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Michael J. Sullivan
Goodreads author profile
url
http://www.goodreads.com/MichaelJSullivan
born
in Detroit, MI, The United States
gender
male
website
twitter username
genre
influences
member since
October 2008
About this author
After finding a manual typewriter in the basement of a friend's house, Michael inserted a blank piece of paper and typed: It was a dark and stormy night and a shot rang out. He was just eight years old at the time. But the desire to fill the blank page and see what doors the typewriter keys would unlock wouldn't let him go. For ten years Michael developed his craft by studying authors such as Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck...just to name a few. During that time he wrote twelve novels, and after finding no traction in publishing, he quit and vowed never to write creatively again.
Michael discovered that never is a very long time, and he ended his hiatus from writing after a decade. The itch returned when he decided to crea...more
(This was originally written as a guest blog and published through Bookworm Blues on Dec 7th of 2012 as part of a promotion for the promotion for the Triumph Over Tragedy anthology created to benefit the victims of Hurricane Sandy. I'm reposting it here in case anyone missed it, and because I like to keep a copy of all my blogs in one place.)
When I graduated high school I had two career choic... Read more of this blog post »
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Theft of Swords (The Riyria Revelations, #1-2)
— published 2011 — 11 editions |
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Rise of Empire (The Riyria Revelations, #3-4)
— published 2009 — 8 editions |
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Heir of Novron (The Riyria Revelations, #5-6)
— published 2012 — 7 editions |
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The Crown Conspiracy (The Riyria Revelations, #1)
— published 2007 — 16 editions |
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Avempartha (The Riyria Revelations, #2)
— published 2009 — 12 editions |
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Nyphron Rising (The Riyria Revelations, #3)
— published 2009 — 8 editions |
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Wintertide (The Riyria Revelations, #5)
— published 2010 — 3 editions |
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The Emerald Storm (The Riyria Revelations, #4)
— published 2010 — 3 editions |
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Percepliquis (The Riyria Revelations, #6)
— published 2012 — 3 editions |
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The Viscount and the Witch (Riyria Chronicles, #1.5)
— published 2011 — 2 editions |
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Upcoming Events
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Greener Grass, an introduction to my new short story (Science Fiction & Fantasy)
1 chapters
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updated Jul 05, 2012 01:35pm
Description:
HE WANTED TO ESCAPE HIS PROBLEMS. HE WANTED TO SEE THE FUTURE. HE NEVER CONSIDERED WHAT THE FUTURE WANTED.
Confronted with suffering a painful death from cancer, Dan Sturges, a retired Ford’s engineer, foregoes treatments to try an idea of his own. After reading a theoretical article in Scientific American on time displacement, Dan builds a time machine in his garage. With nothing to lose but a few months of pain, Dan pins his hopes on a future where cancer might have been cured, or at least a quicker death by electrocution. How could he have known that what happens after he presses the button is more shocking than the eighteen car batteries he connected himself to?
Greener Grass is just $1.57 and can be bought at: <b><a href="<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Greener-Grass-science-fiction-ebook/dp/B008D272PI">Amazon</a></b> or <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/greener-grass-a-science-fiction-short-story-michael-j-sullivan/1111669096?ean=2940014697576"><b>Barnes and Noble</a>.</b>
If you are interested, please add [book: Greener Grass|15721093] to your shelves, as this will help me judge if doing more along those lines would be something that interests you. Also, if you do read the short, please consider taking this <a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6303914/"> one question poll</a> as I would like to know whether you think it might make a good future novel.
The Viscount and the Witch (Science Fiction & Fantasy)
1 chapters
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updated Oct 04, 2011 05:40am
Description:
This is a little (5,400 words) short story that is a prequel to my larger epic fantasy, The Riyria Revelations. I wrote this free short as a way of saying thank you to my fans to give them something to read while waiting for the upcoming release of Theft of Swords and Percepliquis. Here's a bit about the story:
Eleven years before they were framed for the murder of a king, before even assuming the title of Riyria, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater were practically strangers. Unlikely associates, this cynical thief and idealist swordsman, were just learning how to work together as a team. In this standalone first installment of The Riyria Chronicles, Royce is determined to teach his naive partner a lesson about good deeds. Join Royce and Hadrian in this short story (5,400 words) about one of their earliest adventures.
