In many ways, this is why Sanderson is my favorite author, also why I think he is the greatest fantasy author ever. His planning and foreshadowing is the best I have ever read. The Cosmere is the most in depth universe I have ever read. I love it so much. Thank you Brandon so much for what you are doing!
@@Heidelmann Yeah that's what I'm doing. I also know I've got time, since I'm only 14. Still... the thought of planning so so much just seems so daunting
@@milospollonia1121 try this. When I first started trying to write my book, I took all my ideas and just went for it. Very little planning. I called this my Discover Draft after awhile. Basically you just write until either you can say its finished, or its just so broken and nonesensical that you can't bear to write it anymore. That way, you can look back at what you wrote and see what worked, what didn't, what needs to be moved etc.. Its not a solve all your problems solution but it gave me a foundation to work from when I went to outline.
I know exactly what you mean. Every time I start I always get overwhelmed by the sheer size of the task at hand. I'm not giving up though because it's something I really want to do.
I'm so glad I'm reading Sanderson's books as they're published. It's not going to be long until he's released 50+ books and at that point it's gonna take a loooong time for new readers to get caught up lol!
@@thegodofalldragons I think I've been forced to get more philosophical on the nature of continuity. It's natural to want, I think, consistency, but at times it can be a prison for the telling of new stories, especially in franchises that have been around for 50-90 years! What's interesting is that when studying mythology, we also find multiple versions and interpretations of stories that are at odds with each other, so I guess it's not a new phenomenon. Though the X-Men films are pretty glaring, considering they only span a dozen entries over the course of 20 years.
@@bretts8070 Yeah, a comic is more forgivable because of how long-running it is. In fact, I'd say for any comic of significant length, especially if it's a plot-heavy one, continuity becomes a weakness, rather than a strength, because of how much of burden it places on readers and writers. If I recall, DC recently deemphasized hard continuity in favor of a sort of series-by-series basis, or something like that, though they've always recognized the problem decades of continuity creates more than Marvel does. But then you have stuff like Dark Phoenix, which couldn't even be bothered to remember the ending from two movies ago.
"The outline being flexible" thing is of course different for someone, but a lot of people when I was trying writing earlier in my life essentially said hardcore architecting/thorough planning was the only way to write something good, and as a result a lot of my early projects suffered and eventually died, be it original or fanfiction, even if they got somewhere pretty far. So learning your own way of processing a story is very important in my opinion, and advice good for some people in terms of the planning phase isn't always good for others, which he actually said a few videos ago :p
Yes this is very true. Even I try to leave as much space for correction and plot holes so that I can fill them up later in the ways I want. Otherwise I end up with a thing I don't want to do. So leaving it open is the best way😂😂
In Bramdon Sanderson's 12 or 13 part lecture series on creative writing for science fiction and fantasy, that's one of his earliest points and a point that gets repeated throughout the lectures: No one method will work for everybody, and everybody should try as many methods as possible to find what works for them and stick with what works for them.
Good to know. I'm in the same spot. My outlines are typically pretty generalized, stream of conscious A to B to C type exposition dumps for myself. Full of notes for potential alternate ideas for some of the plot points or character developments, very few things are even named and if they are it's tentative at best.
"I don't like how some properties just toss out continuity repeatedly." Disney Star Wars: "Can you just look at the cool lasers and give us all the money?".
Heck, the Prequels even screw up the established continuity from the OT. So... yeah :/ Not that I'm defending the ST, cuz it stinks, but the problems with SW continuity started well before!
@@bretts8070 They definitely started it. But hyperspace ramming alone is far more egregious than anything the prequels did. On a sidenote, I never understood why people had such a problem with midichlorians. The OT repeatedly states that the force is strong in certain bloodlines, which clearly makes it partially biological.
@@whynotdean8966 True, the hyperspace ramming completely changes tactical outlook. Midichlorians were one part, but Obi-Wan's description of his tutelage under Yoda clearly didn't mean that Yoda was his Pre-School teacher, hehe. Also, as someone is arguably more a fan of the books and their continuation of the story, I remember being very annoyed that the elements of the Clone Wars established in the Thrawn trilogy were completely invalidated. Granted, the books never had the status of canon, especially considering the first post-ANH Novel was immediately invalidated by Empire and ROTJ :).
