Fantasy Book Club discussion

Hi everyone Michael J. Sullivan has offered to answer some questions again, during this month's read.

Thank you again Michael.

You are very welcome! I'm glad to be here. For those who may not know, I'm going to stay out of the "Book Discussion" threads because I want people to be able to comment without feeling self-consious about my eyes peering over their shoulder.

So, if you have a question or comment that you want me to see, you'll have to repost it in this thread. Sorry to make extra work for anyone, I just don't want to make those in the main threads uncomfortable by my prescense.

Hey Michael, Jarek from Poland. I am just finishing up the secod book in the broken empire trilogy and Ian loving every bit of it:) my question is how did you come up with the idea for the world in this series it being what it is?
I be never read anything like it before

Michael, I have to say that your books are so will thought out and written it makes it really hard to even come up with a question. So, I'll just give you complements and praise. You were always one of my top four favorite authors, the others being Jim Butcher, Neil Gaiman and Brandon Sanderson, but with the Age of Myth you have become my favorite. Your placement of adventure, drama and humor throughout the story is, for lack of a better word, perfect. Just the thought of four other books after this one makes me laugh out loud with joy. It really is a pleasure to read your books and I must say it really is a honor to have you answer questions for the FBC.

Hey Jarek, The Broken Empire Trilogy is written by fellow author Mark Lawrence, so you'll need to ask him about how he came up with it. Glad to hear you are enjoying his books though!

Hey Tnkw01 -complements and praise works for me. Butcher, Gaiman, and Sanderson is some AMAZING company to be in. You honor me with that company and I'm beyond thrilled with the favorite authors status. To be honest, I always wonder how I "stack up" against "real authors" as I'm a self-taught nobody. So thanks for the ego boost.

It's even better than you think as the series will now be six books in total (so five more to come). I've been working on edits in book #4 - #6 over the last few months and it became apparent that I was "smooching" together two books. With the restructure there is a natural climax/break point so I've listened to my inner voice and expanded the series. Should be done with edits for book #6 in the next few weeks.

Michael, this is my first M. J. Sullivan book I read. I'm half way through and really enjoying it. There is although a question that keeps picking at my mind as I keep forward...
So you have build up a world full of clans (or at least 10 that are composed of humans). Right at the beginning you show the strenght of the Dureyan Clan, and make preety clear that they are the only clan that have some kind of capabilities on fighting (as a matter of fact, they are said to fight in Gods Wars or something like that), they are violent people and they are the unique ones to hold weapons such as swords.
So the question is how is it that they havn't tried (and utterly done) to conquest the other clans by means of war, violence and submission. It seems like the natural thing to do despite the kind of world as they "are" humans, and they can not lack the desire of glory and power that comes from conquering other worlds, countries, empires, towns or... Clans.
Thanks a lot for being here and answering our questions.
Cheers!

Michael iam such an ass. I have no idea why I posted that in this thread. So sorry. I have started the riyria revelations recently and am on avempartha and I fell in love with your characters from the first pages.

@Javier, I'm go glad you are enjoying your read of Age of Myth, I'm so pleased with the reception it's getting.

The Dureyan are indeed skilled fighters but they channel their aggression toward the Gula-Rhune (with whom they have been warring with under the supervision of the Fhrey). The real purpose for the conflict is to keep the numbers of Rhunes low and that is accomplished well enough fighting the nearest clan (again the Gula). They Fhrey like having the clans separated as the other clans are content to live in their small spheres of influence. If the Dureyans were to contemplate fighting one of the more peaceful clans, the Fhrey would direct them toward their neighbors to the north (Gula). Maybe if they weren't under the thumb of the Fhrey they would consider such notions, but as they are primarily the "military arm" of the Rhunes it's the Fhrey that call the shots and they are fine with pitting Gula Rhunes and the fighters of Dureya. Thanks for asking.

@Jarek - no need to apologize. It's hard keeping all the books and authors straight. Glad to hear you started the Riyria Revelation series. When you are done with it (assuming you read through Heir of Novron, I'd love to hear what you think and answer any questions you may have.

Michael wrote: "Hey Tnkw01 -complements and praise works for me. Butcher, Gaiman, and Sanderson is some AMAZING company to be in. You honor me with that company and I'm beyond thrilled with the favorite authors st..."

Wow, 6 books! That's great. Looking forward to them. However, I believe you are selling yourself short. You may be self-taught but you are definitely NOT a nobody. I truly believe you are a rising star in the fantasy book world. With that being said, I do have a question. Have you been approached about making a movie with any of your books?

Hi Michael,
I read Riyria Revealations recently and sword-fighting scenes descriptions were looking very authentic in books. My question is how do you describe sword-fighting scenes so perfectly ?