Avempartha (Science Fiction & Fantasy)
1 chapters
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updated Mar 29, 2010 04:36pm
Description:
<b>She hired them to save her father...the wizard had other plans.</b>
When a destitute young woman hires Royce and Hadrian to help save her remote village from nocturnal attacks, they are once more drawn into the schemes of the wizard Esrahaddon. While Royce struggles to breech the secrets of an ancient elven tower, Hadrian attempts to rally the villagers to defend themselves against the unseen killer. Once more, what begins with the simple theft of a sword places the two thieves at the center of a firestorm — but this time the outcome could change the future of Elan.
RECENT REVIEWS
<i>"Excellent followup to The Crown Conspiracy...Taking the series to the next level, Avempathra exceeded my (already high) expectations."</i> -- Liviu Reviewer for Fantasy Book Critic
Crown Conspiracy (Science Fiction & Fantasy)
1 chapters
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updated Feb 18, 2009 01:07am
Description:
They killed the king. They pinned it on two men. They chose poorly.
There is no ancient evil to defeat, no orphan destined for greatness, just two guys in the wrong place at the wrong time...Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles until they become the unwitting scapegoats in a plot to murder the king. Sentenced to death, they have only one way out…and so begins this epic tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend.
RECENT REVIEWS:
"Michael J. Sullivan has written a book I will read over and over again and it most definitely will always reside on my favorite’s shelf. " — ReaderViews
"A fast paced and riveting fantasy, "The Crown Conspiracy" is well worth reading." — Midwest Book Review
"There are so many layers to this story that to explain it in a few words is nigh impossible.” — Front Street Reviews
"The Crown Conspiracy is great fun and a romp end to end...Highly recommended and another positive surprise for 2008." — Fantasy Book Critic
"This is by far one of the most well written independent novels I have had the pleasure of reading. I highly recommend it to both lovers of fantasy, and also those who like stories along the lines of the King Arthur legends, and the tales of the Green Knight." — Odyssey Reviews
"This is the first of a six book series and the lucky ones will catch each as they are released. I can hardly wait for the next book, Avempartha! (April 2009). If it is half as good as this first story, then the author will have a winning series on his hands. Excellent!" — Huntress Reviews
"Great characters, delightful misdirection, good world building, and just the right amount of humor. If I had to describe this book with one word, that word would be fun!" — The Old Bat's Belfry
Michael's Recent Updates
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Runoff poll for #2 July book.
He
voted for:
The Ten Thousand
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Michael
made a comment on Michael's request for a recommendation
"Good point Timothy...I'm sad to say I've not yet spent time with his work and I need to. I backed his kickstarter for his third book so that gives me...more
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Please vote for the book you wish to read in our next group read. Must not be a book you have nominated yourself in the previous round. Apologies but...more
He
voted for:
 Doomsday Book by Connie Willis (ebook and pb)
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Michael
wants
to read:
I'm looking for modern fantasy (written after 2008) which avoids the dark and gritty that has become common as of late. I want to escape to a world that I would like to visit and get acquainted with characters whom I would want to have as friends.
Recommend a book »
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Michael
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I'm the author of this book, so I'm not going to do a rating but I did want to take just a moment to say a few words about what I was trying to do in this book. For those who don't know I wrote all six books in the series before publishing any of them...more |
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“Hadrian shook his head and sighed. “Why do you have to make everything so difficult? They’re probably not bad people—just poor. You know, taking what they need to buy a loaf of bread to feed their family. Can you begrudge them that? Winter is coming and times are hard.” He nodded his head in the direction of the thieves. “Right?”
“I ain’t got no family,” flat-nose replied. “I spend most of my coin on drink.”
“You’re not helping,” Hadrian said.”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Theft of Swords
“I ain’t got no family,” flat-nose replied. “I spend most of my coin on drink.”
“You’re not helping,” Hadrian said.”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Theft of Swords
“If this hast been done to language, I fear to know the fate of all else.”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Theft of Swords
― Michael J. Sullivan, Theft of Swords
Polls
Topics Mentioning This Author
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| Tips for Self Pro...: I don't want to be a saleman! | 5 | 53 | Oct 20, 2008 05:56am | |
| Artsy-Fartsy: Does anyone work with Adobe software? | 26 | 37 | Oct 21, 2008 06:08am | |
| Tips for Self Pro...: Book-Signing Experiences: The good the bad and the ugly | 8 | 67 | Oct 21, 2008 03:15pm | |
| Artsy-Fartsy: Love the group title | 41 | 31 | Nov 06, 2008 05:15am |
“Come for your revenge at last, elf?"