Either he's multi-tasking like a boss, or my next signed copy of his was signed mindlessly...but it might have made an appearance in a UA-cam video...lol
Due to Brandon's recitation of his publishing journey I set off to write a number of books that would flesh out the backstory and world I had created for a series I am writing, with the aim to strengthen that series through the work I do on these other books, even if many of them never see the light of day.
Question: How does one reach a flow state while writing? I'm having trouble identifying milestones because I feel unable to evaluate my own work. How can I know if I'm progressing? Is it completely subjective? If the flow state has to do with meeting substantial challenges and then developing and perusing new challenges, by what standard should I measure? How did you personally get through those first thirteen books? Did you have moments of flow even back then? How did you know you were getting better?
As someone who has written about 4 books (and they're just starting to get more readable), how I FEEL while I'm writing (which is what I imagine you mean by a "state of flow") actually has only a very small effect on the quality of the writing I'm producing. I've had days were I felt like what I was writing was really rough and coming up with words was difficult but then produced a section of writing that my writing group liked a lot. I've had days I really zoned into writing only to later realize I needed to scrap most of the words-- but that's okay because it all leads towards becoming a better writer. I think a (good) writing group is invaluable for being able to see improvement in your work. Also, I think it's important to realize that improvement often comes with each book written, rather than with each scene written. Day by day you probably can't detect a change in quality, but the difference between a first book and a fourth book is pretty noticeable. Improvement is a slow process, but feedback from critique partners and writing groups can really speed it up. edit: fixed some wording
Is this the 1st time you called those things 'shardpool's? Because I definitely didn't know they were called that And just from the name, I now understand what they are
Potions are an interesting plot device. Tristan and Isolde falling prey to the love potion for example. The potions serve a purpose that is fixed, and the tention comes from how it affects those who take it. The process of creating the potion is often overlooked. One could have a potionmaker intend to have a certain effect, but overreach or have a different outcome. How does he deal with his creation causing harm. Does he try to fix it? Maybe with more potion brewing? Or his emotional state when creating a potion changes the outcome. If he is angry, sad, in love etc, the potion takes stronger effect or works less well. Does he partake of his own potions? I am sorry if this is just mindless rambling to you...
love the video content. just one thing. why all the cuts? was this spliced over a lot of takes? a few don't bother me but this seemed like a lot. maybe it was just me tho.
Well, that and the fact that if you foreshadow something before you know what that something is you need to make sure you keep track of what you're doing if you want to make your series consistent from book to book.
@@sterlingmuse5808 That's true although I struggle with this mostly because I just write out of pocket whenever I work on my story and I've watched a ton of videos, read articles and followed courses on writing, took a dizzying amount of notes along the way and learned a ton in the process but I guess when I just simply write when "working" on my story I'm not giving myself a chance to apply any of that knowledge, I should probably plan ahead more.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
So many questions! Dragonsteel can't come soon enough. I can't believe that I'm hyped up for a book series that is decades away from now.
I know that's true, but we really all need to agree not to say it out loud.
Dude I'm so excited for dragonsteel
In many ways, this is why Sanderson is my favorite author, also why I think he is the greatest fantasy author ever. His planning and foreshadowing is the best I have ever read. The Cosmere is the most in depth universe I have ever read. I love it so much. Thank you Brandon so much for what you are doing!
I'm scared to even plan my first book, meanwhile this guy is here planning 60 books
You've nothing but time to think about all the possibilities. Decide on some main points that must happen and plot it out. Have fun.
@@Heidelmann Yeah that's what I'm doing. I also know I've got time, since I'm only 14. Still... the thought of planning so so much just seems so daunting
@@milospollonia1121 Remember not every author is a planner and interconnectivity of works may come with experience.
@@milospollonia1121 try this. When I first started trying to write my book, I took all my ideas and just went for it. Very little planning. I called this my Discover Draft after awhile. Basically you just write until either you can say its finished, or its just so broken and nonesensical that you can't bear to write it anymore. That way, you can look back at what you wrote and see what worked, what didn't, what needs to be moved etc.. Its not a solve all your problems solution but it gave me a foundation to work from when I went to outline.
