Filippo
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I've been dipping my toe into writing. I'm wondering if you could offer some advice. Some dark topics will appear in my stories. Do you have any advice for writing dark subjects, disturbed characters and scenarios, while not feeling 'icky' about it? Or is that just a part of it?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey, Filippo, I'm glad to hear you are writing. None of my books are "too dark" -- so I don't know if I would be the best person to ask - I know Mark Lawrence and Joe Abercrombie are known for "being dark" so maybe ask them? That said, I think a good rule of thumb is to think about books you enjoy reading and if they are dark and "not too much for you" then you can write similarly -Ultimately you have to write the story the way "you want it to be." But keep in mind that you may alienate some readers - or possibly attract others.
More Answered Questions
R
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I'm so glad you had Tim Gerrard Reynolds narrating your books. He's brilliant and loved how he played the characters, especially Royce and Hadrian! I loved the world and characters created, personalities developed. The quirks and nuances of everyday life that you inserted in even some of the most serious of situations, added to it's authenticity and organic telling. Thank you!!?
DarkChaplain
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hey Michael! Would it be possible to make the The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter audiobook available for preorder through Audible.de as well? Audible has this nasty habit of only showing German folks like me the new, non-German releases on launch day. Since preorders do help a good deal, I'd like to spend my credit as far ahead in advance as possible.
Steven Williamson
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Michael, first of all, thanks for being an inspiration to budding authors like myself. I appreciate the feedback and insight you gave me during the writing phase of my first book, Ohlen's Arrow. And now onto my question: What do you think of that old writer's adage, "Beer for creativity, coffee for productivity" ?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more