There are two types of people on this world: Brandon Sanderson fans and those that have not yet realized that they are, in fact, Brandon Sanderson fans.
People are always talking about how we were born too late to explore the world, too early to explore space, but I think that we are all so incredibly lucky to be alive now, when we can explore Brandon Sanderson's works. I feel like this is how it must have felt to live when Tolkien, Socrates, or any other great person was alive, reading and hearing beautiful, life-changing ideas, and wondering what the next one is going to be. I'm not sure if this makes sense, but after hearing these eloquent words I felt so grateful to be alive right now, when Brandon is doing such unprecedented things, that I had to write something down.
“Babsk, you are a romantic. Don’t tell me you believe that old story?” “One can believe in a story without believing it happened.” These stories are "real" to me... and have changed my life. I'm grateful that Brandon's prose are simple because it helps more people to feel "inside".
Thank you. For a guy who supposedly doesn't feel a lot, you share quite a lot of worlds full of emotions, and they vibrate in the lives of many readers. That's why, thank you again.
I am neurodivergent in a few 'hidden' ways. They're often challenging and uncomfortable to explain to people, so I often just mask and move on. Because of this, I empathize deeply with your explanation. Then, you give us this gentle, powerful, simple, complex, amazing glimpse into your "why." There was one paragraph that tells me everything I need to know about your work, Mr. Sanderson...and, while I absolutely love your books, I now understand more about WHY I love your books. Thank you. "This is why I write. To understand. To make people feel seen. I type away, hoping some lonely reader out there, left on a curb, will pick up one of my books. And in so doing learn that even if there is no place for them elsewhere, I will make one for them between these pages."
There's something incredibly rare and beautiful about you, Brandon. I usually don't take the time to comment on anything, but you are a light in this world. Thank you for everything you give us. Past, present and future.
Wasn’t expecting to break down sobbing today. I feel like a light has been cast on all these ambiguous thoughts and emotions (or lack thereof) I’ve been feeling by myself for the past two years. As someone with a similar upbringing who has just recently fallen in love with Brandon’s stories, hearing him articulate my deepest thoughts where I couldn’t has made me feel so incredibly seen for maybe the first time.
Just finishing breakfast for my wife and son, catching up on my playlist and I listen to this gem, crying, remembering how many times I was left Outside, I do not have the skill to write do I turn myself to reading and artisan crafts, the best part is that both hobbies connected me to a lot of people and they made me feel better and since then I try to bring people to my 3 main hobbies, reading, crafts and board games. Thank you Brandon for being do wholesome and making us feel so many things. Love you all Dragonsteel team and fans, have an awesome day, week, month, year and life.
I've been wrestling lately with the idea that my life is a journey and the group has stopped at an inn. The inn is comfortable, the fire is warm, and the music is good. The group has settled into the inn, but I know the journey must continue. I have not been pushed outside but have left willingly so that the journey may continue and progress. The road is now a solitary one, and though I know I've made the right choice, a piece of my heart stayed at the inn.
One of the moments that has always punched me in the gut and makes me cry is when Kal and bridge 4 decide to go back. It's such a human moment that really struck a cord in me. Another moment that makes me weep every time I read it is "Journey before destination, you bastard" UGH There are moments in other stories too that always get me, I most recently reread the stormlight archive... I find myself often rereading brandon sanderson. The goal to bring people who read his stuff inside is probably why. I feel included. It's such a special experience that I wish for other people to feel.
Absolutely beautiful. I'm on the autism spectrum and remember watching TNG and relating so much to Data. Not that I was without emotions, but the desire to belong and feeling like an outsider because of something I had no control of, while aspiring to make those connections. A huge part of my love for Sci-Fi and Fantasy was that exploration of something "different." I wish I could have told young me that one day he'd make it and that he wasn't nearly as different as he felt, but that's life. Thank you for sharing Brandon!
I remember reading this passage when u first wrote it. I just introduced a new friend to mistborn. She struggles sometimes with making friend something which I can relate to. Mistborn help me find a place inside so I am happy I can do that for someone else.
Absolutely beautiful. I needed this last year when he released it. Brandon's books are a constant source of aspiration for me. Remember, the most important step a man can take is the next step, always the next step.
I... its hard to say how exactly this made me feel. But i am glad to have seen it. This is the first time i have heard anyone ever say something that resonates with me so much. I didn't really think that there was anyone else who felt the way i did, but it seems like there is. And it's my favorite author. Thank you. It means a lot.
I can’t even tell you how relatable this is. Here in Alaska, I like being outside. When the snow falls on a winter day, it falls peacefully. I like sitting in my chair on my porch, watching the scene unfold before me. Nothing is said. Nothing really happens. And yet, it seems as though many stories are being told. I write stories in an attempt to replicate what I feel when I sit and watch the weather. Rain brings me anticipation for the sun as nature is sustained by the water. The sun brings me joy as all life is nourished by the warm light. With the wind comes the resolve to face the challenges of life head on. And snow brings me peace, because although the world is frozen, things continue to move. I write to connect people with the world as I am when I sit and watch the weather.
