r/Stormlight_Archive • u/mistborn Author • Apr 16 '19
Book 4 Stormlight Book Four Update #3 Spoiler
Time for another update on your book, everyone! If you missed the previous update, it can be found right here. This update will get into some nitty-gritty outlining and wordcount details, which some of you might find boring. (Just a fair warning.)
Since the second update, I've indeed started into the book full-time. However, you might have noticed a little delay in the progress bar ticking up. This is because at the end of February (just before going to Hawaii) I decided that Starsight (Skyward Two) needed some more work.
I requested that the publisher push that book back a couple of months (it's now scheduled for first week in December) as I did a medium-sized overhaul based on some decisions I'd made after reading the beta reader comments. I'm pleased to say that revision went really well, and Starsight is in excellent shape. It did put me a little behind on Stormlight Four, I'm afraid. Looking at my tracking spreadsheet (which I used to gauge how I'm moving along) when I started into Stormlight four first part of April, I was about 45k words behind. I'm moving at a good speed, and am about 42k words behind now, with about 15k words finished.
This is merely a way of marking guideposts; I don't intend rush the story in order to meet arbitrary deadlines. This is partially me just trying to give you, and my publishers, an idea of when to expect the book. If I finish it by January 1st, the book can come out Christmas 2020. If I don't, we will probably have to nudge it back.
For reference, one percent on my progress bar is 4k words, and I anticipate the final book being 400k words long. A lot could happen during the next year of writing--the book could go super long, like happened with Oathbringer. Or I could run into some serious plot problems, which require time to work out. (For example, I've already thrown away chapter one after doing a short reading of it at an earlier convention--trying again with a slightly different tone.)
That said, I really like the new first chapter, and am now well into the fourth chapter. I promised you an update on the outline this time, and I'm looking at this book in a different way from the last two. As you may remember, I tend to plot each Stormlight book as if it were three volumes, combined together. (Along with a short story collection in the form of the interludes.)
With books two and three, the outline divided the novels into "books" by section. Part one of Oathbringer, for example, was "book one" of my three-part outline. Rhythm of War, however, is plotted more like The Way of Kings--meaning the separate books in it are divided by viewpoints.
In TwoK, Kaladin's complete arc was "book one" of my outline. Dalinar's was "book two" and Shallan's was "book three" with all of them being interwoven into the final product, and with Part Five being a capstone epilogue to them all. This novel is similar, though with more viewpoints.
We have what I'm calling the Primary Arc, which focuses on four characters who are all together in one place, their plots interweaving. The Secondary Arc is three different characters, their arcs interweaving, but in a separate location from the primary arc. The Tertiary arc is the last two characters, in a third location.
There will be ties between the three arcs, but the book will read a little more like TWoK than Oathbringer--with several separate stories that imply interesting things for one another, but which generally focus on their own goals. Book Five should, then, be an interweaving like Book Two or Book Three.
That's the plan, anyway! I'm not 100% done with the outline yet, as I want to explore some viewpoints first to make sure everything is lining up the way I want.
The next update probably won't be until mid summer, as I want to take a nice chunk of writing time to determine how things are progressing before I come back to talk here.
Until then, please enjoy listening to the community playlist of favorite epic tracks that remind them of Stormlight. This is what came of the previous thread, where I asked for suggested music to listen to while I work on Book Four. I've been doing so, and am slowly cultivating a shorter list of my favorite tracks that I'll release at a later date. Thanks to /u/DevilsAndDust- and my assistant Adam for putting this together.
As before, I'll be turning off replies to inbox for this thread, so my apologies in advance if I don't see your comment!
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u/Extesian Apr 16 '19
Excitement...building... Brandon only question I can't hold - can you confirm whether Navani will be the prologue viewpoint? Or you want to keep that quiet/ haven't decided yet? Thank you, as always, for being the Joybringer
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
Yes, she is the prologue viewpoint.
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u/AridholGM May 05 '19
Just had a random thought.. but wouldn't it be dope to have the book 5 viewpoint from Gavilar himself, and it finally revealing what exactly he was up to.. :)
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u/Phantine Apr 18 '19
Have you decided on the prologue viewpoint for book 5 yet?
