Questions About Age of Empyre (The Legends of the First Empire, #6)

by Michael J. Sullivan (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (9)

when you write an epic saga like Legends, how difficult is it to keep track of character history, location, what they've said? I can imagine maintaining story-line integrity is difficult. Or is that what you pay other people for? :)

Michael It's really not that difficult because I write the books one right after the other. The amount of time I'm writing is MUCH smaller than the amount of …moreIt's really not that difficult because I write the books one right after the other. The amount of time I'm writing is MUCH smaller than the amount of time from when the first to the last book is published. Why? There are a lot of steps that happen after I write: Alpha reading, beta reading, copy editing, layout, gamma reading, proofreading, audiobook recording, book printing, and on and on. I also have some good tools (Scrivner allows me to put a lot of notes in my resource files, plus I can search across the entire series quite easily. I also use timeline software that let's me know various dates of important events and how old everyone is at those milestones.

And no, I don't have a staff of any kind, just a really helpful wife, and a daughter that is willing to lend a hand when and where needed ;-)(less)

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Why did you let your wife ruin this series? Seems like a huge conflict of interest to have your wife as the editor. Could have been a decent series, but you let your need for validation and approval from her cloud your judgement of what you should write for your readers.

Michael Yours is a very interesting perspective and you are making a great many assumptions. Robin has been my alpha reader for every book I've ever written, …moreYours is a very interesting perspective and you are making a great many assumptions. Robin has been my alpha reader for every book I've ever written, and she had no more or less input into Legends than she did for Riyria. Since you are not involved in the editing process, you have no clues as to where her suggestions were taken to heart and when they were not implemented. I can tell you that NO ONE, will make me change the book in a way I don't agree with. Each title is mine and mine alone. So if you don't like what you found, you should take issue with me, not Robin.

Robin and I just celebrated our 42-year anniversary so we have been together for a VERY long time. I have no "need for validation" nor do I "desire her approval." Do I enjoy the fact that she likes my books - of course! But we disagree on a great many aspects and that's fine. She knows that ultimately the books are mine and when I don't take one of her suggestions she "gets over it." (less)

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No Kindle version?

Michael Yes, there is a kindle version, and it will release on the same day as the audiobook (May 5th). Robin (who takes care of all things business related, …moreYes, there is a kindle version, and it will release on the same day as the audiobook (May 5th). Robin (who takes care of all things business related, just hasn't had the time to post the pre-order for it yet.

EDIT: The link is now live on Amazon, and pre-orders are coming in. here is a link.(less)

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What does it feel like to be an author?

Michael It is, without question, the best "job" in the world. I put job in quotes because it doesn't feel like work. Writing is my favorite thing to do and I …moreIt is, without question, the best "job" in the world. I put job in quotes because it doesn't feel like work. Writing is my favorite thing to do and I would do it even if I didn't earn anything. Heck, if there was a tax that had to be paid in order to write, I'd work two jobs to pay it so I could pound away at the keys. The fact that I can make a living from doing what I love the most is just incredible, and I never lose sight of the readers who make it possible to live the life I do.

All that being said, it's not all roses and rainbows. It does take a lot of time. I write everyday, and am usually "working" 24 x 7 as even when not at the keyboard, I'm usually working on a plot point or doing research. Heck, even when I'm reading or watching a movie, it's fodder for the creative muse. So I'm essentially at my job every waking minute - and sometimes even when I sleep.

I also am committed to a state of constant improvement in both the art of story telling and the mechanics of writing. So that is "kinda" like a job in that I'm always looking to get to the next level. The difference is I'm in competition only with myself, not the guy in the next cubicle that is up for the same job.

I'm sure every author feels differently. I've heard of those that struggle with writer's block or have problems motivating themselves to write. I've never experienced either of those things. Sure I get stuck now and then, but they are short-lived. As for "putting my butt in the chair" I've often said, "How do children find the discipline to play their favorite game?" I feel like that...like a child playing my favorite game without worry or concern.

I highly recommend such a lifestyle. Thanks for asking. (less)

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