Millie Abecassis is an author of fantasy, fairytale retellings, science fiction, and horror from France. She is a graduate of the Panthéon-Sorbonne University and now works in the biotech industry. When she isn’t reading or writing, you can find her playing video games or in her backyard trying to stop her wisterias from taking over the world. Millie lives in San Jose, California with her spouse, their cats, and too many plants to care for.

You can learn more about her writing and other endeavors at www.millieabecassis.com.

Follow her on Bluesky and Instagram

Get to know Millie!

What is your favorite reading format?

Ebook! It is convenient, cheaper, and great for traveling. I also love pretty hardcover books. I don’t do audiobooks, but I love that they are so popular now.

Favorite contemporary author?

Difficult choice, but I’m going with Christelle Dabos.

Favorite historical author?

Does Ursula K. Le Guin count? If we’re going with someone from before the twentieth century, then Jules Verne.

Shiraki Press opinion: Ursula K. Le Guin ALWAYS counts.

What character do you wish was real?

Can I go with the entire cast of the Mass Effect trilogy? If I must pick one, Garrus Vakarian.

What fictional world do you wish you could inhabit?

The world of The Mirror Visitor by Christelle Dabos. I want to explore all the arks!

What are your favorite qualities in a story?

Clarity, prose that flows seamlessly and supports the story without making it about itself, complex characters with depth, and a solid, engaging plot — plot, plot, plot!

What’s your go to reading snack/drink?

Herbal tea.

Where do you like to read?

In my bed. There’s no better place. The second best place is the shuttle I take to the office for my (*sigh*) 90-minute commute. Not the most comfortable, but I have nothing better to do while I’m riding it, so I get a lot of reading done there.

What story fundamentally changed you?

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin. I don’t think it changed me as a person, but it changed me as a writer. I could say the same about a lot of other books by N.K. Jemisin.

What genre would you like to write in that is outside your comfort zone?

Thriller! I dabbled a little bit in it with Bright City, Shattered which is a cassettepunk mystery. One day I would love to write a proper thriller, either a contemporary supernatural thriller or a sci-fi thriller.

What’s your favorite sentence or quote from this (your Shiraki Press) story?

“Your story begins with death.” I just love this opening sentence.

What’s your idea of happiness?

Reading on the couch during winter with a warm blanket, my cat cuddling with me, and rain outside.