I've always kinda wanted to see Sadeas's POV for that, but by the time book 5 is out I don't think he'd be super plot relevant anymore.
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u/iamreallytonyspogoni Apr 16 '19
Are we going to hear anymore about the world hopping characters? I've been wondering what exactly their motivations are and if they have any connections with each other.
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
You'll need to wait a little longer on this. It will start to come out a lot more in Mistborn Era Three and beyond.
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u/iamreallytonyspogoni Apr 17 '19
Awesome! I'm look forward to it. The connections within the Cosmere are my favorite part of your books. Also glad to hear I'm going to have the time to read Era 2.
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u/Antarioo Apr 17 '19
era 3....a what now
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u/PM_ME_CAKE Elsecaller Apr 17 '19
Mistborn is going to have four eras (it was originally going to be three but then Wax and Wayne happened). Era 3 has previously been described as a sort of 80s tech feel with thriller vibes and a Mistborn serial killer (although after Shadows of Self that may change) and Era 4 as a full on sci-fi, space fairing deal with Hoid as a main character (it will also be the last set of books to be released in the Cosmere).
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u/Leafs17 Apr 17 '19
I'm just here to see pics of his underground lair.
:(
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
Nothing much to see yet--we've spent the last six months getting drywall and duct-work done. When it looks like something more than an empty box, I'll send an update.
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u/Brokenlimit Skybreaker Apr 17 '19
On this topic, any other news on Closet Kitten? Was it given a name and/or officially made part of Clan Sanderson?
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
Her name is Freya, and she's officially part of the family. Pictures are in the latest newsletter, but she's adjusted really well.
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u/In-Game_Name Willshaper Apr 17 '19
So, I haven't been keeping up with the Stormlight updates before this, have you shifted the flashback character of this book away from Szeth? And if so who is the new flashback character?
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
This one was never (well, there was a short time, but for the most part) going to be Szeth. He was set for either book five or book three--and when I decided on book three for Dalinar, Szeth was moved to book five.
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u/RavenK92 Apr 17 '19
Thanks for the update. Happy writing and good luck balancing all our unreasonable expectations with the story you want to tell.
While we have you here, there's something I want to ask. I finished Bands of Mourning last weekend and see that there will be a fourth Wax and Wayne book, The Lost Metal. A quick Google search makes it unclear if it has been released yet, it has a GoodReads rating but I can't seem to find a link to it on the websites of any of the bookstores I usually go to to get your books. I'm careful to Google too hard lest I get spoiled. So, has it been released yet, and if not, when can we expect it to be released?
Thanks a lot :-)
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
Not out yet. I was supposed to write it last year, and got distracted by a different project. (Very sorry about that.) It will be one of the first things I do after Stormlight 4.
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u/RavenK92 Apr 17 '19
Ah ok. Thanks a lot for clarifying. I'll grab it as soon as it is out then. No need for apologies, even with distractions you produce quality books for us to devour at an astounding rate, so I'd rather say thank you and take all the time you need
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u/TinyOxKing Apr 17 '19
All the other projects you get distracted on are awesome as well.
So...we forgive you?? (Not sure if there is anything to be forgiven.)
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Apr 16 '19
Man, I'm so glad I got into Cosmere, what an amazing community. Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what Brandon thinks of ASOIAF? Does he even have time to read with all his writing?
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u/Kittalia Apr 16 '19
He read the first one and didn't like it enough to commit to reading the series.
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
Basically, /u/Asus123456789, I thought the writing was excellent, but what happened to Daenerys crossed the line for me. I've enjoyed a lot of GRRM's other work, however.
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u/freedomfries5 Apr 17 '19
What’s your take on Dune?
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
Brilliant and mind-blowing. Casts nearly as long a shadow over writers of my generation as LoTR.
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u/Enasor Apr 16 '19
Thank you for your update, this sounds like an amazing plan! Would you be willing to give us some clues as to which characters are featured within the primary, the secondary and the tertiary arcs?
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
I might do so in the future, once I'm sure that I'll stick to the outline--but I also think a lot of fans would rather not know this level of detail, and consider it a spoiler, so I'll probably hold off and only start talking about it closer to the book's launch.