I come here, alongside hundreds of others, to say thank you, Brandon, for bringing us inside. I am a very emotional person. I cry when I hear something sad. I cry when I hear something happy. I cry when I hear something beautiful. Needless to say, I cry a lot while reading your books. I cried while watching this video because I was sad that so many people have stood outside. I cried while watching this video because the words were beautiful. I cried while watching this video because I was happy: If what you want to accomplish through writing is to bring those who feel alone inside, then you have accomplished it. Thank you for everything.
I remember when this article came out and how much I related. Being almost always at a 7, emotionally, describes me perfectly. I've adopted the term even-keeled to describe myself.
Whenever I feel like I need to experience hightened emotions, I reread your novels. They never fail to make me cry, laugh, and feel elated when I find it hard to normally ❤
To me, it's the same. My emotions usually only peak when reading, or seeing a movie. The rest of the time my emotions are quiet and I like it that way. It allows me to make logical decisions more often. It changed a bit when my two girls were born. With them around feelings, both positive and negative are more common. Still, I'm driven to tears mostly by books. And I thank you for your part in that, Brandon, I enjoyed those tears.
I hope Brandon sees this comment... I have also spent my life feeling this way about stories. Which is why stories are sacrosanct to me. I don't know why but I have always LIVED the characters in the books that I read, and through this I gain insight and knowledge about life that is applicable in my life, and hopefully I can even help those I love. Although I do not have the same situation with my emotions as Brandon, but living the characters you read is the most precious thing to me in the world (aside from my wife and family of course). And all of the Sanderson books have done that in a way that is truly special and remarkable. Which is why I have gotten most of my family and friends similarly addicted to the Cosmere. These stories are also what inspired me to strive towards one day becoming a writer. One day I hope to meet you Mr Sanderson, so I can thank you for what you have done for me, and I'm sure have done for so many other people through your stories.
I remember reading this blog when is was originally published. Hearing it in Brandon's voice hits me even harder than before. Brandon is a beautiful human to have written this as a response to a betraying experience. ❤
i'm not the biggest mistborn or SA fan out there. I enjoy Sanderson books but I'm not invested in them emotionally. This right here though, got me invested. this came up on youtube autoplay while I was looking away from the screen so for the first few minutes I didnt even know it was Sanderson but god did it hit hard right where I needed it at this point in my life. The world generally feels disappointing most days of the week. Thank you for making this one different, Brandon.
...In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 😁❤️ This wasn't just a blog post ( _you provided the link in the description_ ) or a narrated vlog, but a wonderful testimony Brother Sanderson. 🙏 I believe your words here seep of what I know we are taught through the gospel of Christ. I have written to you before of how well you've expressed my feelings and even thoughts through your characters, and (spoiler alert! 😉) I'm trying to compile a letter showing how you've touched others similarly. I have felt often that outsider feeling, and my lifelong MDD was almost taking over until a fairly recent experience being blessed with the knowledge of friendship ( _as I try to explain in my vlog 681_ ). I still obviously have lifelong depression, and feel different not just as a member of The Church but being able to know I'm understood by *someone* is comforting and *strengtheing.* It's why my belief & knowledge that I and my brothers and sisters are known by my God has helped me hang on and push through. 💪 I hope your new books can help me understand myself and my experiences in my next life chapter of trying to find and court, as my patriarchal blessing says, my "mate". 😁 Here's to another adventure!! 🧭
Brandon's books have welcomed me inside in a time where I thought I would never have a home again. Brandon has inspired me, lit the hearth in my heart, before cold and desolate, now warming my bones and feeding my hopes for the future. Thank you for everything, Brandon. You have given me the gift of being able to dream again.
I've sat here for 10 minutes. Thinking of what to write as tears uncontrollably still flow. I can't put to words how much this hit me. I haven't read the post when it was originally posted, but maybe it wasn't the correct time to hear or read those words. Now it was. The most I can write is "thank you, Brandon". But the weight of these three words... I send them laden with emotion. I am unable to put it into words. I do not have the words to express it. I feel... kinship. I've had a lot of time "outside" growing up, and I know I am not the only one. Shunned sometimes, I went there on my own a few times because... I felt I wasn't wanted inside. But I feel seen. So thank you. I've written a lot of words without saying much. As I said, I don't think I'm able to express it. But to whomever reads this. Thank you, too, for being inside with me. Here. This is our inside.
Both my fiancé and I absolutely love all your work, Brandon. When the whole interview article scandal and response came out I remember crying the tears my fiancé felt but at that “normal level”. You have an amazing way with words. You have definitely made us feel on the inside in a world that shuts us out.
