Ethan’s Writing Origins-Ep. 124 of Intentionally Blank

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  • Опубліковано 17 жов 2023
  • This week on Intentionally Blank, Brandon is once more joined by Skar (Ethan) in discussing how one can write while being pulled away by “real jobs.” Ethan talks about his own adventures of writing while in the military, Brandon revisits his time of working graveyard shifts at a hotel while writing, and they both share their own mental ways to writing without distraction.
    Check out our previous episode of Intentionally Blank
    • Meeting the real-life ...
    Can be listened to almost everywhere podcasts can be found.
    Sound engineering and editing by Daniel Thompson
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 96

  • @kjerstechristensen6441
    @kjerstechristensen6441 7 місяців тому +136

    As someone who *currently* works at the BYU Library, I think we should put up a sign at that reference desk that says "Brandon Sanderson was fired here." 😂

    • @corinnedrollette6107
      @corinnedrollette6107 7 місяців тому +6

      Fired by the Evil Librarians (not really. I loved the BYU library)

    • @user-gv9tt2hx6p
      @user-gv9tt2hx6p 7 місяців тому

      .

    • @fredrikfjeld1575
      @fredrikfjeld1575 7 місяців тому +2

      @@corinnedrollette6107 So that is where the idea of evil librarians come from!

  • @notsureaboutthis4283
    @notsureaboutthis4283 7 місяців тому +129

    I love when Brandon gets so involved in the conversation that he stops signing and then you can see his brain remember to keep signing.

  • @snowleopard064
    @snowleopard064 7 місяців тому +68

    Having Skar on the podcast is such an unexpected delight. Great episode!

  • @jaspermooren5883
    @jaspermooren5883 7 місяців тому +56

    I hope Dan gets better soon! Skar is awesome, but I miss the foodheists. However I can wait, take all the time you need Dan!

    • @samowar5203
      @samowar5203 7 місяців тому +20

      We all miss and love Dan, but just to alleviate your concerns a bit - they usually record 2 episodes at a time, so a "mental health day" very possibly is just that - a day. Dan can take as much time as he needs, we'll wait, but those two episodes don't indicate that he's "still" resting :)

    • @jaspermooren5883
      @jaspermooren5883 7 місяців тому +4

      @@samowar5203 that makes sense, they are wearing the same clothes as last week, so that's probably the case.

  • @gyorgyolah7815
    @gyorgyolah7815 7 місяців тому +10

    If anyone wondering this is the book Skar wrote.: Heuristic Algorithm and Reasoning Response Engine (HARRE)

  • @sawyerharrell1453
    @sawyerharrell1453 7 місяців тому +28

    The "or watch UA-cam" got me. I guess I'll continue writing once I finish the episode.

    • @ikept_the_jethryk2421
      @ikept_the_jethryk2421 7 місяців тому +2

      Lol I’m writing and listening at the same time. When I edit I’ll probably find something they said stuck in there

    • @sawyerharrell1453
      @sawyerharrell1453 7 місяців тому

      @@ikept_the_jethryk2421
      Sweet! I wish you luck!
      Or skill I guess. Skill is better than luck when it comes to writing.

  • @alexm-e4910
    @alexm-e4910 7 місяців тому +6

    I wasn’t expecting Skar’s given name to be Ethan. Really enjoyed having him on the show!

  • @ProfPyro
    @ProfPyro 7 місяців тому +11

    "You just had a really killer idea for a really good story" from Brandon is like having Darth Vader compliment your theme music.

  • @n88466
    @n88466 7 місяців тому +5

    I just read Skar's story Among the Apple Trees"". Really cool. I'm excited for when H.A.R.R.E. gets released on it's own

  • @KalleVilenius
    @KalleVilenius 7 місяців тому +4

    So I was reading some She-Hulk comics from 1991 and they featured a villain called professor Sanderson. Who knew you had a career as an obscure super villain before your writing career took off?