Royce stepped forward. He looked down at Thranic and then around the room. "How could I top possibly top this? Sealed alive in a tomb of rock. My only regret is that I had nothing to do with it”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Heir of Novron
Royce stepped forward. He looked down at Thranic and then around the room. "How could I top possibly top this? Sealed alive in a tomb of rock. My only regret is that I had nothing to do with it”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Heir of Novron
“If this hast been done to language, I fear to know the fate of all else.”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Theft of Swords
― Michael J. Sullivan, Theft of Swords
“Hadrian shook his head and sighed. “Why do you have to make everything so difficult? They’re probably not bad people—just poor. You know, taking what they need to buy a loaf of bread to feed their family. Can you begrudge them that? Winter is coming and times are hard.” He nodded his head in the direction of the thieves. “Right?”
“I ain’t got no family,” flat-nose replied. “I spend most of my coin on drink.”
“You’re not helping,” Hadrian said.”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Theft of Swords
“I ain’t got no family,” flat-nose replied. “I spend most of my coin on drink.”
“You’re not helping,” Hadrian said.”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Theft of Swords
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Comments (showing 1-37)
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message 37:
by
Michael
Mar 31, 2013 09:57am
@Gamedoll - sorry I missed your comment earlier...There is the possibility for more stories after the end of Riyria Revelations, but probably not "immediately after" - If I do write more it would probably be far into the future when most of the deeds of those in Revelations have become myth or memory.
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Marjorie wrote: "I think I'm a few titles early. With only one novel out, it's hard to have a "following" and without a following, there's no "crowd" for the "crowdfunding." But this definitely is a method that will work in the future for bring art directly to its audience, no middlemen directing it."Majorie, I think you may be suffering from something that I see in a lot of new self-published authors...impatience. You've only been out for a year and when I was in a similar situation I wasn't too much different than you are now. Trying to compare where you are now..and where I am now is apples and oranges. Just keep writing quality, and working to get noticed and you'll be fine.
Here is a link that might help you out.
An Author's Guide to Self-Promotion
Thanks for the friending, Michael, and the well-wishes on the Kickstarter for Raif's Story. Mine's doing a very slow burn compared to yours and I still am not convinced I'll make my goal but it was so worth the try! I've learned a lot throughout the process of putting together the Kickstarter and that alone is worth something. I'm also still betting your Kickstarter for Hollow World might just top out close to $23k--and that's amazing, for all of us Indie Authors. It states that there's a new model for publishing that works as well as the old one. It's all a matter of timing.
I think I'm a few titles early. With only one novel out, it's hard to have a "following" and without a following, there's no "crowd" for the "crowdfunding." But this definitely is a method that will work in the future for bring art directly to its audience, no middlemen directing it.
Sorry to bug you but it seem like there could be more to the series ( I just finish reading the last pages). couldn't but to ask since I'm totally curious about you know who at the end.
Gamedoll wrote: "thanks so much for accepting my friend request. I'm really enjoying your book. I love Royce and Hadrian! By far they are my favorite characters. I totally adore them."Great! I'm glad you have been having a good time with them.
thanks so much for accepting my friend request. I'm really enjoying your book. I love Royce and Hadrian! By far they are my favorite characters. I totally adore them.
Lucinda wrote: "Dear Michael,I would like to thank you so much for being my friend here on GoodReads, which is an honor and a delight! I am a huge fan of 'The Riyria Revelations' and just love your work as an avid reader of the fantasy genre. Thank you so very much once again.
Kind Regards
Lucinda"
Thank you Lucinda. Always good to know that an avid fantasy reader enjoys the works - I never "really" know whether they "stack up" or not.
Dear Michael,I would like to thank you so much for being my friend here on GoodReads, which is an honor and a delight! I am a huge fan of 'The Riyria Revelations' and just love your work as an avid reader of the fantasy genre. Thank you so very much once again.
Kind Regards
Lucinda x
Ruby wrote: "Hi Michael - I keep moving Libriomancer down my "to read" list in lieu of other more appealing selections. I noticed you're currently reading it. How do you like it so far?"Unfortuantely I started it and then the whole "writing gig" needed some attention so I'm not very far to be able to give an infrormed decision - but I did like what I've read so far.
Hi Michael - I keep moving Libriomancer down my "to read" list in lieu of other more appealing selections. I noticed you're currently reading it. How do you like it so far?
Tood wrote: "I'm just about to start Viscount and the Witch, although it's been hard to find reading time. I read the author's note and just wanted to say, you're a quality A guy, thanks for writing."Well thank you...Viscount is actually a pretty short story - you should be through it in no time. I hope you enjoy.
I'm just about to start Viscount and the Witch, although it's been hard to find reading time. I read the author's note and just wanted to say, you're a quality A guy, thanks for writing.
