Dave Diss
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Never heard of you, Michael. But I don't suppose you've heard of me, either. That's the trouble, hardly anybody has. I don't write novels and have no wish to do so. As far as I'm concerned novels, generally, are just fairy tales for adults. What was it they always told us? Write what you know, wasn't it? That's what I do. I know about my own life; what I've done, where I've been and what I've seen. And believe me...?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Dave, You are definitely in the majority -- people who haven't heard of me. And yeah, with 190,917 authors on Goodreads it's probably not unusual that I hadn't heard of you either. Glad you reached out to change that.
You don't have to write novels. Heck you don't even have to write short stories. Write whatever brings you joy, that's the motto I live by. As far as fairy tales for adults...well why should children be the ones having all the fun! We all need time to escape, relax, and unwind. I'm glad to provide people a respite from the trials and tribulations of real life.
Yes, you should definitely write what you know, but I think people interpret that in a number of ways. Fellow Author Tim Marquitz (author of Demon Squad), recently made a good post on exactly that subject in an article on Unbound Worlds regarding advice for writers doing NaNoWriMo. Here's what he said:
"The trick to writing what you know is to realize that it’s meant to be more emotional, more experience-driven than skill-driven. As humans, we all understand what it’s like to be happy, to be sad, to hurt, to be depressed, angry, tired, hungry, horny, excited, et al. These concepts are common to our existence. Even if you had a lousy home life or job or whatever, you’ve experienced these emotions to varying degrees over the course of your life. We all have."
In any case, I hope you are enjoying what you are writing. It's all about the journey. If you can enjoy that then whatever destination you arrive at you're ahead of the game. I wish you well.
You don't have to write novels. Heck you don't even have to write short stories. Write whatever brings you joy, that's the motto I live by. As far as fairy tales for adults...well why should children be the ones having all the fun! We all need time to escape, relax, and unwind. I'm glad to provide people a respite from the trials and tribulations of real life.
Yes, you should definitely write what you know, but I think people interpret that in a number of ways. Fellow Author Tim Marquitz (author of Demon Squad), recently made a good post on exactly that subject in an article on Unbound Worlds regarding advice for writers doing NaNoWriMo. Here's what he said:
"The trick to writing what you know is to realize that it’s meant to be more emotional, more experience-driven than skill-driven. As humans, we all understand what it’s like to be happy, to be sad, to hurt, to be depressed, angry, tired, hungry, horny, excited, et al. These concepts are common to our existence. Even if you had a lousy home life or job or whatever, you’ve experienced these emotions to varying degrees over the course of your life. We all have."
In any case, I hope you are enjoying what you are writing. It's all about the journey. If you can enjoy that then whatever destination you arrive at you're ahead of the game. I wish you well.
More Answered Questions
Mike
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi Mr. Sullivan, I wanted to tell you that your Riyria series are incredible! I sent you an email several weeks ago, but I think I might have misaddressed it. The world you have created and the characters are simply amazing! Thank you so much for your hard work and efforts. Would love to read more stories featuring Royce and Hadrian, and I'd love to pull up a chair if there is room at the table in the Dark Room?!
Noah
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi, Michael. I noticed while listening to Death of Dulgath and now while listening to Age of Myth that some of your scenery descriptions remind me of Ireland. Also, some of your place and character names are reminiscent of ancient Ireland (Nog, Meav). I recall that in Revelations you had a king named Ethlred. My question is, are you a British Isles history buff, and have you perhaps taken a trip over there?
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