech support. When trying to download a freebie file, be sure you know where the file will save when clicking download. Each person is limited to one attempt.

GMAIL Users

Add the following email to your contacts: newsletter@michellepillow.com

Are you a Gmail user? Be sure to move Michelle’s newsletter emails from the Promotions tab to the Primary tab. It’s easy. Check the box on the Michelle newsletter email in your Gmail account under Promotions, then drag and drop the email to the Primary tab. A small yellow box will pop up asking if you want all email from Michelle put in Primary. Hit Yes.

For Writers

Go to the “For Writers” FAQ Page

Writing advice and Michelle’s craft notes have their own dedicated FAQ at michellepillow.com/for-writers/. Topics include getting started, the publishing journey (trad vs. indie), worldbuilding for paranormal and sci-fi romance, and Michelle’s writing process.

Michelle as an Author

Who is Michelle M. Pillow?

I’m Michelle M. Pillow, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning romance author. It still feels strange to say it out loud. Most days I’m just a girl with a computer who loves dragons, warlocks, vampires, witches, and the occasional cat-shifter king with attitude.

I write across paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, romantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal women’s fiction, cozy mystery paranormal romance, historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and gothic romance. They’re calling that “hybrid” these days, but to me it’s just following the muse wherever she takes me, and so far my readers have followed too, which still amazes me.

My current traditional publishing partner is Pan Macmillan Tor Bramble, who are re-releasing the Realm Immortal and Tribes of the Vampire series as hardback editions across 2026 and 2027, with new audio editions planned. My indie imprint The Raven Books LLC publishes the flagship Qurilixen World universe (Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Space Lords, Dynasty Lords, Qurilixen Lords, Captured by a Dragon-Shifter, Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides), along with Warlocks MacGregor (HOLT Medallion winner, Audible Exclusive), Order of Magic, Merely Mortal, (Un)Lucky Valley, and others.

My first book, The Mists of Midnight (now retitled Forget Me Not), released in April 2004. Since then I’ve published well over a hundred titles, many in second and third editions, with audiobooks narrated by an amazing roster of professional narrators. Several titles are also available in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Norwegian, Danish, Romanian, and Korean translations (see michellepillow.com/translations/).

Recognitions include the Mississippi Arts Commission Grant, the HOLT Medallion (Warlocks MacGregor), the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, an RT Lifetime Achievement Award nomination, the BREW Seal of Excellence (Order of Magic, Merely Mortal), a featured Publishers Weekly review, and founding-author status with FAB13 Paranormal Women’s Fiction. I’ve been #1 on Amazon Author Rank and on Amazon bestseller lists multiple times.

Past publishers include Pocket Books, Random House, Virgin Books (Cheek imprint, Matthews Sisters series), Adams Media, Entangled Publishing, Samhain Publishing, and Running Press.

How long did that first book take?

Honestly, it’s hard to say. I wrote before even thinking of publishing, for fun in spare time and not in any consistent time blocks. So when I finally submitted, it was my 8th book written and I was already on book 10 writing-wise. Then I had to go back and clean up. I’ve published a few of those first ones, Mountain’s Captive, Emerald Knight, and Maiden and the Monster, but not all. Some I need to dig up from the cyber graveyard. They haven’t even seen a publisher’s slush pile.

Why the romance genre? Why not children’s books, or serious literature, or…?

Why romance novels? Because they’re awesome. Sure, just like in any genre of writing, there are books within the genre that are not to my taste, but I love the romance genre as a whole.

Romances aren’t just “mommy porn.” I hate that term because it suggests it is wrong or shameful for a woman to own her sexuality and find happiness in all aspects of her life, whether it’s sexuality, work, adventure, family, marriage, love, or whatever else. Dreams are not bad. Fantasy is not bad. Love is not bad. A great sex life, an equal partner in life, and reading a positive message about both are not bad things. If preferring to read about love and relationships was a bad thing, then what would that say about fans of murder mystery and horror? (I happen to like those genres as well.)

