SFF Readalongs led by Kitty G discussion

Hi everyone!! Michael has very kindly agreed to answer some of your questions about the Riyria series as we're reading this book this month. I know that some of you have already read this and so may already have questions. I will ask that you use the spoiler html code if you're going to be very specific about a certain character or part of the story that people might consider a spoiler. e.g - < spoiler> < /spoiler> (just remove the space within the brackets and then write your question between them)

Feel free to leave your comments below and hopefully Michael will be along soon to answer them! Thank you all for being awesome as always and I hope this is as exciting for you as it is for me :)

Hey all. I'm glad to be here. I'm very much a "Ask me anything" kind of guy, so whether your question is about the books, publishing, or even if you are an aspiring author that has questions, I'd be happy to help in any way I can. Thanks for picking Theft of Swords as a group read.

This is totally awesome of you Michael :).

Where did you first get the idea for the Riyria Revelations?

Also do you have any preference when it comes to Self Publishing using Kickstarter or using a publisher?

I think that you wrote all 6 Revelations books before you published the first one. Did you make a lot of changes to the first book while writing the last book? (by the way - this series is beautifully integrated)

Also - how many Chronicles books are you targeting?

Adam wrote: "Hi there, thanks for joining the group and allowing us to ask you questions. That is soooo awesome!

Thanks Adam, I'm glad to be here. Writing is by far the best "job" I could have, and writing is its own reward. But, living in a day and age where not only can I write, but I can interact with others about my passion, is...as the commercial says...priceless.

Adam wrote: I was wondering where you do your writing? Do you have your own study room?"

Yes, and no. We live in the Washington DC area which has a really high cost of living (very expensive even though very small houses). So we are pretty cramped there. I have a large bedroom, and one half of it is dedicated to my exclusive writing space. I keep this space insanely neat and no one but me is ever there, and when I'm there I write exclusively.

But, last year my wife also bought some land in the mountains about 90 minutes from our house. The plan is to build a log cabin on it and she has already put up my "writing cabana" which is a little standalone office that sits apart from the main house (which doesn't exist yet).

This is truly my own space and I don't have to share it with my bed and dressers. She is still fixing it up...and each week it gets a bit closer to completion. In fact, yesterday she was out installing blinds (because it has a lot of windows and it gets really hot). She only has two things left to do. 1. Install a very small wood stove so I can have heat when it's cold and 2. get some artwork for the walls (she's going to print up some of the covers of my books and hang those). The whole thing is solar powered - which is really neat. And it has Wi-fi and a telephone. I should really do a blog post about it, complete with pictures, and will do soon. Then I'll post a link to it for people who are interested in seeing it.

Adam wrote: Also, do you have any writing habits such as things you like to eat and drink whilst writing? please say gin!

I do have writing habits. Usually I start around 7:00 or 8:00. I'm up early today because i woke up and once awake it behooves me to get up (rather than trying to force myself back to sleep). So, today is a bit unusual as I'm using this "free time" to answer some questions. But my usual day goes like this.

I get up around 7:00 or 8:00 and make myself coffee (essential to the writing process). I used to brew a combination of half decaf half regular in a traditional coffee pot, but the writing cabana doesn't have a coffee pot so I learned about "pour over coffee" and now that's all I drink. It requires grinding the beans and carefully pouring at a certain rate, but it makes the BEST coffee for someone like me who likes it strong. I also make myself some oatmeal with creme, blueberries, and honey. While eating the oatmeal I read the morning papers. Then I retire to my room.

While there, I might check in on the Internet to see if there is anything I need to address before I "dig into work." I might do a bit of posting or talk to people here on goodreads. Then I read a few pages of either a favorite author or the book I'm currently reading to get my brain "in the right frame of mind." Then I read over what I wrote the day before and edit a bit, then I start writing. Once I start writing, I want no distractions and Robin knows better than to come into the "office" during those times - so she makes sure she is dressed and out of there before I start. I'll write until lunch and then I'm pretty much "done for the day" from a writing perspective. The rest of the day might be working on plot points for the next day, doing some editing, or interacting with readers through goodreads, reddit/r/fantasy, or email.

