Jana
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Assuming people never lose interest and the series remains profitable, how many books/stories about Royce and Hadrian would you be willing and able to write?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Jana, thanks for asking. When writing, I really don't take "profitability" into the equation. To put that another way, If I think a book will "sell well" but it's not something I want to write, I won't. I'm writing books I want to read, and even if I think something will sell, if it doesn't interest me then I just can't write it.
The flip side, though, is a consideration. It makes no sense to write something that I know people have no interest in. If I'm not sure, like with Hollow World, I write it anyway to find out. But with Royce and Hadrian the signs will be pretty clear that the two have either overstayed their welcome, or no one is interested any longer. And in either of those cases I will stop.
Now on to your question. Originally, I thought I would never see the pair again (after the six books of The Riyria Revelations). It was my wife (and the fans) who got me to write their origin stories...which occur 12 years before the events of Theft of Swords. When I started them I thought one book for each year they were together would be a nice pace. So there is the possibility of 12 Chronicles plus the 6 Riyria books for a total of 18. I just finished up the third Chronicle, so assuming people still want more there could be 9 more of them.
The flip side, though, is a consideration. It makes no sense to write something that I know people have no interest in. If I'm not sure, like with Hollow World, I write it anyway to find out. But with Royce and Hadrian the signs will be pretty clear that the two have either overstayed their welcome, or no one is interested any longer. And in either of those cases I will stop.
Now on to your question. Originally, I thought I would never see the pair again (after the six books of The Riyria Revelations). It was my wife (and the fans) who got me to write their origin stories...which occur 12 years before the events of Theft of Swords. When I started them I thought one book for each year they were together would be a nice pace. So there is the possibility of 12 Chronicles plus the 6 Riyria books for a total of 18. I just finished up the third Chronicle, so assuming people still want more there could be 9 more of them.
More Answered Questions
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.
Kylie Rae
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi Michael! I have a question about purchasing Age of Legend. I pre-ordered it on Amazon, which indicates it's published by Grim Oak and released in July. I read you were self-publishing the final 3 books in the series and also recently came across the kickstarter. Is it too late to back the kickstarter to get a hardcover copy when it's released? If it isn't too late, is that a preferable way to purchase over Amazon?
Karen
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I cannot tell you how much I love Riyria! (Chronicles and Revelations). I discovered them -Aug 2018 - I read them in publishing order. I just finished them again this Oct and am into the Chronicles for the 2nd time today. It is just enough time between that I remember enough to stay with it and still be surprised and overwhelmed.Your books have so much emotion in them! I waver from Royce to Hadrian but go with H?
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