Tnkw01 wrote: "Wow, 6 books! That's great. Looking forward to them.>

I'm really pleased now with the end of the series. It's taken quite a bit of restructuring but it's definitely been for the better.

Tnkw01 wrote: "However, I believe you are selling yourself short. You may be self-taught but you are definitely NOT a nobody. I truly believe you are a rising star in the fantasy book world.

Well, it pleases me to think you feel that way ;-). I'm very happy with my career, but I do think I'm an "upstart" that may prove worthy someday.

Tnkw01 wrote: "With that being said, I do have a question. Have you been approached about making a movie with any of your books?."

There have been inquiries, many along the lines of "are the rights still available for..." but then months and even years go by with no more heard from them so I'm sure the lead is a cold one. Step #1 is having someone option the work, and only a very few % of those optioned get made. I've not even reached the option stage. But wishing is free so I'll keep on with a positive outlook.

Palash wrote: "I read Riyria Revealations recently and sword-fighting scenes descriptions were looking very authentic in books. My question is how do you describe sword-fighting scenes so perfectly ?"

Lol, I don't know that I do ;-). I've had people who ARE into martial arts that say they are on point (no pun intended), and that is great, of course. I've done research, but I don't fence or in any other way use swords. I'm just trying to write a "story" within the fight. Glad it seems to be working.

I'm a first-time reader of your work, as well, and I absolutely loved Age of Myth! I loved the characters (especially Malcolm, Suri, and the women of Dahl Rhen), the plot, the plot-twists just when I had begun to grow complacent and was least expecting them -- but I think I enjoyed your sense of humor (I interrupted my husband's work-day several times to share funny passages with him -- we both got a kick out of the eye sickness of Dahl Rhen and the temperament of beech trees -- and now he's all excited to read the book, as well) and the dialogue the most. I read a lot of fantasy, and while I don't particularly dislike the traditional old English you often find the characters using in fantasy novels, it was really refreshing to read a fantasy novel that used modern English. Out of curiosity, is there a reason you chose to write Age of Myth using more modern English?

Thanks for answering our questions and for sharing your book with the world! It was a blast to read and I'm looking forward to picking up the Riyria books, as well. :)

Hey Taylor, thanks for writing. Please tell your husband I said hello and hope that he enjoys the book.

All my book (Legends and Riyria) use modern English. There are several reasons for this.

1. My goal is to put as little obstacles as possible between the reader and the story. Writing in vernacular that we are all familiar with makes it an easy read as you don't have to try to do mental translations of words between what we are used to and "Old English."

2. If you lived in the day and age when Old English was the norm, then people would be using a common vernacular that we all understand. My theory is just because we are reading about characters that seem to be from another time period, it's really a fictional world of my creation so I can do what I want ;-) Again making it easy to read was my goal.

3. Sometimes I think the "old English" sounds too formal and tends to distance the reader from the character. Updating it allows it to flow really effortlessly.

I should not that I've been nicked several times by people who find the "modern English" distracting and "breaks the mood." But I do like the technique so I'll continue to utilize it.

Thanks for asking, and glad you are interested in the Riyria books as well - please let me know what you thought of them when you are done.

There have been inquiries, many along the lines of "are the rights still available for..." but then months and even years go by with no more heard

I suppose part of the problem is our choice of genre, fantasy requires cgi on top of all the usual filming stuff which makes it expensive. Then you have the problem of keeping the story as a part of a series or rewriting it to make it a one off to attract more film-goers.

That said, if they don't get a move on, I'll have to rethink the actors!

Michael, you are not an upstart! You've written amazing books that have entertained me, kept me up into the small hours and had me reaching for the next part in desperation to find out what happens next.

You have changed my opinion on writers; I now see that they are people not just the producers of my books. Which I'm sure they'll all appreciate as that means I've learnt patience rather than demanding the next book - they've had a year, what are they doing!! Although, thanks for not making me wait ;)

Plus, speaking as a mod too, you interact with us and answer questions in detail. And let's face it, you must get asked the same ones over and over.

Upstart! I think not.

Helen wrote: "Michael, you are not an upstart! You've written amazing books that have entertained me, kept me up into the small hours and had me reaching for the next part in desperation to find out what happens..."

Helen, you put it so eloquently. Michael, what she says is so true. But the ratings of your books show that there are many people out there that agree strongly. Thank you again for being a part of the FBC.

:D

So I just finished the book. And have a few questions.

The first being is Trilos a person that also goes by the name of Yolric? It was him or Kile, but his comment about boulders tipped me in Yolric's favour given his... obsession. Which I presume finds connection with The Door.

And honestly, what is Trilos? Because at first I thought he could be an elf, but that's doubtful now given his very long reach. But given his quest, he likely isn't a god either. But he is something more than just an immortal's foil. Or is he?