Thank you so much Brandon. Your books and the things you do have helped me so much with so many things. I really appreciate you trying to pull people ‘inside’ as you say.
I remember the first time I read The Way of Kings. I was working as an IT contractor and spent a lot of time behind the windshield, so I looked for the longest audiobooks I could find 🤪. I felt the joy and pain of the characters. I cry every single time Kaladin overcomes the odds to save his friends. More than any other series I've ever read, I connect deeply with these books, with each of the heroes. Thank you for bringing us inside.
I read that interview and my jaw dropped to the ground. Everything the guy spoke about- having Raman with you and getting to chat with you about writing, visiting your cool house, getting to attend dragonsteel… I would die of happiness if I was in his shoes. What a beautiful response. I hope that interviewer learns that if they intend to write worthwhile prose, they should drop the sticks and stones and pick up some more refined writing instruments 😖
This really touched me. Even before hearing this I have always felt your stories are empathetic and felt the intention behind them to help others feel seen and understood, especially with regards to mental health stuff. Thank you for the positivity and kindness you bring to the world.
Wow I love these types of musing video. I also loved that desert video which inspired the shattered planes. Really beautiful and inspiring for a writer.
I picked up my first Brandon Sanderson book at age 12 (in 2009), it was handed to me by the school librarian (the only out queer staff member at my school, and I was the only out queer student) who found me hiding behind a book shelf during lunch because it was the only place that I could find where the bullies couldn't find and torment me. It was a true Neverending Story moment. I was outside and that book let me in. I've been a Sanderfan ever since and I found community and made friends through the old tumblr CFSBF fandom, I spent every Friday in the Friday night cosmere chats and was even able to connect IRL with several people that I met through those chats. I couldn't be happier to see how much Sanderson's career has grown, because these books mean so much to me and I want more people like me to be able to find the escapism and community needed to get through their darkest days just like I did.
I'm listening to mistborn book 2 right now. I was only gonna listen to book one cos I already listened to it this year. But you can't stop at book 1! Great video Brandon.
Man…I always felt stupid when my own writing moved me to tears at certain times. Thanks for the reassurance, Mr. Sanderson, that I’m not alone in that regard.
Wow… your description of your emotional range and resistance to extremes feels incredibly familiar in nearly all respects. This has not always been the case for me, but it was throughout my youth. And it has been again, for the last year or so, ever since I worked through some serious stuff and got my mind right. I’ve also written half a million words in the last couple years. So maybe semi-muted stability is really useful for those who want to tell stories on such a scale. As *your* work is utterly masterful, and can be sold, it’s far more practical for you than for me. Stay content. Embrace generally being at a 7. Being different is not automatically bad. You’re an excellent example of this.
And this is why so many of the scenes in his stories connect with me. I’ve experienced a wide range of emotions while listening/reading his books. I can relate to the former soldier now a slave being forced to carry a bridge for miles day in and day out. Some of his young love stories make me cringe at times just remembering how awkward young love can be. Being on the inside of his stories is a lot of fun.
Thank you for sharing this. I am new to being a fan of Sanderson, but I feel like I've learned so much. I really resonated with Vin the Mistborn. Watching a room of friends laugh in a room with me on the outside is something I experienced many times as a child. Thank you Brandon for reigniting my love of fantasy, and giving myself some extra confidence.
Wow, do you know I have not read one of your books, I will one day as I have a few of them. Right now, I am admiring your UA-cam content. I thank you for your writing, even if I am only reading blog posts. I am a fan, and I look forward to finally reading your book collections.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us Brandon. I don't have quite the same experience with dampened emotions, but definitely spent my share of time out in the cold, and the connection and emotions you can feel through books is... intense. I often read while a passenger when driving (don't have trouble with motion sickness thankfully), and I get all sort of looks when I giggle to myself at something funny I read, and have to try not to be too obvious about crying when there's big emotional moment.
Thank you. Your experience with emotions is much like my own, among other similarities, and perhaps that is why I enjoy your books and characters in particular so much.
This is something i started noticing as i started my 30s. I used to think this is something i will remember forever. And its the words not what took place that remains today. The absence of a fond memory lost. And the fear of what i may lose from now 20 years away
I’ve always felt my strongest emotions when reading, especially your books. I don’t have opinions except the ones I tell myself I ought to have. I don’t have friends, and that’s not going to change. It’s a comfort to know you’ve felt the same way. A cold comfort, but still, A comfort. Thank you, Brandon, with all sincerity.
Im your age Brandon and can relate almost exactly to what you describe. This is a normal state of being for people who have grown up emotionally and know who they are. As Lao Tzu said "knowing others is wisdom, knowing oneself is enlightenment."
