How it all began...

[Michael]

Hello everyone, I’m Michael Sullivan the author of The Crown Conspiracy.

I am extremely pleased to be honored with this read/discussion thread. As most of you already know, the credit for this goes to my wife Robin whose tireless efforts always astound me. I would also like to mention here, how grateful I am to those of you who have treated her so well. It isn’t easy to market your husband’s book on a reader’s site. Robin works very hard to be considerate and respectful, and I appreciate your understanding and support of her and my books. Goodreads has been a joy to us, a godsend for my career, and a wellspring of new friends. Thank you.

The Crown Conspiracy was written five years ago—or is it six now? I never meant to publish it. I spent ten years trying to get published and failed miserably. I gave up to get a real job and started an advertising agency that was very successful. My daughter was having trouble reading and I bought her the Harry Potter books and just happened to read the first one myself. Prior to that time I was so diligent in my efforts to perfect my writing skills that I exclusively read high literature—Noble and Pulitzer winning stuff. Being a person who reads for escapist entertainment, I found these books dry. As I tried to emulate them, I found writing less and less enjoyable. But Harry Potter was fun!

I began thinking that I might just write a story, not for publication, not for anyone—except perhaps my wife and daughter—a story just for the fun of it. I wanted to create something I would enjoy reading. A simple fun, romp, with characters I would like as friends, in a world I would enjoy visiting. That’s how it all started.

[Michael]

Perhaps the most precise spark to truly ignite the Riyria Revelations was—of all things—Babylon 5 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Over the years I have watched less and less television, but these two shows were some of the last I really enjoyed. The thing about them that I found fascinating were the layered plots and the mixing of humor and emotional drama with great characters. B5 in particular was amazing in that the entire five-year series was mapped out before the first episode was shot. I think this might be the first, and only, time that’s ever happened. Yet it allowed for the unique chance for viewers to watch episodes and look for clues to the ultimate mystery in a way that no other show ever did. In addition, Straczynski—the show’s creator—layered his plots, something that was mimicked to a lesser degree in Buffy. This really impressed me. I saw it as a revolution. I was certain I was seeing the future of television, the medium raised to an art form equal to a symphony. I never saw the maniacal bus, that is reality TV, coming.

It is always presumed that movies are better than television, that the little screen is inferior. In thinking about it, I came to the opposite conclusion. At best, a movie can only present a four-hour long story. This isn’t a lot of time and is why so many books made into films are truncated. But television can present hundreds of hours. TV is the novel to movie’s short story. Television can take the time to develop characters and settings, to weave plots and build foundations to erect skyscrapers on. The problem is that until Babylon 5, no one thought to do it. Instead of creating novels, producers opted for flash fiction in hour or half-hour standalone episodes. The most they managed was a weeklong mini-series always adapted from a book.

What I began to envision was, like I said, a symphony, a blending of themes set in movements. Not just one plot, but several woven together and blended into a complimentary harmony. I began to imagine that if I were a powerful producer trying to think of a new idea I would make a series where each one hour weekly show would be like a chapter in a book, except that it would have its own complete plot, a beginning a middle and an end. That way first time viewers could always enjoy it. In addition, I would weave in a season long plot, something that each week you could tune in to learn clues about and talk to your friends discussing what you think is really going on. And just about the time the season plot is ending another is already starting. And finally there would be the series long plot. This too would develop, but slower and more profoundly. This multi-layered plot concept I felt would be very exciting, so much more than watching a series where writers are making new stuff up each week based more on what fans think than on what a good story would be, struggling to squeeze every last drop of creativity from an idea.

Having thought of this, and still pretending to be a producer, I had to ask myself, ok, but what kind of show would it be. That’s when I realized there’s never really been a successful medieval fantasy television series. There hasn’t even been many attempts. Those few that were made, like most of the movies in the genre, were horrible. Either the characters were stiff overly dramatized caricatures spouting awkward sounding heroic dialog, or they were inane, silly clowns playing in a slapstick farce as if the producers are saying, “yeah we know this fantasy stuff is ridiculous too.” So I began to think how could it be done right?

Fantasies always seem to be about overly serious characters who never laugh. Why not have the main characters be able to make jokes but not be silly. People always make jokes, usually in the most inappropriate times in order to alleviate stress, so why not? And rather than have them be haughty, serious, self-righteous people who speak like rejects from a bad Shakespearean play, why can’t they be…well, normal. Maybe even a bit better than normal, how about cool?

I remembered old westerns, and Errol Flynn swashbuckling movies, I used to watch as a kid. That’s the way those characters were. They weren’t stupid, arrogant, or morose, filled with some consuming, robotic sense of duty, or desire for ultimate power. They weren’t kids reluctantly being groomed to be the savior of the world either. They were cool. The kind of people you’d like to have as friends. The kind of people you know you would get along with. The kind of people you grew to care about.