As for gin...I'm a Guinness man. That's my favorite drink. Wednesdays I always go out to "the pub" and I work out plot issues during the travel there (via Metro - DC's subway). I spend an hour or so at a coffee shop writing down notes and then I head to the pub. I sometimes go to my writer's group on Wednesdays but it's just as likely that some of my writer friends come to the pub (before, after, or instead of the group).

There is a "writer adage" of "Write drunk, edit sober" - I don't think I could do either after some Guinesss. But coffee... that is an essential component and if i do write in the afternoon it generally will require a run for a latte to keep me going.

Thanks for asking.

James (ObservantRaven) wrote: "Where did you first get the idea for the Riyria Revelations?

So, I have a really long "writing history." Started by typing out books when i was thirteen and binding them with yarn and a 3-hole punch. The early versions of Royce and Hadrian started in high school when I would write stories for my friends. After I got married, my wife and I moved to Vermont and we lived in a place with, "9 months of winter and 3 months of bad sledding" no television and little else to do (pre-Internet). To keep in touch with some of my "friends back home." We wrote a chain story, where one person would write a few pages, then mail - yes actual snail mail - it was that long ago - it to the next person, who would write a bit, and then it would go to the next. After a while my friends got bored of it and stopped, probably because I kept re-writing their parts. In those stories were two characters a thief and a fighter - so in some ways they were the first Royce and Hadrian, although they are nothing like the R&H you see today. I went on to write other books - "serious literature" that I tried for a decade to get published and failed. So then I stopped writing altogether.

Even though I wasn't writing anymore, doesn't mean my creative mind shuts down. So the two characters (that would become Royce and Hadrian) kept whispering to me and more ideas kept coming. This went on for about a decade. At that time, my middle daughter was struggling in school because of dyslexia. She had a lot of problems with reading and didn't do it often. To try and help her out, I thought I would write her a fantasy tale (fantasy got me started writing), so I finally silenced the voices in my head by writing The Crown Conspiracy (in one month) and then Avempartha (in the next one). They were really rough incarnations of those books but because I had been thinking of them for 10 years they poured out of me very quickly. The rest, as they say, is history.

James said: Also do you have any preference when it comes to Self Publishing using Kickstarter or using a publisher? ."

If I had my preference, I'd self-publish everything. That statement might sound strange because I have twelve books with traditional big-publishers and only two books currently self-published. So I'll have to explain in a bit more detail.

Self-publsihing, for me, is much easier than traditional publishing. I'm in complete control of EVERYTHING, so I get the book exactly the way I want it to be. Plus, I don't have months were my productivity is affected by contract negotiations...which is VERY stressful. Yes, I'm not involved in them directly (my wife, agents, editors, and publishers are the ones doing the heavy lifting), but I still know what is going on, and it often makes it so I can't focus. Having done a fair amount of self-publishing I have a great set of "go to" people for cover design and editing, and because they are people I've picked, they are chosen to have strengths where I have weaknesses. Plus, I can use as many of them as I like. Most traditional publishers have three people involved with the "content" of the book (a) structural editor - who deals with "big issues" (b) copy/line editor who fixes the grammar and points out clunky sentences or poor word choices and (c) a proof reader to make sure the book went through formatting just fine and also act as a safety net for changes made with (b). When I self-publish I often hire 2 or 3 copy editors...because I'm willing to spend the extra money (generously helped by Kickstarter backers). A single editor won't find all the mistakes - so having multiple ones means what one misses, another finds. It costs more, but because I'm in control I'm willing to make that investment. I can't ask my publishers to do the same...or I guess I could ask, but I doubt they would do so.

So, if self-publishing is my preference, why do I have so many books with the big five? (8 books with Machete and 4 books with Random House). Initially, it was all about "credibility." There are still a lot of people who won't read self-published books, and having a third party with industry respect invest heavily in the work will get those that might be skeptical to give the books a try. Plus, I wanted to see what it would be like. I wanted to know both sides so I could make decisions from a point of first-hand experience with each.

