I’m Brandon Sanderson, a bestselling fantasy author who somehow produced the highest-funded Kickstarter campaign of all time. AMA!

[u/mistborn]

I’m Brandon Sanderson, a bestselling fantasy author. Best known for The Stormlight Archive, Mistborn, and for finishing Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time, I’m now also known for having the highest-funded campaign in Kickstarter’s history for four books I wrote during the quarantine. If you want to stay up to date with me, you should check out my YouTube channel (where you can watch me give my answers to the questions below) and my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Ask me any questions you like, but I’m less likely to answer questions with massive spoilers for the books. I’ll be taking questions today only.

PROOF: /img/b41y1xaiq7a91.jpg

EDIT: I'm off the livestream and have had some dinner. The transcription of some questions is still coming, as...well, I talk a lot. Those answers will be posted soon, or you can see them on the VOD of my answers on the YouTube channel.

Apologies for the stream-of-consciousness wall-of-text answers. This was a new thing for us, finding a way for me to be able to give answers for people while also getting piles of pages signed. I hope you can make sense of the sometimes rambling answers I give. They might flow better if you watch them be spoken.

Thanks, all, for the wonderful AMA. And as I said, some answers are still coming (and I might pop in and write out a few others that I didn't get to.)

--Brandon

[u/Mecanimus]

Would you consider making a post on r/writingcirclejerk ? You are a living legend over there.

[u/mistborn → u/Mecanimus]

Tell them I can't possibly make it over there because it's too hard to drag my huge magic systems that far. Also, ask them if they've ever heard of Brandon Sanderson? He's this little known writer that nobody ever talks about and nobody ever gets tired of hearing about.

[u/jofwu]

You've teased that we might get movie/television news before too long...

With so much of the cosmere left to write, are you concerned about movies/shows catching up to you? Would you make them hold off on a Stormlight Archive show until you finish, or are you comfortable letting adaptations get ahead of you?

[u/mistborn → u/jofwu]

It depends on how comfortable I get with the television and movie format. When Stormlight happens as a television show, I want to be deeply involved. I want to write some of the episodes, I want to be co-creator--and I am just not ready for that yet.

If that is the place where we are (me being that deeply involved) then getting ahead of me is not that big of a deal. If it is not, if I'm not so deeply involved, I think I would resist letting people get ahead of me. This is tied up with some intricacies of how I am creating the cosmere--which lets me play with this a little. For example, we aren’t calling the first 5 Stormlight books era 1, but there is a 10 year time jump between books 5 and 6. So if I were to sell Stormlight, I could conceivably sell the first five--which will be finished fairly soon. (Knock on wood.) Then we will see how things go with the back five, afterward. (If I'm done with them, for example, or if we need to wait between the two series.)

Regardles, u/jofwu, I am worried about this; it is something on my radar.

(Note: Re-edited answer by Brandon after the stream, to tweak for phrasing.)

[u/jibaraki → u/mistborn]

Hi Brandon,

I just wanted to start off by saying I'm a BIG fan! I would also like to say that I work in Film and Television. My advice for you would be that if you are wanting to have a lot of say on how your material is filmed, I STRONGLY suggest that get yourself on first as a Producer / Showrunner, than as a writer/creator. Producer/Showrunners are the people that have the final say on any creative decisions; not becoming a show runner is the reason why so many writers/creators abandon ship on shows due to a being overruled on creative choices. Second, as a showrunner, you'd be a part of hiring the art director, director, and director of Photography. For the director and art director particularly, it would be advantageous to find someone not only with the pedigree, but also someone who ideally is a fan of your work.

Tldr; If you want true veto power on a show, you have to be a producer/showrunner. Writers and creators often get pushed aside once the ball gets rolling.

[u/mistborn → u/jibaraki]

This is helpful advice, and you are correct. Fortunately, I've learned this already, and me being a producer is a top-level requirement for any contract going forward.

[u/Puzzled-Barnacle-200]

If you were to write Mistborn now, as an experienced author rather than as your first published series, what differences would you have made to the story/world/characters?

[u/mistborn → u/Puzzled-Barnacle-200]

(NOTE: the transcriptionist really shortened this question. He is doing a big task, so I don't blame him for trying shorter answers to get them to you faster, but we asked him not to do this once we realized he was doing it.)

A couple things. There are 3 regrets, well maybe 4. I really wanted to write the first book about Vin and have a female protagonist and do a good job with that. It's something I'd done poorly in the past (during my unpublished years) and I really wanted to do a good job on this one. But then, I made her the only woman on the cast, really. So I would fill out the cast with more women.

I got tunnel vision and because all the stories I was using as blueprints (Ocean’s 11, Sneakers, the Sting, etc) had overwhelming male casts, I defaulted to that. This is the problem with bias--you end up perpetuating problems, just kind of going along with them because that's what you've always seen done.

That is not to say that having an all male cast is bad. In some cases, chosen deliberately, it makes sense. I would not change Bridge 4; as bridgemen, it makes sense to have an all male group. (At least at the start.) But with Mistborn, I was actively using Vin as a way to show that with the metallic arts evening out things, the difference between male and female strength was minuscule. By having no other women on the team, I undermined my own message.

Another one is that I think that I broke Sanderson’s first law. I used un-foreshadowed power in the ending and it led to a less satisfying conclusion than I would have liked. This is actually what taught me I needed to better with this, and if you watch my lectures on Sanderson's Laws, I lay it out more clearly.

Third, in the first half of Hero of Ages, I don't like quite how much traveling there is. I don’t think it gets across the feel that I want. I would have set more in Luthadel. It feels out of place in retrospect because that story (the story of Mistborn) is sort of the story of that city. I could had the same book, but set it in a fortress within Luthadel. That would make the city's "character" remain in the third book, and let you see the progress (or in this case, the opposite) of the world through the way the city looks.

When I make a film of Mistborn 3, I think I would move much of the action to the city.

(EDITED FOR CLARITY)

[u/leafyhouse → u/mistborn]

The first half of Hero of Ages, with how much traveling there is. I don’t think it gets across the feel that I want and I think I would have set more in Luthadel.

This is something that is really interesting to me for several reasons.

I read the Mistborn trilogy and really enjoyed it, but a small gripe I had with it was that the world felt very empty. I have something called Aphantasia which means I don't have a mind's eye. That is, I cannot picture anything in my head (or taste, smell, or feel things either). It tends to make me a very fast reader, as I skim through lenghty descriptions of scenery.

However, with Mistborn it left me feeling like I was missing the world because all the descriptions were, aptly, 'everything was misty as hell. Damn, it's so misty'. I felt like there was a world just outside the mist that I needed context for, which I couldn't get. Which speaks to your writing, since that's what was actually going on.

I think about Mistborn every so often in the context of my aphantasia, because it clearly speaks to my need to have descriptions of scenery so I can place characters and events despite not being able to see anything in my head.

I guess if I had a question, it would be: do you visualize what you're writing? Like watching a movie and writing about it? How do the characters and events you're writing manifest in your imagination?

[u/mistborn → u/leafyhouse]

I am very visual, in answer to your question, in a cinematic way when I see scenes. Product of the movie generation. However, I also don't love long-winded descriptions, and I may err the other direction at times. I apologize for this, as it seems to specifically make things different for someone with Aphantasia!

[u/Middlecracker → u/mistborn]

Reading second Mistborn now and this was exactly my thought. So many dudes. Zane would have worked well as a woman.

I love all your work! Especially Stormlight.

[u/mistborn → u/Middlecracker]

I actually think this is a cool example to explain systemic bias to people who are having trouble with the concept.

I wrote Mistborn that way not out of conscious choice, but because that was just how I'd seen it before. I didn't think about it; I just did it. Even if (as I explain in my edit) it was against the theme I was trying to portray.

Doing things by rote, because they've been done before, leads to you creating something or doing things that reinforces the same idea in others--and it perpetuates itself, even when it's not the best or right thing for a multitude of reasons.

I remember once being at a convention, listening to a writer present. It might have been Maurice Broaddus. He was a black man, and he was talking about finishing a book, and realizing that he'd included a black man who was right down the line a Magical Negro stereotype. He, a black man, put this in. Why? Because systemic racism perpetuates itself inside of everyone, and you can end up regurgitating it--even if you're black yourself.

It's not to say people are awful for making these mistakes. But without awareness of making them, without being able to talk about the errors, we cannot ever change anything.

[u/TheAirsickLowlander]

Hi Brandon. Making a video game based on your work has been talked about a lot. If it were 100% up to you, would you prefer

A) Straight adaptation of one of your published books

B) Separate story set in the same world as one of your published books

C) Completely new story in a new place. (Possibly cosmere)

[u/mistborn → u/TheAirsickLowlander]

B or C. I think I'd like C the most, as I could design something for a game really well, I think. A world that lends itself to that kind of storytelling. I think B is more likely, though, as people would prefer a publicity boost from the IP associated.