I know exactly what you mean. Every time I start I always get overwhelmed by the sheer size of the task at hand. I'm not giving up though because it's something I really want to do.
I'm so glad I'm reading Sanderson's books as they're published. It's not going to be long until he's released 50+ books and at that point it's gonna take a loooong time for new readers to get caught up lol!
Yeah his books are overwhelming for sure
don't worry, by his last novel he will reveal some new information that's going to make you want to go back and reread it all from a new perspective!
Brandon: "I don't like how some properties just toss out continuity repeatedly."
X-Men films: (Awkward cough)
If you think the movies are bad, wait'll you get to the comics, lol.
@@bretts8070 Oh yeah, those aren't much better, are they?
@@thegodofalldragons I think I've been forced to get more philosophical on the nature of continuity. It's natural to want, I think, consistency, but at times it can be a prison for the telling of new stories, especially in franchises that have been around for 50-90 years!
What's interesting is that when studying mythology, we also find multiple versions and interpretations of stories that are at odds with each other, so I guess it's not a new phenomenon. Though the X-Men films are pretty glaring, considering they only span a dozen entries over the course of 20 years.
@@bretts8070 Yeah, a comic is more forgivable because of how long-running it is. In fact, I'd say for any comic of significant length, especially if it's a plot-heavy one, continuity becomes a weakness, rather than a strength, because of how much of burden it places on readers and writers. If I recall, DC recently deemphasized hard continuity in favor of a sort of series-by-series basis, or something like that, though they've always recognized the problem decades of continuity creates more than Marvel does.
But then you have stuff like Dark Phoenix, which couldn't even be bothered to remember the ending from two movies ago.
I've wanted to write since I was 11. I'm 35 now. I think it's time to get started. Thanks for the gentle push.
Love the casual Praise the sun T shirt while just signing and talking to us.
"The outline being flexible" thing is of course different for someone, but a lot of people when I was trying writing earlier in my life essentially said hardcore architecting/thorough planning was the only way to write something good, and as a result a lot of my early projects suffered and eventually died, be it original or fanfiction, even if they got somewhere pretty far. So learning your own way of processing a story is very important in my opinion, and advice good for some people in terms of the planning phase isn't always good for others, which he actually said a few videos ago :p
Yes this is very true.
Even I try to leave as much space for correction and plot holes so that I can fill them up later in the ways I want. Otherwise I end up with a thing I don't want to do. So leaving it open is the best way😂😂
In Bramdon Sanderson's 12 or 13 part lecture series on creative writing for science fiction and fantasy, that's one of his earliest points and a point that gets repeated throughout the lectures:
No one method will work for everybody, and everybody should try as many methods as possible to find what works for them and stick with what works for them.
Good to know. I'm in the same spot. My outlines are typically pretty generalized, stream of conscious A to B to C type exposition dumps for myself. Full of notes for potential alternate ideas for some of the plot points or character developments, very few things are even named and if they are it's tentative at best.
Points on the Map philosophy for the win!!!
thank you for being so awesome with your fans!
I like the red chicken on the side of the video
😂👍
I can listen to this man for hours upon hours
Brandon has great critism👍👍
"I don't like how some properties just toss out continuity repeatedly."
Disney Star Wars: "Can you just look at the cool lasers and give us all the money?".
Well, with Jar Jar Abrams you knew that it would go that way.
Heck, the Prequels even screw up the established continuity from the OT. So... yeah :/ Not that I'm defending the ST, cuz it stinks, but the problems with SW continuity started well before!
@@bretts8070 They definitely started it. But hyperspace ramming alone is far more egregious than anything the prequels did. On a sidenote, I never understood why people had such a problem with midichlorians. The OT repeatedly states that the force is strong in certain bloodlines, which clearly makes it partially biological.
@@whynotdean8966 True, the hyperspace ramming completely changes tactical outlook. Midichlorians were one part, but Obi-Wan's description of his tutelage under Yoda clearly didn't mean that Yoda was his Pre-School teacher, hehe. Also, as someone is arguably more a fan of the books and their continuation of the story, I remember being very annoyed that the elements of the Clone Wars established in the Thrawn trilogy were completely invalidated. Granted, the books never had the status of canon, especially considering the first post-ANH Novel was immediately invalidated by Empire and ROTJ :).