Lynxie wrote: "Well, you know you've made it when a random person in a random cafe in Canberra, Australia is reading the paperback version of your book and one of your tribe notices! How about that?!? That's AMAZING!! I wish I has been there to see it. Always wanted to find someone reading my books. Maybe someday.
Lynxie wrote: "Hi Michael, just wanted to let you know I've blogged about you! I don't have many followers yet, but I'm hoping a few of my readers can enjoy your Riyria Revelation series as much as I did!"Hey Lynxie - I just saw this for the first time...sorry I wasn't ignoring you. Thanks much for blogging about Riyria. Great things from little acorns and all.
Hi Michael, just wanted to let you know I've blogged about you! I don't have many followers yet, but I'm hoping a few of my readers can enjoy your Riyria Revelation series as much as I did!Michael J. Sullivan ~ Shout out http://wp.me/p2GiAs-1e @Author_Sullivan
Well, you know you've made it when a random person in a random cafe in Canberra, Australia is reading the paperback version of your book and one of your tribe notices! How about that?!? It made me smile that someone else here gets to enjoy your work Michael! Theft of swords is making itself known in the capital of Australia! :D
El Guapo wrote: "ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR BOOKS! AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!! I've been telling people to leave me alone while I'm reading and get frustrated at my boss when he starts asking me to actually work instead of reading your novels. I keep telling all my friends to pick up your books!They're soooo much fun to read! You're brilliant!
THANK YOU"
No, thank you! What a wonderful thing to say. I'm glad that you have enjoyed them. Can't ask for anything more than that, but that being said...I really appreciate you recommending to your friends. As to your boss...well sometimes they can be very picky about the silliest things - which is why I'm glad I don't have to have one...but I know that is only because of nice people like you!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR BOOKS! AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!! I've been telling people to leave me alone while I'm reading and get frustrated at my boss when he starts asking me to actually work instead of reading your novels. I keep telling all my friends to pick up your books! They're soooo much fun to read! You're brilliant!
THANK YOU
Interestingly enough...On Dalglish's Amazon Author's page I'm listed as the #1 author that cross sells with his work - so we share common readers - but have much differnt takes on style.
"Actually I'm reading his "Paladin" series - because I tend to not like "grim and dark" which as I understand it describes his other stories. "Grim and dark is an understatement with that guy. You also forgot GORY! He doesn't skimp on the details when it comes to how people die lol.
Isaac wrote: "Dude you're reading David Dalglish? May I ask which book/s you're reading and what you thought? I think the primary word I'd use to describe his stories is "brutal" lol. That guy can imagine some d..."Actually I'm reading his "Paladin" series - because I tend to not like "grim and dark" which as I understand it describes his other stories.
Dude you're reading David Dalglish? May I ask which book/s you're reading and what you thought? I think the primary word I'd use to describe his stories is "brutal" lol. That guy can imagine some downright crazy scenes.
Derrick wrote: "I just got Theft of Swords and Rise of Empire from the SFBC today.I LOVE having your books in hardcover. I will probably never read them [as I have already bought and read the ebooks from you], bu..."
That's great and you are one up on me because I don't have those yet myself. Been waiting to get my hands on them. Glad to know they have shipped.
I just got Theft of Swords and Rise of Empire from the SFBC today.I LOVE having your books in hardcover. I will probably never read them [as I have already bought and read the ebooks from you], but they LOOK great and are a great way to 'introduce' you to others who aren't into the ebook scene the way I am.
Traci wrote: "Thank you for accepting the friendvite. I've enjoyed what I've read of your work so far and look forward to the FBCS groupreading. :)"Well thanks for friending me. I'm glad you are enjoying the book and look forward to discussing it in FBCS.
Thank you for accepting the friendvite. I've enjoyed what I've read of your work so far and look forward to the FBCS groupreading. :)
I just saw that the SFBC has your first omnibus for pre-order. It is now on my wishlist! I'm a sucker for hardcovers :)
Finished Wintertide yesterday. I couldn't put it down. Absolutely amazing! I cannot wait to read the next book. However, at the same time, I don't want to finish the series because I love the characters/world you have created.
I received my signed copies of your books today! Thank you so much!!I will treasure them and look forward to completing the series!
Best wishes,
Greg
Thank you for the friendship. I hope nothing but the best for you and your family! A Heart's Thoughts Love Walk Meditations Series
Jeannie,Thanks for mentioning my bio. I never read it before. My wife wrote that some time ago and I never actually looked at it. But in doing so I found a number of errors, that you were clearly too kind to mention. Thank you.