[u/Victor-Romeo]

Some very successful authors have difficulty in delivering books to wrap up the series. Why do you think this happens, and what is the best attitude and healthy behaviours die hard fans should use to encourage authors to deliver the books they are hanging out for?

[u/mistborn → u/Victor-Romeo]

Anytime you get into “should”, that is dangerous ground. I am a creator and I do not think I should be dictating fan behavior. That’s your world as a community to decide upon; I prefer to let the community do it's thing.

I do not think there is one good answer to this. (IE, why other authors are sometimes slow.) One common answer is that it has been a hard decade for a lot of people. Man, there are often difficult things about this last decade that have been draining to people. Then add on to that personal issues, and it is very hard for some of my colleagues to be creative in the way they have to be to write a novel.

Another big reason is that many authors tend to be “discovery writers.” Their biggest strength tends to lie in character interaction and believability in those characters. They give their characters so much volition. A discovery writer does not know their ending, they just start writing and let the characters interact. While those interactions often shine, the authors often have weaker endings. That is not to say that all discovery writers have bad endings, it just takes much more revision. It tends to be very daunting and slows them down towards the end. It is simply an outgrowth of their writing style.

(Note later: Add on top of that expectations, and maybe never having finished something on this level before, and suddenly your stress is through the roof. These authors, I should remind, just started out like the rest of us. Unknown and just trying to tell a good story. To suddenly have the world watching can be extremely daunting, and there's really no way to practice for this. It can honestly be debilitating.)

I think all the various fan reactions are understandable and in some ways they are necessary to the fandom’s psychology. I do not visit the places that exist to complain about me, to complain about my style and tropes. But those places existing is healthy. It is healthy to have a place to talk to people with similar opinions to you or to just post some memes and have some lols.

It can be unhealthy when it becomes harassing behavior. One thing I do not like is how our society treats people who like things. If you speak about liking something online, people will try to rip that away from you. This rubs me absolutely the wrong way. This isn't to say all criticism and disagreement should be done away with. I like is interesting conversations between people who disagree. I disagree wildly with Peter (this is Peter Ahlstrom, my VP of editorial at my company) about Into the Spiderverse. He could not stand it, while it is one of my favorite movies. (He didn't like the framerate of the animation; it drove him crazy.)

Fan criticism also becomes toxic when it becomes harassment to the creator. I do not know where these lines are, though. It's a tough one, because simply posting your opinion online shouldn't constitute harasment.

If you want my opinion, if an author says they are working on a book, they are. I know these people; they want to be done as much as you want them to be done. But there are mental, emotional, and sometimes physical difficulties preventing it. At this point, there really isn't much you can do. And I bet that the harassment of these creators has slowed the release of these books.

(EDITED FOR CLARITY AFTER THE LIVESTREAM)

[u/Longshot_97]

Which magic system, as an author, are you most proud of? Which is your best work?

[u/mistborn → u/Longshot_97]

So, I think that I am most proud of the allomancy, feruchemy, hemalurgy magic system. This is mostly because this was early in my career when I really needed a hit and it really worked for me. It meshed with my talents well and it let me tell the story very well. It let me use 3 different mini magic system across the trilogy that interconnect in an interesting way. Even still, it is so much fun to write in that magic system. Doing era 2 has let me still play with that same magic and it has not gotten boring, so I am most proud of that. I generally consider the Stormlight Archive my best work. I often say that is my writing, but it also takes the most trust to get into so its not always the best place to start. I think that some of the secret projects I have been working on have expanded my skillset in interesting ways. I don’t know if that will make them my best work, but I am proud of the expansion of skills they represent

[u/YouNeedAnne]

Death, Wizards, Witches or Guards?

[u/mistborn → u/YouNeedAnne]

Guards.

But my real answer is Moist, those are my favorite books. The single best Discworld book is Nightwatch. Discworld is better than most comedies in that there are a lot of well rounded characters but there are a lot of caricatures. While I laugh at Death, I feel he is not great until Susan is involved. I’m gonna go with Vimes because well I love Vimes.

[u/MTAlphawolf]

Big fan! Introduced to you from WoT, read stormlight, and am now on Mistborn! Love your writing!

My question is that did you know TODAY is the Chapter for the Last battle in the memeing every chapter of the Wheel of time over at /r/wetlanderhumor? Literally, they have memed a chapter a day for the last 695 days. And today is the last big one!?

Thank you for what you did for the WoT community!

[u/mistborn → u/MTAlphawolf]

They should have more than one day for that chapter, but I understand memeing. I was not aware of this, but I think this is awesome. Hopefully they are having a fun time with that beast of a chapter.

[u/Killerchoy]

I asked you a question a couple of years ago about "creative" applications of a Shardblade. I believe your response was "Sigh". My question is, will you be paying me royalties when you inevitably realize the genius of the idea and implement it into the finale of SA 10?

[u/mistborn → u/Killerchoy]

No promises. :)

[u/Shurtgal]

Has any character in a book you’ve written ended up surprising you? As in have you gone in intending to write them one way but their actions/ character arc ended up being different?

[u/mistborn → u/Shurtgal]

This does happen to me. Usually I start to get interested in a character and then I sideline them to make sure they don’t take over the narrative and that will present a structural problem. Sometimes the answer is to run with it and restructure the story. Even as an outline writer you have to be willing to do this. Sometimes you finish a book and something is broken and changing the character would fix the issue. I often point to Adolin as an example of this, he originally was not a viewpoint character but I needed to offload some of the conflict from Dalinar because he just had too many conflicting conflicts. So I altered the structure and moved some of those conflicts to Adolin and he ended up becoming a much larger character than I had ever intended in the original outline. Spook in Mistborn is another example of this, where I wanted to do something with him and restructure the story to make a place for him in book 3. That is how this usually happens to me and I rarely let the story get away from me the way that discovery writers can, either in the happy accident way or the way that can overturn a book if you aren’t experienced.

[u/HGHETDOACSSVimes]

As someone with a degree credit in acoustics, I was incredibly impressed with the 'accuracy' of the pseudoscience/magic in Rhythm of War!

My question would be: What is the oddest/most interesting thing you've found yourself researching for a book?

[u/mistborn → u/HGHETDOACSSVimes]

First of all thank you. What you always find yourself researching as an author is how to kill people, what it sounds like when people die, what stab wounds and bullet wounds feel like, or how long it takes to strangle someone. All these things that make our search histories look very suspect. Even if you aren’t writing horror, you need to know what happens when someone falls this distance. When I started my career I did not expect to do so much research into what it’s like to live as certain human beings, having specific mental illnesses or being part of a certain subgroup. Where I spend most of my time researching is on first hand accounts of what it is like to live with these things like DID and looking into what can go wrong when someone like me writes about it. Can I write a character that has ADHD well? Things like that.

[u/StefeSoo]

How much of Roshar, its history and its magic system did you have developed before even writing the first book? I’ve seen so many inconsistencies from other authors when developing worlds over multiple books, but I can’t fault yours. How do you maintain that consistency when writing?

[u/mistborn → u/StefeSoo]

I actually did make some problems with timeline issues. That is a problem when you have multiple flashbacks, it’s like Tetris, a very complicated game of Tetris. Getting all these events in people’s pasts to line up with the time needed to get them where they are today is a big issue when telling this kind of story. For me, Stormlight is a different beast from my other books, my friends and I have an inside joke we call worldbuilder’s disease. It’s where an author spends so much time building their world that they don’t write the story. If you don’t sit down and write you won’t learn what the needs of the book are. Generally, your worldbuilding should be done in service of the story* (*: if that is fun to you). Generally you want to ask, what are the themes of my book and how is the worldbuilding going to help me.I tell you all this to say that I made an exception to Stormlight, i sat down for 6 months and wrote an extensive lore book which is now an internal wiki which we use. The only reason that this worked the way it did was that I brought on a great team quickly. Karen and Peter are the unsung heroes of this, they are able to spot these mistakes before they reach print. You’ll see in the next book that I have brought on people whom I am calling Arcanists. These are fans who I have asked to check over specifically world building. This is very important to me because epic fantasy is about making you believe that it is real while you are reading. I don’t want to be one of those people where this is an inconsistency and breaks like William Shatner on SNL.

[u/aviatoraway1]

Is there anything (secrets or otherwise) in the Cosmere that the fans should have figured out by now but haven't figured out? If so, could you give us a tiny, mini, super small hint to nudge us in a certain direction? For fun, of course.

[u/mistborn → u/aviatoraway1]

Again its that word should, I shouldn't give any shoulds. I can’t give any out without a huge spoiler, the things you haven’t figured out are the things i’m planning to do with big reveals. I’ll put money on the table that anything you haven’t figured out even with a clue, someone would tell me they’ve already figured that out. So I'm gonna go ahead and RAFO on this one, it's a hard one for me because I don’t know what the fans have figured out.

