Conversation with Author, Michelle Elliott

Her first novel, Divinity Undone: A Historical Romance Novel—a 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist—is a stunning exploration of how women, treated as political currency or chattel in arranged marriages, carved out meaning and love for themselves while navigating impossible expectations. This extremely well-written coming-of-age story imagines what life might have been like for women in 15th-century Rome, where power, privilege, and intrigue ran rampant.

At the heart of the novel is Lucrezia Borgia, born the illegitimate daughter of the pope. Michelle paints a vivid portrait of a young woman growing up amid the splendor of the Vatican, only to discover that beneath the gilded exterior lies treachery, manipulation, and family dysfunction that would rival any modern saga. Forced into an unhappy marriage and threatened with the loss of her child, Lucrezia must decide whether to embrace her power and shape her destiny—or remain a pawn of the Borgia dynasty.

Rife with seduction, betrayal, political scheming, and raw emotion, Divinity Undone is a fast-paced, beautifully written novel that historical romance fans will absolutely devour.

I’m thrilled Michelle took the time to share a bit about her writing journey and creative process with us today.

Interview with Michelle Elliott

How long have you been writing, and what first inspired you to start?

• I’ve been writing since childhood, as far back as I can remember —creating little books out of cardboard, writing poems, and short stories to amuse myself.

What genre do you write—and what genres do you personally love to read?

• I write historical fiction but, growing up, I really wanted to write horror stories. Sounds crazy now, but I adored Shirley Jackson, Edgar Allan Poe, Peter Straub, Dean Koontz, Robert McCammon, and Stephen King. I still enjoy a good scary story or movie, but I also read biographies and some fantasy.
• My love of historical fiction came during my sophomore and junior years at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. My roommates and I lived in Conley Hall—one of the grand residences of the gilded age owned by the university. Surrounded with such history, I became obsessed with who lived there before me, the elaborate dinners that took place, and all the family drama!

Who are some of your favorite authors or books that have shaped you as a writer?

• Early on, Philippa Gregory shaped me the most as a historical fiction writer. Later, Elizabeth Chadwick, Deborah Swift, Alison Weir, Ken Follett, Daphne du Maurier, C.W. Gortner, and, most recently, Ellen Marie Wiseman.

For readers meeting you for the first time, how would you describe your writing style and the themes you gravitate toward?

• I enjoy writing third person limited POV, but I may dabble in first person at some point, we’ll see . . . lol! I gravitate towards powerful female main characters and coming-of-age stories.
• I like a strong character arc that grows from beginning to end. Gareth, in Of Heaven and Hellfire, was my first male character POV and I really enjoyed writing him—I think he was my first male character crush lol!

What’s the story behind your current book or series—what drew you into that world or these characters?

• Of Heaven and Hellfire takes place in Elizabethan England. Sixteen-year-old orphan Beth Dudley is sent to serve as a scullery maid at Bodsworth Hall, only to be swept into a dangerous conspiracy of Catholic sympathizers. Aided by Gareth, a reluctant stable hand with dreams of his own, Beth navigates a world of priest hunters, spies, and betrayal to protect the innocent.
• Although I love the Tudor Renaissance period, I do think it’s a bit oversaturated with stories about its kings and queens, princes and princesses. Of Heaven and Hellfire, focuses more on the lives of the everyday people who endured and suffered so much from the whims of the aristocracy and religious persecution caused between the half-sisters Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I.

Which character in your latest book surprised you the most during the writing process?

• Not sure if this answers your question, but what surprised me most at the end of my latest book was how emotional I was when it was finished. The characters were gone. The journey with them had ended, and it left me a little sad.

Do you have a favorite scene in your current book? What makes it stand out to you?

• The final scene in chapter 21 is my favorite scene. I can’t say too much without giving it away . . .

Every writer has their own rhythm—what does your writing routine look like on a good day?

• I get up fairly early and watch my author/writer YouTube subscriptions, check KDP, and FB groups, etc. I learn about new publishing trends and changes, and editorial suggestions and pointers. It motivates me. I go straight from there—still in my pajamas—to my writing table and begin my day.
• I don’t get ready for my day until late morning. There’s something about staying in your pj’s and not showering that keeps you tied to the computer and not flitting around doing other things.

Was there a moment while writing this book when everything suddenly clicked (or when you almost threw the manuscript across the room)?

• Unlike my main character, Lucrezia Borgia, in my debut novel, I had a difficult time connecting to Beth Dudley in Of Heaven and Hellfire and I almost put it aside. Beth wasn’t an actual historical figure like Lucrezia. I had to really do a deeper dive into her character and create her out of nothing. Once I realized what the problem was, I could tackle it.

What books, movies, or personal experiences have influenced your storytelling the most?

• Everything influences my storytelling. Whether it’s eavesdropping at a café, or binge watching a good series on TV, I am constantly taking notes in my head.

If you could give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, what would you tell them?

• Take risks. Don’t give up. I know it’s easy for me to say now, but there were times when I doubted myself and wanted to quit. Over time, I’ve learned that problems are solvable. Obstacles can be overcome. I’ve developed a “I’ll figure it out” mentally.
• With all the resources available now online, or otherwise, anything is possible. Also, writing can be a very solitary existence. Put yourself out there and find a writing community that works for you.

What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you that readers wouldn’t guess from your official bio?

• My husband and I own a chimney sweeping company. After we married in 1995, he lured me away from the corporate world to work from home and run the family business and raise our sons with the promise of giving me more time to write. I finally published my first book in 2023, so you can see how well that worked out lol!

What are you currently working on, and what can readers expect from you next?

• I am currently working on a series for my first novel Divinity Undone. Readers kept asking me for a sequel, but I think I may have a series in store for them.

How do you stay motivated or creative when the writing gets tough?

• Sometimes I plow through a tough spot by giving myself smaller writing goals or focusing my attention on marketing and promotion. Other times, I step away and take a break completely—fill head with other things that may spark some creativity. . . take a walk, bake some cookies, watch a movie in my genre, or read. It’s like filling up the tank again.

Where can readers follow you online and keep up with your future books?

• Readers can find me at:
•                   Website: michelleelliottwriter.com
•                   Email: michelle@michelleelliottwriter.com       
•                   Facebook:   (3) Facebook
•                   Instagram:  Instagram
•                   Of Heaven and Hellfire:  https://a.co/d/5U1OwVb
•                   Divinity Undone:  https://a.co/d/20H7W2W