Also, there was greater exposure. Being traditionally published meant the books would be in bookstores and libraries. I should note, this isn't always the case, but given who I was publishing with and the advances being offered I could pretty much guarantee this would be the case, and it was. It also opened doors that were closed to me as self-pubslied. Yes, I had a few foreign deals, but the big markets like England, Germany, France, Russia, and the like usually focus on authors who are traditionally published. Also, there was audio books. When I signed my first contract, I really didn't think about doing audio books on my own...although nowadays I COULD do this, because I learned a lot through the process of doing it traditionally.

Okay, so with that said, why not traditionally publish one contract and do eve tying else self? Well, the answer to that is I'm thinking "long term" and doing what is best for my "career." When I got the next contract (for The Riyria Chronicle books: The Crown Tower and The Rose and Thorn). I turned down the contract offered. To be honest, I thought it was a bit of an insult, given how well Revelations has sold. But my agent went back and got the offer significantly higher. I was a bit concerned that if I had only one set of books out through traditional there would be a perception that I couldn't get another contract. I also ran the numbers for those books and the advance (plus potential foreign sales) was more than I calculated I could make on my own, so it made sense to sign.

The next contract I signed (with Del Rey for the First Empire). I had two main requirements (1) I wanted books released in hardcover and (2) I wanted to retain audio rights. They agreed to both of those conditions, plus they made a financial offer that was very generous. To be honest, the size of advance doesn't mean that much to me (because I earn them out), but it does say a lot about how the publisher thinks of you and your work - and the size of this advance said, "we really respect you." In general "deals" are divided into a few categories (based on amount). The top deal is classified as "major" and this deal feel into that category. With an investment of that magnitude, they are going to do a lot in the way of of advertising and promotion, which will grow the readership. At the end of the day, I want as many people as possible reading the book, so this added exposure would help meet that goal.

That's a long way of saying...If I had my choice, I'd do self-publsihing, but if a traditional deal will advance my career in a way that self-publishing can't then I signing a traditional deal is worth the added hassles that comes along with that route.

I should note...this all is very specific to ME. And another author's "ideal route" may look much different. It depends a great deal on (a) what you value and (b) what your goals are. So, each person will have different reasons for their choice on such a matter.

Samantha wrote: "What have been some of your favorite fantasy reads from the past year? Not necessarily published this year, just read this year in general. :)

I'm behind on posting my reviews in goodreads, so thanks for brining asking. If I may, I'm going to expand this to fantasy and science fiction as they are close cousins and I read in both.

I JUST finished The Martian by Andy Wier, and I must say this is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in recent memory. Excellent character development, story, and pacing. It hit on all levels, and I can see why this little self-published book got so much attention.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik was wonderful as well. This is the first book I've ever read by her (came in a big box from Del Rey when I signed their contract) and it is definitely a highly recommend book for me.

The Goblin Emperor by Kahterine Addison was very refreshing. It's a book where, to be honest, not a lot happens. But she wrote such a likable main protagonist that i just liked spending time with him.

Another science fiction book I just completed was Armada by Ernest Cline. It's been getting less than stellar reviews both here and on Amazon and I must say I'm a bit baffled. The main criticism is it uses a lot of the same techniques of Ready Player One (a great book as well) but for some reason the readership seems that it fell short. For me, it was well worth the read. Predictable? Yeah. Similar to others? Yep. But to me execution trumps originality and I think for the most part it was well executed. I think it delivered on exactly what it promised, and I really enjoyed my time with it.

Twelve Kings in Sharakhai by Bradley Beaulieu is, I think, I hidden gem. In fact, I did a write-in for it for the Goodreads Choice Award. I should mention that I've met Brad in person, and we do converse a bit via email, but that really isn't why I'm saying this. I just thought it was a really solid debut in his new series, and I thought it had a great setting and really good characters. I think it was well plotted, having a complete story arc but also things I want to "know more" about and I'll definitely be picking up the next one. I don't hear as much "buzz" about this as some other books out there but I really did like it.