  • @MrLGDUK
    @MrLGDUK 7 місяців тому +2

    Message for Dan: You're awesome. While I have missed your calm wit and insight, I'm glad you've been able to take time you need for yourself. Looking forward to having you back on IB soon.
    (Ethan is also cool, so I appreciate him stepping in 👍)

  • @404_Name_Not_Found
    @404_Name_Not_Found 7 місяців тому +27

    I'm enjoying Skar. Podcast guests are great!
    Im looking forward to when Dan gets back. Wishing him well.

  • @TaiSharTanner
    @TaiSharTanner 7 місяців тому +8

    Week five of me begging Brandon and Dan (and Skar?) to play Outer Wilds because it would become their most favorite story telling game ever

  • @thenu9960
    @thenu9960 7 місяців тому +2

    As I librarian (based in New Zealand), I enjoy the library job story every time you tell it. Not because you were fired, but because I recognise the librarian characteristics you describe.

  • @ArtemCamar
    @ArtemCamar 7 місяців тому +1

    This was phenomenal for me to listen to today. I got a job offer a week ago in the field I studied in college, but I'm terrified to take it because I'm so afraid it will take away from my own personal projects. The things I actually want to get paid to do, and what I truly enjoy doing. I feel like what was said here: "training your brain to work when it needs to, sucking it up and putting in the work if it's something you want, taking that time on your personal projects" was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm an illustrator, and both the job and my own projects all have to do with art. I'm really nervous that I won't be able to work on my own passion project when I get home from a long day of illustrating for someone else. But this was really heartening and invigorating to hear. Thanks, guys!

  • @Torsin2000
    @Torsin2000 7 місяців тому +2

    Skar just reminds me of all the time I spent in Afghanistan. Sitting around, staring at the feed from cameras interspersed with those high intensity moments. For example, I was out on the perimeter fence with some civilian contractors as they were explaining this new intrusion detection system that had been installed. We heard a loud explosion, like a controlled demolition, but it was off base to the south east. Almost 20 years late and I can still see the plume of dust and smoke rising up and then seeing the streaks of the rocket motors kicking off. Then trying to figure which side of the vehicle to take cover with the civilian contractors, we ended up choosing the side next to the fence. Hearing the whistle and looking up as one of the motors streaked overhead and landed about 30 meters away. Hearing the, eloquent choice of words of the soldier who was a few feet away from where the rocket motor landed. Evidently, an offsite controlled demolition did not go as planned, and they ended up kicking off the rocket motors which did not have any warheads attached.
    Like Skar said, a lot of hurry up and wait, then moments of excitement.

  • @drummerguy438
    @drummerguy438 7 місяців тому +2

    I need them to stop calling me out so hard with this.
    Honestly, If Brandon could do a video on how you can train yourself out of those sorts of "seeking comfort" impulses, that would be amazing. It's tough sometimes.

  • @hkfifty871
    @hkfifty871 7 місяців тому +7

    Although I’ve missed our resident food heist expert (best wishes and prayers for Dan!) I have also enjoyed our brief time with Skar, offering up an interesting new perspective and writer experiences.
    Looking forward to Dan’s return until we are treated ro our next guest star (perhaps a reappearance by the notorious Ben?).

  • @michaelvcelentano
    @michaelvcelentano 7 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for this episode, I really needed it. I’m an opera singer who’s (hopefully) on the cusp of breaking through and really doing it professionally, but still working the side-job. I have to keep remembering that true focus on the goal will get one there sooner or later!

  • @keeganmet257
    @keeganmet257 7 місяців тому +7

    I'm hoping to get some secret writing done at my job today 😀

  • @KyleOfTheNorth
    @KyleOfTheNorth 7 місяців тому +7

    Aww I like hearing from Skar. I hope Dan is feeling better next week, I too
    have been having a rough go of things lately, in terms of mental health. I think it's the turning of the seasons.