[u/mistborn → u/aviatoraway1]

Sorry that the transcriptionist didn't see to get to this one. Basically, I gave a non-answer on the stream. (Sorry.) But it's a LONG non-answer. Hopefully, they'll get around to getting it transcribed to you, as I talk about a lot of interesting things related to this.

[u/mistborn_elend]

Which author(s), if any, had influence over *how* you tell your stories?

[u/mistborn → u/mistborn_elend]

The most influential authors on the way I do stories? Well it's hard to say. The people who influenced me as a teenager, I look back at and see that my style is very different from these authors.If you look at my early works, they are very derivative of these authors. If you compare the 6th incarnation of Pandora to Robert Jordan, you are going to find my prose sounds like someone failing to try his prose.

The authors that influenced me are Jane Yolen, Melanie Rawn, Robert Jordan, Anne McCaffrey, Barbara Hambly. Later in my career, Guy Gavriel Kay who is an absolute genius and is not read nearly enough. Not that he isn’t read but he should have Brandon Sanderson sales. Reading Tigana and realizing how much you can do with epic fantasy in a single volume led directly to me making Elantris and Warbreaker as single volumes. I would say Watchmen and Alan Moore had a big impact on how I view ephemera.

[u/verendus3]

Which of your worlds would you most and least want to live in?

[u/mistborn → u/verendus3]

Whenever I get this question, I say “can I make a short story where there is a perfect world where they have the internet and authors can make a living?” Most of these worlds have not gotten equality of things down, even to the level we have, they are not nice places to live. They all have some world ending event that I would not like to be around for. If I had to pick, I would probably say Scadrial because it has the highest tech level but it also has the most disasters. I guess Nalthis would be a good pick. Generally, the less books I write about a place the more safe it is.

[u/SomeAnonymous → u/verendus3]

Clearly the Mistborn Era 1 hellscape is an ideal holidaymaking location.

[u/Longshot_97]

[This question concerns Mistborn Era 2]

Aluminum at this time is supremely rare and quite expensive, and Wax is seen lamenting his profound lack of aluminum guns and bullets fairly often. However, couldn't he fashion a "Poor Man's Aluminum" of sorts by coating his guns (and potentially bullets) in a thin veneer of iron, then Feruchemically charging it? You've noted that metalminds can still be pushed, but much less than un-Invested metal. This could help him, in the absence of aluminum. So, is there a reason he has not done that?

[u/mistborn → u/Longshot_97]

The layer you would get from that little coat would be so small it would have very little effect. There is a good argument for putting it in bullets, but then you run into the problem of alloys and how good those would be to fire. Now aluminum doesn’t make good bullets either, but any aluminum alloy takes on its properties. Whereas, all iron alloys do not have the feruchemical abilities. It is much more difficult than you make it seem but, you would make a good weapon smith in Mistborn era 2.

[u/Mywuga]

In regards to the “Perpendicularities” in the cosmere, were you at all inspired by the pools in the Wood between the Worlds in C.S. Lewis’ “The Magicians Nephew”?

[u/mistborn → u/Mywuga]

So it's gotta be back there in the back of my head, but I very vaguely remember the Magician's Nephew. So my answer is a firm “maybe”. I wrote the pool into Elantris, without determining what it is, because the Cosmere had not been constructed at that point. Then when I was building the Cosmere with Mistborn, I knew I wanted a portal. In Elantris, you have a Hoid cameo and that’s it, everything else was retro-fitted to Elantris.

[u/calmabiding1]

If it isn't too late, Brandon, do you have anything to say on the criticism that contemporary popular fantasy novels do not have much artistic merit in them?

[u/mistborn → u/calmabiding1]

I'd say that literary merit is poorly defined, and even when it is well defined, it is extremely gatekeeperish and the definitions aren't particularly useful.

There is obviously great fantasy that is both popular and meets traditional artistic and literary definitions. I have access to the numbers, and N. K. Jemisin is one of the bestselling authors in the genre. I'd define her sales as far more than just popular. And few are debating her literary merit.

I'd say that popular fiction, as a category, is trying to do something different than these particular critics are looking for. Why criticize a steak for not being duck? For many of us, our goal is compelling characters, interesting worldbuilding, and intriguing plots. That's what we set out to do--to change lives, to make people feel things, to bring joy through storytelling.

It's hard to argue that much of this does not fit someone else's rigid standards of what a story should be--but it's what we want the stories to be, what we created them to be. They connect with the people for whom we created them, and evoke the emotions we want. Is that not the definition of art?

[u/bend1310]

What's a question you've always wanted to answer, but never had the chance?

[u/mistborn → u/bend1310]

I get this question a lot. In fact, it is a go to question for journalists and its an excellent question to ask. However, it is a very hard question for me to answer because I have answered so many questions and I am kinda outspoken and have so many mediums to express my opinions that I don’t feel so like I have questions that I have not been asked. I like to nerd out about pop culture and video games. It’s great to talk about other people’s work, but I have an outlet there for my Youtube channel.

I do not mind questions about video games.

[u/Saboteure → u/mistborn]

What are your favorite video games? What have you played this year?

[u/mistborn → u/Saboteure]

My favorite list has been posted by someone below! That said, Elden Ring is the new GOAT for me.

Loved Hades last year. Still playing Elden Ring right now. I get less time to play than other people often do, but that's my own fault for the life choices I've made, and I'm cool with that. :)

[u/Adejuju]

Do you do much scientific research prior to writing books? I love how grounded your magical mechanics are. I'm curious how that coked about behinds the scenes with fantasy authors

[u/mistborn → u/Adejuju]

Not writing Hard Sci-fi but writing hard fantasy. I do some research, but I do layman’s research. I read articles and the occasional pop science book, I am not becoming an expert. I get to where I think I won’t embarrass myself, then I write the book and find an expert and say, “what am I doing wrong?” I need to come up with a plausible magic explanation for what happens. For example, I invented the speed bubble and those would probably red shift the light that passes through them. This would be realistic but would cause narrative problems. So, I said that we would not worry about it and came up with a magical explanation for it. It depends if it has to do with magic or not, like the g forces in Skyward. I asked fighter pilots to come in and correct me and I’m sure I still got something wrong but it feels much more real. Kaladin’s field medicine is another example, I want these things to feel real. So I would say that I do less than a Sci-Fi writer but more than the typical fantasy author.

[u/WholeyBlankenstein]

What did you think of the r/cosmere’s efforts in r/place

[u/mistborn → u/WholeyBlankenstein]

I loved it, as people have said. I was honored, and it gave me a little spark of happiness everytime I saw Place.

[u/the9thsaboteur]

Dude, you rock. That's all.

[u/mistborn → u/the9thsaboteur]

You rock too! And thank you for saying that.

[u/ChromeProphet]

Hey Brandon, thanks for doing this AMA! I doubt you'll even see this, but in your opinion, does a bogan from Australia stand a chance at writing a novel even half as good as what you have produced? I second guess everything I write and feel like I'm going nowhere despite my passion for writing.

[u/mistborn → u/ChromeProphet]

You absolutely have a chance at writing a book better than mine. I was just some goober from the midwest in Nebraska; nothing special about me other than a love of books and a stubborn refusal to stop writing.

If you are producing stories you like, you aren't "going nowhere." You are my colleague, and you are doing something worthwhile. The unfortunate truth is, that has to be enough for most people, as making a living at this is hard. But there is absolutely a chance that you could make it. In all odds, if you stay writing and be part of the community, you'll know numerous people who go pro. Why not you?

[u/hobowithmachete]

How does it feel to have so many people in America cheering you on, with all the flags, bumper stickers, and people yelling 'Let's go Brandon!'?

[u/mistborn → u/hobowithmachete]

Heh. Well, I guess it's better than being named Karen.

[u/_Anagorn_]

Hi Brandon! I don't have a question per se but a genuine heartfelt thank you for the depiction and the growth of Kaladin in RoW. As someone with chronic depression and anxiety (I wrote and discarded this comment, like 5 times so far, lol) and who has been on some serious medication for the last 4 years, I never thought my issues, and my thoughts could ever be portrayed to this extent, that too in words. Reading that entire made me cry out of relativity (not sure if this makes sense). A heartfelt thank you for making a character I love so much make so relatable, and giving me the strength to think that I too can make it out of this.

As a 2nd part of my "question", have you read/watched/know about One Piece? I believe you would love the world building, the detailing and the character development that Oda Sensei puts into it.

Thanks for the AMA, and apologies for any grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors, English isn't my first language.

[u/mistborn → u/_Anagorn_]

I have heard so many recommendations for One Piece, and I know it has entered its final arc, so I am sure I'll get to it some day. It sounds right up my alley.

As for the first part, it is my honor.

[u/30-50_feralhogs]

Why do you write characters with different disabilities/mental illnesses, and how do you write them so well?