City of Stairs by Robert Bennett Jackson was a nice surprise. I hadn't read any of is stuff before this and really enjoyed it. At first I didn't think I'd like it...the first chapter kinda threw me, but in relatively short order I got attached to the main character and her sidekick and found it to be very entertaining. I'll definitely be looking at the sequel which I know is on its way.

Oh, just remembered two other great books from this year so I'm going to expand a bit farther and go into what would normally be classified as horror.

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King was excellent. Even if you've no read The Shinning (and you don't need to). This book is well worth it. King always does great characters, but his endings are usually a disappointment when compared with he rest of the book. I think this one was good from cover to cover and well worth the read.

The Girl with all the Gifts by M.R. Carey was a refreshing take on it's genre. I don't know if I should say what that genre is, as it might be a spoiler. But I will say I don't normally read that kind of book...nor did I know what it was about when I went into it, and I think it was well done.

I'm sure I'm leaving out a few - but these are the ones that jump to my head first. All great books that I highly recommend. Thanks for asking.

Michael wrote: "I think that you wrote all 6 Revelations books before you published the first one. Did you make a lot of changes to the first book while writing the last book? (by the way - this series is beautifully integrated)

I did...and yes, it's a crazy way to write series. But, as you mentioned, it does allow for the possibility of really tight integration. I actually have done the same thing with...The Riyria Chronicles (the first two books at least - both were written before publishing either one as the two together tells the complete "origin story of Riyria) and I've also done the same thing with The First Empire - which I had intended on being a trilogy but when all was said and done it turned out to be five books. If you are a new author, I don't recommend you follow my lead on this. I have some special circumstances (the ability to self-publish if traditional doesn't want the books) so I can make a huge investment of multiple books before getting any track record with he first in the series.

As for changes...The Crown Conspiracy (book #1 of the series had very little changes - in fact really just one very important sentence - which I'll go into details if you want through a spoiler protected post. That book was really just an "introduction" to the world and characters and in many ways could be lopped off and the series as a whole would hold together pretty well. The real "larger story arc" starts in book #2 (Avempartha) and again its events are somewhat self-contained so I don't think I made any changes there. Now the other books #3 - #5 had some major changes in them. You see I had two or three possible endings for the series, all of which were "good" but not (in my opinion great). So as I was writing toward the end, I kept working on other possible endings. When I finally came up with the ending the series has I KNEW this was the right one. But to get that integrated in and provide a good foundation, I did have to go back and make quite a few changes - even event some characters. Had the other books been published already I still could have the ending I wanted, but there wouldn't have been as many clues planted and gooses to chase. So, yeah I really the freedom that comes from writing multiple connected books at once - and if circumstances allow, I will continue to write that way. Thanks for asking!

Michael wrote: "Also - how many Chronicles books are you targeting?"

The Chronicles are an odd series for me, because they are written much differently than the others. Both Revelations and The First Empire has an integrated story told over multiple books. They all have a definite beginning and end, and as I mentioned I wrote them all before publishing the first.

Chronicles wasn't supposed to exist at all. When I wrote Revelations I had no plans to revisit Royce and Hadrian, although I did have plenty books planned with other characters still in the world of Elan. It was because my wife got so depressed that they were gone...and her realization that I could bring them back if I wanted to that I wrote Chronicles. My intention was to write one book, and then see if people wanted more and if so write another. As it turned out. I wrote the wrong book...you see I started with The Rose and the Thorn (because the short story The Viscount and the Witch was the seed I grew it from). Then I realized I hadn't gone back far enough in time...so at about 3/4 through it I decided I had to write The Crown Tower - to show when the two met.

With those two books done, and the complete origin story told, I felt I could walk away from Chronicles if people were starting to feel like the pair overstayed their welcome. After gathering some feedback, I realized they hadn't yet, and hence came The Death of Dulgath (recently released in ebook with the hardcover and audio coming in December).

