PHOTO: Michael La Ronn—author, mentor, and creative force—shares his journey from life-threatening illness to becoming a prolific voice in science fiction and fantasy.
A Story of Resilience, Creativity, and Writing for the Love of the Craft
Michael La Ronn reflects on his near-death experience, underdog characters, immersive world-building, and the importance of writing with purpose—offering insight into his creative process and lasting dedication to storytelling.
Michael La Ronn exemplifies what it means to live with purpose and passion. A powerhouse in the realms of science fiction and fantasy, La Ronn has authored over 100 works, including the Good Necromancer, Last Dragon Lord, and Android X series. His characters—often unlikely heroes—reflect a profound message: triumph doesn’t require conformity, and greatness often emerges from the margins.
His literary accomplishments are rivaled only by his contributions to the writing community. As the mind behind the popular YouTube channel Author Level Up, La Ronn demystifies the writing process and shares invaluable strategies for both aspiring and experienced authors. His bestselling books such as Be a Writing Machine and The Pocket Guide to Pantsing are widely praised for their actionable advice and encouraging tone.
Michael La Ronn is a visionary writer whose discipline, imagination, and generosity continue to inspire both readers and fellow authors worldwide.
La Ronn’s path to becoming a full-time creator was neither linear nor easy. In 2012, a severe case of food poisoning nearly cost him his life. What followed was a month-long hospitalization and a turning point. “Life is too short to put off what truly matters,” he realized, vowing to prioritize his dream of writing. That decision launched an incredible creative journey fueled by resilience and clarity of purpose.
This experience not only transformed his professional life but also shaped the kinds of stories he wanted to tell. “I myself have always felt like an underdog,” he says. Characters in his books—necromancers fighting for good, sword-wielding teddy bears, and humans trapped in bizarre, metaphor-laden worlds—reflect that same outsider spirit. “Readers love good underdog stories,” La Ronn explains, and he delivers them with depth, humor, and heart.
A unique aspect of La Ronn’s storytelling is his meticulous world-building. He builds his fictional realms from the perspective of his characters. In Last Dragon Lord, for instance, he considers how a dragon would sense its surroundings—emphasizing smell and hearing over sight. In Food City, anthropomorphic vegetables battle processed foods in a satirical conflict that comments on modern life without ever becoming preachy. These worlds are detailed, immersive, and always serve the characters who inhabit them.
While La Ronn steers clear of overt political messaging, he hopes his stories offer something deeper. “In a world where we’re constantly exposed to strong opinions and ideologies,” he says, “books can serve as a welcome escape.” For him, the ideal result is a reader who returns to their life feeling “refreshed and perhaps even a bit more empathetic.”
La Ronn is candid about the challenges of his craft. Mastery, he believes, is a moving target. “The more you write, the more you realize there is an infinite number of skills to learn,” he says. Rather than be overwhelmed, he leans on mentorship and a growth mindset to navigate the never-ending journey of artistic development.
Despite the demands of writing, working full-time, attending law school, and raising a family, La Ronn remains committed to his morning writing routine. His motivation comes not from external success but from a deep inner calling. “Writing is therapy and prayer,” he says. “It draws me closer to God and helps me learn about myself and the world.” Even if all his readers disappeared tomorrow, he insists, he would continue to write—because he loves it.
Michael La Ronn’s life and work remind us that creativity is not just about talent—it’s about commitment, perspective, and a willingness to keep going. For anyone who has ever doubted their own potential, his story is proof that success comes not from fitting in, but from forging your own path with courage and consistency.
Source: Reader’s House Interview with Michael La Ronn
