A Journey into the Fictional Empire of Brandon Sanderson

The Mind of a Master Worldbuilder

From humble beginnings as a "C student" captivated by tales of wizards, Brandon Sanderson has ascended to the throne of fantasy literature. This #1 New York Times bestselling author, renowned for epics like The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn, unveils his creative process, productivity secrets, and entrepreneurial journey in this fascinating exploration of his world.

Discover how a mission to Seoul, South Korea, sparked his fascination with language and worldbuilding, influencing the intricate magic systems and captivating cultures that define his work.

"Something changed in me that day. I went from a C student to an A student over summer. … Why that change? Because I discovered stories about wizards. I discovered there was something I wanted to do," Sanderson reflects.

Building a Writing Empire Brick by Brick

Sanderson's rigorous writing routine and unique approach to teaching creative writing offer invaluable insights for aspiring authors. He emphasizes the importance of viewing oneself as "the art," with the book being a "side product" of the writer's continuous growth.

His journey from writing six unpublished novels to conquering the bestseller lists highlights his determination and adaptability in an ever-evolving publishing landscape. Learn how he embraced a DIY ethos, changing the industry on his own terms, and what lessons he learned from his record-breaking Kickstarter campaigns.

"My superpower is to be an artist raised by an accountant, and I’ve always had a bit of that entrepreneurial sense," Sanderson explains.

The Magic of Sanderson's Systems

Delve into the intricate mechanics of Sanderson's magic systems – Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy – and discover how he applies scientific principles to create fantastical worlds grounded in logic and rules.

Explore Sanderson's Three Laws of Magic and his "Zeroth Law," which champions creativity and encourages writers to "err on the side of what's awesome." This philosophy permeates his work, inspiring readers with a sense of wonder and possibility.

"Always err on the side of what’s awesome," Sanderson advises.

Beyond the Page: The Business of Storytelling

Sanderson's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his writing. He discusses the founding of Dragonsteel, his own company, and the challenges of navigating the publishing world in the age of Amazon. He shares his experience with remainder recycling, building a dedicated fan base, and completing Robert Jordan's acclaimed Wheel of Time series.

This in-depth conversation offers a glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller and provides valuable takeaways for writers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to build their own empire, fictional or otherwise.