Will there be a fourth book? Well that depends on what people say after reading The Death of Dulgath. I'd rather have Royce and Hadrian leave to soon than stay too long, so I never know if there will be a new Chronicle until about six months after "the last Chronicle." I have plenty of story ideas stored up (14 at the moment - 3 of which have been written). So whether those other books will come out really are in the hands of the readers. If they want more, there is no happier than myself (well, maybe Robin).

By the way, this requirement will make the other books more standalone than either Revelations or The First Empire. Yes, I'll have some threads that bleed over from one to the other, but I can't do the same kind of structure when I might have to stop at any moment.

So the TL:DR is 14 possible, but I'll stop when it seems that people have had enough. Thanks for asking.

I'd love to know what that sentence is that you changed in the Crown Conspiracy...

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions, Michael. I've heard nothing but amazing things about your books, and I'm even more excited to read them now knowing how awesome their author is!

You talked about your favorite fantasy books from the past year. I would really like to know what some of your all time favorite books are. Also, what are some of your favorite authors to read for enjoyment? Are they the same authors that are the most influential on your own writing?

Michael wrote: "I'd love to know what that sentence is that you changed in the Crown Conspiracy..."

Me too!

As for having too much of Hadrian and Royce, I have a very strong inkling that is very very remote from happening. Best fantasy duo ever in my opinion. :)

TS wrote: "Michael wrote: "I'd love to know what that sentence is that you changed in the Crown Conspiracy..."

Me too!

As for having too much of Hadrian and Royce, I have a very strong inkling that is very ..."

I agree :) I would love to continue seeing more adventures from them in the future :)

Adam wrote: "Wow thanks for the response, I really appreciate it.
I am totally with you on the coffee front. I love strong coffee too."

There are few restaurants, and no hotels, that make coffee strong enough for my taste. Most often when I get coffee "out" it tastes like dishwater to me.

And you are very welcome for the response.

I'm always intrigued by religion in fantasy. And like in real life, I always like to ask "is it real". And again, like in real life, there usually never is a definite answer. I was wondering wether you, when you wrote about Maribor and Nyphron, if you thought of it as real or not? And did that impact how the characters looked at the religion?

Michael wrote: "I'd love to know what that sentence is that you changed in the Crown Conspiracy..."

It's during the scene where Percy Braga is fighting with Count Pickering toward the end of the book. If you look at this paragraph...

(view spoiler)[“Did you think I was after your precious little kingdom?” Braga bellowed. “Is that what you think? I was trying to save the world, you fools! Can’t you see it? Look at him!” The archduke pointed at the prince. “Look at the little maggot prince!” He turned and pointed back at Arista. “And her, too! Just like their father; they aren’t human!” Braga, his face still red from the fight, continued down the corridor toward Alric. “You would have filth rule you all, but not me. Not while there is breath in this body!” (hide spoiler)]

The reason it was changed is...(view spoiler)[ I added the part about Braga accusing Alric and Arista of "not being human"). This is because Braga thought King Amrath was in the bloodline of the heir (which is why he was killed) and Percy also knew the truth about Novron being an elf. So by definition Arista and Alric were also part elvish. (hide spoiler)]

Now the book could have been fine without that addition. But adding it (a) provided an Easter Egg for those who re-read the stories and (b) plant a seed to careful readers to wonder "what was all that about."

Kylie wrote: "Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions, Michael. I've heard nothing but amazing things about your books, and I'm even more excited to read them now knowing how awesome their author is!

You are very welcome. And I'm glad you are interested in the books. Thanks for saying that.

Kylie wrote: "You talked about your favorite fantasy books from the past year. I would really like to know what some of your all time favorite books are. Also, what are some of your favorite authors to read for enjoyment? Are they the same authors that are the most influential on your own writing? "

My favorite books of all time are:

* Tolkien's Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings - because they were the first books that I enjoyed reading and they turned me into both a reader and sparked my desire to write.

* Stephen King's The Stand - because it was introduced to me by my wife and we spent many a late night discussing the book. The characters are still so vivid that I remember them even though I've not read the book for 30+ years.