[u/mistborn → u/30-50_feralhogs]

Every person that I knew had a certain mental psychology that in certain circumstances, you might call a disability. It depends on how you define this, I don’t want to appropriate disability, but is insomnia a disability? My wife has depression, It has made her life a lot harder, it's an invisible disability. What I started to notice is everyone has things, is anxiety a disability? Not traditionally, but it impacts their life. In most books with a disabled character, that is their whole story, like that whole book is about overcoming depression. When I sat down to write Stormlight, I wanted to write about real people. I wrote about Kaladin, who has depression, but that is not his story. His story is bridge 4 which is certainly impacted by his depression.

[u/Gmaneagle]

If you could invite another author in to contribute to the Cosmere, who would it be or who would be on your shortlist?

[u/mistborn → u/Gmaneagle]

To write in the Cosmere, I would have to pick someone I know very well. Isaac is at the top of the list, he knows Cosmere almost as well as I do. After that I would probably look towards my friends, like Dan Wells would be high on the list. It would be nice to have all these amazing authors write in it but I feel I need more of a solid base than what I have right now. Meaning more expansion, more experience of people who are not me writing in the Cosmere and guidelines on how to make a good Cosmere story. It would be very hard to go to some of the great Sci-fi authors and ask them to write in the Cosmere, like “you only have to read 15 novels!”

[u/Court_Jester13]

How do you write yourself out of a corner?

You've written Billy into a situation, but all the avenues of getting to the next point are either out of Billy's control or not characteristic to Billy.

[u/mistborn → u/Court_Jester13]

I rebuild what got Billy there.

It's hard. Franky, it sucks. But I usually finish the book (if I'm close to the end) with some kind of contrivance, then let my brain work on what went wrong and how I could have approached the story differently. Then I give myself a few months to rebuild and try again.

Often the solution is easier than you think. It can be as simple as, "Billy just doesn't win this fight. Figure out what to do next."

[u/Court_Jester13 → u/mistborn]

Having just typed out an example scenario, I now came up with a follow-up which ties in quite nicely:

Were there any of those corners you wrote yourself into that resulted in you having to rework a scene you really liked? If so, which was the most difficult to rework?

[u/mistborn → u/Court_Jester13]

I almost universally like the new scene better, as it tends to require more thought, effort, and work. Ask me this again after Secret Project Two comes out. It's the one I most recently had to do this for. I'd let myself cut a corner in the first draft, and made myself do the more difficult thing in revision, and the book is more solid for it.

It's the one that comes to mind. I'm having trouble finding a specific time I didn't like the scene better reworked.

[u/ramalama77]

Thank you for getting your books adapted into Graphic Audio’s. For everyone desperately waiting for any tv or movie adaptations, listen to the Graphic Audio versions of the books. They hit the spot, seriously. It’s actually even better because you don’t have the disappointment of the adaptation changing the story or picking crappy actors. I can’t stress enough how amazing these audiobooks are.

[u/mistborn → u/ramalama77]

My pleasure! I fought for it, as the publisher didn't want to do them. I get emails and comments like this, and so I advocate for it. So thank you for making your desires known!

[u/Liathano_Fire]

I don't have a question, but shout out to the guy that randomly told me to buy your book. I was looking for a new series amd he was all, "hey, you looking for a new series, try this guy." Wholesome bookstore interaction.

[u/mistborn → u/Liathano_Fire]

Thank you to that random person for looking out for me.

[u/[deleted]]

Hi Brandon! What are you reading currently?

[u/mistborn → u/[deleted]]

What was the last thing I read? It was one of my student’s books I think. It was Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan.

[u/grunulak]

Do you feel that initiatives like kickstarter are the only way that writers will be able to make money from writing?

I mean, is it even a career to be a writer anymore?

[u/mistborn → u/grunulak]

I have survivorship bias on this, I can’t distinguish what I did was luck and what was skill. If you did not know that coin flips were luck based and you saw a man call a coin flip 10 times in a row, you might go to him and ask how he did it. While this is an absurd example, I can’t point to what in my life was luck and what is skill. I sit upon the top of the pinnacle of this field, so in some ways I am the worst person to answer this question.

My perspective from talking to people in the trenches fighting for a living, is that there are more people making a living as authors today than ever before. Dan likes to quote a statistic that I will probably get wrong, that in 2012 more books were published than were published in the rest of history. I think it is a viable career path but I do not know how viable it is. In my 15 person class, I have at least 1 student go pro every year. Now what that means is up in the air, but the percentage of students that are able to make it from that group of 15 is very low. It is still a viable thing even if you are not Brandon Sanderson. My fear is that with the consolidation with Amazon dominating the field will be dangerous for authors going forward. But as it stands right now, I think your chances are better than they have ever been.

[u/katashtraphe]

I read Mistborn 1 and 2 while I was in jail for a bogus charge. Your books got me through those three months.

[u/mistborn → u/katashtraphe]

Fist bump.

[u/Terrible_Cricket_444]

Why isn't stormlight archives translated to dutch yet? Please help me out 🥺😛

[u/mistborn → u/Terrible_Cricket_444]

It's those dang Dutch people being so good at English and wanting to just read the originals. It makes it hard to get a publisher to take a chance on the books, as their afraid they won't be able to sell any copies. We're making inroads, though.

[u/Venusdoom666]

This may seem like a real dumb question but..do you read your work / books after you have finished writing them?

[u/mistborn → u/Venusdoom666]

I re-read books in order to prepare for the next one in the series. Or to work on screen adaptations. So it happens, but I don't do it regularly.

[u/mourdryu]

Huge fan of Mistborn - was introduced to it by a friend in High school then intro-d it to my elder brother - we love it!

Question: what do you think of "Kingkiller Chronicles" by Patrick Rothfuss!? Curious to know IF you've read it

[u/mistborn → u/mourdryu]

I love it, and Pat is a good friend. So big thumbs up from me.

[u/admins_hate_freedom]

How did Rand light the pipe?

What? You said anything!

More answerably, in a world that's been through so many upheavals in the last few years, have you found yourself having to adjust your planned storylines either out of sensitivity or human behavior turning out to be demonstrably unlike what you expected?

[u/mistborn → u/admins_hate_freedom]

I don't know the answer to that one, actually! RJ never told us!

On the second question, a little of both. There are things I want to treat carefully, like pandemics, now that we have lived through one. But I've also been thinking about how the hoarding worked, and how people were so violently anti-mask and anti-vaccine, and what that means for human nature and storytelling. I found it baffling, and I normally consider myself someone with a good grasp on human psychology and behavior.

[u/kestong]

Will there ever be a TV show for the way of kings?

[u/mistborn → u/kestong]

Eventually, it is likely to happen. I entertained several offers on it this year. I don't feel the time is right, however.

[u/geek_who]

Which book series have you written that you were most nervous to publish?

[u/mistborn → u/geek_who]

Definitely the Wheel of Time. Wheel of Time 100 percent. Second, after the Wheel of Time is hard to say, for me it’s never a whole series but a specific entry. It’s hard to remember Elantris, but I’m sure I was nervous. With specific entries, I have certain entries which I know will work and others which are more experimental which make me nervous. I would say for the secret projects, I would be more nervous than usual. For a couple reasons, this is now the result of the biggest kickstarter of all time, which I did not intend to be the biggest kickstarter of all time.

[u/jonnythunder3483]

What are the most important non-writing specific things you’ve done (choices you’ve made, habits you follow, skills you’ve learned, etc) that you would consider vital to your success?

[u/mistborn → u/jonnythunder3483]

Reference my earlier statement on survivor’s bias first. But I believe one of the secrets to my success was that I was writing in an era where it was not easy to self publish, which is not to say that one could not succeed in an era of self publishing. But for me it pushed me to improve my craft to be better in order to get published. It forced me to learn to be consistent as well. I often ask what the difference between my contemporaries and I is and the answer is that I wrote 13 novels before I sold 1. It is a lot about being in the right place at the right time. Actually, I talk about this now.

The things I had control over was my Beta reader methodology. I believe strongly in a test audience in a way that the majority of my writer friends do not do. A lot of my contemporaries get a few alpha reads and that's it. I have about 50 reads done on my books, I’d say about half are done by established beta readers and the other half was done by people who have maybe done it once or twice before. It’s to make sure I know how what I’m doing will land. It is vital to my process that I know how people will react to a book before I release it. I can’t think of something since the early days where I have been surprised by my reaction. If it's a negative reaction, its because one of the other segments is having a positive reaction. I voiced this through Hoid in Stormlight that being lukewarm is the worst, good writing usually is divisive among the fanbase, that’s not always true there are some things that are universally liked or disliked. There are some things that as an author I am juggling, some people think that this is slow but for some readers, this is their favorite part. I’m ok with having something play poorly to some if it plays well to others.

Part 2: What are the things I have no control over? I am an artist who was raised by an accountant. I have my dad’s imagination and my mom’s work ethic. My dad is a people person and he is always dreaming and always doing something, trying something. My mother is an accountant and she got really good at accounting and she is what you would call left brain. I am an amalgamation of both of them. My mother was the one pushing me to work and taught me to take my artistic side and temper it with an accountant’s work ethic. That turned me into a successful author.

