Lily
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I just finished reading the Riyria Revelations, and have read 3 of the chronicles reading both of these built a vivid and complex world that ties into itself beautifully, but when you read it the world doesn't feel intimidating; especially when you're new to it. How do you develop such a complex world without the reader feeling overwhelmed, but also not feeling like there missing out on the world?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Lily, thank you for the very kind words. So, there are a few techniques I make use of.
* The "iceberg approach" -- this means that although there is A LOT of information about my world, I keep 90% of it under the water so it's not written about directly. I only expose that small fraction, and I only do so when there is sufficient "context" to do so.
* I spread things out -- because I write multiple books (and usually entire series) before the first book is released, it lets me "dole things out" across multiple titles rather than "info-dumping" everything in one place. I tend to get bored when I'm exposed to too much "world-building" in the fantasy books I read, so I plan what I'm going to "expose" and when.
* I have a lot of books -- Currently the number of books based in Elan is 16. There are 6 Riyria Revelations (sold as three two-book omnibus editions, 4 Riyria Chronicles, and the 6 books of the Legends of the First Empire. That allows me to "segment" the information. For instance, the history of the gods is only very lightly touched in Riyria (and it is filled with lies), but in Legends, I was able to do a "deep dive" on that subject (and tell the truth). If I only had a trilogy in this world that would be A LOT of information to fully explore all the aspects I eventually get around to. By having a lot of books and having different information come out in various series, that helps to keep it "light."
In many ways, world-building and fantasy is like walking a tightrope. For some you'll be too light, for others you'll be too heavy. All I can do is try for a level that I enjoy and hope others do as well. It seems like my choices were pretty much in the "Goldilock-zone" for you - and I'm glad that was the case.
* The "iceberg approach" -- this means that although there is A LOT of information about my world, I keep 90% of it under the water so it's not written about directly. I only expose that small fraction, and I only do so when there is sufficient "context" to do so.
* I spread things out -- because I write multiple books (and usually entire series) before the first book is released, it lets me "dole things out" across multiple titles rather than "info-dumping" everything in one place. I tend to get bored when I'm exposed to too much "world-building" in the fantasy books I read, so I plan what I'm going to "expose" and when.
* I have a lot of books -- Currently the number of books based in Elan is 16. There are 6 Riyria Revelations (sold as three two-book omnibus editions, 4 Riyria Chronicles, and the 6 books of the Legends of the First Empire. That allows me to "segment" the information. For instance, the history of the gods is only very lightly touched in Riyria (and it is filled with lies), but in Legends, I was able to do a "deep dive" on that subject (and tell the truth). If I only had a trilogy in this world that would be A LOT of information to fully explore all the aspects I eventually get around to. By having a lot of books and having different information come out in various series, that helps to keep it "light."
In many ways, world-building and fantasy is like walking a tightrope. For some you'll be too light, for others you'll be too heavy. All I can do is try for a level that I enjoy and hope others do as well. It seems like my choices were pretty much in the "Goldilock-zone" for you - and I'm glad that was the case.
More Answered Questions
Em
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Just finished the Legends of the First Empire series and loved it! I am planning on reading your older series which I understand takes place later in the same universe. Question: is there a difference between the "Riyria Chronicles" and "Riyria Revelations"? I'm a little confused about which book is first in that series or even how many books there are. Thanks in advance! ~Emily
Dellie
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi Michael! I recently finished Riyria Revelations and Riyria chronicles on recommendation from my mom, who also loves your books! They hooked me from beginning to end, and kept me entertained for many nights during quarantine! I was just wondering if you had any advice on how to come up with fantasy based names for places, characters and/or groups of people? Thank you and I hope you and your family are doing well!
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