* Richard Adam's Watershed Down - probably the best "heroes journey" I've ever read. Again the characters were vivid and the story just transported me to their world. I wanted to be a rabbit and join their trek.

* J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter - reminded me how much fun fantasy can be. I bought the books for my daughter and ended up reading them myself. It's the book that got me to give up my 10 year hiatus to start writing again and they are a big reason The Riyria books exist.

As for favorite authors. Pound for pound, Stephen King has probably provided me with the best reading experiences: The Stand, Salem's Lot, The Shining, Doctor Sleep, Different Seasons, The Green Mile, It, The Dome, I could go on and on with books of his which I have enjoyed.

Bill Bryson's books are always entertaining and informative. He's probably one of my favorite non-fiction writers. Other favorite authors include: John Steinbeck, Ken Follett, John Green, Khaled Hosseini, Gregory David Roberts, Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov. Again I could go on and on.

As for "influential" that's a much harder question to answer. Everything I've ever read, watched, or experienced becomes a part of me and I sometimes see it leaking out in my books...but usually it does so subconsciously. I don't even know it happened until it's pointed out to me later. Here's an example.I tend to write "pairs" of main protagonists "Royce and Hadrian" and "Pax and Ellis." Upon reflection I can see that a lot of the things I like also have pairs: Frodo and Sam, Sam and Al (from Quantum Leap), Kelly Robinson and Alexander Scott (from I Spy), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). But when I started writing my duo it's not like I sat down and said, "I should make a pair because of x or y or z." I just started writing a story I wanted to read, and then later on when people started asking me about why I wrote a duo, I had to think on it and I know see that some of my favorite duos from the past were probably a part of it.

Thanks for asking.

TS wrote: "As for having too much of Hadrian and Royce, I have a very strong inkling that is very very remote from happening. Best fantasy duo ever in my opinion. :)"

Well thanks! I do hear that quite a bit. I must confess I'm "hyper sensitive" about it, so you'll have to forgive me if I'm cautious on that front.

Kaitlin wrote: "I agree :) I would love to continue seeing more adventures from them in the future :) ."

Thanks! One more vote in the "more please" camp. The feedback really does help to make it a more likely possibility.

Michael wrote: "Michael wrote: "I'd love to know what that sentence is that you changed in the Crown Conspiracy..."

It's during the scene where Percy Braga is fighting with Count Pickering toward the end of the b..."

Brilliant... just brilliant. I've said it many times, but you lined the dominos up so perfectly.

@Michael - thanks! It certainly helps when you write all the books before publishing any. I continued that tradition with The First Empire series. I hope to do similarly with any other series I take on.

Michael wrote: "@Michael - thanks! It certainly helps when you write all the books before publishing any. I continued that tradition with The First Empire series. I hope to do similarly with any other series I tak..."

I am so looking forward to the new series :D Will certainly be buying them when they're out!

Kaitlin wrote: "Michael wrote: "@Michael - thanks! It certainly helps when you write all the books before publishing any. I continued that tradition with The First Empire series. I hope to do similarly with any ot..."

Agreed!

@Kaitlin - great! Pre-orders are already up for the hardcover, audio, and ebook. Not saying you need to do so, but at least wanted to mention it. Pre-orders are what the publishers use to judge things like print runs and marketing promotions, so it does help if people pre-order the books, but I don't want to push.

@Michael - thank you!

Kaitlin wrote: "Michael wrote: "@Michael - thanks! It certainly helps when you write all the books before publishing any. I continued that tradition with The First Empire series. I hope to do similarly with any ot..."

Ditto!!

@TS - it's not an easy thing to do (writing all books before publishing any of them), but it works out well for me when I use that technique. It's not something I recommend to other writers...especially new ones. But I hope to always have the freedom to do it for my works.

It's been awhile since there was a post to this thread, so I just wanted to thank everyone for the warm welcome. If you have any additional questions, I'll check back from time to time...or you can use the Ask the Author feature, or send me a message, but I'll probably not be watching this thread as closely as I was during the bulk of the conversation.

Hope everyone has a great 2016!