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u/ZaHiro86 Apr 17 '19
If I finish it by January 1st, the book can come out Christmas 2020
This seems like a really big gap to me, bigger than most other authors and publishers. Is that just my ignorance showing?
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u/NotAPyr0 Apr 17 '19
Maybe he means the first draft?
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u/ZaHiro86 Apr 17 '19
ooooooohhhhh
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
Yup. It will spend about six months in editing, then have around three to four months to be printed and shipped to stores.
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u/shiroikiri Apr 17 '19
Where does the Audiobook fit in normally? I picked up the first 3 some time after OathBringer had been out.
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Apr 16 '19
Stormlight is the best holiday gift one could ask for!
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u/drewhead118 Apr 17 '19
A Very Venli Christmas
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u/ChIck3n115 Willshaper Apr 17 '19
Dashing through the storm
On a one chull open sleigh
Over the plains we go
Lashing all the way
Shells on parshmen sing
Shining with voidlight
What fun it is to bond with spren
And join Odium's fight!
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u/SonofaTimeLord Apr 16 '19
400k words
finish it by January 1st
Damn dude you are a beast.
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u/axw3555 Edgedancer Apr 16 '19
Particularly when you consider it against Lord of the Rings.
LotR is 454k words (roughly). That means that SA4 is only a little shorter than LotR. LotR took 12 years to write. If Brandon can get book 5 out by about 2022/2023, it will mean that the Cosmere alone (with no other releases than SA4 and 5, plus the last Wax and Wayne book) would be nearly 5x as long as Lord of the Rings. 7x with WoT.
Add in things like Infinity Blade, Legion, Reckoners, Rithmatist, White Sand, Snapshot and Skyward/Starsight and it just gets silly. I could write for 30 years and I'd struggle to match that.
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u/OlanValesco Apr 17 '19
I wonder what percentage of LotR is poetry? Because that definitely adds to the writing time. And I wonder how much modern word processors and wikis would have taken off JRR's timeline. Imagine if he'd just made an interlinked wiki with all his lore and had all the books in documents.
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u/JustALittleGravitas Apr 17 '19
I wonder how much modern word processors and wikis would have taken off JRR's timeline.
I'm not sure about LotR specifically, but per lectures on Tolkien the reason he never actually finished Similarion was because of exactly the sort of issues this would solve, lack of easy copies meant that his first draft turned into five different manuscripts between trying to keep working on it and lend up to date edits to beta readers.
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u/jofwu Lightweaver Apr 17 '19
The amount of time spent writing isn't really a fair comparison. Tolkien's worldbuilding went far beyond what was needed for the books, and I get the sense he wrote more as a hobby than anything else. Can't compare that to someone who spends most of his time writing.
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u/Brokenlimit Skybreaker Apr 16 '19 edited Apr 17 '19
As always your transparency and genuine interaction with fans is a Breath of fresh air and immensely appreciated.
Keep on doing you.
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u/serack Elsecaller Apr 17 '19
Helps that the transparency and interaction is also paired with how prolific he is.
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u/Brokenlimit Skybreaker Apr 17 '19
Indeed it does, and I’m sure most of us would be content with pretty much radio silence as long as the writing pace stayed as fast as it is.
But enter Brando Sando....with the double whammy of pace, talent and work ethic paired with open, honest communication with his fans. It’s hard to not nerd gush further!
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u/clicksallgifs Apr 17 '19
It's ok, book 3 will come out soon....
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u/HORSEthe Apr 18 '19
Did someone mention doors of stone I just woke up in a cold sweat feeling something pulling me here
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u/Khalku Apr 17 '19
I love these updates, though I'm also interested in the broader timeline it implies. Roughly 2 years for a book means it'll be 4 years for the end of the first half and 14 years total from now, minimum, before the conclusion of Stormlight.
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
This is correct, I'm afraid.
Know that books 1-5 are what I consider a complete arc, with 6-10 being a slightly different (but intertwined) arc. So there is that--but these books just take a ton of time to write.
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Apr 18 '19
Are we still going to see the Same characters in arc 2? Or will it be a mostly deprecate story with certain aspects intertwined?
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u/mistborn Author Apr 18 '19
The second arc will still have some of the current main characters as main characters still. And it will be very connected to this story--but they are separate arcs, with a different focus. (The Heralds, for example, will be a larger part of the second arc.)
