From Struggles to Success: A Writer's Journey

In this chapter, the speaker shares their tumultuous journey to becoming a professional writer, detailing the numerous challenges faced, including struggles with traditional publishing and the turning point that led to a more entrepreneurial approach. They reflect on the critical moments that shaped their career, including disputes impacting sales and their transition to crowdfunding, ultimately leading to the establishment of a successful direct sales model. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of time management and building a supportive team to navigate the complexities of running a writing business.

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Brandon Sanderson is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Stormlight Archive series and the Mistborn saga; the middle-grade series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians; and the young-adult novels The Rithmatist, the Reckoners trilogy, and the Skyward series. He has sold more than 40 million books in 35 languages, and he is a four-time nominee for the Hugo Awards, winning in 2013 for his novella The Emperor’s Soul.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Meet Brandon Sanderson

07:10 Soundcheck Fun and Memory Skills

11:21 Brandon's Writing Journey and Creative Process

25:35 Teaching Creative Writing and Publishing Insights

38:08 Brandon's Early Reading Experience

44:18 Discovering the Magic of Storytelling

45:32 A Journey from C Student to A Student

47:02 The Influence of a Great Teacher

48:51 Understanding Narrative and Plot

56:42 The Art of Character Development

01:09:42 Balancing Writing and Personal Life