[Michael]

I began thinking that if I could bring those kinds of characters to a TV series that used the layered plot technique and the complete, say, six-year story arc, it would be great. I would also keep the magic and fantasy creatures to a minimum. Dragons, magic etc, have a tendency to come off as hokey, and such things are better kept understated in order to build a greater sense of mystery, fear and suspense. People’s own imagination works the best for such things. Individual viewers won’t picture something in their own mind that is silly to them. The more I thought about it the more I became depressed that it would never happen.

I began to think of two characters, nobody special, just a couple of guys who work as special agents for the rich. One a thief the other ex-military, just trying to get by in a tough economy, staying out of everyone’s way, using their specific skills to do covert jobs. In what I imagine, Hollywood-Speak would translate as: Ocean’s Eleven meets Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in Middle Earth. Then the hook—they are setup to be the scapegoats for a government coup d'état. I thought it was a good idea. Familiar themes in an unfamiliar setting, with characters viewers would like to spend an hour with each week. It was really a shame I didn’t know anyone in show business.

Then it hit me. I could do the exact same thing…in book form. A series of six books, each like a season of TV. Yes, I thought I could do that, but at that time I had sworn off writing. I had put that dream away and locked it tight. I hadn’t written a creative word in nearly a decade and I was going to keep it that way. I had wasted too many years trying and failing. What good could come from it anyway? Another five years working on a series that, like all the others, would be dumped in the trash unread by anyone but me? What was the point? No, that was all behind me.

I forgot about the idea, stuffed it in a mental cardboard box in the back of my head, and moved on. Still, occasionally I would be walking the dog, or cleaning the dishes and think to myself: So if I did write it how would it start? Like any TV show I would want to begin with a nifty preamble, the kind of thing that would run before the title and lead credits, the intro that sets the tone. Something like that first part of Indiana Jones, or the murder you see before you first meet the sleuth in a show like Monk, or Murder She Wrote. And then? And then they go on the job that nails them and off the story goes. I pictured it from time to time, the two of them scaling the tower in the dead of night, whispering complaints back and forth like real people do when they are trying to be quiet. Then I would stuff it all back in the box, reminding myself there were more constructive uses of my time.

Then I read Harry Potter. It was so easy to read, so fun. Maybe I—no! It is a waste of time, you can’t get published, no one will ever read it! But what if that didn’t matter? Can’t I write it just for me? For the fun of making it? So what if it goes in a drawer, it’s already in a box in my head. Maybe my daughter would read it? I could even put it on the Internet for free and people could read it there and leave me messages saying if they liked it or not. I could do that couldn’t I? Couldn’t I?

I was starting to feel like Gollum/Smeagol. I won’t spend too much time on it, just when I’m bored. Just as something to do. I wrote the first book in less than a month. The second one took even less time.

I posted it online and a few (very few) people did read it. Some even commented. They liked it a lot. I showed it to my daughter. She looked at the stack of eight-and-a-half by eleven-inch manuscript sheets and turned her nose up. “What’s this? I can’t read that. It has to be a book, you know, bound with a cover. Trying to read that would drive me crazy. It’s just—I don’t know—too weird reading it that way. If you want me to read it you have to get it published.”

No, precious, no don’t trust the publish! No Luke, that way leads to the dark side. Good grief, Lucy was holding the damn football again! “Com’on Charlie Brown, one more try! This time will be different, I promise!”

Who knew Lucy could be trusted?

[Leslie Ann]

I love learning about other author's creative process!

I, too, was a huge B5 fan and saw every single episode. I agree that what made this show so amazing was it's complexity. I'm still amzed to this day that the entire story arc(supposedly) came to J.Michael Straczynsky in one fell swoop.

I'm also amazed it only took you a month to write TCC. Did you write every day?

I can already tell from this first installment that you've constructed an incredibly detailed world in which this multi-layered plot will play out. It is this sort of story--the multi-layered, complex plot and characters--that keep me coming back time and again.

[Michael]

Leslie wrote: "I'm also amazed it only took you a month to write TCC. Did you write every day? "

I was a bit obsessed when I wrote both TCC and Avempartha, both of which took me a month each. I wrote every waking moment taking only half hour breaks for lunch and dinner.

[Elise]

That was really interesting reading how you got started. Thanks for sharing!

[Michel]

I was absolutely thrilled to be reading a book whose author was in close proximity - relatively. I dearly wanted to love the book. I didn't. I abstained from rating it, as I don't want my 'negativity' to affect possible sales, etc. Although I wasn't crazy about the book, I adored some of the ideas and perspectives and SUBTLETIES. Finally an author that doesn't need to spell everything out all the time. I think that one day the author may come to regret that this was his first book - only because I have no doubt that he'll become one of the 'greats' and when he's got more experience, he'll realize that with a few modifications/tweaks that this book could be a very good/great. What I'm not expressing well, is that although (for me) the writing was average or less, the story line and ideas were superlative. Because of the potential of the author I do see myself buying future books, anticipating a more polished delivery.