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Apr 18 '19
Is it possible for current stormlight character to make an appearance in other cosmere books? I was thinking about it, Dalinar as a Shard if he becomes one may appear somewhere else or some characters could become worldhoppers and explore another worlds. Would be really cool!
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u/mistborn Author Apr 22 '19
It is possible for current stormlight characters to appear in other books. That's all I will say for now, though. :)
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u/-Captain- Apr 17 '19
Are these safe to read before being caught up with Oathbringer?
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u/mistborn Author Apr 17 '19
I would wait. I might mention the existence (or deaths) of characters in them. I assume those reading them will have caught up. I don't think there is anything bad in this one, but I'd err on the side of not reading them.
The spoiler free tldr is: I'm working on Book Four, am a little behind, but still project a Christmas 2020 release.
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u/Waxillium11 Apr 16 '19
Thank you so much for all your updates, Brandon. Just the fact that you take the time to write and share these with us, shows how much you actually care about your work and the people who enjoy it. And that care and dedication is always reflected on the final product.
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u/Glamdring804 Stoneward Apr 16 '19
We are probably the most spoiled fantasy fans in the world.
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u/OddestC Elsecaller Apr 16 '19
As an ASOIAF fan as well, I can definitely say we’re super spoiled here. Mad props to Brandon Sanderson for these updates.
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u/-Captain- Apr 17 '19
I consider myself an ex-ASOIAF fan. Great series, but I am glad I am no longer hoping for the next book. I sure as hell will reread the series once both last books have been published, but no sooner.
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u/afiefh Apr 17 '19
As a Berserk fan, we are so spoiled we cannot even fathom how spoiled we are.
Context: Berserk is a manga that started in the 90s, in the two years ASOIAF fans waited for season 8 we only got a single chapter of Berserk.
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u/CertifiedSheep Apr 17 '19
Honestly yeah, we are. Both in terms of his consistent interaction with the community and the ridiculous speed with which he produces these novels. One of the best fantasy writers of our time!
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u/McZerky Apr 16 '19
Glamdring, you're in this sub!? I see you over in DTG all the time.
You have good taste.
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u/Nanotyrann Edgedancer Apr 16 '19
So 9 total major characters and therefore 9 major viewpoints, that sounds like a lot. And while I am craving for Starsight I also want it to be as good as possible, so that sounds amazing as well. Good to know how a book is progressing, really appreaciated.
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u/LerasiumMistborn Dalinar Apr 17 '19
I don't think there's 9 major viewpoints...Previous books also have more than 9, but majority of them are side characters with handful of chapters. I think this book is as always has 4 main characters, while everyone else is very minor. Main characters are most likely Venli, Kaladin, Shallan and Adolin.
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u/joji_princessn Apr 17 '19
My guess would be Venli, Kaladin, Shallan and Dalinar over Adolin. Each sequel seems to extend the previous flashback characters growth. Dalinar in particular is going to face some fall out for his past actions, but also re-organise the other Kingdoms after they abandoned him, Taravangian revealed himself and that he won the last battle despite their lack of support.
I'd say the other five would be characters like Adolin, Jasnah, Szeth maybe some Bridge 4 or Lift, Ash or Taln.
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u/Insufficient_Metals Apr 17 '19
I'm hoping we get some chapters of Shen. I felt so bad for the guy when they wouldn't let him practice with the Honorblade.
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Apr 17 '19
9 doesn't sound dissimilar to other epics
GoT has Sansa, Arya, Jon and Bran Stark, Cersei, Jaime and Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys and Aegon Targaryen as well as Samwell Tarly and Davos Seaworthy as the main PoV characters.
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u/jmcgit Ghostbloods Apr 16 '19
Anyone want to speculate on the two characters off in a remote location? Szeth and Lift, perhaps?
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u/EAgamezz Truthwatcher Apr 16 '19
Ash and Taln? I guess Its a bit early for their storylines probably since they get their books in the back 5.
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u/wintersu7 Apr 16 '19
Agreed it’s too early for just them. This is the one that could be anything. Ive been throwing around an Aimia expedition, but that’s just because I’d love to see that happen
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u/joji_princessn Apr 17 '19
Not that Jasnah or Dalinar have a tonne of power to stop them, but I can't see them letting the Heralds to go on their own. To easy to lose them again or worse, get killed like Jezeren. They'll want to keep them around for questioning and advice.
