A Goodreads user
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
What a great idea you had by creating two free audiobooks, "The Jester" and "Professional Integrity". I prefer audiobooks to sitting down to read. After listening to the free books, I began to listen to the Riyria Revelations books. So far I have listened to "The Crown Tower" and now has begun "The Rose and the Thorn". Your storytelling has a bright rhythm with a fresh refrain. Do you listen to music while writing?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Grace,
I'm so glad you enjoyed the free shorts. That was my wife's brilliant idea, and I'm thrilled they enticed you into the longer works. There are some times (particularly when writing an emotional scene) that I turn on some music to help with the rhythm, but about 90% of the time I'm writing in silence. I find noise distracting and the less of it the better. Thankfully I live out in the country where there isn't much (no traffic, sirens, or the like). Just the songs of birds and those just provide a nice background.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the free shorts. That was my wife's brilliant idea, and I'm thrilled they enticed you into the longer works. There are some times (particularly when writing an emotional scene) that I turn on some music to help with the rhythm, but about 90% of the time I'm writing in silence. I find noise distracting and the less of it the better. Thankfully I live out in the country where there isn't much (no traffic, sirens, or the like). Just the songs of birds and those just provide a nice background.
More Answered Questions
Lottie
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Is the planning stage of writing the most challenging? Or is trying to get the ideas into a fully formed story more difficult? I imagine the planning for the Cycle series must be a huge task!! Thank you so much for your work - I'm new to your books and already love them so much! I'm so glad my friend recommended them. And I don't think I could ever get bored of Royce and Hadrian! Thanks again :)
D. Vernet
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi Michael, which one of your books can you recommend to read first? I usually do not read fantasy novels, but I was quite thrilled by the way you wrote description of your books. Fascinating language, I would even say hypnotizing—it makes one to read more. Thank you in advance, D.
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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