I am completely the opposite of Brandon with my emotions. They control me. I just got out of a psych ward. While there I read mistborn, gardens of the moon, night flyer, and I worked on my own novel. Stories help me out immensely. Thank you Brandon for this.
This hit me more than I was expecting. I’ve always felt at peace outside in the softly falling snow. There’s a beautiful aloneness in the silence of it. It’s easier to appreciate the beauty of life in the quiet moments by oneself I think. As long as you have the warm home to go back too.
Brandon, I hope you realise beyond the surface level compliments you recieve on all aspects of your work, that passages like these so deeply impact so many. The inspiration that you have become from the experience you articulate acts as more than inspiration, which it does, but embodies the humanity that you pour into it, and becomes hope. Thank you for everything, Sando-man.
I needed this today. Thanks Brandon for opening this door to your world, and inviting me (and all of us) inside. For this moment I don’t feel so outside in the cold.
This is me. This is EXACTLY what I feel in terms of emotions. I have tried to describe it to those I love around me, and to have it so eloquently put by a master writer is a Godsend. I have used "muted", "not sociopathic", etc before but this is perfect. Thank you!
I want to thank you for helping me shape myself into a person I am today. Writing changes people, it makes us more curious, more accepting of others. This is why I write, because I want to people put things into perspective. Because at the end, there is more things intertwining us than there are dividing. Thank you for helping me realize it, Brandon
10:59 second time you made me cry in less than 11 minutes 11:20 make it fourth 13:06 fifth (I'm pausing in between. I also have my own version of crying that is more like sobbing but without making a sound and barely moving) Well I cried a couple more times but I got distracted and didn't click the timestamp thingie. This truly meant a lot. And it hard, clearly. Thank you. I'm saving it to listen to again when I need to. I've felt outside most of my life, even with my family or that one friend group I managed to be a part of for a while. I've felt outside in a lot of ways, and I still do, every day.
I've noticed this thread in several books and am so glad to hear that this is so central to my favourite author. Specifically his treatment of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people (because that is a lens I look through often), but then others surfaced to my attention as I went back and re-read looking for those moments of understanding and inclusion. Thank you for everything Brandon.
Brandon's books are awesome, but his creative writing lectures changed the course my life. I've written almost every day for three+ years because he gave me the tools and the confidence to tackle the process and embrace what's "odd" about me. Life isn't as lonely now. I'll never be able to express the gratitude I feel.
There are two types of people on this world: Brandon Sanderson fans and those that have not yet realized that they are, in fact, Brandon Sanderson fans.
Further confirming the fact that Taylor Swift is the Brandon Sanderson of music and vice versa
@@Donnerjkkst-swift makes me feel things...
@@Donnerjkks🤣🤣🤣🤣 as a swifty and a Sanderfan, I love this
@@Donnerjkks That is absolutely diabolical. But I see what you mean
Funnily enough, Brandon is the only author who consistently manages to make me cry.
Brandon is the only author who has ever made me cry. Mistborn 3 hit me hard
"You will be warm again"
This was beautiful. Thank you Brandon
Warm indeed.
cam here to say that. I think wit is brandon trying to pass on life "tips" for us
People are always talking about how we were born too late to explore the world, too early to explore space, but I think that we are all so incredibly lucky to be alive now, when we can explore Brandon Sanderson's works. I feel like this is how it must have felt to live when Tolkien, Socrates, or any other great person was alive, reading and hearing beautiful, life-changing ideas, and wondering what the next one is going to be. I'm not sure if this makes sense, but after hearing these eloquent words I felt so grateful to be alive right now, when Brandon is doing such unprecedented things, that I had to write something down.
“Babsk, you are a romantic. Don’t tell me you believe that old story?”
“One can believe in a story without believing it happened.”
These stories are "real" to me... and have changed my life. I'm grateful that Brandon's prose are simple because it helps more people to feel "inside".
"I like being me." - the moral of the century!
Thank you. For a guy who supposedly doesn't feel a lot, you share quite a lot of worlds full of emotions, and they vibrate in the lives of many readers. That's why, thank you again.
The more I learn about Brandon the more I love him
I am neurodivergent in a few 'hidden' ways. They're often challenging and uncomfortable to explain to people, so I often just mask and move on. Because of this, I empathize deeply with your explanation.
Then, you give us this gentle, powerful, simple, complex, amazing glimpse into your "why." There was one paragraph that tells me everything I need to know about your work, Mr. Sanderson...and, while I absolutely love your books, I now understand more about WHY I love your books.
Thank you.
"This is why I write. To understand. To make people feel seen. I type away, hoping some lonely reader out there, left on a curb, will pick up one of my books. And in so doing learn that even if there is no place for them elsewhere, I will make one for them between these pages."
Reading the initial post made my cry in my office. I related to this so heavily. Put to words feelings I’ve felt but could never express.