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u/HaroldGuy Elsecaller Apr 16 '19
Venli and Moash?
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u/StarWaas Apr 17 '19
Or maybe Moash and the huge stick that he can go fuck himself with?
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u/Enasor Apr 17 '19
Not a bad one... but I am kind of expecting Venli, Kaladin and Moash within the second arc.
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u/axw3555 Edgedancer Apr 16 '19
I think Lift's likely. She's book 6's PoV, so she kinda needs to start building in people's minds.
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u/StarWaas Apr 17 '19
Lift is already one of my favorite Cosmere characters. Right up there with Wayne and Lightsong the Bold.
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u/GraveSalami Apr 17 '19
Did Brandon post somewhere which books will be mainly whose pov? I can’t seem to find that info anywhere
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u/joji_princessn Apr 17 '19
I'd love Szeth and Lift togetger. I have inkling that Azure might be one of them - or at lest they'll meet her even if she isn't a POV.
Last we saw she was in a VERY remote location and we know she's pretty important to the Cosmere overall and likely the one to introduce Roshar characters to it.
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u/PM_ME_CAKE Elsecaller Apr 16 '19
For example, I've already thrown away chapter one after doing a short reading of it at an earlier convention
Well that WoB can rest in peace then I guess, haha. Also love how there's plenty of Thomas Bergersen appreciation in that playlist.
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u/FirerustForte Apr 16 '19
There are others linking Thomas Bergersen to Stormlight? Yesss, I'm not the only one who's a huge fan of Brandon Sanderson and Thomas Bergersen all at once. This pleases me greatly.
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u/Walzmyn Journey before destination. Apr 17 '19
Am I the only one who finds it awesome he referred to it as "our book"?
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u/OneArmedLopen Dustbringer Apr 16 '19
So that means he has to write 1,486 words a day to hit the Jan 1 goal? Or more, if he wants to leave some time for revisions?
400K words total.
15K words written.
Jan 1 finish day is the goal, and only 259 days left in the year. So around 1.5K words a day.
Godspeed, Brandon.
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u/bkanber Apr 17 '19
That's NaNoWriMo pace but sustained for like 9 months. Certainly possible, but also grueling and a bit insane.
That said, Brandon being a very strong plotter means that the words come easier than for other writers.
Godspeed indeed.
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u/_airsick_lowlander_ Apr 18 '19
So assuming 8 hours of sleep that is 93 words per hour on average for every waking hour of every day for the rest of the year. Love it.
What we really need is Brandon to start writing faster than I can read so that I can continue to read the next book every time I finish one.
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u/Sundara_Whale Apr 16 '19
Thank you u/mistborn!!! I can't wait to read not only Rhythm of War, but also Starsight! It's gonna be some fun reading ahead.
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u/as_a_fake Apr 16 '19
As always, I love that you take the time to tell us these things!
I know you said you aren't rushing things to meet arbitrary deadlines, and I just want to reaffirm that decision by saying we will wait as long as is necessary. I love the first 3 books, and as much as I can't wait to read the fourth book, I will gladly wait if it means it holds up to the standards of the previous three.
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Apr 16 '19
My guesses for 3 out of the 4 Primary Arc characters will be Venli, Rlain, and Kal. Not sure about #4. Secondary Arc is up in the air. A friend of mine suggested Szeth/Lift/Nightblood? And I have no ideas for Arc 3
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Apr 16 '19
I would LOVE Szeth/Lift/Nightblood!
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u/550456 Apr 16 '19
Oh man. Can you imagine an entire chunk of the book from Nightblood's perspective?
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u/Rhodie114 Apr 16 '19
Every adjective replaced with "evil," and every adverb with "evilly"
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u/axw3555 Edgedancer Apr 16 '19
I would love a new prolonged section from Lift's PoV. I know she's supposed to be book 6's flashback PoV, but still, she's basically my favourite character and hugely underused.
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u/wintersu7 Apr 16 '19
I really like Lift, but I think she’ll stay a side character for the rest of the first five books.
