On Writing With Brandon Sanderson | Full Writing Lectures (2025) Q&A on Plot: Brandon Sanderson's Writing Lecture #4 (2025)
Brandon dives deep into the art of plot and storytelling. He discusses the importance of narrative promises using examples from beloved films. Crafting engaging narratives involves meaningful character development and clever foreshadowing techniques. He explores the roots of quest fantasy, highlighting relatable settings that draw readers in. The significance of detailed maps and game mechanics in enhancing story depth is also touched upon. Finally, Brandon shares insights on mastering character arcs and the delicate balance of suspense in plots.
01:15:39
Promises in Storytelling
- Promise the type of plot and character arc early on.
- Promise a stand-up-and-cheer moment to keep readers engaged.
Handling Unoriginality
- If your plot feels unoriginal, don't stress too much, originality develops naturally.
- If critiques persist, analyze how your story differs and makes it deeper.
Way of Kings Revision
- Brandon Sanderson revised "Way of Kings" because the original plot felt unoriginal.
- He made the protagonist make opposite decisions to create a more unique story.
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Intro
00:00 • 5min
Crafting Engaging Narratives
04:50 • 32min
Exploring the Roots of Quest Fantasy and Reader Relatability
36:49 • 2min
Mastering Plot Outlines in Fantasy Writing
39:03 • 7min
The Importance of Maps and Game Mechanics in Storytelling
45:53 • 2min
Mastering Foreshadowing and Character Arcs
48:00 • 28min
Captain America
Red, White & Blue
Mark Waid
Stormlight Archive
Brandon Sanderson
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.
Mistborn
The Final Empire
Brandon Sanderson
In this epic fantasy, Brandon Sanderson introduces a world called Scadrial, where ash constantly falls from the sky, plants are brown, and supernatural mists cloak the landscape every night.
The story follows Vin, a young half-Skaa orphan with the rare ability to become a Mistborn, and Kelsier, a charismatic thief who recruits Vin to join a group of Allomancers in a high-stakes plan to overthrow the divine despot, the Lord Ruler.
The novel explores themes of rebellion, trust, and the complexities of a well-crafted magical system based on metals.
The world-building is rich and detailed, with a focus on the political intrigue and the harsh realities of a dystopian society.
Alcatraz
Alcatraz
The Last Escape
Mike Lynch
Ken Widner
Skyward
Skyward
Antonio Fabela
Lee Garbett
Joe Henderson
Mulan
Walt Disney
Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir
In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission.
He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age.
As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets.
The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships.
Steelheart
Brandon Sanderson
In 'Steelheart,' Brandon Sanderson creates a dystopian world where a red star called Calamity has granted superhuman powers to certain individuals, known as Epics.
These Epics, however, use their powers for evil, ruling with an iron fist.
The story centers around David Charleston, who witnessed his father's murder by the powerful Epic Steelheart when he was just eight years old.
Ten years later, David joins the Reckoners, a group dedicated to killing Epics, with the goal of avenging his father's death.
The novel is a fast-paced, action-filled exploration of good vs.
evil, with a unique world and complex characters.
Game of Thrones
HBO
This book provides an in-depth look at the making of the first two seasons of HBO's Game of Thrones.
It includes interviews with key creative forces behind the show, profiles of major characters, family trees, and detailed descriptions of pivotal scenes such as the storming of King's Landing.
The book helps viewers understand the complex storylines and character relationships, making it a valuable resource for fans of the series.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth.
The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth.
The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect.
Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.
The fellowship of the ring
J.R.R Tolkien
In this epic novel, Frodo Baggins inherits the One Ring from his cousin Bilbo and learns from the wizard Gandalf that it must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return to power.
Joined by a fellowship of eight other members, including Gandalf, Sam Gamgee, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, and Merry and Pippin, Frodo sets out on a treacherous journey across Middle-earth.
The Fellowship faces numerous challenges, including treacherous landscapes, ferocious enemies, and internal conflicts, as they strive to complete their mission and save their world from darkness.
Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series, written by J.K.
Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard.
The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world.
The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.
The Way of Kings
Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings is an epic fantasy novel that introduces the world of Roshar, where powerful magical forces known as Surgebinding and Shardwielding shape the destiny of its inhabitants.
The story primarily follows three characters: Kaladin, a former surgeon turned soldier who is now a slave; Shallan, a young woman seeking to apprentice under the scholar Jasnah Kholin; and Dalinar Kholin, a highprince troubled by visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant.
The novel explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the struggle for power in a world torn apart by war and the looming threat of the Desolation and the Voidbringers.
The book is known for its detailed worldbuilding, complex characters, and the slow but intense build-up to a dramatic climax.
Into the Woods
John York
Old Yeller
Fred Gipson
Tress of the Emerald Sea
Brandon Sanderson
Wheel of time
Harry Zarchy
Published in 1957, 'Wheel of Time' by Harry Zarchy is a book aimed at young readers, focusing on topics related to time, calendars, and clocks.
It provides an educational perspective on these subjects, likely intended to introduce children to basic concepts of timekeeping.
The Return of the King
J.R.R Tolkien
In 'The Return of the King', the third and final volume of 'The Lord of the Rings', Frodo and Sam face their most daunting challenge as they journey through Mordor to destroy the One Ring.
Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli navigate the Paths of the Dead, and the armies of Rohan and Gondor prepare for the Siege of Minas Tirith.
The book concludes with the destruction of the Ring, the defeat of Sauron, and the aftermath of the war, including the return of the hobbits to the Shire and Frodo's eventual departure to the Undying Lands.
Dirt
The Erosion of Civilizations
David R. Montgomery
The Dark Knight
Tori Phillips
Earthsea
Ursula K. Le Guin
The Earthsea Cycle follows the journey of various characters, notably Ged (Sparrowhawk), as they navigate the complexities of magic, power, and balance in the world of Earthsea.
The series is known for its Taoist themes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining equilibrium in the world and the consequences of using magic.
It includes six novels: A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, Tehanu, Tales from Earthsea, and The Other Wind.
The series is praised for its rich world-building, nuanced characters, and exploration of themes such as identity, power, and responsibility.
The Hobbit
or There and Back Again
J.R.R Tolkien
Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth.
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug.
During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible.
The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism.
Where the Red Fern Grows
Wilson Rawls
The novel tells the story of Billy Colman, a ten-year-old boy who spends two years saving money to buy two Redbone Coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann, for coon hunting.
The story explores themes of love, loyalty, loss, and the strong bond between humans and animals.
After the tragic deaths of his dogs, Billy finds solace in the legend of the red fern that grows between their graves, symbolizing the eternal and divine nature of their bond.
The book is a moving tale of determination, love, and the harsh realities of life, set against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains.
This week Brandon takes questions on the last two classes on plot theory. Now you can participate as well! Make sure to check out the last two lectures and this Q&A, then comment below (on this video) and Brandon will film an exclusive session featuring your questions.
Review the lecture notes here: https://bit.ly/3WRnVot
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