C.T. Phipps
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I just wanted you to know I really loved Professional Integrity in Blackguards. I hope to read and review your entire series starring said characters in the near-future! What was your inspiration for that story?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey thanks! The line up for Blackguards was pretty amazing, and I was honored to be included. I'm so glad it's got you interested in the larger series...it is the dastardly plan. Anthologies don't pay very well (usually a few hundred) but the hope is always that you'll get seen by a new reader who will want to read your other stuff. So, glad it turned out that way with you.
As for inspirations. When I was a kid my favorite Saturday morning cartoon was Scoobie Doo. With those "meddling kids" always uncovering a plot that debunked some mystical event or creature. This story is a kind of homage to that.
Personally, I find writing short stories much harder than longer novels. It's hard to develop a whole plot and do everything you want to in such a short word count. The trick is to make them a "simple concept" that can be explored in short order. I think I'm getting better at them...and I am proud of Professional Integrity, but I think there are a lot of other authors who are much better at the shorter-form question then myself.
Thanks for asking.
As for inspirations. When I was a kid my favorite Saturday morning cartoon was Scoobie Doo. With those "meddling kids" always uncovering a plot that debunked some mystical event or creature. This story is a kind of homage to that.
Personally, I find writing short stories much harder than longer novels. It's hard to develop a whole plot and do everything you want to in such a short word count. The trick is to make them a "simple concept" that can be explored in short order. I think I'm getting better at them...and I am proud of Professional Integrity, but I think there are a lot of other authors who are much better at the shorter-form question then myself.
Thanks for asking.
More Answered Questions
Kambrie Williams
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hey Michael! I have a question regarding you being an author and your writing technique. I just wanted to ask about how you form outlines for your work or what you write before you actually start writing your novels. When you first get an idea for a story or a character or a world, what do you usually do? Also I love your books and am excited to catch up on the legends of the first empire series!
Phil
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi Michael. Just a quick question. I've gotten a lot of your books through your own store. Was curious about the plans for Nolan's release. Will you do a kickstarter? Or will you use a vendor like Grim Oak for signed first editions? I know some retailers have the trade hardcover for preorder but was curious about any limited or signed editions. Thanks!
Dylan
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hello Michael, I'm looking into reading your books because of recommendations on goodreads. I noticed your influences include Stephen King who most would say falls in the category of horror/thriller. King is one of my favorite authors and I was wondering if you write a darker fantasy or if they are filled with suspense like King's books? Maybe like the suspense and adventure from The Dark Tower series? Thanks!
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