In 2020, acclaimed fantasy author Brandon Sanderson delivered a series of lectures at Brigham Young University (BYU) that are available online. These lectures offer a deep dive into various aspects of writing, including worldbuilding, character development, plotting, and magic systems. Sanderson shares his expertise, providing aspiring writers with valuable insights and practical advice to enhance their craft. From constructing immersive fictional worlds to creating well-rounded characters and crafting intricate plots, Sanderson's lectures are a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for writers seeking to refine their skills and storytelling techniques.
Lecture 1
In the introduction lecture, Brandon Sanderson sets the stage for the series, providing an overview of the topics to be covered.
1:03:53
Lecture 2
Sanderson delves into the intricacies of plotting in the first part of the plot lecture.
1:07:05
Lecture 3
Continuing from the previous lecture, Sanderson explores plot development further in the second part of the plot lecture.
1:09:53
Lecture 4
Sanderson discusses viewpoint in writing and engages in a Q&A session with the audience.
1:02:22
Lecture 5
Worldbuilding takes the spotlight in the first part of the worldbuilding lecture, as Sanderson shares insights and techniques.
1:12:26
Lecture 6
Sanderson continues his exploration of worldbuilding in the second part of the lecture, delving into additional aspects and considerations.
1:13:32
Lecture 7
Short stories are the focus of this lecture, as a guest, Mary Robinette Kowal provides guidance and tips for crafting compelling narratives in a condensed format.
44:41
Lecture 8
Sanderson addresses audience questions specifically related to worldbuilding in this Q&A session.
1:14:54
Lecture 9
In the first part of the characters lecture, Sanderson dives into the art of developing rich and believable characters.
1:12:14
Lecture 10
Building upon the previous lecture, Sanderson explores advanced techniques for character development in the second part of the characters lecture.
1:11:13
Lecture 11
The characters Q&A session allows Sanderson to provide further insights and advice on crafting memorable characters.
1:12:36
Lecture 12
Sanderson delves into the publishing process in the first part of the publishing lecture, offering guidance on navigating the industry.
1:07:41
Lecture 13
Concluding the series, Sanderson continues his discussion on publishing, focusing on key aspects such as contracts, book covers, and marketing in the second part of the lecture.
1:12:28