Lily
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I just finished reading the Riyria Revelations, and have read 3 of the chronicles reading both of these built a vivid and complex world that ties into itself beautifully, but when you read it the world doesn't feel intimidating; especially when you're new to it. How do you develop such a complex world without the reader feeling overwhelmed, but also not feeling like there missing out on the world?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Lily, thank you for the very kind words. So, there are a few techniques I make use of.
* The "iceberg approach" -- this means that although there is A LOT of information about my world, I keep 90% of it under the water so it's not written about directly. I only expose that small fraction, and I only do so when there is sufficient "context" to do so.
* I spread things out -- because I write multiple books (and usually entire series) before the first book is released, it lets me "dole things out" across multiple titles rather than "info-dumping" everything in one place. I tend to get bored when I'm exposed to too much "world-building" in the fantasy books I read, so I plan what I'm going to "expose" and when.
* I have a lot of books -- Currently the number of books based in Elan is 16. There are 6 Riyria Revelations (sold as three two-book omnibus editions, 4 Riyria Chronicles, and the 6 books of the Legends of the First Empire. That allows me to "segment" the information. For instance, the history of the gods is only very lightly touched in Riyria (and it is filled with lies), but in Legends, I was able to do a "deep dive" on that subject (and tell the truth). If I only had a trilogy in this world that would be A LOT of information to fully explore all the aspects I eventually get around to. By having a lot of books and having different information come out in various series, that helps to keep it "light."
In many ways, world-building and fantasy is like walking a tightrope. For some you'll be too light, for others you'll be too heavy. All I can do is try for a level that I enjoy and hope others do as well. It seems like my choices were pretty much in the "Goldilock-zone" for you - and I'm glad that was the case.
* The "iceberg approach" -- this means that although there is A LOT of information about my world, I keep 90% of it under the water so it's not written about directly. I only expose that small fraction, and I only do so when there is sufficient "context" to do so.
* I spread things out -- because I write multiple books (and usually entire series) before the first book is released, it lets me "dole things out" across multiple titles rather than "info-dumping" everything in one place. I tend to get bored when I'm exposed to too much "world-building" in the fantasy books I read, so I plan what I'm going to "expose" and when.
* I have a lot of books -- Currently the number of books based in Elan is 16. There are 6 Riyria Revelations (sold as three two-book omnibus editions, 4 Riyria Chronicles, and the 6 books of the Legends of the First Empire. That allows me to "segment" the information. For instance, the history of the gods is only very lightly touched in Riyria (and it is filled with lies), but in Legends, I was able to do a "deep dive" on that subject (and tell the truth). If I only had a trilogy in this world that would be A LOT of information to fully explore all the aspects I eventually get around to. By having a lot of books and having different information come out in various series, that helps to keep it "light."
In many ways, world-building and fantasy is like walking a tightrope. For some you'll be too light, for others you'll be too heavy. All I can do is try for a level that I enjoy and hope others do as well. It seems like my choices were pretty much in the "Goldilock-zone" for you - and I'm glad that was the case.
More Answered Questions
Kathryn Johnson
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I just stumbled across your books recently and have managed to listen to every one of them. I haven't been so entertained and fascinated by a series in a long time. You really created two characters in Royce and Hadrian that were two sides of the same coin. I actually felt a sense of sadness when the books were coming to an end. I hope you bring them back and possibly explore the Elf world?
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