Ask Me Anything (AMA) says New York Times and USA Today bestselling fantasy author Michael J. Sullivan!

[u/MichaelJSullivan]

Hello /r/books! I'm excited to be here, especially given this is the release day for my latest (and 15th) published novel, Age of Legend. My works include:

• Riyria Revelations (The Crown Conspiracy, Avempartha, Nyphron Rising, The Emerald Storm, Wintertide and Percepliquis). These books were published by a small press and through self-publishing from 2008 through 2010. Then the series was picked up by Orbit (the fantasy imprint of Hachette Book Group) and re-released as three, two-book omnibus titles: Theft of Swords, Rise of Empire, and Heir of Novron.
• My second series, The Riyria Chronicles, was created because people wanted more of the tales of Royce Melborn (a cynical ex-assassin) and an optimistic ex-mercenary (Hadrian Blackwater). The first two books (The Crown Tower and The Rose and the Thorn) were also released by Orbit in 2013, and the most recent two books of that series (The Death of Dulgath and The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter) were self-published in 2015 and 2018.
• My third series is Legends of the First Empire and the first three books were released by Del Rey (a fantasy imprint of Penguin Random House. This includes Age of Myth (2016), Age of Swords (2017), Age of War (2018, and as of today Age of Legend (which has been self-published). The last two books of this series are written and Age of Death will come out Feb 2, 2020, and Age of Empyre on May 5, 2020.
• My only non-fantasy book was Hollow World (published in 2014 by Tachyon Publications). It's a time-travel sci-fi thriller which harkens back to the day of Heinlein, Asimov, and Wells.

As you can see from my background I've done a bit of everything, small press, big-five, and self-publishing. I also have run several of the most-successful fiction Kickstarters of all time, been nominated for seven Goodreads Choice Awards, and made the New York Times, USA Today, and the Washington Post's bestseller lists. Oh, and I have nearly 100 books published in 16 different foreign languages and have audiobooks narrated by the amazing Tim Gerard Reynolds.

Wow, that's a long introduction. But I'm here to answer questions about anything: writing, reading, publishing, or the habits of just about any North American bird - yeah, I'm into birding. So, please drop me a question, I'd love to chat.

Oh, and places you can find me: twitter | Goodreads | First Empire Blog | Riyria Blog | Facebook

Proof: /img/g23ud72675931.jpg

[u/aerialls]

Hi Michael. Thanks for your books. Huge fan!

- I know you already answered this question on Goodreads but it was a couple years ago. Do you have any plan to write after The Riyria Revelations?

- Is it difficult to self-publish?

[u/MichaelJSullivan → u/aerialls]

Hey, I'm glad you like them.

• Regarding post-Riyria Revelations - as you already know I really like how that series wrapped up, and my reluctance to "go forward" in time was due to me me being protective of that ending. That's why when people wanted more time with Royce and Hadrian, I went backward in time to show how the pair met. That said, now that I've written Legends (and I'm halfway through another series (The Rise and the Fall) which sandwiches nicely between the two series, it makes me more willing to "go further" forward in the timeline to explore some other aspects that have come up since Revelations concluded. That's a long way of saying, it "might" be something to explore whereas before I would have said no. The issue is "how far." I'm sure many people want to pick up where I left off, but I'm also thinking there are two or three better choices that would be "further out." Bottom line, I won't know for sure until I actually get through the books I'm currently working on, and with three full series laid out, I'll have a better notion. So stay tuned.

• Self-publishing is certainly harder (for most people) than traditional publishing. Why? Because with traditional you have a full team of people to do the hundreds of tasks that go into making a final product. For me, however, traditional is actually harder because other people have control over things that would be easier to do if I hire the people doing them (cover designs, copy editing, pricing). Since I already have a really great hand-picked team, and because I've done it so many times, it's actually easier when I keep hold of the reins. But as I said that's "me" and most people won't be so well suited to the task. Now some people will point out, "Yeah but ANYONE can self-publish, so it must be easy." And technically that is true, but there is a big difference between hitting the "publish button" and creating a product that stands toe-to-toe with those books put out by traditional publishers. Personally, I don't see any reason to do the former, and the later is, as I already mentioned, quite challenging for most people.

[u/jauerbach]

Congratulations on the release of Age of Legends! I finished it a few weeks ago (hooray Kickstarter campaign) and it is a great addition to the series.

If you had to cast a Legends of the First Empire movie, who would play Suri?

[u/anthempt3]

Hi Michael! I am a huge fan of The Legends of the First Empire, it's easily one of my favorite ongoing fantasy series and I'm super excited to read your other works. I didn't know about Hollow World with Heinlein being one of my all time favorite authors I am extra excited to give that a shot.

I am also a big fan of the author Brian McClellan, who I know is currently struggling to find a title for his book.

Obviously with LotFE you have a pattern going which, in my opinion, help me relate even more to each book (so far) after finishing them.

What I'm curious about is how much weight you put into creating a strong title? and what/how long is the process of coming up with a title usually like for you?

[u/[deleted]]

Hi Michael! Huge fan of your work and the worlds you invite us into! I started with Riyria and could not, and still can’t, stop recommending it to friends, family, and others. I stumbled across your writing unexpectedly and it’s been such a treat for a self-proclaimed bibliophile. So for that, I deeply thank you.

1. What is/are your favorite book/s?

2. What does your creative process look like? How long do you stew with an idea, character, or story before it comes to life in any format?