  • @notsureaboutthis4283
    @notsureaboutthis4283 7 місяців тому +14

    Though I definitely like hearing Brandon, I would really enjoy a Dan & Skar episode. Or maybe all 3 if they need an excuse of having Brandon signing to call it work.

  • @dawesome_sauce
    @dawesome_sauce 7 місяців тому +8

    Probably your all-time best "how is that Ben?"

  • @airbendnerd
    @airbendnerd 7 місяців тому +2

    Look forward to reading Skar's book!

  • @igamergirl14
    @igamergirl14 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for this new episode! I think it came just at the right time for me having a full time job for the first time and also desperately wanting to write!

  • @Soy309
    @Soy309 7 місяців тому +3

    would love to see you and Steven Erikson talk about magic in stories

  • @WizardSkeni
    @WizardSkeni 7 місяців тому +6

    Halfway through Sunlit Man, having a great time
    Thanks for making Wednesdays that much better as well

  • @DarudeSandworm
    @DarudeSandworm 7 місяців тому +5

    Realization. How on earth did we get to 124 episodes?

  • @UvaroviteKing
    @UvaroviteKing 7 місяців тому +4

    Brandon seems like such a great employer. Wish he was hiring for an engineer....

  • @Jane_Doe_8909
    @Jane_Doe_8909 6 місяців тому

    the way i change modes is by working out. suddenly I'm refreshed and ready to be productive again

  • @lekanal9231
    @lekanal9231 7 місяців тому

    I loved those two episodes with Skar. Amazing guy! Also listening to you talk about writing while having a fulltime job is interesting. Hope Dan feels a lot better soon.

  • @paulbrooks4395
    @paulbrooks4395 7 місяців тому +2

    I like short stories, especially anthologies. I’d like to hear what Skar thinks about 40k, particularly Horus Heresy if he’s read it. They have lots of anthologies that give a good slice of lore and feeling by relying on suggestion and inference.

  • @avanz2885
    @avanz2885 7 місяців тому

    Got some unexpected great advice on work ethics and discipline, thanks. And that ending was charming 😊😊

  • @MrLGDUK
    @MrLGDUK 7 місяців тому

    Beautiful twist on the sign off!

  • @BlakeStackman
    @BlakeStackman 7 місяців тому

    David Gemmell - Winter warriors 👌
    I mention that particular book a lot, however, it is amazing.

  • @ericg3814
    @ericg3814 7 місяців тому +5

    That was the best "How is it Ben?" ever

  • @kirkwagner461
    @kirkwagner461 7 місяців тому

    I need to re-watch this for the part on how to make getting started on a days writing easier.

  • @davidsabotta6528
    @davidsabotta6528 7 місяців тому

    I only read a few Gemmel books, but Snaga remains one of the coolest weapons in all of fantasy. Druss was so, so cool to read when I was younger.

  • @SpencerRussellSmithAuthor
    @SpencerRussellSmithAuthor 7 місяців тому

    If anyone is interested in David Gemmell's work, I know it's probably not what he's known for, but his Troy Trilogy starting with Lord of the Silver Bow is a fantastic Illiad retelling that very much rides the line between historical fiction and historical fantasy.

  • @nintendo_oui
    @nintendo_oui 7 місяців тому +2

    My experience going to school Mechanical Engineering and doing twelve hours of work daily sounds more similar to what Skar experienced. I understand being compelled to not change your schedule, thanks for the helpful ideas about habit changing. Currently, I'm doing a software start-up. What do you think it would be like switching from writing early in the morning rather than after work? I find writing in the evening to be completely impossible now.

    • @nintendo_oui
      @nintendo_oui 7 місяців тому +1

      I mean, I know I can just try and find out. Does anybody else write before they have other difficult mental tasks?