There's something incredibly rare and beautiful about you, Brandon. I usually don't take the time to comment on anything, but you are a light in this world. Thank you for everything you give us. Past, present and future.
Wasn’t expecting to break down sobbing today. I feel like a light has been cast on all these ambiguous thoughts and emotions (or lack thereof) I’ve been feeling by myself for the past two years. As someone with a similar upbringing who has just recently fallen in love with Brandon’s stories, hearing him articulate my deepest thoughts where I couldn’t has made me feel so incredibly seen for maybe the first time.
Wow. I put off watching this for way too long.
This is amazing. Thank you.
I knew when I read THAT chapter of Yumi and Painter that Brandon knew what feeling isolated was like.
Holy cow this hit me in the gut... 😢 In turn, Your stories have helped ME feel. Thank you Brandon.
Just finishing breakfast for my wife and son, catching up on my playlist and I listen to this gem, crying, remembering how many times I was left Outside, I do not have the skill to write do I turn myself to reading and artisan crafts, the best part is that both hobbies connected me to a lot of people and they made me feel better and since then I try to bring people to my 3 main hobbies, reading, crafts and board games. Thank you Brandon for being do wholesome and making us feel so many things. Love you all Dragonsteel team and fans, have an awesome day, week, month, year and life.
This is just as powerful as it was last year! Journey before Destination radiants!
I've been wrestling lately with the idea that my life is a journey and the group has stopped at an inn. The inn is comfortable, the fire is warm, and the music is good. The group has settled into the inn, but I know the journey must continue.
I have not been pushed outside but have left willingly so that the journey may continue and progress. The road is now a solitary one, and though I know I've made the right choice, a piece of my heart stayed at the inn.
Wow felt this one too ...
Well written sir. Godspeed and courage.
Thank you for your honestly, humility and transpency. Being welcomed is a treasure.
One of the moments that has always punched me in the gut and makes me cry is when Kal and bridge 4 decide to go back. It's such a human moment that really struck a cord in me.
Another moment that makes me weep every time I read it is "Journey before destination, you bastard" UGH
There are moments in other stories too that always get me, I most recently reread the stormlight archive... I find myself often rereading brandon sanderson. The goal to bring people who read his stuff inside is probably why. I feel included. It's such a special experience that I wish for other people to feel.
"I cry when it *works*"
Me too, man. Me too.
Absolutely beautiful. I'm on the autism spectrum and remember watching TNG and relating so much to Data. Not that I was without emotions, but the desire to belong and feeling like an outsider because of something I had no control of, while aspiring to make those connections. A huge part of my love for Sci-Fi and Fantasy was that exploration of something "different."
I wish I could have told young me that one day he'd make it and that he wasn't nearly as different as he felt, but that's life.
Thank you for sharing Brandon!
"If I were of any other religion that aspect would be a footnote, not a headline"
Its true. Man that article was bad.
I remember reading this passage when u first wrote it. I just introduced a new friend to mistborn. She struggles sometimes with making friend something which I can relate to. Mistborn help me find a place inside so I am happy I can do that for someone else.
Absolutely beautiful. I needed this last year when he released it. Brandon's books are a constant source of aspiration for me. Remember, the most important step a man can take is the next step, always the next step.
I very much agree with you the next step is the most important.
I... its hard to say how exactly this made me feel. But i am glad to have seen it. This is the first time i have heard anyone ever say something that resonates with me so much. I didn't really think that there was anyone else who felt the way i did, but it seems like there is. And it's my favorite author. Thank you. It means a lot.
I can’t even tell you how relatable this is.
Here in Alaska, I like being outside.
When the snow falls on a winter day, it falls peacefully.
I like sitting in my chair on my porch, watching the scene unfold before me.
Nothing is said. Nothing really happens. And yet, it seems as though many stories are being told.
I write stories in an attempt to replicate what I feel when I sit and watch the weather.
Rain brings me anticipation for the sun as nature is sustained by the water.
The sun brings me joy as all life is nourished by the warm light.
With the wind comes the resolve to face the challenges of life head on.
And snow brings me peace, because although the world is frozen, things continue to move.
I write to connect people with the world as I am when I sit and watch the weather.
I come here, alongside hundreds of others, to say thank you, Brandon, for bringing us inside.
I am a very emotional person. I cry when I hear something sad. I cry when I hear something happy. I cry when I hear something beautiful. Needless to say, I cry a lot while reading your books.
I cried while watching this video because I was sad that so many people have stood outside. I cried while watching this video because the words were beautiful. I cried while watching this video because I was happy: If what you want to accomplish through writing is to bring those who feel alone inside, then you have accomplished it.
Thank you for everything.
I remember when this article came out and how much I related. Being almost always at a 7, emotionally, describes me perfectly. I've adopted the term even-keeled to describe myself.
