Legacy and New Beginnings in Fantasy

This chapter explores the impact of 'The Wheel of Time' series on epic fantasy, detailing its evolution and the challenges faced after the original author, Robert Jordan, fell ill. It recounts the emotional journey of an author stepping in to complete Jordan's work, reflecting on the responsibility of continuing a beloved legacy. Additionally, the chapter examines the complexities of publishing and marketing strategies that shape an author’s career and the competitive landscape of fantasy literature.

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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