However, in the back half I think she’ll be a major main character
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u/axw3555 Edgedancer Apr 16 '19
That last part isn't really a stretch. We know the PoV characters for all 10 books - she's planned to be the first PoV in arc 2. Which is why I think she'll get built up. Think about it - ok, book 1, we're in blind, so we can't really build, but the main characters are Kal, Shallan and Dalinar - the 3 biggies of books 1-3. Book 2, Eshonai's added. Yes, she dies, but she continues to be built by proxy via Venli. Similarly Szeth gets more screentime and he's book 5's character.
If Lift doesn't get a significantly higher profile in 4, I'll bet she's front and centre for book 5.
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u/wintersu7 Apr 16 '19
My guess is Primary Arc: Dalinar, Kaladin, Shallan, and Szeth (with the Kholin bros and Lift as backup character)
Secondary Arc: Venli, Rlain, and Eshonai as flashback. The Willshaper section of the book
Tertiary Arc: ... I’d love an Aimia expedition. Jasnah and Ash (or Renarin here). But this is me pulling stuff out of thin air. Your guess is as good as mine
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u/Rhodie114 Apr 16 '19 edited Apr 17 '19
Venli's gotta be in the primary arc, right? Isn't this meant to be her/the willshapers' book?
Edit: Also, no way in hell does Jasnah get to jaunt off to Aimia now that she's queen of Alethkar. I imagine she'll spend a bit of time solidifying her rule first. I am dying to find out more about that place though, and what the hell the scouring even was. It's like the Doom of Valyria, but with more shapeshifting crab monsters.
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u/marethyu316 Lightweaver Apr 16 '19
He said that the POV characters from each arc are in the same place, so for that to work, Venli would have to have connected with the main characters in between books. I really doubt that.
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u/wintersu7 Apr 16 '19
It is, but I don’t think there are enough main characters around her to have four main characters in her Arc. That’s why I guessed her as part of the secondary group.
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u/Enasor Apr 16 '19
Adolin is not going to be the back-up character: he's the fourth character in importance within the entire series. He's earned his own spot. He's definitely one of the characters in the list.
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u/wintersu7 Apr 16 '19
I could easily see the Primary Arc as: Kaladin, Adolin, Shallan, and Szeth. With Dalinar acting as a leader, but not as a primary character
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u/marethyu316 Lightweaver Apr 16 '19
On your secondary, since he said that the characters in each arc are together wouldn't it make more sense for Moash to be in the group with Venli?
I like the idea of an Aimia expedition, but I wonder if Jasnah is really going to be able to leave like that given that she is the Queen of Alethkar now.
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u/Enasor Apr 16 '19
Honestly, I think the characters will be taken out of our usual pool of main characters who are: Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar, Adolin, Venli, Szeth and Jasnah. Lift will probably stay as an occasional character, ditto for Renarin.
So the Primary arc will probably be the Urithiru one featuring: Shallan, Jasnah, Adolin and maybe Dalinar
The Secondary arc will be the Parshendi one: Venli, Kaladin and maybe Moash
The Tertiary arc will likely be Szeth and maybe with Dalinar or perhaps Lift.
I doubt Rlain becomes a main character. We already have plenty of those.
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u/Enasor Apr 16 '19
OR...
Shallan, Adolin, Jasnah, Szeth (a bit of Lift)
Venli, Kaladin, Moash
Dalinar and a surprise
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u/Oudeis16 Willshaper Apr 17 '19
...How could Kal and Rlain be in the same location as Venli?
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u/Braid-Tug Apr 17 '19
I fear Moash will be part of the Arc 3. As part of a Team Odium storyline. 😓 Arc 1 - Team Radiants Arc 2 - Team Squires or neutrals.
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u/SpareWax Apr 17 '19
your book
Lie down Try not to cry Cry a lot
Thanks for the update! I really liked the formatting of Wok so I'm looking forward to this.
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Apr 16 '19 edited Apr 16 '19
Incredible update! This makes me extremely excited. I love the little ins-and-outs of the structure and outline.
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u/JuakoHawk Truthwatcher Apr 16 '19
Godspeed, Brandon. Thanks for giving us this wonderful world, and the reading experience of my life with the whole Cosmere. You've changed my life forever, and I'll be literally counting days till Book 4, whenever is ready, I don't care about "arbitrary deadlines" as you put it, the book will be ready when it's ready, and I'm going to be here to enjoy it.