As an ex mormon, it makes me hopeful for that church that there are members like Brandon.
Whenever I feel like I need to experience hightened emotions, I reread your novels. They never fail to make me cry, laugh, and feel elated when I find it hard to normally ❤
To me, it's the same. My emotions usually only peak when reading, or seeing a movie. The rest of the time my emotions are quiet and I like it that way. It allows me to make logical decisions more often.
It changed a bit when my two girls were born. With them around feelings, both positive and negative are more common. Still, I'm driven to tears mostly by books. And I thank you for your part in that, Brandon, I enjoyed those tears.
And this is why he is the best author that has ever walked this earth.
I hope Brandon sees this comment... I have also spent my life feeling this way about stories. Which is why stories are sacrosanct to me. I don't know why but I have always LIVED the characters in the books that I read, and through this I gain insight and knowledge about life that is applicable in my life, and hopefully I can even help those I love. Although I do not have the same situation with my emotions as Brandon, but living the characters you read is the most precious thing to me in the world (aside from my wife and family of course). And all of the Sanderson books have done that in a way that is truly special and remarkable. Which is why I have gotten most of my family and friends similarly addicted to the Cosmere. These stories are also what inspired me to strive towards one day becoming a writer. One day I hope to meet you Mr Sanderson, so I can thank you for what you have done for me, and I'm sure have done for so many other people through your stories.
I remember reading this blog when is was originally published. Hearing it in Brandon's voice hits me even harder than before. Brandon is a beautiful human to have written this as a response to a betraying experience. ❤
Those were some of the most beautiful, eloquent and hard hitting words I’ve ever heard. Thank you❤
i'm not the biggest mistborn or SA fan out there. I enjoy Sanderson books but I'm not invested in them emotionally. This right here though, got me invested. this came up on youtube autoplay while I was looking away from the screen so for the first few minutes I didnt even know it was Sanderson but god did it hit hard right where I needed it at this point in my life.
The world generally feels disappointing most days of the week. Thank you for making this one different, Brandon.
I never thought I would ever cry watching youtube
I tend to be the solemn one. As others play and mess around, I think. It makes it hard to connect with others. Thank you for this. You are accepted.
I have never met anyone with the same emotional clamp as me. It is good to know that someone so kind and able also has such a gift/affliction.
...In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 😁❤️
This wasn't just a blog post ( _you provided the link in the description_ ) or a narrated vlog, but a wonderful testimony Brother Sanderson. 🙏 I believe your words here seep of what I know we are taught through the gospel of Christ. I have written to you before of how well you've expressed my feelings and even thoughts through your characters, and (spoiler alert! 😉) I'm trying to compile a letter showing how you've touched others similarly.
I have felt often that outsider feeling, and my lifelong MDD was almost taking over until a fairly recent experience being blessed with the knowledge of friendship ( _as I try to explain in my vlog 681_ ). I still obviously have lifelong depression, and feel different not just as a member of The Church but being able to know I'm understood by *someone* is comforting and *strengtheing.* It's why my belief & knowledge that I and my brothers and sisters are known by my God has helped me hang on and push through. 💪
I hope your new books can help me understand myself and my experiences in my next life chapter of trying to find and court, as my patriarchal blessing says, my "mate". 😁 Here's to another adventure!! 🧭
You’re a deeply thoughtful man. I appreciate that. I admire you greatly.
Brandon's books have welcomed me inside in a time where I thought I would never have a home again. Brandon has inspired me, lit the hearth in my heart, before cold and desolate, now warming my bones and feeding my hopes for the future. Thank you for everything, Brandon. You have given me the gift of being able to dream again.
Thank you for all of the magic you bring to our lives 💕
I've sat here for 10 minutes. Thinking of what to write as tears uncontrollably still flow.
I can't put to words how much this hit me. I haven't read the post when it was originally posted, but maybe it wasn't the correct time to hear or read those words. Now it was.
The most I can write is "thank you, Brandon". But the weight of these three words... I send them laden with emotion. I am unable to put it into words. I do not have the words to express it.
I feel... kinship.
I've had a lot of time "outside" growing up, and I know I am not the only one. Shunned sometimes, I went there on my own a few times because... I felt I wasn't wanted inside.
But I feel seen. So thank you.
I've written a lot of words without saying much. As I said, I don't think I'm able to express it.
But to whomever reads this. Thank you, too, for being inside with me. Here. This is our inside.
Okay well Brandon had already made me cry but then I read this and it said (or didn't say) everything I felt too. You are seen. You are very seen.
Both my fiancé and I absolutely love all your work, Brandon. When the whole interview article scandal and response came out I remember crying the tears my fiancé felt but at that “normal level”. You have an amazing way with words. You have definitely made us feel on the inside in a world that shuts us out.