To me, romance novels are not just about the sex. It’s about women being able to see themselves in a positive light, and again, not just their sexuality. Romance novel heroines do get to find the perfect life-mate. Perfect for them, because not all of the heroes are perfect, just as the heroines have their flaws. They are allowed to have careers, family, and goals. They can be vulnerable and strong. They have adventures. They face problems and find ways to solve them. They are allowed to be imperfect and make mistakes, and still be loved. They get to love themselves and others. Occasionally, they get to kick a little ass. They are allowed to grow and learn throughout the course of the book. And all of this is done unapologetically.

It is my hope that all women learn to love and value themselves, and to find their own happiness in life.

Writing Romance and Real Life

It’s funny how many times I get asked if I “do” the things in my books. Ah, the elusive “things.” The key to being a good fiction writer is to be able to tell a good story. I happen to like telling stories of not only people falling in love, but of their other emotions and influences as well.

In short, no, I am not my characters. Some of their traits are influenced from my life, some are imagination, some are research, and so on.

In my opinion, if you only write what you experience, you’re not a very good fiction writer. Fiction is a job that takes great imagination as well as research, and all I can hope is that a few people like mine.

What is your other job?

I have no “other job.” Being an author is my full-time career. Much of what I do is incorporated into my career, and I take it very seriously.

Michelle’s Dating Advice

Note: this is a humor piece. Real dating advice from a romance novelist? Read more romance novels.

So I asked readers on social media if any FAQs were missing from my website. Thanks to those who checked for me. I’ll be adding suggestions as I can. Keep the emails coming, it’s never too late. Some might have to go into the TMI pile.

Someone did ask me to write dating advice since I was a romance author (I guess that means I must have the answers), which I thought was funny because, um, my advice column would go something like this:

1. How do you snag a man?
A: I tell the driver to slow down and then I pick one coming out of the culinary institute who looks like he might be bogged down with cooking homework and can’t run fast. What do you mean that’s creepy? Girl’s got to eat.

2. How do you know when it’s love?
A: “I can’t tell you but it lasts forever… it’s just something you feel together.” What do you mean that’s Van Halen lyrics?

3. A man’s
A: place is in the kitchen! This is fun. Do another one.

4. I was going to say, a man asks you on a date but doesn’t say where. What do you wear?
A: You have four basic options: Princess Leia (kick-ass fighter with optional lightsaber or blaster pistol, but not bikini Jabba Leia, you don’t want him to think you’re into bondage on date one), Cat Woman (so he knows you’re a super heroine), a Renn Faire princess (so he’ll know how you expect to be treated and properly addressed as m’lady), or, if you can pull off super daring, Resident Evil’s Alice.

One, you’ll be awesome. Two, if he doesn’t get it, well, I just saved you hours that you can now put into role playing and doing something cool like reading a book. Three, if he shows up as Han Solo, well, see question 2.

(Thanks for the reader questions.)

You had already “made it,” why on Earth would you go Indie?

I didn’t leave all my publishers. I still have great ties with them and offers stacked on my cyber desk for consideration. In 2008, Mandy Roth and I had the option to take books out of contract with some of our publishers. We both had extensive backlist titles, and though we had offers to re-contract them elsewhere, there were just too many books to have them re-release in a timely manner. For me, many of these were part of series that readers were eager for more of, like the futuristic romance multi-series Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, and Space Lords. With over ten books at that time in that multi-series alone, releasing one or two books a year to balance them out with new releases would have taken five to ten years just to get part of my backlist back out. Readers wanted more books now (which is always an awesome thing to have as an author). So I decided no risk, no reward, and jumped in with both feet.

When Mandy Roth and I started The Raven Books and Raven Happy Hour, we were told it was a mistake. We both had big New York traditional publisher contracts. We were at the sought-after e-first publishing houses. We had multiple contracts with stacks more on our desks waiting for consideration. No one could seem to understand why we would want to leave traditional publishing to strike out as Indie authors (mind you, this was before the big self-pub boom that later hit).

