Leia
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi! I love your books, especially Hollow World. As an aspiring writer I was wondering when you got into writing and if you knew which book was the right book for publication?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Leia,
I've always wanted to be an author, even as a kid. I used to type out stories on my sisters portable typewriter and then make covers out of construction paper and bind it all together with yarn. That being said, I never really thought it would be possible to do so though as I was terrible with spelling. In high school I would write stories for my friends and they coined the term "Sulli-speak" for words I had mangled beyond recognition. I kid you not I spelled evil wrong and it only had 4 letters!
I'd say any "serious" writing started when I was nineteen. At the time I was teaching myself to write by reading a particular author, and studying what he was doing and why. I had no intention on publishing those initial works...they were really just me teaching myself how to write.
At around novel number eight I thought I was pretty good and so I started submitting them. It didn't get picked up, nor did the next one, and so on. I eventually gave up figuring that none of them were "good enough" and I was just wasting my time. It wasn't until a decade later that I tried writing again. I did so only on the condition that I wouldn't try publishing, and instead just write something for myself and some friends. It was after my wife read the third book that she decided they really did need to "get out there." I told her I wouldn't jump back on the query-go-round, but if she wanted to - she could go ahead. At that point she took over all the submitting work to agents and working with publishers aspects. It's hard to say when a book is "right" for publication. The books I eventually broke in with were rejected by everyone, then accepted by a small press, and later self-published. Once it had a following we resubmitted them and this time they got a much different reception.
I guess the best thing I can say is submit a work, see what kind of feedback you get, but write the next one while you are waiting to hear...there is always difficult to know which books are "good enough" and which should be stuck in a drawer...but the more you write the easier it becomes to tell the difference.
Thanks for asking!
I've always wanted to be an author, even as a kid. I used to type out stories on my sisters portable typewriter and then make covers out of construction paper and bind it all together with yarn. That being said, I never really thought it would be possible to do so though as I was terrible with spelling. In high school I would write stories for my friends and they coined the term "Sulli-speak" for words I had mangled beyond recognition. I kid you not I spelled evil wrong and it only had 4 letters!
I'd say any "serious" writing started when I was nineteen. At the time I was teaching myself to write by reading a particular author, and studying what he was doing and why. I had no intention on publishing those initial works...they were really just me teaching myself how to write.
At around novel number eight I thought I was pretty good and so I started submitting them. It didn't get picked up, nor did the next one, and so on. I eventually gave up figuring that none of them were "good enough" and I was just wasting my time. It wasn't until a decade later that I tried writing again. I did so only on the condition that I wouldn't try publishing, and instead just write something for myself and some friends. It was after my wife read the third book that she decided they really did need to "get out there." I told her I wouldn't jump back on the query-go-round, but if she wanted to - she could go ahead. At that point she took over all the submitting work to agents and working with publishers aspects. It's hard to say when a book is "right" for publication. The books I eventually broke in with were rejected by everyone, then accepted by a small press, and later self-published. Once it had a following we resubmitted them and this time they got a much different reception.
I guess the best thing I can say is submit a work, see what kind of feedback you get, but write the next one while you are waiting to hear...there is always difficult to know which books are "good enough" and which should be stuck in a drawer...but the more you write the easier it becomes to tell the difference.
Thanks for asking!
More Answered Questions
Tabbycatz
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi Michael, Just wanted to let you know I cannot wait for some new books, please hurry I am having withdrawal. I know you don't like giving things away but if you can say will their be any more Hadrian and Royce this year? I also loved Hollow world and would love a sequel any plans on that?
Thomas Olivent
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Have you thought about donating (or have already donated) your time or some merchandise to the Worldbuilders Fundraising event? I'd love to see an ARC or first draft signed by you or have the chance to get some Limited Edition Riyria copies from the lottery. Just some thoughts. :P
MellonFriend
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hello again, I am considering buying a paperback edition directly from you. You previously said in an answer to another person that paperbacks were available for preorder on your website. I seem to be able to put a paperback edition in my cart. Does this mean they are not on preorder anymore? And does the signed option cost anything in addition? Also will these paperbacks match the pervious orbit editions? Thanks!
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