[Michel]

PS. Robin was/is just awesome. Very very respectful and not at all pushy. How she was able to manage promoting the book and yet not give the impression that she had a stake in getting sales, etc., is quite a balancing act and actually mystifies me. I for one never felt as if she had an agenda (selling) but was simply letting people know that there was an interesting story for people to explore.

Great job.

[Michael]

Michel,

Thank you for your honesty, and I am sorry the book did not live up to your hopes. Please feel free to post what ever star rating you feel is appropriate. You have my full support, and I think it is important that you do rank honestly otherwise readers who match your tastes may be mislead.

And thanks for the kind words for Robin. I know she appreciates them.

[Libby]

Michael - I commend your willingness to accept the bad and the good. Writing is very personal and I'm guessing you feel pretty exposed with the all the Goodreads chatting. However, I believe your willingness to let everyone have their say shows a real dedication to the readers and a desire to produce quality literature. I'm sure it is extremely hard for Robin as well not to tell any bad critics to shut up ;-)

[Michael]

It is often easier for me to believe the negative than the praise. I think most people--particularly here--are very polite and kind, but I can't think of a reason someone would be untruthful when saying they don't like something.

It also takes courage to post a negative opinion, knowing you might be inviting an unpleasant response.

The thing is, this site is really about readers being able to have a tool to find a book they will like to read. If people can't be honest about disliking something, how can anyone ever believe it when they say they do like a book?

As much as I wish this was a site devoted to the marketing of author's books, where only glowing reviews can be posted--that's not really what this is, nor should it be. I don't want anyone to buy my book because they were misled.

Hummm.

Maybe this is why Robin prefers I don't post too much. I'm not a very good self-promoter. I just hope I don't undo all the positive influence she has built up. She's asleep right now and I'll probably hear about this in the morning.

[Michel]

Opinions - either good or bad, are just that; opinions. So I think one must take each with a grain of salt. You take what you need, compare it with what you feel/know within yourself (which is the only important thing really), modify what you think needs changing and forget all the rest. Easy to say.... hard to do, but oh so worthwhile.

Do admire your courage to write. Sincerely hope you'll keep it up, as I'm certain that as you go, your books will only get better.

[Robin]

Hey Michel,

Thanks for the kind words for me and I too am sorry you didn't like the book but I also fully support my Michael's response. Honest opinions are all we ever want/expect and to steal from "wicked the play" - I applaud your "Braverism". Writing is an interesting business...an incredible amount of work, very little financial reward, and nearly impossible to "break into". Add to that the fact that people may find "your baby ugly" makes you wonder - why do it? My only response is that for the most part I don't think writers become writers without an internal drive to share with others that which is already rambling around in their heads.

I think Michael has already achieved his goals - in that there are a lot of people who have read it and have enjoyed it and each one of those comments "make it all worthwhile". In some respects we'll not know for sure until all six are released the true "measure" as book 1 is just the tip of iceburg. I recently read Avempartha multiple times as part of the editing and I must say I like it better than Crown Conspiracy. In re-reading it ya there are a lot of editing changes I would make - tighting sentences. But the story as a whole and how it fits in with the larger body of work I'm pleased with it. I hope others find it worth their time as well.

[Elena]

I started Avempartha last night and so far I am enjoying it. Do you have a timetable for the other books?

[Michael]

Shooting for every six months. (April/October)
No guarantees but that's the plan.

[Janny]

In reading Michael's comments on how it all began, and being let in on the goals he has set for himself: to recreate the feel of the better TV series with more depth (I, too, enjoyed Babylon 5 and also, Josh Wheedon's Serenity) - I think he met the target audience he aimed for quite well.

The story does have a script-like feel, the rapid exchanges and quick, unlabored, modern one two punch of TV dialogue, presented in a manner most likely to quickly catch and hold an audience for the purpose of entertainment.

He's left room to add lots of depth as the series progresses, and placed plenty of scope in his world and scenario to build upon in his sequels.

Many of the things some readers may view as flaws are (perhaps) exactly due to the nature of what he was shooting to create.

For a first novel to achieve an author's personal goal is quite an accomplishment. I expect the author and the works will grow, with time. It takes courage to stand out from the crowd and let a work loose in public, to begin with. The fact an author cannot usually show what goals they had in the making, can often lead to a lot of knee-jerk feedback from readers - people commenting, and making inept comparisons, when they have no idea what the purpose behind a work was, to start with.

Michael's explanation of his motivations, in fact, shows up the book's strengths very nicely. The script like feel, the limited scope we are shown, that hints of more to come without bogging, and the language was precisely designed to fit a chosen profile.

I look forward to reading the sequel with pleasure, knowing that more of what was shaded is bound to become revealed.

If this volume is viewed as "one season" of a TV series, with more to come in the offing, it does a resounding job.

[Adam]

So I know I'm really late coming to the party - as this was read quite some time ago but I only recently discovered Michael's books (Reading Avempartha now). I think finding out this is really interesting and it is cool to see that the authors come to the group to talk about their work.