Thank you so much Brandon. Your books and the things you do have helped me so much with so many things. I really appreciate you trying to pull people ‘inside’ as you say.
As someone who has been standing outside for most of my life, this really hits me deep. I so hope there is a purpose to it. This was beautiful!
Same I often feel like I've standing outside. I also feel like my emotions are always a lot less then others.
I remember crying when I read this, but it hits even harder hearing it in Brandon's voice.
I remember the first time I read The Way of Kings. I was working as an IT contractor and spent a lot of time behind the windshield, so I looked for the longest audiobooks I could find 🤪. I felt the joy and pain of the characters. I cry every single time Kaladin overcomes the odds to save his friends. More than any other series I've ever read, I connect deeply with these books, with each of the heroes. Thank you for bringing us inside.
Snow is fleeting in SLC... unless you take a drive up the cottonwood canyons - then it's a wonderland
Feel like I'm in the audience and Hoid is telling me a story smh
Man, this resonates so hard with my lived experiences of muted feelings and how I feel through narrative and the characters therein
Thanks much! Fascinating! I've often wondered about the thought processes of other people, but rarely feel I get much insight. Really informative.
I read that interview and my jaw dropped to the ground. Everything the guy spoke about- having Raman with you and getting to chat with you about writing, visiting your cool house, getting to attend dragonsteel… I would die of happiness if I was in his shoes. What a beautiful response. I hope that interviewer learns that if they intend to write worthwhile prose, they should drop the sticks and stones and pick up some more refined writing instruments 😖
Thank you for sharing your story, Brandon. I feel like you see me ❤
This really touched me. Even before hearing this I have always felt your stories are empathetic and felt the intention behind them to help others feel seen and understood, especially with regards to mental health stuff.
Thank you for the positivity and kindness you bring to the world.
Thank you, for giving us experiences feeling on the inside. It's hard to articulate how much it means to me, so just thank you.
You are greatly appreciated, Mr. Sanderson. Thank you for bringing us inside and sharing your magic with the world.
Wow I love these types of musing video. I also loved that desert video which inspired the shattered planes. Really beautiful and inspiring for a writer.
Hearing Brandon describe his lack of passion and emotion reminds me of Odium. “Give me your pain”
this came at precisely the right time for me. thank you, Brandon.
I picked up my first Brandon Sanderson book at age 12 (in 2009), it was handed to me by the school librarian (the only out queer staff member at my school, and I was the only out queer student) who found me hiding behind a book shelf during lunch because it was the only place that I could find where the bullies couldn't find and torment me. It was a true Neverending Story moment. I was outside and that book let me in. I've been a Sanderfan ever since and I found community and made friends through the old tumblr CFSBF fandom, I spent every Friday in the Friday night cosmere chats and was even able to connect IRL with several people that I met through those chats.
I couldn't be happier to see how much Sanderson's career has grown, because these books mean so much to me and I want more people like me to be able to find the escapism and community needed to get through their darkest days just like I did.
I loved this. It's good to stop and appreciate the many facets of diversity we experience in this life. Thank you.
I'm listening to mistborn book 2 right now. I was only gonna listen to book one cos I already listened to it this year. But you can't stop at book 1! Great video Brandon.
Man…I always felt stupid when my own writing moved me to tears at certain times. Thanks for the reassurance, Mr. Sanderson, that I’m not alone in that regard.
Wow… your description of your emotional range and resistance to extremes feels incredibly familiar in nearly all respects. This has not always been the case for me, but it was throughout my youth. And it has been again, for the last year or so, ever since I worked through some serious stuff and got my mind right.
I’ve also written half a million words in the last couple years. So maybe semi-muted stability is really useful for those who want to tell stories on such a scale. As *your* work is utterly masterful, and can be sold, it’s far more practical for you than for me. Stay content. Embrace generally being at a 7. Being different is not automatically bad. You’re an excellent example of this.
And this is why so many of the scenes in his stories connect with me. I’ve experienced a wide range of emotions while listening/reading his books. I can relate to the former soldier now a slave being forced to carry a bridge for miles day in and day out. Some of his young love stories make me cringe at times just remembering how awkward young love can be. Being on the inside of his stories is a lot of fun.
Thank you for sharing this. I am new to being a fan of Sanderson, but I feel like I've learned so much. I really resonated with Vin the Mistborn. Watching a room of friends laugh in a room with me on the outside is something I experienced many times as a child. Thank you Brandon for reigniting my love of fantasy, and giving myself some extra confidence.
Wow, do you know I have not read one of your books, I will one day as I have a few of them. Right now, I am admiring your UA-cam content. I thank you for your writing, even if I am only reading blog posts. I am a fan, and I look forward to finally reading your book collections.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us Brandon. I don't have quite the same experience with dampened emotions, but definitely spent my share of time out in the cold, and the connection and emotions you can feel through books is... intense. I often read while a passenger when driving (don't have trouble with motion sickness thankfully), and I get all sort of looks when I giggle to myself at something funny I read, and have to try not to be too obvious about crying when there's big emotional moment.