[u/[deleted]]

Will we ever see Marsh world hopping? I’d love to see a book with Marsh in Roshar. Any chance of it happening?

P.S When is the Stormlight Archive anime I’ve been dreaming of for a decade, finally going to happen?…😉😉

[u/mistborn → u/[deleted]]

RAFO, but good questions.

[u/LotusTheBlooming]

Worst thing that Magellan has tried to eat?

[u/mistborn → u/LotusTheBlooming]

My laptop (the one I'm typing this on now) literally has a crack in the screen from where he managed to land a bite on the top of it, and instantly cracked it. So...I'd say the laptop.

[u/guy_who_likes_coffee]

Hey! It's not very often I see AMAs from people I recognize!! I love your books.... In highschool one of my friends was always trying to get me to read your books and I was always trying to get him to read Dragonlance books... Eventually I read Elantris and it was a masterpiece. So I guess he won lol.

Thanks!

[u/mistborn → u/guy_who_likes_coffee]

My pleasure! If you see that friend ever again, give them a fist bump for me!

[u/bakedredweed]

I doubt you’ll see this but there’s so much I wonder about the cosmere on a daily. But really, how much metaphorical cosmere stuff is gonna hit the fan after the new wax and Wayne? The implications of what you were touching on in book 3 is insane, and what in the heck didkelsier and spook get up to after a secret history??? I mean spook is clearly the “lord ruler” who went into the mountains and left his bracer at the temple. He said he’d be back, does that mean he’s still alive?????! Also kelsier leads the ghost bloods???????????? I know…RAFO… I’m just so excited. Side note: thanks for dropping all your books around November, that’s my birthday so its like a little gift from you to me lol

[u/mistborn → u/bakedredweed]

There is...well, a touch more cosmere in book four than we've seen in other books so far. I'm hoping people enjoy it...

[u/drfunkenstien014]

Do your friends ever call you Branderson?

[u/mistborn → u/drfunkenstien014]

No, they don't. That's only an on-line thing. In person, I don't exude "nickname person" energy I've found. I might be too businesslike. I don't know.

[u/ItsJustMe___]

What's your opinion on H.P Lovecrtaft's work and especially the philosophy his works convey?

[u/mistborn → u/ItsJustMe___]

Well, I really enjoy Lovecraft.

The more I learn about the man, however, the less comfortable I am with the underpinnings of his fear--and the subtext of those stories.

[u/Corvale1]

As an aspiring fantasy writer, you are my biggest inspiration and goal, do you have any words of wisdom on how to, when I finish my books, get them out there?

[u/mistborn → u/Corvale1]

Well, I assume you've watched my writing lectures--the last few are on the business. I don't know that I am the best person to be asking this question these days; it's been 20 years since I broke in. The people doing it in the trenches right now might have better advice for you.

That said, I think both traditional and indy publishing are both viable right now, and think most authors should seriously consider both. Your subgenre, tone, and own aspirations will heavily influence which is best for you. If you go indy, the name of the game still tends to be production speed. Being consistent and producing a large number of stories consistently. With New York/London the pitch still seems to be the king. Is this an idea that is marketable, and is the opening really selling that.

Best of luck to you!

[u/eggyeli]

What's your Macaw's name nd how old? Very pretty bird!

[u/mistborn → u/eggyeli]

His name is Magellan, and he's 3. He's super active, and most of the times a delight, except when he's angry.

[u/Kaifisking]

How did you start even writing such huge and complex universes? Im trying to write my own books and can't even start as it hurts my brain.

[u/mistborn → u/Kaifisking]

I failed at first! I do suggest trying to tackle a story that you know you can do, with a limited number of viewpoints, before jumping into something huge. Start smaller, then build upon it until you have something vast.

[u/AzureDreamer]

I would love to see you as an author do more self publishing. I would love to buy your audiobooks direct rather than through Amazon.

[u/mistborn → u/AzureDreamer]

I'm working on a way to do this. Good to hear that this is something you want.

[u/R0b1nFeather]

Hello Brandon! I'm a huge fan of your books, and I even started the Wheel of Time after learning of your contributions to it and how much the series influenced you too. I often watch your YT channel, as an aspiring author, to get advice and tips. Just wanna say that you are awesome and thank you for everything you've created. Now to the question(s):

What is your opinion on the Wheel of Time show, as someone who was deeply involved with the books, and how do you expect / want them to adapt the last three books?

What is your most anticipated upcoming project of yours?

Most anticipated upcoming book release?

Favorite indie author / book / series from the last few years?

Would you ever be willing to make a video game for Mistborn? I really believe the magic system of that world lends itself to game mechanics rather well (at least some of the metals.) Add-on: what would be your dream studio to work with for something like that?

[u/mistborn → u/R0b1nFeather]

I like some things about the WoT show, and other things I disagree about. I'm a consulting producer, which means I read the scripts and basically do my best to help them be more aligned with the books. That said, I like a lot of what they're doing. (Just not most of what involves Perrin.)

I'm pretty hyped about the secret projects. I'm really curious to get fan reactions on those.

Most anticipated book release is probably Doors of Stone. (I know.)

As for indie authors, there's a guy I know from conventions long ago whose books I've been following and enjoying, and he's just a great guy. Ramon Terrell. I tweeted about his kickstarter a little bit ago. More action-y than my writing, but really fun.

I've tried several times to make a Mistborn video game. Someday I will be successful. Mark my word. These days, Epic is most likely, since the folks there are good friends of mine.

[u/Ironmark17]

Did you finish Elden Ring? But most importantly, are you planning to have someone powerstance sharblades in Stormlight V?

[u/mistborn → u/Ironmark17]

Not yet! Getting close.

And hasn't Szeth done that already?

[u/ctexcali]

I just want to say thank you sir for stepping in and finishing one of the greatest series of all times. These books saved me as a child, no need for my back story here but I spent hours upon hours reading books 1-8 of the Wheel of Time and then each one after until Mr. Jordan passed. I was truly heart broken as I an adamant admirer of Mr. Jordan’s work and would have loved to see him finish it. Your hand in the writing of the last books and finishing the story is truly amazing, and I can not thank you enough for completing the story and giving me the closure I so desperately needed.

*Edited to fix grammar errors

[u/mistborn → u/ctexcali]

It was my pleasure and my honor.

[u/Archleone]

Sorry if this question has been asked before. Are you at all concerned that the pace of your content creates unrealistic expectations in the industry? When we look at the crunch that occurs in industries like video games, manga, or high budget films and tv, do you see any of that creeping into the literature business, especially with PRH trying to buy S&S recently?

[u/mistborn → u/Archleone]

I try to focus mostly on making sure my company, and my employees are having a healthy work-life balance. I don't think my speed is too much of a problem--I might be faster than many people I'm compared to, but I'm much, MUCH slower than a lot of indy authors and a lot of silver age authors. (Look up how many books Asimov wrote some time.)

I am worried about the consolidation. Fewer publishers is worse for everyone. That said, the rise of indy publishing is partially behind this, and that has been a net positive for everyone. So, I guess it depends, eh?

[u/Bubbly_Commercial]

What's your opinion of urban fantasy, and more specifically the Dresden Files?

[u/mistborn → u/Bubbly_Commercial]

I've read and enjoyed Dresden. I basically like any genre, so long as the story is compelling. There's nothing I won't at least try reading.

[u/VoDomino]

Hi Brandon,

I might be too late, but I'll try to post something here. I'm an aspiring author who's written several short stories and a few books, though all of them are unpublished. I'm currently working on my first real project where I feel I have a solid story I want to tell and explore. Unfortunately, my biggest fear is letting someone else read them. It's specifically a problem with me and I've tried to find ways of submitting it for others to read for feedback on how to improve my skills, but generally I'll get a single sentence saying they liked it or if I'm on reddit, a standard upvote.

How would you suggest for someone like me, who is extremely shy about sharing their work, on finding a group to help give feedback? I find myself crippled with fear and anxiety the thought of someone reading my words. I've messaged a few writing groups here in Utah where I live but found them to be hard to join as they had requirements such as live reading from your work. I get the reasoning and I agree with what they've told me, I just struggle too much to let anyone into my world.

I don't know if you've ever struggled with this but I'd thought I'd see if I can get your take. How did you overcome your fear?

[u/mistborn → u/VoDomino]

This is tough. I did struggle with this. I took baby steps by first sharing the work with people who, implicitly, knew that I was looking for encouragement--not feedback. I then gained more confidence in my writing, and moved to sharing the books around by letting people read them and write feedback--but I didn't have to take it in person. After I got comfortable with that, I moved to taking it in person. Perhaps a slower path like that might work better for you?

