

The Tools to Make Your Worlds Better - Brandon Sanderson's Writing Lecture #8 (2025)
18 snips Mar 26, 2025
Brandon Sanderson dives into the essentials of world-building, showcasing how it shapes plot and character. He discusses the balance between detail and simplicity, using concepts like the 'hollow iceberg' for effective storytelling. The session also touches on the art of naming and narrative perspective, underlining cultural significance in fantasy. Additionally, Sanderson shares insights from his upbringing, linking creativity to structure in writing. Get ready to enhance your writing toolkit with practical advice and stimulating ideas!
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World Builder's Disease
- Avoid "World Builder's Disease" by setting deadlines for worldbuilding.
- Focus on writing and develop necessary world details as you go.
Artist-Accountant Balance
- Brandon Sanderson attributes his success to his artist-accountant upbringing.
- He uses deadlines to balance his love for worldbuilding with the need to write.
Prioritize Relevant Worldbuilding
- Prioritize worldbuilding elements relevant to your story.
- New writers should focus on areas of expertise and a few learning points.