From Reluctance to Reflection: The Writer's Journey

This chapter chronicles the speaker's transformative path to becoming a writer, starting from their early disinterest in literature to a deep passion ignited by pivotal experiences in their youth. Key moments, such as an encouraging teacher and a life-changing fantasy novel, inspire a new appreciation for storytelling and the complexities of adult life. The speaker also shares insights into narrative techniques and character development, drawing from their international experiences to enhance their understanding of engaging storytelling.

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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