Britt Griffin
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hello! I just finished The Death of Dulgath (FANTASTIC book, btw! Possibly my favorite so far!) and I have a question regarding nationalities. I think it’s awesome that your world of Elan is so diverse in its human population, so I wanted to know with all the different nationalities, were there any real-world races or ethnicities you drew reference from when describing the people of different nationalities in Elan?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Britt,
Thanks so much for your question. For some books, say Game of Thrones, it's easy to draw direct corollaries (Martin mentioned several times that it's inspiration comes from the War of the Roses). For others, like mine, I don't have such obvious inspirations. I mean it's not like I can say, "Oh the people from Calais were based on x, y, or z." Or the people in Dahlgren were representative of people who left Ireland after the potato famine. But I'm sure there are many things that I've learned over the years (I read a lot of history) that went into the melting pot that my eventual world became. So, I guess the answer is yes and no. Yes, from the standpoint that I'm a bit of sponge and I've gathered up a lot of liquid (history) over the years. But no, in there was any intentional decisions I made for some SPECFIC cases. I hope that makes some kind of sense.
Thanks so much for your question. For some books, say Game of Thrones, it's easy to draw direct corollaries (Martin mentioned several times that it's inspiration comes from the War of the Roses). For others, like mine, I don't have such obvious inspirations. I mean it's not like I can say, "Oh the people from Calais were based on x, y, or z." Or the people in Dahlgren were representative of people who left Ireland after the potato famine. But I'm sure there are many things that I've learned over the years (I read a lot of history) that went into the melting pot that my eventual world became. So, I guess the answer is yes and no. Yes, from the standpoint that I'm a bit of sponge and I've gathered up a lot of liquid (history) over the years. But no, in there was any intentional decisions I made for some SPECFIC cases. I hope that makes some kind of sense.
More Answered Questions
Beth
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Well I would first like to gush about how much I love your books. I have read every single one. Royce and Hadrian have such a beautiful friendship and I reread the Riyria books every year. My question is - I love the cover art from the original books - The Crown Conspiracy, Avempartha. Nyphron Rising, etc- but I have only read the newer compiled sets (Theft of Swords, etc), is there any differences?
Kristen Joy Wilks
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi. Perhaps you answer this in your other series...but I was wondering why Royce pushed them to go ahead and take the job from Thrace when it went against our expectations for that character? Don't get me wrong, I love that part! But his reasoning was never explained and I was wondering if there was a reason.
Cecily
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi, Michael! I loved Age of Myth and am looking forward to reading your other books. Do you have any advice on world-building? I am writing a fantasy novel and while a lot of people I know find it fun, it's kind of intimidating! Do you plan out the history, world, and cultures in your books before you start writing? Or do you write first and see where that takes you? Thanks!
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