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The Great Bitcoin Novel
Discover how Michael Sullivan is orange-pilling the world through fiction in “The Great Bitcoin Novel.” A software engineer, jiu-jitsu brown belt, and bitcoiner, Michael shares how storytelling can emotionally connect readers to Bitcoin’s deeper purpose.
In a world where nonfiction dominates Bitcoin education, Michael Sullivan is taking a different route—through fiction. A software engineer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, musician, and chess enthusiast, Michael is now using his diverse talents to write The Great American Bitcoin Novel. His goal? To orange pill the world, not with charts and whitepapers, but with emotion, storytelling, and human connection.
We sat down with Michael on The Bitcoin Libertarian to explore how fiction can bridge the understanding gap for those struggling to grasp the true impact of Bitcoin.
Table of Contents

From First Contact to Full Obsession
Michael first heard about Bitcoin in 2015. Like many, his early experiences were shaped by misunderstandings and the distractions of the wider crypto space. It wasn’t until the chaos of 2020 that he truly dove down the rabbit hole. By 2021, Bitcoin had become an all-consuming passion.
“I read everything. The Bitcoin Standard, Layered Money, you name it. I went deep fast,” he recalls.
And with that obsession came a desire to give back. With one novel already under his belt, Michael saw fiction as a powerful new vector to spread the signal.
Writing Fiction to Orange Pill
The upcoming novel, currently in final editing stages, is 100% fictional. It follows intersecting storylines, including an on-chain analyst investigating Bitcoin-related murders and a refugee using Bitcoin to escape tyranny. The goal isn’t just to entertain—it’s to educate by pulling readers into emotionally charged, real-world use cases.
Instead of technical jargon, the story shows characters confronting economic oppression, security risks, and philosophical challenges. The kind of things that don't just explain Bitcoin—but help people understand it.
Low Time Preference in Practice
Michael has poured over 2,000 hours into this project over the past three years. He’s not rushing it, even though excitement around Bitcoin is growing fast.
“I'm deeply committed to low time preference,” he says. “This book is a love letter to Bitcoin and Bitcoiners. It has to be excellent.”
While there's no official release date yet, Michael promises it will be out this year.

Life on a Bitcoin Standard
Michael’s transformation doesn’t stop at fiction. Like many Bitcoiners, the principles of proof-of-work, delayed gratification, and sound money have reshaped his entire life. From optimizing his health to raising a son on a Bitcoin standard, the impact is profound.
Bitcoin has even influenced his decision to have children. “I used to think I wouldn’t have kids,” he says. “Now I feel hopeful. I want my DNA to witness the future that Bitcoin is creating.”
A New Way to Educate
Michael’s novel aims to reach those who find the existing educational resources too technical or dry. “Not everyone is going to read The Bitcoin Standard. But maybe they'll read a compelling story that slowly weaves in the ideas.”
He emphasizes that he doesn’t see other Bitcoin fiction writers as competitors. “We're all part of the network,” he says. “We’re nodes, making the signal stronger.”
Beyond Bitcoin: Discipline, Jiu-Jitsu, and the Power of Persistence
Michael sees strong parallels between Bitcoin and the disciplines he practices—like chess, writing, and jiu-jitsu.
Looking Ahead: The Bitcoin Standard Future
Michael believes that Bitcoin will silently become the base monetary layer of the world—transforming lives whether people fully understand it or not.
“Not everyone will become a full-blown Bitcoiner,” he admits. “But they’ll live better lives because of it. A mom saving for her kids will finally have a tool that doesn't melt away.”

Conclusion
Michael Sullivan’s journey is a testament to how Bitcoin is more than just code or money. It’s a way of life. Through fiction, he’s crafting a new path to orange pill those who may never touch a whitepaper or understand hash rates. But they will understand emotion, struggle, and the desire for a better life.
His book might just be the novel that helps someone you love finally get it.
FAQs
What is The Great Bitcoin Novel about?
It’s a fictional story following several characters whose lives are shaped by Bitcoin—ranging from on-chain crime investigations to refugees using Bitcoin to escape oppressive regimes.
Is the novel technical or beginner-friendly?
It’s designed to be emotionally engaging and accessible, even for readers with no prior Bitcoin knowledge.
When will the book be released?
Michael plans to release it in 2025, but a firm date is still to be announced. He’s prioritizing quality over speed.
Has Michael written other books?
Yes, his first novel is called The Final Flaw, a speculative fiction book exploring genetic manipulation and embracing one's disadvantages.
Where can I follow Michael or stay updated?
Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @SullyMichaelvan for updates on the book and other projects.
Is this book good for orange-pilling someone new to Bitcoin?
Absolutely. That’s the primary goal—to create a fiction-first, emotionally driven onboarding experience for Bitcoin.
That's all for today, see ya tomorrow! If you want more, be sure to follow our X (@croxroadnewsco), Instagram (@croxroadnews.co), Youtube (@thebitcoinlibertarian), Tiktok (@croxroadnews) and nostr - [email protected]
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