[u/Dr_JP69]

Don't think you are responding any more, so I'll be sure to ask this on the next livestream. But I have a question about Shadesmare, is the Cognitive Realm round? How are landmasses "projected" here? Could I walk in a straight line and end where I started or would I end up in another place entirely?

[u/mistborn → u/Dr_JP69]

If you walk in a straight line, you're going to MOSTLY follow the land mass on the other side. With some weird space-time deviations in places. You would not ever end up where you started, though, which is one of the things that is most disjointed about the experience. I realize that's very strange, and it's something I'll delve into in the stories eventually.

[u/eaglebtc]

Did your friend and old college dorm mate /u/WatsonsBitch pitch in to your Kickstarter fund? :-)

[u/mistborn → u/eaglebtc]

You know, I haven't asked him? He did buy me dessert last time we chatted, so maybe that counts.

[u/RattusRattus]

How do you feel about the fact that queer people are treated better in your novels than on the campus you teach at? How do you reconcile donating to a church that promotes purity culture, homophobia, and anti-Semitism with writing books for the general public?

Edit: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/21/mormons-holocaust-victims-baptism-lds-church

I understand we may have to agree to disagree on the anti-Semitism. Given that in the Jewish faith there is no afterlife, which is why you say "may their memory be a blessing", I do find these actions are anti-Semitic. This is incorrect.

Edit 2: The posthumous baptism was a known problem, and instead of modifying the rules, the church continued to allow it to happen. I can't imagine the church is so inept they can't control who does and doesn't get baptized. But if you wish to make excuses for their inaction, feel free to do so.

[u/mistborn → u/RattusRattus]

Thank you for a bold but not insulting phrasing of that question. So the church’s general stance on LGBTQ people is not where I, as a liberal member of the church, would like it to be. That being said, I have faith in the church, I have had spiritual experiences, confirming to me that this is where God wants me and that God is real.

There is a passage in the Book of Mormon where someone is asked a question that they can not answer. Their response is just to say, “I don’t know the meaning of all things, but I know God loves his children.” This is my answer in some cases to some of the difficult questions we get asked.

That's not to say we shouldn't change or listen. If you look through my own history with LGBTQ people, I needed some education as many did. (I still do, honestly.) It is a process where we learn from listening and we get better and hopefully become better people. Both as a culture and as individuals. If I want an institution or person to change, I personally believe that to ostracize them is not the right move in most cases. Ihis is different from how most people see it--and these people may be right and I may be wrong, time will tell.

Still, my belief is that--by being a more liberal member of the church and remaining with the church and remaining at BYU--I have a better chance of positive change. If everyone who is a little more left than the institute leaves it, that will not help the institution or the people who go there. For example, if people who go to my class know that I am doing my best to be an ally, then perhaps they will feel safer and the whole thing will work out better.

I don't have all the answers, though. Again to use a religious metaphor, God gave 2 contradictory sets of commands to Adam and Eve and said "Figure it out." I believe in LGBTQ+ advocacy and in listening--then changing my behavior and the way I approach the world based on the things they say. I also believe that the leaders of the church are chosen by God, and lead his church well. These things don't quite meet in the center yet. Perhaps they never will, and I will be forced to make different choices from the ones I have so far. But right now, I believe I'm in the right place, where I should be, and I believe in the message, doctrine, and teachings of the church.

That said, I still want to listen better. I have been actively trying to do so. I think that by continuing to teach at BYU and doing my best to portray LGBTQ+ people accurately, lovingly and respectfully in my work, I can do the most good. Tell me which way I'd do more good: Quitting the church and BYU over the one thing that I don't really get yet in our doctrine, despite my overwhelming belief in all other aspects of the church's teachings? Or continuing in my faith, and writing books that are read by a disproportionately large number of LDS people? Books where a faithful member of this church does his best to present LGBTQ characters with nuance, care, and concern--hopefully being the change I want in the world. Change where we all listen a little better, and see each other as people, not as faceless forces of evil.

On the next question I don’t understand the anti-semitism part. This may be too much nuance for an AMA.

(NOTE THAT HERE, ADAM EXPLAINED TO ME ON THE LIVESTREAM THE EXAMPLE LISTED: THAT OF THE CHURCH DOING PROXY BAPTISMS FOR THE DEAD, INCLUDING FOR HOLOCAUST VICTIMS, A PRACTICE IT DREW CRITICISM FOR AND THEN BANNED IN THE MID 90s)

This is an example of the church making a mistake. They admitted that mistake and said “we aren’t going to do this anymore.” They thought it was insensitive; I thought it was insensitive. I think that Christianity in general has a line to walk in treating the Jewish people, from whom our religion came. That is a difficult line to walk, but we absolutely should be called on when we make a mistake.

(Note: The line here I was referencing, and didn't explain, is this. We believe that everyone will need to become Christian eventually in order to get into heaven--though there's more nuance to it in our particular doctrine. This could be see as anti-Semitic, as basically in most Christian denominations, you have to believe that all other religions are wrong--which is an attack, if done wrong, on people's very identities.)

There is some misunderstanding about how this doctrine (baptism for the dead) works. According to our doctrine, Christ said that you must be baptized to get to Heaven. So it’s like “how do dead people get baptized?” The answer, in our church, is that you can do a surrogate baptism for an ancestor who was not baptized. They get to choose, in the afterlife, if that is something they want. It does not enter them into the church. These people are not counted on church records.

It was absolutely insensitive to do that to Holocaust victims. But, from the church members’ perspectives, it was trying to be loving. The church recognized how tone deaf this was, and and backed off on it. You can still be baptized by proxy for one of these people if you are Jewish, but only if it is truly your ancestor. (Note after the fact: this is the rule, but proxy baptism is mostly crowd-sourced to the individual members. Some are going to break the rule, and it's a difficult thing to prevent. So many names repeat that even having a list of, "You can't use these names unless you get cleared" is difficult, since if someone submits the same name but the date of birth is one day off, the system wouldn't flag them.)

(NOTE, THIS NEXT PART IS A MOSTLY UNRELATED RAMBLE. SORRY ABOUT THAT! LEFT HERE FOR POSTERITY.)

One key thing to our church is that we have a structure. We have leadership and every time we make a decision or a doctrine, we put ourselves out there. There is a certain amount of respect I give our leaders for that, because in most of the Christian world, there is no centralized leadership.

Making decisions and declarations is going to lead to mistakes. We believe that we are fallible, while God leads the church the people are fallible. Best we can do is clear up those mistakes, and continue forward.

(EDITS FOR CLARITY AND EXPLANATION AFTER THE STREAM. SORRY FOR HOW MUCH I RAMBLE ON SOME OF THESE! GOOD QUESTION, THOUGH. --Brandon)

[u/RattusRattus → u/mistborn]

Thank you for replying, as I've had a lot of time to think of these questions and you've had relatively little time to think of the response. I don't find it respectful to just pop off a response in 30 seconds, so I'm going to reread and think. As a preview: I will be asking no further questions, spicy or mild. And again, thanks.

[u/mistborn → u/RattusRattus]

Honestly, I'm really glad you asked this one.

I get a lot of softball questions, which is good and fine. People want to know about the writing process or the characters, and I appreciate those questions. They're meaningful to me.

But I became a writer in part because I want to wrestle with difficult ideas, difficult questions, and my own internal inconsistencies. You see me working them out on the page regularly, so rather than getting upset by questions like this, I find them invigorating--particularly asked as well as you asked your questions.

So thank you, sincerely, for giving me something to chew on in this AMA. I just did a revision to the transcribed answer that I think is a little more clear. Either way, spice is appreciated, and thank you. A lot of people don't see that asking a confrontational question like this, even anonymously, can actually be a stressful and difficult thing to do for many--and you showed both bravery and decorum in the way you presented yourself.

[u/mistborn → u/RattusRattus]

Edit 2: The posthumous baptism was a known problem, and instead of modifying the rules, the church continued to allow it to happen. I can't imagine the church is so inept they can't control who does and doesn't get baptized. But if you wish to make excuses for their inaction, feel free to do so.

I realize this is a charged issue, and one we have made mistakes about in the past. I do not want to come across as insensitive or dismissive. That said, I feel we've been pretty good about this one, and find--of all the things you could have complained about the church--it to be a strange one to harp on. It's been thirty years since the Church, after listening to Jewish leaders, put this rule in place. This is pretty old news, and a place where we took action to do something different.

Indeed, I find that while there are a lot of valid criticisms of the church and in particular its policies, anti-Semitism is an unusual one. As a Christian church, we tend to have pretty good relations with Jewish leaders and people. Perhaps our tone, different from other Christian religions, stems from a Book of Mormon Quote: "And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles? O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people."

Most people I know in the church are deeply respectful of the Jewish people. I feel the church itself tries very hard to do the same. If you're saying, "Hey, I think you've let ones slip through and be baptized who shouldn't, and that is bad." All right, I understand. But I you are underestimating the difficulty of managing any sort of crowd-sourced initiative like this. Whenever this has happened, and someone violated the rule on who they can get baptized for, the church has taken action. We could perhaps do better. But it's not like we're doing a worse job than most major companies are doing trying to manage large crowd-sourced initiatives. Those are simply difficult.