[u/WGKeaton]

Congratulations on release day. I was excited to back the kickstarter for this project. I enjoyed reading the ebook ans started listening to Tim Reynolds narration this morning.

My question is do you have any updates on when we might be expecting to be able to kick start future projects, like the Bridgebooks? Or Drumindor?

[u/FayePixie]

Not a question, but I wanted to let you know that the Riyria series changed my world forever. I read the last book in one day and was bawling my eyes out at the end. Thank you for your books, which helped me out of my depression as a teen. Riyria will forever be my favourite series.

[u/VashGordon]

I am a big fan of Legends of the first empire, I stumbled upon them a few months ago and have been hooked ever since. However it is my only exposure to your setting so far. Do you recommend continuing on with the first empire series or would a reader be better served starting with one of your other two series?

[u/cdbriggs → u/VashGordon]

As someone who discovered all of his series this past year, I strongly recommend his other series as well. I'm just about finishing his 2nd Revelations book (I've already finished all the Chronicles) and it's been a fantastic experience.

[u/bdfariello]

Why isn't the ebook available on Google Play Books? I'm trying to quit Amazon, and I saw it available on Apple and Nook too

Is it just a delay (I see the first three books on Google Play, as well as the audiobook for Age Of Legend) or do I have to cave and buy it through Amazon?

[u/chocolate-merman]

Congratulations on your release!!

I have questions about your writing: What is your process for writing a novel? Do you find it difficult to stay interested and engaged with the same characters and storyline through each novel? What about across a series?

[u/bdfariello]

Okay, just finished Age Of Legend yesterday -- not sure if you're still following this thread, but can't hurt to ask.

I have never read the original Riyria series. Age Of Myth was a recommendation based on my recent reading history. I had planned on waiting until the Prequels completed before diving into the originals, but now the Bonus Chapter for Age Of Legend is Chapter 1 of the original series. This makes me wonder whether knowledge of later events will enhance my enjoyment of the prequels' conclusions.

So here's my question: What is your recommendation for people like me that never read the original series? Finish 5+6 before reading the original, or read the original before continuing with 5+6 when they get released?

[u/gearmaro1]

Hello, your books are right up my alley of fun fantasy, so thank you.

Is it hard for you to make the decision to ruin a sympathetic character’s day/life? (Talking about Suri here... you monster! She’s been through enough, leave her alone!)

[u/[deleted]]

Hey Michael! I love your books and am currently reading Rise of Empire. I know you started out self-publishing, but I would love to know what steps you took to that route. Did you hire an editor, or a few editors, when you first self-published? How many revisions did The Crown Conspiracy go through before you knew it was up to par?

[u/TunaTownExpress]

Oh shit! Love your work man, the Riyria Revelations is favorite of mine. I think I've re-read it at least 8 times. It's one of the first books I bought a paper copy of instead of just using my kindle. Thanks for the good times and great fantasy my dude!

[u/Phoofwife]

Love all the Riyira books!!! You are an amazing writer.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/illwill18]

Hi Michael, big fan, we've traded emails before, thank you for being so open to fans and an all around good dude.

• I'd love a book/series dedicated to the Black Diamond, before Royce, during Royce, post Royce, a real thievery/skullduggery centered series, have you considered this?

• Will "the Rise and the Fall" series involve more Esrahaddon? I really liked that character and felt like there was A LOT of story left to tell there, he met such a sudden end, it left me wanting a lot more

• How awesome is Tim G in person? With your series and Pierce Brown's Red Rising series, I'm a huge fan needless to say, he seem's like such an amazing guy, any cool stories?

[u/Daniellejmc]

I've just finished rereading the whole series and its so much better the second time. So much detail and connections that I had missed. I'm curious about the missing years of the Riyria team? For example, I know they were in prison for a year when Mercedes was born and there are many other hinted at adventures that I would love to read about. Do you have any plans write more Royce & Hadrian adventures?

[u/[deleted]]

Hello Michael, I really enjoyed your series! I currently really enjoy writing larger books which I have had to drop in favor of smaller standalones or trilogies because I have repeatedly been told that agents don’t accept large, epic stories with 5+ volumes from debut writers. Would you recommend me self publishing the larger stories or try to break in the traditional industry with the smaller ones? Thanks!

[u/PBJLlama]

I'm late to the party, but I wanted to say I loved Riryia Revelations (I plan to start Chronicles soon). I found Royce to be an incredibly interesting character, and I'm curious if you had any particular inspiration for him from other media/real people.

[u/ElenMenel]

Hello Michael :) Firstly congrats on the official release of Age of legends - already read it thanks to Kickstarter and I loved it, thought I'm now anxious about the next Age of death :) Someone may asked you, but I was wondering if there's a possibility to have an illustrated edition to all of yours Ellan books - Riyria (both Chrnocles and Revelations), Legends of the First Empire and what's coming next. In my mind Harry Potter illustrated editions looks lovely and I think Riyria and Legends would look gorgeous in that format. I would definitely back such a project and I think a lot of fans as well :)

[u/[deleted]]

[u/ShawnSpeakman]

When you self-publish, how do you decide on the best illustration for the cover? Is Marc Simonetti returning to do art duties on Age of Death?

[u/cleverscreennamehere]

Do you have or have you heard of an assistant or something that writers bounce ideas off of? I’ve always wanted to help create stories and I’m just wondering if there’s a position that helps writers with the creative process?