Thank you. Your experience with emotions is much like my own, among other similarities, and perhaps that is why I enjoy your books and characters in particular so much.
This is something i started noticing as i started my 30s. I used to think this is something i will remember forever. And its the words not what took place that remains today. The absence of a fond memory lost. And the fear of what i may lose from now 20 years away
Omg no way I remember when I first read this and wishing I had it on audio to just listen to….how does he always know what we want!! 🥳
It's interesting that an essay about snow and feeling outside leaves me with hot tears and a feeling of belonging.
I’ve always felt my strongest emotions when reading, especially your books. I don’t have opinions except the ones I tell myself I ought to have. I don’t have friends, and that’s not going to change. It’s a comfort to know you’ve felt the same way.
A cold comfort, but still,
A comfort.
Thank you, Brandon, with all sincerity.
I relate to this so damn much, as someone who has always struggled with emotions and reading and having felt outside my entire life.
So beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Brandon 💜 you're an amazing human with beautiful stories, and I'm grateful you've chosen to share them with the world
Im your age Brandon and can relate almost exactly to what you describe. This is a normal state of being for people who have grown up emotionally and know who they are. As Lao Tzu said "knowing others is wisdom, knowing oneself is enlightenment."
I am completely the opposite of Brandon with my emotions. They control me. I just got out of a psych ward. While there I read mistborn, gardens of the moon, night flyer, and I worked on my own novel. Stories help me out immensely. Thank you Brandon for this.
This hit me more than I was expecting.
I’ve always felt at peace outside in the softly falling snow. There’s a beautiful aloneness in the silence of it.
It’s easier to appreciate the beauty of life in the quiet moments by oneself I think. As long as you have the warm home to go back too.
Brandon, I hope you realise beyond the surface level compliments you recieve on all aspects of your work, that passages like these so deeply impact so many. The inspiration that you have become from the experience you articulate acts as more than inspiration, which it does, but embodies the humanity that you pour into it, and becomes hope. Thank you for everything, Sando-man.
I needed this today. Thanks Brandon for opening this door to your world, and inviting me (and all of us) inside. For this moment I don’t feel so outside in the cold.
I connect with this & admire this very much. Stunning. Thank you Brandon.
This is me. This is EXACTLY what I feel in terms of emotions. I have tried to describe it to those I love around me, and to have it so eloquently put by a master writer is a Godsend. I have used "muted", "not sociopathic", etc before but this is perfect. Thank you!
Thank you, Mr. Sanderson. Thank you.
I'll be sitting down and writing now.
This really touched me. Thank you for sharing your past, and thank you for sharing your stories.
This was beautiful 🥹🥹🥹 Thank you Brandon for everything!
Beautiful, wonderful to hear the narration
I want to thank you for helping me shape myself into a person I am today. Writing changes people, it makes us more curious, more accepting of others. This is why I write, because I want to people put things into perspective. Because at the end, there is more things intertwining us than there are dividing. Thank you for helping me realize it, Brandon
This sounds like a page of Brandon's diary. Like looking into a keyhole for a minute. I always find new ways to respect Brandon.
10:59 second time you made me cry in less than 11 minutes
11:20 make it fourth
13:06 fifth
(I'm pausing in between. I also have my own version of crying that is more like sobbing but without making a sound and barely moving)
Well I cried a couple more times but I got distracted and didn't click the timestamp thingie.
This truly meant a lot. And it hard, clearly. Thank you. I'm saving it to listen to again when I need to. I've felt outside most of my life, even with my family or that one friend group I managed to be a part of for a while. I've felt outside in a lot of ways, and I still do, every day.
Needed this. I fucking love you Brandon Sanderson. Thank you for Yumi and the Nightmare Painter. It let me in.
Thank you Brandon, for allowing me to come inside. Reading your books I feel like I have friends. 💛
I've noticed this thread in several books and am so glad to hear that this is so central to my favourite author. Specifically his treatment of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people (because that is a lens I look through often), but then others surfaced to my attention as I went back and re-read looking for those moments of understanding and inclusion. Thank you for everything Brandon.
Brandon, this is amaaazing! Thanks for much for sharing!
Brandon's books are awesome, but his creative writing lectures changed the course my life. I've written almost every day for three+ years because he gave me the tools and the confidence to tackle the process and embrace what's "odd" about me. Life isn't as lonely now. I'll never be able to express the gratitude I feel.
Thank you for all of your writing. Your novels have helped me through tough times. Also thank you for how much you care about us fans
I feel seen in a way I did not anticipate and didn't even know I wanted.
Thank you.