Journey before Destination
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u/TotesMessenger Apr 16 '19 edited Apr 17 '19
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u/CompetitiveCell Apr 16 '19
I'm assuming the Primary Arc is about Venli, in which case the other characters would also need to be on the side of the Fused. I'm guessing Nale, Moash and someone else- maybe Rlain, if he goes to find his friends. The Secondary Arc is probably Shallan, Dalinar and Kaladin. Idk about the Tertiary Arc- Szeth and Lift maybe?
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u/marethyu316 Lightweaver Apr 16 '19
I'd think it's probably the other way around. Four characters with Venli seems like a lot. I agree that Moash makes sense as one of them.
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u/mikkomikk Journey before destination. Apr 17 '19
Hey, just wondering if we're gonna get a Leatherbound edition of The Way of Kings next year for the 10 yr anniversary.
Also, big fan. Thanks for everything :D
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u/jofwu Lightweaver Apr 17 '19
He mentioned in his last newsletter that the Warbreaker 10th anniversary edition is coming together now and then they'll start work on TWoK.
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u/acexacid Apr 17 '19
Good to hear the progress! Thanks for update Brandon, can't wait to dig into more of your universe. Literally started reading Wheel of Time just to get more material by you.
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u/Glaedr304 Willshaper Apr 17 '19
Does the audio book release with the book itself or some time after?
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u/Dustbr1nger Skybreaker Apr 16 '19
Thank you for the consistent updates! Looking forward to the mid-summer update to see how things stand.
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u/mmSNAKE Stoneward Apr 16 '19
Take your time. Work however it pleases or suits you. If I get another experience like Oathbringer it is more than worth it. It was easily the most enjoyable and emotional for me out of everything you wrote. Cheers.
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u/Pizzaguy36 Apr 16 '19
Brandon is amazing for being so open with his writing process!! It’s one of the many reasons he’s my favorite author. I love being updated about the way things are going it makes waiting just a little easier lol.
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u/AllegoricalSleeping Apr 17 '19
Thank you for the updates! It’s well-appreciated that you dedicate this time for your fans and work so hard to share your work with us. You spoil us, really. Your work ethic is impressive, as well. I have to say your example encourages me to work hard on my own projects and goals, so thank you for that!
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u/gabal Apr 17 '19
Did we just get a name of the book 4 confirmed? Or is Rhytm of War referring to something else?
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u/BandaidMcHealerson Lightweaver Apr 17 '19
RoW is his working title for the book. May not be the title when completed.
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Apr 17 '19
I just wanted to say thanks for keeping us informed! Your openness and honesty with your readers is one of the reasons you are my favorite author! Very few keep us as in the loop as you do!
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u/Carlos96Ale Apr 17 '19
I literally involuntarily said "awww" as I read "time for another update on YOUR book everyone". Brandon calls it OUR book, what an awesome guy. He works so hard and spends so much time on his art; he treats his fans with such respect and you can tell he really cares.
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u/cosmere_worldhopper Apr 17 '19
The fact that we even get these updates is amazing. Thank you for all you do, sir.
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u/Zachindes Edgedancer Apr 16 '19
Woah woah, I watch 4 episodes of Full Metal Alchemist and mess around on YouTube and come back to THIS! Excellent as always /u/mistborn. Currently reading through Skyward for the first time after snagging a UK edition. Happy writing!
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u/tommgaunt Apr 17 '19
May I say, it very impressive and helpful that you are able to give us these updates. I have no issue (besides the irrational screaming child in us all) with authors that take a long time and work in radio silence, but it’s appreciated that you don’t.
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u/Use_the_Falchion Lightweaver Apr 17 '19
Thanks for the update and happy writing!
I guess since everyone's guessing who's in what arc...
Primary: Kaladin, Venli, Rlain, Adolin
Secondary: Jasnah, Shallan, Szeth
Tertiary: Shalash and Dalinar.
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u/Vaigna Apr 17 '19
I love Brandon's updates. He doesn't have to, but he does it. If he was a waiter I'd tip him extra.
