#794: Brandon Sanderson on Building a Fiction Empire, Creating $40M+ Kickstarter Campaigns, Unbreakable Habits, The Art of World-Building, and The Science of Magic Systems

This episode of the Tim Ferriss Show features a conversation with Brandon Sanderson, a prolific fantasy author. The interview covers Sanderson's writing process, including his unique approach to outlining and character development, his experience completing Robert Jordan's *Wheel of Time* series, and his record-breaking Kickstarter campaign that raised over $40 million. Sanderson shares his "three laws of magic" for crafting believable fantasy systems and discusses the importance of consistent writing habits. Listeners gain insights into Sanderson's creative process, publishing strategies, and entrepreneurial approach to building a successful writing career. The discussion also touches upon the challenges and opportunities in the modern publishing landscape, particularly regarding e-books and audiobooks.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction and Background

Part 2: Writing Process and Habits

Part 3: Dragonsteel Entertainment and Self-Publishing

Part 4: Feedback, Publishing, and Magic Systems

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The Tim Ferriss Show

Part 1: Introduction and Background

Introduction: Brandon Sanderson - A Masterclass

Sanderson's Unusual Memory and Productivity Systems

Formative Experiences in South Korea and Language Construction

The Influence of David Farland and Creative Writing Education

Part 2: Writing Process and Habits

Teaching Creative Writing at BYU and Building Writing Habits

Contradictory Writing Advice and Practical Writing Exercises

Sanderson's Writing Habits and Early Influences

Sanderson's Decision to Become a Writer and the Importance of Purpose

Teaching Narrative Structure and the Promise-Progress-Payoff Model

The Genesis of Mistborn: Initial Ideas and Character Development

The Art of Writing and Knowing When to Scrap a Project

Sanderson's Writing Schedule and the Importance of Dedicated Time

Part 3: Dragonsteel Entertainment and Self-Publishing

Building Dragonsteel Entertainment: A Direct-to-Consumer Approach

The Three Main Lines of Descent in Epic Fantasy and Sanderson's Approach

The Decision to Self-Publish and the First Kickstarter Success

The Dragonsteel Team and Early Growth

The Record-Breaking Kickstarter Campaign and Escape Velocity of Attention

The Impact of COVID-19 and the Creation of Four New Novels

The Viral Kickstarter Video and its Strategic Approach

Part 4: Feedback, Publishing, and Magic Systems

Beta Readers and Feedback Analysis

The Release of Warbreaker and the Creative Commons Experiment

Feedback from Online Forums and the Evolution of Sanderson's Writing Style

Advice on Publishing Deals and the Shifting Power Dynamics in the Industry

The Wheel of Time: Sanderson's Involvement and the Challenges of Mistborn

Sanderson's Magic Systems and the Three Laws of Magic

Expanding on Sanderson's Laws of Magic and Conclusion

#794: Brandon Sanderson on Building a Fiction Empire, Creating $40M+ Kickstarter Campaigns, Unbreakable Habits, The Art of World-Building, and The Science of Magic Systems

The Tim Ferriss Show

Part 1: Introduction and Background

00:00Introduction: Brandon Sanderson - A Masterclass

Introduction: Brandon Sanderson - A Masterclass

07:10Sanderson's Unusual Memory and Productivity Systems

Sanderson's Unusual Memory and Productivity Systems

11:10Formative Experiences in South Korea and Language Construction

Formative Experiences in South Korea and Language Construction

17:08The Influence of David Farland and Creative Writing Education

The Influence of David Farland and Creative Writing Education

Part 2: Writing Process and Habits

20:35Teaching Creative Writing at BYU and Building Writing Habits

Teaching Creative Writing at BYU and Building Writing Habits

27:30Contradictory Writing Advice and Practical Writing Exercises

Contradictory Writing Advice and Practical Writing Exercises

36:29Sanderson's Writing Habits and Early Influences

Sanderson's Writing Habits and Early Influences

41:23Sanderson's Decision to Become a Writer and the Importance of Purpose

Sanderson's Decision to Become a Writer and the Importance of Purpose

49:07Teaching Narrative Structure and the Promise-Progress-Payoff Model

Teaching Narrative Structure and the Promise-Progress-Payoff Model

57:04The Genesis of Mistborn: Initial Ideas and Character Development

The Genesis of Mistborn: Initial Ideas and Character Development

1:03:08The Art of Writing and Knowing When to Scrap a Project

The Art of Writing and Knowing When to Scrap a Project

1:09:42Sanderson's Writing Schedule and the Importance of Dedicated Time

Sanderson's Writing Schedule and the Importance of Dedicated Time

Part 3: Dragonsteel Entertainment and Self-Publishing

1:13:52Building Dragonsteel Entertainment: A Direct-to-Consumer Approach

Building Dragonsteel Entertainment: A Direct-to-Consumer Approach

1:18:22The Three Main Lines of Descent in Epic Fantasy and Sanderson's Approach

The Three Main Lines of Descent in Epic Fantasy and Sanderson's Approach

1:22:56The Decision to Self-Publish and the First Kickstarter Success

The Decision to Self-Publish and the First Kickstarter Success

1:33:54The Dragonsteel Team and Early Growth

The Dragonsteel Team and Early Growth

1:41:23The Record-Breaking Kickstarter Campaign and Escape Velocity of Attention

The Record-Breaking Kickstarter Campaign and Escape Velocity of Attention

1:51:27The Impact of COVID-19 and the Creation of Four New Novels

The Impact of COVID-19 and the Creation of Four New Novels

1:58:58The Viral Kickstarter Video and its Strategic Approach

The Viral Kickstarter Video and its Strategic Approach

Part 4: Feedback, Publishing, and Magic Systems

2:09:01Beta Readers and Feedback Analysis

Beta Readers and Feedback Analysis

2:14:23The Release of Warbreaker and the Creative Commons Experiment

The Release of Warbreaker and the Creative Commons Experiment

2:20:32Feedback from Online Forums and the Evolution of Sanderson's Writing Style

Feedback from Online Forums and the Evolution of Sanderson's Writing Style

2:30:31Advice on Publishing Deals and the Shifting Power Dynamics in the Industry

Advice on Publishing Deals and the Shifting Power Dynamics in the Industry

2:40:53The Wheel of Time: Sanderson's Involvement and the Challenges of Mistborn

The Wheel of Time: Sanderson's Involvement and the Challenges of Mistborn

2:52:16Sanderson's Magic Systems and the Three Laws of Magic

Sanderson's Magic Systems and the Three Laws of Magic

3:00:33Expanding on Sanderson's Laws of Magic and Conclusion

Expanding on Sanderson's Laws of Magic and Conclusion