Michael La Ronn Shares His Writing Journey, Creative Process, and the Power of Perseverance

The Mind Behind the Stories Readers Love

Michael La Ronn discusses his journey from near-death experience to prolific author, his approach to world-building, the importance of underdog heroes, and how he stays motivated while balancing writing, career, and family life.

Michael La Ronn is nothing short of an inspiration—a true luminary in the world of science fiction, fantasy, and writerly wisdom. With over 100 works to his name, he has crafted enthralling universes in series like Good Necromancer, Last Dragon Lord, and Android X, captivating readers with his imagination and storytelling mastery. His stories are populated by underdog heroes and unique perspectives, inviting us to view the world through fresh and unexpected lenses.

Equally remarkable is his extraordinary contribution to the craft of writing. Through his bestselling guides, including Be a Writing Machine and The Pocket Guide to Pantsing, Michael has empowered countless aspiring authors to unlock their potential. His popular YouTube channel, Author Level Up, is a treasure trove of insights and has rightly earned accolades as one of the finest resources for writers.

Michael’s journey is as compelling as his stories. A near-death experience in 2012 became the catalyst for his awe-inspiring dedication to writing, a pursuit he undertakes alongside a demanding career, family responsibilities, and even law school. It’s no wonder his fans jokingly speculate that he might be a “cyborg in disguise.” His passion for the craft and sheer drive serve as a testament to what can be achieved with unwavering focus and determination.

In this exclusive interview, Michael offers a revealing glimpse into his creative process, personal journey, and the philosophies that underpin his expansive body of work. Whether you’re a fan of his mesmerising tales or an aspiring writer seeking inspiration, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

“Michael La Ronn’s boundless creativity, resilience, and dedication to storytelling make him a true inspiration for readers and writers alike.“

What inspired you to write about underdogs and characters who aren’t typical heroes?

I myself have always felt like an underdog. Growing up, I was told by other students and teachers that I wasn’t capable enough to succeed. Ironically, I turned out to be quite successful in life, so why wouldn’t a sword-wielding teddy bear or a necromancer using his powers for good be successful in their endeavors, too? Plus, readers love good underdog stories.

Can you tell us more about the personal experiences that led to your near-death moment in 2012 and how it influenced your writing journey?

A simple dinner with my wife at a local restaurant took an unexpected turn when I fell ill with food poisoning. What should have been a brief inconvenience spiraled into a month-long hospital stay due to a series of complications. That experience forced me to confront a hard truth: life is too short to put off what truly matters.

At the time, I was stuck in a dead-end job as a claims adjuster, my student loans ate half my paycheck, and I felt like I was merely existing rather than living. Lying in that hospital bed, I made a promise to myself—if I got through this, I wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of my dream of becoming a writer.

Fortunately, I recovered, and I kept that promise. Whenever I face challenges, I think back to that moment at my lowest and remember why I chose this path.

“Life is too short to put off what truly matters.” – Michael La Ronn

What do you believe is the most important message that readers can take away from your stories?

I believe reading should be fun and engaging. My novels don’t convey political messages or personal worldviews—at least not intentionally. In a world where we’re constantly exposed to strong opinions and ideologies, books can serve as a welcome escape—an opportunity to explore new perspectives, imagine the impossible, and step into someone else’s shoes. And when the story ends, ideally, my readers return to their own lives feeling refreshed and perhaps even a bit more empathetic—an invaluable trait in a fast-paced world that often leaves little room for reflection and emotional connection.

How do you approach world-building in your novels, particularly with unique settings like in Food City and Android Deception[ME1] ?

World-building starts with imagining myself in the world from the perspective of my characters. For example, if my main character is a dragon (as in my Last Dragon Lord series), how would a dragon see the world? Their eyesight probably wouldn’t be great, but their sense of smell and hearing would be exceptional. Therefore, that would inform how they would experience the world. Once I determine this foundational understanding, then I choose details that support it. I do this over and over again through dialogue, setting details, character actions, and so on.

In Food City, the main character is a human living in a city full of anthropomorphic vegetables and processed foods who are at war with each other. The vegetables are the good guys, and the processed foods are the bad guys trying to keep humans under their spell. I kept asking, “How can the world reflect this conflict?” Then, I used the settings, dialogue, and interactions between the characters to deepen the world.

What has been the biggest challenge in writing your science fiction and fantasy novels, and how do you overcome it?

The biggest challenge as a writer is mastery. The more you write, the more you realize there is an infinite number of skills to learn. You can never learn it all. It can be overwhelming, especially when you discover something important that you wish you had known several novels ago.

“Writing is therapy and prayer. It draws me closer to God and helps me learn about myself and the world.” – Michael La Ronn

There’s never a moment when you “arrive” at success. Every novel is an opportunity to learn and grow. At some point, you start writing novels that readers can’t put down, but that’s not the destination—it’s merely a landmark on your journey. I’ve overcome the struggles around mastery by seeking the advice of wise mentors who have helped me discern the most important skills to focus on.

With your dedication to writing every morning, how do you stay motivated and inspired over the long term?

I enjoy writing for writing’s sake. It’s fun, it helps me learn more about myself and the world, and it draws me closer to God. For me, writing is therapy and prayer.

It’s great when I sell a lot of books, and I like the attention writing affords me, but those are recent developments. I did this for a very long time with almost no readership. If my readership vanished tomorrow, I’d still be writing.

I believe that in order to have a long-term career, you have to be motivated by something other than success and money. Otherwise, you’ll give up if you don’t achieve those things, and you’ll become bored when you do achieve them.

Writing for writing’s sake keeps me going. Even if my books don’t stand the test of time, I wrote them because I enjoyed them, and that is enough.