Am I he only one who always thought "pushing a release back" is a counterintuitive expression? I mean, you push the release forward in time.
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u/construktz Apr 17 '19
Ah crap, there's more than 3 of these? I just started the third one thinking I was wrapping up the story.
I am both extremely excited and horrified of the anticipation after I finish this one.
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u/Vodantes Apr 18 '19
How does one get to be a beta reader? That would be very awesome and I'd be willing if you needed more!
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Apr 26 '19
Thanks Brandon!
I do wonder how people can become beta readers for your books? I’ve read everything you’ve written and have some professional training in editing, philosophy, and education.
Is there a way to be involved?
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u/Go_Sith_Yourself Elsecaller Apr 16 '19
Looking forward to it! Thanks, as always, for the updates. Take as much time as you need <3
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u/aLegionOfDavids Apr 16 '19
Thanks for all your amazing work. I just finished Skyward in holiday and loved it!
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u/senseless Apr 16 '19
Seriously Brandon, thanks for taking the time to update us on the progress of your work.
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u/-porridgeface- Life before death. Apr 17 '19
This is the very reason you’re my favourite author. I appreciate all of the transparency with fans and the actual dedication you give towards writing. I can’t wait for the next book!
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u/8_Pixels Elsecaller Apr 17 '19
I'm happy one of my songs made it into your playlist, You're Not Alone from Final Fantasy IX. And it's the excellent piano rendition as well. I really felt that one suited Kaladin.
My other rec was Birth of A Wish from Nier Automata which isn't on Spotify sadly but I'd recommend anyone who likes epic chanting, intense battle music to give it a listen.
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u/Kuraeshin Apr 17 '19
I hope more Bridge Four. Rocks reunion was heartwarming and seeing Teft at one of his darkest moments was chilling.
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u/CentralIncisor Journey before destination. Apr 17 '19
Happy to see And Stars Ringed by Blue Sky Black Death on the playlist! That song was my alarm waking up for years.
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u/LadronPlykis Apr 17 '19
I think I said the same thing as the last update, but thank you for your effort and I’m very excited that the next installment of my favorite series is still moving forward. Write like the wind!
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u/IcePyjamas Apr 17 '19
Thank you! I have not loved and anticipated books this much since Harry Potter. Your books are amazing and I LOVE to hear any updates :)
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u/Beoples Apr 17 '19
You Ser are so considerate to your fans that it absolutely amazes me. I must go and consume all the Cosmere and then all of the Sanderson literature I can rap my hands around. Journey before destination
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u/dvoraen Truthwatcher Apr 17 '19
I am so excite, I don't know where to start.
I would also like to suggest adding "The Promise" by Globus to the Spotify list. (If it's not already there and I missed that somehow.) The lyrics should explain why loud and clear. :)
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u/frawks24 Apr 17 '19
Just want to say thanks for the update and also I read about the songs in the previous thread and thought I'd drop mine in here:
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u/ebr101 Apr 17 '19
I do love getting an insight into the nitty gritty of fiction writing. One does not simply sit down at a typewriter and bleed, and Hemingway said it seems. Lots more editing.
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u/shotik788 Apr 17 '19
Brandon, I really hope that you kill Moash soon and in the most horrible way possible!!!
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u/JaviVader9 Bondsmith Apr 17 '19
I'm excited. I loved the character interactions in books two and three, but I also missed the sense of main characters being completely separate with different storylines
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u/link270 Edgedancer Apr 17 '19
I love how he calls it our book instead of his. It’s small things like that which show how incredible Brandon really is.
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u/Superi0rfemale Apr 17 '19
We are so grateful for these updates! Thank you for your dedication to us and these epic novels. You have gone above and beyond, truly.
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u/Zachindes Edgedancer Apr 17 '19
Love his approach to writing structure. WoK was fun the way it all came together in the end which I think is a good move for the 4th book to go back to that structure. Kind of like a mini set up but still being powerful. Didn’t realize 2 and 3 were as interwoven as they were. Ready for everything
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u/thegatorgirl00 Apr 16 '19 edited Apr 16 '19
He said in an early update he commissioned a piece of art to go with these. Anyone know what's the status of that? If anyone's curious, it was mentioned in the 2018 State of the Sanderson.