Our traditional background helps tremendously when navigating the self-pubbed waters. There are pros and cons to both traditional press and being indie, and I decide what to do depending on my goals with a particular book. We had also built fan bases from the ground up and paid a lot of writerly dues. In the end, The Raven Books was one of the best career decisions I’ve ever made. I’m The Raven Books LLC. Mandy is Raven Happy Hour LLC.

What is your writing process?

Coffee. More coffee. (Okay, fine. There’s more.)

Mornings start with caffeine and end with notebooks scattered across the office. Some scenes are deciphered from a middle-of-the-night brilliance that I have to decode from notes written in the dark. Word counts depend on which world I’m in and how loud the characters are being. There have been days where I literally wrote ten thousand words and finished with icing my wrists. Some days are three hundred words and more coffee.

Plot-wise I’m somewhere between a plotter and a pantser. I always know where a book is going and usually who’s standing there when it gets there, but the journey between A and B is where the muse gets opinions.

How do you come up with ideas for books?

Truthfully, it’s usually late at night when my overactive mind won’t let me sleep, or while I’m in the shower. They just pop in there out of darkness and I have to crawl out of bed, sometimes six or seven times a night, to write them down or they will never leave me alone. (And if by some miracle I can go to sleep without putting them to paper they will leave me forever, so it’s better to listen to the voices.) In the shower, I usually finish early, run to my office dripping wet in a towel, and try to write a coherent thought while endeavoring not to freeze to death.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

I love book research, learning, and trying new things. If I’m not writing, I’m spending time with my beautiful and talented kid. I love being a mother. Or I’m helping my husband on a film project. I have a BGS in History/Business with an English minor, and a Photography degree, so it’s pretty easy to see where my interests are. I love to travel and someday hope to visit every country in the world, photographing it and seeing the historical sites. Usually, though, even when I’m not writing physically, I’m writing mentally, gathering data and ideas, letting the creative muse wander.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

When I was in 8th grade, I loved Poe. My first serious attempt at writing was for an English assignment. The directive was to write a story about Thanksgiving. Most of my classmates did the “oh no the turkey is burnt and grandpa is snowed in at the airport” type stories. Not me. I sat down and wrote a little something called Thanksgiving Murders. Now I’m sure, looking back, it was more slasher horror movie than the next Telltale Heart, but I really worked hard on it. Sadly, the very conservative small-town teacher didn’t see it that way. A counselor was called. My mother was called. I was watched, but not once did they bother to ask me why I wrote it. And they didn’t let me have my story back (this was pre-computer, pre-school-shooting-scares).

I can honestly say I have never in my life wanted to re-enact those words. Heck, I feel guilty squishing bugs. Bless my mother for knowing this fact, because she really stood up for me and defused the situation. The reaction did, however, put me off writing for a long time, and I turned to telling stories with pictures rather than words.

I really wish I had that story so I could see with an adult mind just how bad it really was. I do remember the bad guy died in the end.

When was your first book published?

April 2004. The Mists of Midnight (now retitled Forget Me Not).

Other Requests

How do I request a review copy, interview, autograph, or promo materials?

For press contact information for all of Michelle’s work, indie titles via The Raven Books LLC and trade-published titles via Pan Macmillan Tor Bramble, see the Contact page at michellepillow.com/contact/ and the Press Kit at michellepillow.com/press-kit/. Each lists current emails for press, publicity, interviews, book clubs, conference SWAG, and the Reader Club mailing address. Fulfillment of promo requests depends on what’s currently on hand and how soon the assistant can get to mailings.

Popular Series FAQs

Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Space Lords, Captured by a Dragon-Shifter, et al.

  • NEW: Dragon Lords Companion Online
  • Get detailed help on all the related series: Welcome to Qurilixen, A Series Guide
  • Qurilixen Reading Guide

About Dragon Lords and Related Books

The Dragon Lords started in 2004, and the long-running success of the series has surprised me. I never expected to still be writing in this universe more than two decades later. They were my first attempt at futuristic shapeshifters, though since I now have notebooks full of ideas I’ve written down over the years.

