Michael La Ronn Shares His Journey, Creative Process, and the Resilience Behind His Writing Success
From Near-Death Experience to Literary Mastery
Michael La Ronn discusses his writing journey, balancing storytelling with career and family, his love for underdog heroes, world-building techniques, and how perseverance and passion have shaped his prolific literary career.
Michael La Ronn is a name that has become synonymous with boundless creativity and an unwavering commitment to storytelling. A prolific author in science fiction and fantasy, as well as a mentor to aspiring writers, he has crafted compelling worlds in series such as Good Necromancer, Last Dragon Lord, and Android X. His characters often embody the spirit of the underdog, proving that perseverance and resilience can lead to triumph.
Beyond his fiction, La Ronn has made significant contributions to the writing community through his bestselling guides like Be a Writing Machine and The Pocket Guide to Pantsing. His YouTube channel, Author Level Up, is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for writers at every stage of their journey.
Michael La Ronn’s creativity, discipline, and dedication to storytelling make him an inspiration for writers and readers seeking passion and perseverance.
A Near-Death Experience That Changed Everything
La Ronn’s writing career was catalyzed by a life-altering event. In 2012, what began as a simple case of food poisoning turned into a near-death experience, leaving him hospitalized for a month. Facing mortality head-on, he realized that life was too short to delay his dreams. From that moment on, he made a promise to himself: he would pursue writing with everything he had.
“Whenever I face challenges, I think back to that moment at my lowest and remember why I chose this path,” La Ronn shared.
The Power of Underdog Heroes
La Ronn’s fascination with underdog characters stems from his personal experiences. As a child, he was often underestimated by peers and teachers, yet he defied expectations to build a thriving career. This belief in the power of perseverance is reflected in his protagonists—whether it’s a sword-wielding teddy bear or a necromancer using magic for good, his stories challenge conventional hero archetypes.
“Readers love good underdog stories,” he said. “Why wouldn’t someone unexpected, like a dragon or a human in a city of talking vegetables, be capable of greatness?”
Crafting Immersive Worlds
La Ronn’s approach to world-building is rooted in character perspective. When writing Last Dragon Lord, for example, he imagined how a dragon might perceive the world—perhaps with diminished eyesight but heightened senses of smell and hearing. In Food City, where anthropomorphic vegetables battle processed foods, he infused the setting with details that reinforced the story’s central conflict.
“I always ask myself, ‘How can the world reflect this conflict?’ and let the setting and characters deepen the experience,” he explained.
Writing as a Lifelong Pursuit
Despite his success, La Ronn acknowledges that writing mastery is a never-ending journey. “The more you write, the more you realize there are infinite skills to learn. You can never learn it all.”
His dedication to the craft is evident in his disciplined routine—writing every morning, balancing his passion with a career, family, and even law school. But what truly keeps him motivated is the sheer joy of storytelling.
“Writing is therapy and prayer. It draws me closer to God and helps me learn about myself and the world. Even if my readership disappeared tomorrow, I’d still be writing.” – Michael La Ronn
Michael La Ronn’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and staying true to one’s passion. Whether through his captivating novels or his invaluable writing advice, he continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.