  • @Dizaster977
    @Dizaster977 7 місяців тому +1

    SUUUUUUUCH an important episode for me... I am in this sort of work/while trying to write a book hell right now as a matter of fact. 50k words in the last six months has been... HARD.

  • @devonwilliams9576
    @devonwilliams9576 7 місяців тому +1

    @1:41 Skar fitting right in haha, immediate tangents is what this podcast is all about lmao

  • @jasongillespie8933
    @jasongillespie8933 7 місяців тому

    I work full time and have developed a method that helps me. At least with word count. Finding time is still tricky. My job is kind of a blend of Brandon's Hotel and Library job's. Sometimes i have enough of a slow period to get out a lot of words, other times its hopping from customer to customer helping them. But time can be found for writing. You just have to notice where.
    350 per day minimum. which is 2450 per week. if I miss a day its ok as long as I make my weekly.
    2450 per week is 127,750 per year. Which is a Bands of Mourning sized book (127,456) a year.

  • @charles3840
    @charles3840 7 місяців тому

    Definitely want to get that short story. Would buy it for a few bucks on Amazon or elsewhere.

  • @francislally6066
    @francislally6066 7 місяців тому

    Getting to know skar (Ethan) just gets me mire excited for our Bridge 4 skar. Lol i knew he was my favorite bridge 4 member for a reason

  • @aenea22980
    @aenea22980 7 місяців тому +3

    Scar is awesome! It's really interesting to hear such a different perspective, I hope he comes back again. I hope Dan is feeling better too so he can come back 😁

  • @zack_feldman
    @zack_feldman 7 місяців тому +6

    We miss you Dan! Hope you are doing well!

  • @stridera
    @stridera 7 місяців тому

    I used to do the same sleeve cooling trick when I rode the guntrucks in Iraq.

  • @samuelstout1746
    @samuelstout1746 7 місяців тому

    David Gemmell was the first adult fantasy author I picked up in High School and his work turned me into a lifelong fan of the genre

  • @devonwilliams9576
    @devonwilliams9576 7 місяців тому

    Having Skar on was fantastic!

  • @NotMeButAnother
    @NotMeButAnother 7 місяців тому +5

    Sometimes listening to him tell about his experiences it feels like Brandon has inattentive ADHD and is just so engaged by writing and storytelling that he can hyperfocus on it at will.

  • @LegosSnake
    @LegosSnake 7 місяців тому

    12:44, yeah that's literally what um doing right now watching this podcast episode

  • @ambbb4691
    @ambbb4691 7 місяців тому

    That was a great Ben transition.

  • @bestintheband5114
    @bestintheband5114 7 місяців тому +2

    Hey does anyone know how the Spoiler Q&A works? I'm going to go to dragonsteel 2023 and I'm wondering what my chances are of getting to ask a question. Like do they just pick randomly from the audience or are the questioners selected beforehand like the people in the signing lines?

  • @marcoyounger
    @marcoyounger 7 місяців тому +4

    Such a smooth ending haha

  • @lypreila7913
    @lypreila7913 7 місяців тому

    Y'know Scar you have a lovely voice.

  • @djboulier1819
    @djboulier1819 7 місяців тому

    hugs Dan!

  • @Jasonwolf1495
    @Jasonwolf1495 7 місяців тому

    I used to have a laptop to be my "this is for writing" tool and it broke so now I have to try and write while resisting my gaming PC that has everything else going for it.

  • @loafofmilk7680
    @loafofmilk7680 4 дні тому

    It sounds like I have the same MOS as the actual Skar. 44’s up. Rah.

  • @plusmanikantanr
    @plusmanikantanr 7 місяців тому

    StarShip Troopers in COSMERE ! 😀 I LOVE IT ! Smoke rising from the PowerArmor as the Master Chief *ahem* Radiant Knight manifests his spear out of condensing swirling smoke 😀 Eyes blazing Gloryspren surround his bretheren warriors as they make fast their preparations to launch into battle 😀 Swords, Spears, Guns and Bullets ! 😀

  • @meroftm
    @meroftm 7 місяців тому

    I'm just curious what is the difference between a mental health day, and a day off? Is it cause 'vacations/rest.day off' are bad words to our capital owners?