The Dragon Lords series actually started with what was intended to be one short story, Morrigan and Ualan from Barbarian Prince, and grew into four mid-length novels (now expanded Anniversary Edition novels). In 2004, I had just signed a contract and felt really inspired to do something different. At the time you didn’t really see a lot of shapeshifting futuristic dragon romances. Ideas just kept popping into my head as I tried to make all four heroines different. I’d lie in bed with a notebook beside me to write the ideas down because I couldn’t sleep. I perfected the art of writing in the dark.

Many readers started demanding Var books (the cat-shifting enemy of the Draig, or Dragon Lords). So from that, Lords of the Var was born. Whereas the Draig trust fate and are raised believing that their lifemate is predestined, the Var men are raised to put no stock in love. In fact, their father King Attor raises them never to fall in love. It’s quite the opposite concept from the Draig race.

Then of course, it couldn’t stop there. Readers wanted to see where the heroines came from, and I started getting questions about the other planets I’d talked about in the books. Soon the guys were adventuring off planet into space: Space Lords series. There is a HUGE expanse of universes to explore.

There have been hints since the very first book that “back in the day” the Dragon Lord ancestors used to steal brides through portals. Guess what? They’re not just rumors. Because it’s something I always wanted to do, I wrote what these guys were like in our modern-day times: Captured by a Dragon-Shifter series.

There are a LOT of series planned for this world and I hope you’ll enjoy each and every one. Some have been hinted at, some you have to wait to see. I highly recommend joining my newsletter. Folks find out things first there with exclusive content. And that way you’ll always be in the Dragon Lords’ inner circle.

I’ll keep writing and expanding the series as long as people want them.

For a complete reading order, see michellepillow.com/reading-order-booklist/.

Draig and Var Questions

Do the few female children of the Draigs and Vars shift?

The best answer: Read The Dragon’s Queen. You may be surprised what happens.

The technical answer: It would depend on the mother’s heritage (the moms are humanoid, but not all human) as to what gifts the child has, whether male or female. Yes, all males are shifters, taking heavily after their fathers. Because female children are rare, it could have something to do with the mothers that makes the female children possible to begin with. So yes, some of the girls can possibly be shifters if the mother’s DNA didn’t adversely affect the child to make it impossible. But even if they don’t shift, the girls have other talents. And, BTW, Draig girls do get crystals as well.

What are the differences between the Draig and Var, and their mating rituals?

The Var culture is different from the Dragon Lords in many ways, which also causes a lot of the planet’s culture clashes. The lack of ceremony is just one of those ways. Whereas the Draig want love, expect it, have big ceremonies in celebration of finding it, and then are confused when they don’t automatically get it, the Var were raised not to want love and are confused to find they have it. The Var fall into the thinking that you can’t help who you fall in love with. It’s meant to be, regardless of what you do to stop it. Also, since they don’t know what to look for as far as emotions are concerned and aren’t taught to express love by their father, they don’t know when they get it. Each couple is different, but in the end, they’re together because their hearts demand it and the Var princes could never love anyone but their women.

The Var men are under the false impression that they have a say when it comes to mating and love, but in truth, for them the mating just happens. It’s destiny, fate, and in the end beyond their control. The Var don’t need ceremony, preferring the more simplistic approach. If they say something is a certain way, it is. In book one, Kirill (being king) tells Ulyssa, “All it would take is my declaration and you’d be my lifemate, my wife.” So for the king, with power, it’s just a matter of wishing it to be so. But for Kirill and the others, lifemating just happens, as natural as another day passing. Sticking to their customs, they don’t need a ceremony to confirm what they already know in their hearts, and what their hearts (and brothers, friends, and other Var) often know before they do. Love and mating are beyond their control, not that they’d change it for the world.

It’s the same for all of them. Their souls and hearts just know from the beginning, and the head takes longer for it to catch up and admit to it.