@@alexandernorman5337 jar jar abrams lmao
There's always another secret ...
Meanwhile I'm still struggling to finish my first book as my own huge fantasy world lives on in my head
whats your mentorship like? Dave Farland has a course he offers and Dave is about as top notch as they come. can find him on Instagram.
That shirt is probably the coolest shirt I’ve ever seen, I need one.
Then praise the sun
Either he's multi-tasking like a boss, or my next signed copy of his was signed mindlessly...but it might have made an appearance in a UA-cam video...lol
😅👍
All of the above?
Do you put a lot of thought into your signature?
Due to Brandon's recitation of his publishing journey I set off to write a number of books that would flesh out the backstory and world I had created for a series I am writing, with the aim to strengthen that series through the work I do on these other books, even if many of them never see the light of day.
Elantris is amazing
The link goes to session #17, not 22
Sticking to your guns is important. If the Cosmere books didn't do it, I probably wouldn't be reading them.
Brandon, did you foreshadow anything in your video about foreshadowing?
Question: How does one reach a flow state while writing? I'm having trouble identifying milestones because I feel unable to evaluate my own work. How can I know if I'm progressing? Is it completely subjective? If the flow state has to do with meeting substantial challenges and then developing and perusing new challenges, by what standard should I measure? How did you personally get through those first thirteen books? Did you have moments of flow even back then? How did you know you were getting better?
As someone who has written about 4 books (and they're just starting to get more readable), how I FEEL while I'm writing (which is what I imagine you mean by a "state of flow") actually has only a very small effect on the quality of the writing I'm producing. I've had days were I felt like what I was writing was really rough and coming up with words was difficult but then produced a section of writing that my writing group liked a lot. I've had days I really zoned into writing only to later realize I needed to scrap most of the words-- but that's okay because it all leads towards becoming a better writer.
I think a (good) writing group is invaluable for being able to see improvement in your work. Also, I think it's important to realize that improvement often comes with each book written, rather than with each scene written. Day by day you probably can't detect a change in quality, but the difference between a first book and a fourth book is pretty noticeable. Improvement is a slow process, but feedback from critique partners and writing groups can really speed it up.
edit: fixed some wording
@@ChandrewsArt That's such a good answer... sometimes it seems the answer to every writing question is always the same. Just keep writing.
My brain is so weird I was writing foreshadowing into my stories before I figured out what it was I was foreshadowing
That's actually pretty common.
I do that too. Using foreshadowing as a base to write the plot.
3:45 "I understand the [...] Rule of Cool, but it bugs me." Yet Brandon teaches always "err on the side of awesome." Ok then!
Is this the 1st time you called those things 'shardpool's?
Because I definitely didn't know they were called that
And just from the name, I now understand what they are
Comment section: Ideas for making potion making interesting/ character driven? Brainstorming ideas.
Potions are an interesting plot device. Tristan and Isolde falling prey to the love potion for example. The potions serve a purpose that is fixed, and the tention comes from how it affects those who take it.
The process of creating the potion is often overlooked.
One could have a potionmaker intend to have a certain effect, but overreach or have a different outcome. How does he deal with his creation causing harm. Does he try to fix it? Maybe with more potion brewing?
Or his emotional state when creating a potion changes the outcome. If he is angry, sad, in love etc, the potion takes stronger effect or works less well.
Does he partake of his own potions?
I am sorry if this is just mindless rambling to you...
love the video content. just one thing. why all the cuts? was this spliced over a lot of takes? a few don't bother me but this seemed like a lot. maybe it was just me tho.
I guess the moral of this story( video )is to write for yourself?
Well, that and the fact that if you foreshadow something before you know what that something is you need to make sure you keep track of what you're doing if you want to make your series consistent from book to book.
@@sterlingmuse5808 That's true although I struggle with this mostly because I just write out of pocket whenever I work on my story and I've watched a ton of videos, read articles and followed courses on writing, took a dizzying amount of notes along the way and learned a ton in the process but I guess when I just simply write when "working" on my story I'm not giving myself a chance to apply any of that knowledge, I should probably plan ahead more.
No view.
You signing while talking is really distracting