Michael
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hey, Michael! I have some ideas for writing, but can’t figure out how to get started. Friends tell me that I should just "start writing" and worry about cleaning it up in re-writes. I have read about other methods, like the "snowflake" method, that require meticulous planning before writing word one. How would you suggest getting the process started? Thanks, Michael
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Michael,
Thanks for asking.So here's the problem with "author advice." Any author can tell you what works for them, but that doesn't mean it will work for you. We each have our own struggles with any particular issue, and it really is a matter of trial and error to find YOUR own solution to any given problem of this nature.
When I started out I was a "pantzer." I sat and wrote and let the story lead me where it may. This was good for me...until...I found myself painted into a number of corners that I couldn't get out of. The result...I would abandon that project and start a new effort. It didn't take too many "half-finished" books to make me see that, for me, that just wasn't an efficient use of my time.
So, nowadays I employ a "hybrid approach...I outline (lightly) just a few bullet points per chapter and then start writing. If I "discover" something new along the way...I'm not so locked into my outline that I won't take that new road...but...and here is the important part (at least for me) I don't change directions without knowing what the new destination is. So I'm always working from an outline...although possibly not the same outline I started with. I think "discovery" writing has a lot of advantages, but it can also be problematic. I found the system that works well for me...and each of those authors who gave you advice, found ones that worked for them. What I recommend is you listen to those...but then find what works best for you.
Again, thanks for asking!
Thanks for asking.So here's the problem with "author advice." Any author can tell you what works for them, but that doesn't mean it will work for you. We each have our own struggles with any particular issue, and it really is a matter of trial and error to find YOUR own solution to any given problem of this nature.
When I started out I was a "pantzer." I sat and wrote and let the story lead me where it may. This was good for me...until...I found myself painted into a number of corners that I couldn't get out of. The result...I would abandon that project and start a new effort. It didn't take too many "half-finished" books to make me see that, for me, that just wasn't an efficient use of my time.
So, nowadays I employ a "hybrid approach...I outline (lightly) just a few bullet points per chapter and then start writing. If I "discover" something new along the way...I'm not so locked into my outline that I won't take that new road...but...and here is the important part (at least for me) I don't change directions without knowing what the new destination is. So I'm always working from an outline...although possibly not the same outline I started with. I think "discovery" writing has a lot of advantages, but it can also be problematic. I found the system that works well for me...and each of those authors who gave you advice, found ones that worked for them. What I recommend is you listen to those...but then find what works best for you.
Again, thanks for asking!
More Answered Questions
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!
Chris McGrath
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
With The First Empire series being basically written already, and some sold, is there a plan to release them in relatively quick succession or will they be spread out like normal sequels, one a year or so? I ask mainly because as much as I am looking forward to that series, it would be a shame to have to wait 3-5 years for more Royce & Hadrian.
Christomir Rackov
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Will the The First Empire, when the last book of it is released, possibly spoil the amazing denouement of the Riyria Revelations? I mean - hypothetically, if someone hasn't read the Revelations, and decides to wait several years and read all the First Empire books first, and only THEN pick up the Revelations, would that take the edge off their enjoyment that comes from all the surprise revelations in Percepliquis?
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