What about Margot? (DL Book 6)

I know a lot of you are wondering about Margot (and possibly poised to send me emails demanding answers, send away, I love hearing from you, but don’t expect me to give away the details). Right now, you know as much as Kendall does. Don’t despair. Her story is written. Watch for her in a Space Lords series book where all your Margot Haven questions will be answered.

Why “Savage” King? I didn’t think him violent or sadistic.

Oxford Dictionary: “(Chiefly in historical or literary contexts) primitive; uncivilized.” Not savage as in violent like wild dogs attacking.

The title fits with the overall Dragon Lords / Var futuristic series, of them being primitive barbarian savages in the eyes of the rest of the more civilized universe.

Series reading order?

For book reading orders, visit michellepillow.com/reading-order-booklist/.

How many books are in the series?

Book counts vary by series within the Qurilixen World. For up-to-date counts and the full reading order across Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Space Lords, Dynasty Lords, Qurilixen Lords, Captured by a Dragon-Shifter, and Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides, see each individual series page or the complete Reading Order Booklist at michellepillow.com/reading-order-booklist/.

Are you going to write more?

Yes. Many more. The Qurilixen World expands continuously, with active series in Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Space Lords, Qurilixen Lords, Captured by a Dragon-Shifter, and Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides. Sign up for the newsletter to be notified of each new release.

I love Dragon Lords, do I need to read the other series?

Yes. Why wouldn’t you? There are more sides to the story, and so many awesome adventures to be had. Also, Dragon Lords do make appearances in the other series books.

Can I send you my ideas for the series or characters?

No. All ideas will be deleted unread by an assistant. For the full policy, see the “Can I send Michelle a story idea?” question in the Readers section above.

About Dragon Lords Anniversary Editions

How do I know if I have the new edition?

Easy. The title.

Only the original first four books (Dragon Lords 1-4) are in expanded, revised Anniversary Editions: Barbarian Prince / Perfect Prince / Dark Prince / Warrior Prince. The word “THE” in the title on these four books means it’s the older edition.

How much has changed in the new edition?

The text has been completely revised, re-edited, and expanded. Some things were deleted, moved, or added. For example, in the case of Barbarian Prince, it went from 19 chapters to 32. Be sure to check each individual book page’s FAQ listing for Dragon Lords 1-4 for exact expansion details.

What if I read the old one?

Basic story is the same. Whether you purchase the new edition or not is completely up to you.

Should I buy the new or the old?

New, of course. You should not be able to purchase the old edition ebook online (if you see it, you may be at an illegal pirating site). Old edition print books are often more expensive than the new. Some were on sale for hundreds of dollars. So, buy the new.

Warlocks MacGregor

Will there be more MacGregor books?

All of the MacGregors have found love, but I’m toying with the idea of spin-off series.

Where can I find out more about the series?

Warlocks MacGregor series books.

What order should I read the books in?

Reading Orders and Guides at michellepillow.com/reading-order-booklist/.

The use of “Magick” and “Warlocks” (a note from the author)

People know magic is fake: card tricks and illusions, magicians and entertainers. But there is an older magick, a powerful force hidden from modern eyes, buried in folklore and myths, remembered by the few who practice the old ways and respect the lessons of past generations.

The term “warlock” is a variation on the Old English word waerloga, primarily used by the Scots. It meant traitor, monster, or deceiver. The MacGregor Clan does not agree with how history has labeled their kind. To them, warlock means magick, family, and immortality. This book is not meant to be a portrayal of modern-day witches or those who have such beliefs. The MacGregors are a magickal class all their own.

As with all my books, this is pure fantasy. In real life, please always practice safe sex and magic.

Other Books

Will there be more Red Light Specialists books?

Mandy and I love the Red Light Specialists world. After ten years and a complete arc, we shifted focus to other joint and solo projects. The series remains in print and we may revisit it in the future. The best way to support a return is to keep recommending it to readers. When readers turn up for current work, we earn more time to revisit older worlds.