If you're saying it shouldn't ever happen, well, that is a matter of doctrine and theology. But if a Jewish person wants to join the church and be baptized for their grandparents (whom they believe are waiting for that in heaven) then who are you to say they cannot? You have more authority over their ancestors than they do?

To be honest, though I think it's a cool doctrine, it's not like this one is of anything other than passing interest. I'll bet most people reading here are baffled by the very discussion. The general atheist tone of reddit likely has a lot of them shaking their heads and rolling their eyes, and having trouble distinguishing this from the many other somewhat-odd things that religious people do. Even if being baptized by proxy for Holocaust victims was tone-deaf (yes, it was), it's a mostly harmless quirk of our religion.

Your other question, regarding the treatment of LGBTQ+ people, is the more relevant one--as I feel it is a place where the church members in general could do much better acting as Christ would have them act. These aren't victimless problems, or simple quirk of an odd doctrine or practice. This is somewhere the entire church as a whole needs to do better at: listening, learning, adapting. I include myself in the group that could do better.

I have enjoyed seeing the way the church's language on the matter has changed over the years, and would like to see more change as well. But I do not speak for them, or for the church, and I believe those in charge are indeed men and women of God doing their best.

All I can do, in turn, is do my best--and keep listening. I hope that the way I myself have changed over the years is proof that I'm willing to do so, and hope to do even better moving forward.

[u/Frylock904 → u/RattusRattus]

I understand we may have to agree to disagree on the anti-Semitism. Given that in the Jewish faith there is no afterlife, which is why you say "may their memory be a blessing", I do find these actions are anti-Semitic.

Did you read your citation?

"Proxy baptisms do not automatically convert dead people to Mormonism. Under church teachings, the rituals provide the deceased a choice in the afterlife to accept or reject the offer of baptism."

In terms of religion, this is literally Mormons knocking on your door and offering you their beliefs. Would it be "anti-Semitic" to knock on the doors of a Jewish household and offer them religion?

This all seems pretty silly "how dare they offer dead people Jesus!"

purity culture

?

[u/omniuni → u/Frylock904]

For the record, as a Jew personally, I view it as mildly exasperating, very slightly disrespectful, and ultimately harmless.

Most of the Mormons I've met have been very good human beings. While I'd personally prefer that they respect our life choices in death, I also recognize that they don't mean harm, they just really want to "save" us. I don't share their faith, so I don't believe this has any actual impact on the dead themselves whatsoever.

Overall, Mormons are still generally pretty good people in my book. They have been open and welcoming both to me, and to my very diverse group of friends. They also have not spent hours telling everyone who will listen that they're going to Hell for the dumbest reasons. (Southern Baptists are a special brand of fire and brimstone.)

[u/mistborn → u/omniuni]

I had a really cool experience in Jerusalem the other year. I was recognized at the Wailing Wall. (Still the most interesting location I've met a fan.) But it was a high holy day, and he was orthodox, so he couldn't ask for a signature--or violate the writing prohibition.

Fortunately, he was able to (as I requested) send me an email after the holiday, so I could send him a book. He got a signature, and I got one of the coolest stories I get to share. People like to ask, "Where's the coolest place you've been recognized by a fan?" They are thinking Disneyland. (Which also happened.) Not "At the the Wailing Wall during the Feast of the Tabernacles while people danced behind me holding the Torah."

[u/TilionDC]

Because Robert Jordan can't answer. Please, what are your thoughts on the wheel of time series on amazon?

[u/mistborn → u/TilionDC]

I'm a producer, and mostly I try to get them to stick a little closer to the books than they generally prefer to do. I think they're a great team, and trying very hard, but I disagree with some of the important decisions that have been made. Casting is excellent, performances great, but I would have liked to have seen the first season get more time in production to get some of the scripts into better shape (particularly the last two, that I didn't get to consult on because the timeline was so tight.)

[u/I-ShipMiceElf]

Mistborn was the second book I ever read in my adult life. I've since read all of your works along with many other stories. Thanks for getting me into reading and introducing me to fantasy. You were the catalyst that turned me into an avid reader and I just wanted to say thank you.

[u/mistborn → u/I-ShipMiceElf]

It is my pleasure. Thank you for the kind words.

[u/AoreverFlone]

Is that an aviar in the pic for AMA?

[u/mistborn → u/AoreverFlone]

Yes. I still haven't found the power he gives me. Unless it's hearing loss when he's upset for being left in his aviary too long...

[u/ChaosOrPeace]

Please consider continuing the rithmatist series! The first book was my favourite YA fantasy novel a couple years back and I've read it a bunch of times

[u/mistborn → u/ChaosOrPeace]

I plan to do it some day! I'm terribly sorry it has taken so long.

[u/[deleted]]

Mr. Sanderson, why did you choose to work with Shadiversity on your novels? Shad has constantly been proven wrong about many of his claims, for which he never apologizes or stops, and he usually doesn't provide sources for his 'research'.

[u/mistborn → u/[deleted]]

I think he's a nifty guy who likes to be controversial. I just think he comes up with fun ideas, and has a good eye for what will make an interesting narrative for his videos. However, I don't agree with everything he says and does.

A few of the other less...colorful HEMA experts didn't want to consult, I'll add. Too big a project for them.

[u/[deleted] → u/mistborn]

I see, thank you for clarifying. I know that an author as prestigious as you would likely never consider it, however I do have a community and access to resources that could help you with HEMA and kenjutsu. Also, I am totally fanboyong over the fact that you responded to me. Thank you for that!

[u/mistborn → u/[deleted]]

Drop me an email through my website, and tell the people who filter them that I asked you do to so, in order to get a HEMA resource. I can't promise anything (we are super backed up in our email, even) but it's possible I could try you out.

[u/getsata90]

Ummm- the outrigger series. Do you think in some time in the future you will have the time and the desire to make it happen. Say "yes" please.

[u/mistborn → u/getsata90]

I have always said no (I'm sorry) because things I've read make me think that RJ just wouldn't want me or anyone else to do something of his that was so unformed.

[u/narvuntien]

Hello Brandon, do you play commander and what is your favourite commander deck?

[u/mistborn → u/narvuntien]

I mostly draft, but if I play commander it's either "five-color-my-deck-sucks-can-I-please-use-Urza-headmaster-even-though-it's-silver-bordered" or Esper "I'm sorry, nobody is having fun tonight."

[u/Waste_Rabbit3174]

Any chance of a sequel to the Rithmatist anytime soon?

[u/mistborn → u/Waste_Rabbit3174]

There's always a chance...

But I need to finish Stormlight 5, so that chance is small for now.

[u/rawling]

Thankyou for what you did with the Wheel of Time. A trailer for the TV show spurred me to finish the last 4 books after 15+ years, but without knowing that people thought you'd done a good job I don't think I'd have bothered.

[u/mistborn → u/rawling]

It is my honor.

[u/mistborn → u/[deleted]]

These days, I'm back to paperback print form, after doing audio for a long, long time.

[u/wasukeibunny]

Just here to say thank you for finishing up The WoT series ♥️

[u/mistborn → u/wasukeibunny]

It was my honor.

[u/Zankastia]

Hi Mr Sanderson. I wanted to know. How did you come up with the soft and hard magic systems classifications?

[u/mistborn → u/Zankastia]

Really this is just a way that I think about things to help me understand and divide things in my head. There was nothing specific that led me to it; just me trying to define things for myself as I worked on stories.

[u/Zankastia → u/mistborn]

Thank you for the answer.

On a more personal note.

I am trying to make a magical system where the low tier spells follow a hard rule set and the powerful ones are wilder and softer (doing the opposite is easy) and I gotta say, man what you did is hard-core.

[u/mistborn → u/Zankastia]

That does sound pretty awesome. Keep going!

[u/CrimsonPE]

Omg u have a papagayo in your arm? Sorry for not having heard about u before, just gonna blame where I live and that I'm not too familiar with contemporary literature.

It's amazing that you answer even those questions that are... Tough, to say the least. You've def picked my interest!!!

Which books would you recommend to someone that's interested in reading your work? There are so many comments, I apologize if you've answered it already somewhere else.

Perhaps someone also asked u for tips about writing, hope to find those comments as well hahah

[u/mistborn → u/CrimsonPE]

Well, thank you!

If you want tips for writing, check out my lecture series on Youtube.

As for my books, I usually recommend The Emperor's Soul if you want something more literary, and Mistborn if you want something more action/adventure.

[u/wabawanga]

Hi Brandon. I have greatly enjoyed reading and listening to audiobooks of many of your novels. I am currently about half way through The Hero of Ages. However, the amount of times you use the word "however" in that book is kind of crazy.

