I am Guy Gavriel Kay, author of "The Fionavar Tapestry" and "The Lions of Al-Rassan". I'm obsessed with, and write about, history. AMA!

Guy Gavriel Kay here. In my books I try to take the lessons we can learn from history, and play them out in imagined/fantastical settings to create new stories. My novels include "The Fionavar Tapestry", "The Lions of Al-Rassan", "The Sarantine Mosaic", "Under Heaven" (inspired by the Tang Dynasty at its height), and "River of Stars" (by the same dynasty, 400 years later, in decline). My most recent book, "A Brightness Long Ago", is set in 15th century Italy, and the one just out, "All the Seas of the World", is the sequel. I was also part of the (uncredited) writing team for Christopher Tolkien's editing of "The Silmarillion". I have been described as a "historical fantasist" by the media, and I'm happy with that.<br><br>I've loved history my whole life, and I believe the lessons we can learn from the past are endless. I'm excited to talk about history with you all, as well as my books and anything else you're interested in.<br><br><br>EDIT: It's 2:30 AM where I am. I'm going to get some sleep. I'll be back tomorrow and will keep responding, and I am having a great time. LOVE the questions about history, folks. Keep 'em coming. Love discussion ideas as well as straight questions, and I am happy to talk about other authors, too!<br><br>EDIT DAY 2:<br><br>Welcome to the hundreds and hundreds of new people who have joined since I went to bed and who are posting while I am on the road today. It's amazing. I am loving this, and will be back on tonight to keep going. Keep 'em coming.<br><br>EDIT: It's 2:00 AM again, and I am going to bed. I'll be back on in the morning. I am exhausted, but love this. I think I have answered every question except the ones about my next book. Keep 'em coming.<br><br>EDIT DAY 3:<br><br>Okay, going through. I am getting some (very kind, and much appreciated) private messages, but on the public thread I am only seeing two or three new posts since last night. I know there are a lot, so I am just going to keep going through. I will try to get as many as I can.<br><br>EDIT: Okay, all caught up, and I am going to bed!<br><br>EDIT DAY 4:<br><br>I went through to the end, about 2:30 AM my time. Going to go through again now. Keep 'em going!<br><br>EDIT: Okay, I am going through. Some of the new ones are hard, but I am trying to respond thoughtfully. I'll keep going, but slowly, and I will get back on tonight.<br><br>EDIT: Okay, done! It's 2:00 AM again, and I am going to bed.<br><br>EDIT DAY 5:<br><br>I went through to the end this morning. Will do so again tonight. In the morning I will start going through the new posts, and will get on again tonight. I want to thank everyone for all the kind words, and to encourage you all to keep them coming. And I see a lot of you are using this as a chance to discuss history as well, which is wonderful.