Quick Reference

What is paranormal women’s fiction (PWF)?

Paranormal Women’s Fiction is a sub-genre featuring heroines in midlife or later. The protagonists typically discover magic, supernatural abilities, or otherworldly entanglements while navigating real-life inflection points like empty nests, divorce, career pivots, or rediscovery of self. Michelle is a founding author of FAB13, the major PWF imprint group, and her Order of Magic series (Second Chance Magic, Third Time’s a Charm, The Fourth Power, The Fifth Sense, The Sixth Spell, The Seventh Key, The Eighth Potion) is among the genre’s reader-favorites. Her Merely Mortal series (urban fantasy and PWF crossover) also fits.

What is the Qurilixen World?

The Qurilixen World is Michelle’s flagship paranormal and sci-fi romance universe, spanning seven interconnected series and growing. It launched with Dragon Lords in 2004 and now includes Lords of the Var, Space Lords, Dynasty Lords, Qurilixen Lords, Captured by a Dragon-Shifter, and Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides. Every book stands alone (readers can start anywhere), but characters, planets, and races recur across series for readers who want the whole tapestry. The complete reading order is at michellepillow.com/qurilixen-world/.

Are your books available on Audible?

Yes. Most Michelle M. Pillow books are available on Audible, with a few series still published as Audible Exclusives. Series with audiobook editions include Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Space Lords, Captured by a Dragon-Shifter, Qurilixen Lords, Warlocks MacGregor, Order of Magic, Tribes of the Vampire, Realm Immortal, and (Un)Lucky Valley. For wide-audio titles, listeners can also find audiobooks on Apple Books, Spotify, Google Play, and library platforms. For complete narrator credits and the up-to-date audio catalog, see michellepillow.com/audiobooks/.

What are Michelle’s Pan Macmillan Tor Bramble hardcover editions?

Pan Macmillan Tor Bramble is re-releasing Michelle’s Realm Immortal and Tribes of the Vampire series as hardback editions across 2026 and 2027. New audio editions are planned, with narrators to be announced. Hardcover release schedule: King of the Unblessed (June 2026), Faery Queen (September 2026 estimated), Stone Queen (January 2027 estimated), with the Tribes of the Vampire titles following in 2027. Preorders available at major retailers. See michellepillow.com/comingsoon/ for current dates and preorder links.

What awards has Michelle M. Pillow won?

Recognitions include the Mississippi Arts Commission Grant, the HOLT Medallion (Warlocks MacGregor), the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, an RT Lifetime Achievement Award nomination, the BREW Seal of Excellence (Order of Magic, Merely Mortal), a featured Publishers Weekly review for Order of Magic, founding-author status with FAB13 Paranormal Women’s Fiction, and multiple #1 rankings on Amazon Author Rank and Amazon bestseller lists. See the full press kit at michellepillow.com/press-kit/.

Does Michelle M. Pillow have a newsletter? What does she send?

Yes. The Michelle M. Pillow Reader Club newsletter sends new-release announcements, preorder links, exclusive content, behind-the-scenes notes, and occasional reader gifts. Subscribers always hear about new books and preorders first. Sign up at michellepillow.com (there’s a join box on the home page) or at michellepillow.com/newsletter/.

Is Michelle M. Pillow on social media?

Yes. The verified accounts:

The Facebook Fan Group is the best place to interact with Michelle directly. She stops by regularly between writing sessions.

Can I read Michelle M. Pillow’s books for free?

Yes, the legal ways are through your local library and through Kobo Plus subscriptions. Most of Michelle’s ebooks are available through OverDrive (which most US, UK, Canadian, and Australian library systems use). If your library doesn’t have a title, ask the librarian to add it. Library acquisition is request-driven, and your ask often gets the title stocked. Many titles are also available through Kobo Plus, Kobo’s subscription reading service. Check kobo.com for current titles. Pirated free copies hurt the author and the team behind every book. Libraries and Kobo Plus are the legitimate free options.