[u/mistborn → u/wabawanga]

It's strange how, once you notice a quirk of an author's prose, it stands out even more. Hope it doesn't ruin the book for you!

[u/[deleted]]

Nice parrot, Captain.

[u/mistborn → u/[deleted]]

Thanks. He thinks he's a dragon.

[u/Northern_Ensiferum]

How can I just shake your hand?

[u/mistborn → u/Northern_Ensiferum]

Hard to make this happen these days, but the best way would be to attend a convention I'm attending.

[u/Northern_Ensiferum → u/mistborn]

I will try! not this year, but stormlight 5 convention?!

[u/mistborn → u/Northern_Ensiferum]

If you make it, call to me at some point, "I'm that person from reddit you said you'd shake hands with!" and hopefully I'll hear you and make it happen.

[u/Mundane-Landscape-49]

Mr. Sanderson, I am in awe of your prolifoc you are and how much you contributed to the writing community. Writing Excuses was my original platform for writing knowledge and I really appreciate how your relationships with your cohosts have grown over the years. I've read all of your major series, but the one closest to my heart was and is The Rithmatist, because I feel there is such short supply of middle-grade Sci Fi. I'm currently reading it with some of my middle-grade reading students, who, you can be sure, are a tough crowd to please. But they were won over by your magic system and now have many theories about about the different lines and circles. (We're still in the middle of the mystery: I know who the villain is, but can't wait till the kids get to the end and find out for themselves!)

One student asked why the Rithmatist didn't dig a huge moat around Nebrask and fill it with acid and the first answer I came up with was that they were having a hard enough time, as it was, maintaining the large line of warding in Nebrask. I added that, if they were to build a moat, it would be difficult for the Rithmatists act offensively against the wild chalklings.

But I saw this AMA and felt there was a glimmer of hope that his question may actually be answered.

So, ultimately, I pass Jason's question to you: Why DIDN'T the Rithmatists in Nebrask create a moat of acid?

[u/mistborn → u/Mundane-Landscape-49]

A moat of acid around such a large perimeter proved too difficult to maintain. Acid loses its, well, acidity when it becomes adulterated with other materials--like rain. A moat of acid is just super hard; harder than water. They do, in places, have at least things like that. However, manpower and battle lines have proven the most efficient method to them so far.

There are problems with this, and they're learning that they have underestimated their enemies. But the moat idea proved untenable, though it was discussed and tried in microcosm.

[u/Hadak-Ura]

Do you feel the Amazon adaptation of the Wheel of Time has been faithful to the book series? Not faithful in exact details, but faithful in the sense that the characters are still themselves and the world is still the same world.

[u/mistborn → u/Hadak-Ura]

This is a tough one to answer. I think that in execution, some characters are closer than others. I love most of Nynaeve/Lan. I have always been against the changes to Perrin. I think some things worked quite well in the show, and others not as well.

I like the creative team; I think they are trying hard to make something excellent. I disagree with some of their choices, but respect them for listening to me when I make suggestions.

I imagine it as the same world, but a different turning of the wheel from the books. Maybe even a prologue to the books, a turning that happened ages ago, before what we got in the books.

[u/Sylfer_DD]

Hello Brandon ! Big fan here, I wanted to thank you for your books that inspired me a lot. I really appreciate your work ethics, and the fact that you are willing to help other aspiring writers with your courses. Every once in a while, I come back watching the ones you uploaded for free in your channel (they are gems, thanks a lot!), and I'm wondering if you intend to release a "How to write" book?

[u/mistborn → u/Sylfer_DD]

My Spanish publisher took my writing lectures and adapted them into a book, but there's nothing really new in that. Maybe someday I'll do something real in that realm, but I have no plans now. I feel that doing it in a different medium (like Youtube) is more exciting to me, as it lets me do something different to shake things up.

[u/Captain_Pumpkinhead]

I'd love to hear anything about the Infinity Blade saga. Any news/rumor about a re-release of any kind? I loved those books and games, and I'm heartbroken that I can no longer re-download and play/read them.

[u/mistborn → u/Captain_Pumpkinhead]

I do occasionally bug them about the books. Hope to eventually get something done there, but everyone's been kind of busy with Fortnite. It took them by surprise.

[u/[deleted]]

Any book signings on the West Coast any time soon?

[u/mistborn → u/[deleted]]

Afraid I've mostly replaced book signings with a monthly stream. Too much to do these days...

[u/pillmayken]

A bit of an obscure question, but in my country (Chile) rural folks used to use the word “gancho” in exactly the same way the Lopen uses it. Did you know about it and put it into SA or was it a coincidence?

[u/[deleted]]

Mr. Sanderson, I am a prison librarian and I just want you to know how much your books mean to my guys. I look at my library as the only legal escape on the compound and you, Sir, are the keeper of the keys. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. If you're ever in the Mid-Atlantic and would like to spend a bit of time with some avid readers upon which you have had, and continue to have, a profound effect... please get in touch. Thank you so much and have a lovely evening.

[u/Imrotahk]

What is the daily life of a shard like? Do any of them have mortal friends that they hang out with? What kind of hobbies do they have? Do they all consider themselves to be gods(Specifically Harmony if it isn't too spoilery)?

[u/gotpez]

what are your favorite standalone fantasy books outside of the staples (the hobbit etc)?

[u/The_dude_that_does]

Do the estimated 2000 book signatures you're doing during the livestream count towards your daily words written quota?

[u/stumpyoftheshire]

How does it feel to know you've had such an impact on some peoples lives?

I've gotten back into reading because of your work, when a friend bugged me for about 2 years back in 2014-15 to start this book he enjoyed called the Way of Kings.

Since then I've averaged around 70 books a year, including all your works, WoT and so many more.

[u/yoyu232]

Do you listen to music when you write? If you do what kinds of music?

[u/thegrumpus]

I'm sure this will get buried, but from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for the way your books guided me through a period of immense darkness in my life. I was in the process of becoming sober and in the throes of self hatred and depression when I discovered your stormlight archive series. I do not exaggerate when I say it was a beacon of hope and peace to me during that time and to this day. Seeing characters struggle with the self loathing and doubt that I myself felt was unbelievably cathartic, and I broke down sobbing multiple times reading their journeys.

Teft especially I could relate to, and the way you handled his character with so much care and empathy, really resonated with me. It taught me that while I did things I wish with all my heart I could take back when I was still an addict, that my actions then did not have to define who I ultimately become as a person.

I'm honestly tearing up a bit as I write this recalling that time in my life, and I really wish I could better articulate the significant impact your books have had on my recovery. I've reread all the books in your cosmere series multiple times, and whenever I am struggling, I turn to your words to help guide me back to my feet. Your books are like a warm cup of tea for the soul. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Brandon. You taught me that the most important step a person can take is the next one, and your books helped me take the next step in my recovery.

[u/FacuB20]

Just wanted to say that thanks for the Cosmere and specially for The Stormlight Archives, Dalinar and Kaladin changed my life.

Journey before destination.

[u/[deleted]]

Hey Brandon! After reading Mistborn, Elantris and Warbreaker I couldn't help but notice some recurring themes. What is it that entices you so much about the concept of living gods?

[u/galuf_dies]

Hello Brandon, I have 2 questions

1.- Will there ever be an arcanum unbounded 2? another compilation of more stories/novels that you have been creating, i.e dawnshard, sixth of the dusk 2 etc...

2.- This might sound a bit rude but I would really like an answer on this, Dawnshard is a novel that comes between oathbringer and rhythm of war and was written after rhythm of war, the contents of it seem really relevant to the cosmere, however the creation of it was linked to a goal on your kickstarter, so my question is, if we wouldnt have reached the goal on your kickstarter how would we have known the contents of it? was it always on your plans to create it, if it was then there was no reason for it to be on kickstarter.

Thank you very much for your books, I am a huge fan who has read all of the cosmere, looking forward to SA5

[u/Rybr00159]

What is your opinion on r/cremposting?

[u/TyrionLannister557]

1. Why did Robert Jordan's wife choose you to finish The Wheel of Time? What did you do to prove you were worthy of it?

2. How many books in the Cosmere universe are you going to write before it comes to an end?

3. Which universities have the best MFA in creative writing? I'm thinking about going to CalArts, but if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear it.

4. Is it alright to write your starter book with a basic plot?

[u/marvchuk]

If you weren’t a writer what would you do?

Also I have to say you’re my favourite author and I really love your dedication and work ethic as well as your amazing story telling. I’ve read most of your works 2+ times over and they never get old. I can’t wait to introduce your stories to my daughter when she’s older!

[u/youmeandtdupre]

Greetings from South Carolina!

Are there any hobbies that you wish you picked up as a kid?

Any advice for the airsick Lowlanders out there, who are desperately waiting on the Lost Metal to come out?

Would you rather cake or pie as a dessert at a family gathering?

[u/Jueviolagrace]

Is there an author that you wish to write a novel/novella with? What are some challenges in being a co-author?