Alexander Varhoshkov asked Michael J. Sullivan:

Hi, Michael! I'm reading Wintertide at the moment and the whole series is absolutely brilliant! (I am not saying this in order to flatter you only to get my question answered, I really mean it!) So the question - If someone is trying to write a book, but in the same time is reading books he is loving and are inspiring him, will this affect the book he is writting in a way either as a story or atmosphere?

Michael J. Sullivan Hey Alexander, thanks for popping in and asking a question. I'm so glad you are enjoying Wintertide! I don't feel I can speak for all authors, this is something that, I suspect, will vary from person to person. I can comment on me and my process.

I write (or edit) everyday, and just before writing, I open up the fiction novel that I'm currently enjoying and read it for a bit. Doesn't have to be much, sometimes only a page or two, but I find it get's my head in the "writing frame of mind." It won't change my story or the atmosphere of my book but it does act like warm up pitches before taking the mound.

Again, that may not work for everyone, but that's what I do and how it effects me.

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