    • @trombaritone86
      @trombaritone86 7 місяців тому

      It depends a lot on where you work. At my job, it usually means you're taking a vacation day, but I've also seen companies that just have people not come in for a day just because.

  • @OrionSeas
    @OrionSeas 7 місяців тому

    "Men in power armor!"

  • @nathaniel2007
    @nathaniel2007 7 місяців тому

    I am the person who writes, gets interrupted, watches UA-cam way too long, then I finally force myself to write again. The result is, I sleep less. Got to get that word count in, procrastination or no.

  • @alec8485
    @alec8485 7 місяців тому

    all that prep to hit 1000 words per hour really makes me wonder about some web serial authors like Pirateaba who I think has maxed at like 35,000 words in a day.

  • @xkxxxx
    @xkxxxx 7 місяців тому

    Do they discuss WoT yet?

  • @Slobrojoe
    @Slobrojoe 7 місяців тому

    Yo can someone link to Scar’s novella?

  • @Isoquant
    @Isoquant 7 місяців тому

    I want to read the far future military novel about men in power armor

  • @mr.kilroy6818
    @mr.kilroy6818 7 місяців тому +1

    How do I get my Sanderson Grouppee T-shirt' XXXXXXXXXXXL!

  • @jonathanbassett3656
    @jonathanbassett3656 7 місяців тому

    "And I got a big one" hahahahahahahaha

  • @brokenredflag
    @brokenredflag 7 місяців тому

    Brandom is boss😎

  • @crockettcast2702
    @crockettcast2702 7 місяців тому

    Oh no, choir!! 😥First time Brandon has ripped out my heart.....oh wait, you suck, Moash.

  • @stephenpeterson4738
    @stephenpeterson4738 7 місяців тому

    I want to know what he is signing.

    • @user-gv9tt2hx6p
      @user-gv9tt2hx6p 7 місяців тому

      Imagine if you find one of his books that was signed with his old signature before he streamlined it that might be worth something.

  • @Donnerjkks
    @Donnerjkks 7 місяців тому

    Wait Skar's name isn't really Skar?

    • @tilkanuts
      @tilkanuts 6 місяців тому

      His last name is 'Skarstedt'

  • @zenthepoet.
    @zenthepoet. 7 місяців тому +18

    Adoooonalsium

    • @dekisuba
      @dekisuba 7 місяців тому +1

      could not have said it better myself

    • @gimmetheprize3271
      @gimmetheprize3271 7 місяців тому +2

      weird way to say The Lopen

    • @TheAmyrlinSeat
      @TheAmyrlinSeat 7 місяців тому +1

      Isn't he dead?

    • @zenthepoet.
      @zenthepoet. 7 місяців тому +2

      @@TheAmyrlinSeat he is alive in our hearts

    • @TheAmyrlinSeat
      @TheAmyrlinSeat 7 місяців тому +6

      @@zenthepoet. Adonalsium Will Remember Our Plight Eventually

  • @aguy3129
    @aguy3129 7 місяців тому +1

    23rd

  • @masonwheeler6536
    @masonwheeler6536 7 місяців тому

    Wow, that library job sounds horrible! That's not even a bad job for Brandon; that's a bad job for _anybody,_ because that's a job for a database, not a human. I could literally do that entire job with a single SQL query, and not even a complicated one!

  • @Fabulist
    @Fabulist 7 місяців тому

    Tom Clancy used to get up 2 hours before work to write The Hunt for Red October, so there’s one data point in favor of that gambit.
    Also, I’m the guy who didn’t like the story. Sorry. Not everything is for everyone. But the Armored anthology (edited by John Joseph Adams) is quite good overall.