And what are the odds we'll see Kile (or did we already?), given the fun Trilos is encouraging? Will we discover more about both these creatures in this series?

Chapter 17 was like a fun easter egg for me to find as a Riyria reader. Like finding Hoid in the Cosmere. So thank you for that.

Helen wrote: "I suppose part of the problem is our choice of genre, fantasy requires cgi on top of all the usual filming stuff which makes it expensive. Then you have the problem of keeping the story as a part of a series or rewriting it to make it a one off to attract more film-goers. That said, if they don't get a move on, I'll have to rethink the actors!."

I don't think the CGI is the issue...the issue is the books aren't top sellers. Don't get me wrong, they do very well. Just not well enough to attract Hollywood's attention.

Helen wrote: "Michael, you are not an upstart! You've written amazing books that have entertained me, kept me up into the small hours and had me reaching for the next part in desperation to find out what happens next."

Well, I'm glad you feel that way Helen. My first "big-five" book only came out in 2011 so less than five years. To me, upstart category is for people who (a) have yet to sell a million copies, (b) don't have have 10 books out, and (c) haven't been releasing for more than a decade.

As I've said elsewhere, I'm very happy with how things have gone so far, but by keeping my head squarely on my shoulders I'll continue to strive to do even better.

Tnkw01 wrote: Helen, you put it so eloquently. Michael, what she says is so true. But the ratings of your books show that there are many people out there that agree strongly. Thank you again for being a part of the FBC."

I am honored by the high rankings my books have received. No complaints on that front whatsoever. I'm so glad to be a part of FBC. Thanks for having me!!

Grace wrote: "So I just finished the book. And have a few questions.

The first being is Trilos a person that also goes by the name of Yolric? It was him or Kile, but his comment about boulders tipped me in Yolric's favour given his... obsession. Which I presume finds connection with The Door.

It's a reasonable theory...and it's not the first time I heard it. I'm not going to answer it now, but I will say I won't leave you in the dark, all will be made clear by the end of the series.

Grace wrote: "And honestly, what is Trilos? Because at first I thought he could be an elf, but that's doubtful now given his very long reach. But given his quest, he likely isn't a god either. But he is something more than just an immortal's foil. Or is he?

Do you REALLY want me to answer that...okay so he's .... ah no. Part of figuring all that out is part of the fun of the book. I'm not going to spoil it ;-)

Grace wrote: "And what are the odds we'll see Kile (or did we already?), given the fun Trilos is encouraging? Will we discover more about both these creatures in this series?

Yes, you'll learn more about "these creatures" though the course of the series. To put it in terms of "the Art" - you are touching primary chords that are the basis of the series.

Grace wrote:Chapter 17 was like a fun easter egg for me to find as a Riyria reader. Like finding Hoid in the Cosmere. So thank you for that. ."

Glad you liked it! Putting in some Easter eggs for Riyria readers is fun to do. It has to be done carefully, so there is no "requirement" to read Riyria, but for those that do read both - bonus stuff!!

Michael wrote: "Glad you liked it! Putting in some Easter eggs for Riyria readers is fun to do. It has to be done carefully, so there is no "requirement" to read Riyria, but for those that do read both - bonus stuff!!"

Speaking of carefully, how often do you have to stop yourself when writing Age or even the Riyria Chronicles in order to keep your books from being too confusing for new readers? How do you find that mindset that allows for you to be mindful of those first-timers, given that you yourself well... aren't a first-timer?

it was both honourable and generous of you to be so considerate of first-time readers, not just in this book but in The Crown Tower as well. Why in particular is it important for you to be this inclusive with your series, given your existing base which could arguably afford you to not have to be so careful while constructing it?

Grace wrote: "Speaking of carefully, how often do you have to stop yourself when writing Age or even the Riyria Chronicles in order to keep your books from being too confusing for new readers? How do you find that mindset that allows for you to be mindful of those first-timers, given that you yourself well... aren't a first-timer?

It's a tightrope, that's for sure. I do have a lot of help. My wife (Robin) is my alpha reader and she's always acting as an advocate for both new and existing readers. But the biggest help probably comes form beta readers. I have both people who are new and those who are experienced, so I get input from both sets. That's saved my butt more than a few times.

Grace wrote: "it was both honourable and generous of you to be so considerate of first-time readers, not just in this book but in The Crown Tower as well. Why in particular is it important for you to be this inclusive with your series, given your existing base which could arguably afford you to not have to be so careful while constructing it? ."

It just makes good sense. I have no control over what book people start with so I have to take that into account. My goal is, of course, for them to have a good reading experience so that they'll want to read the others. The best way to do that is to be mindful that the experience has to be a good one for both new and existing readers. I don't mind the extra care it takes - in fact it's one of the things I enjoy. If given the choice I'll take the tougher road over the easier one. If nothing else it builds character.