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
Dave
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi Michael! I was curious about the release date for Age of Empyre. Some authors are pushing back their release dates due to COVID-19, citing not being able to promote the book, do signings, etc. Do you anticipate the release as planned, or might it be moved back? I'll support you either way (and already pre-ordered it), but an added wait would be brutal! :)
Nicole
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hello, Michael. I feel like this may be a weird question, but how tall are the lead characters in Riyria?
Pam
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hey Michael. I don't know what it is about summer that makes me miss Hadrian so much but that's usually when I'm ready to read him again. You know I agree with your wife about Hadrian!! When is the next Riyria book coming out? I'm itching for something I didn't know about him!! P.S. I've told you how much I think you ROCK but it's worth mentioning again!! I want to live in Elan!! Your biggest fan, Pam
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