Brandon Sanderson’s Literary Magic Tricks: Writing 10,000 Words a Day and Worldbuilding from Dreams (Picture Credit - NYTimes)
Brandon Sanderson, a prolific and beloved figure in the world of fantasy literature, has captivated readers with his immersive worlds, complex magic systems, and dynamic characters. Best known for his 'Mistborn' series and 'The Stormlight Archive', Sanderson has a unique approach to both writing and worldbuilding that sets him apart. One of the most fascinating aspects of his process is his ability to write an astonishing 10,000 words a day, while also drawing inspiration from dreams to build the intricate worlds that readers have come to love.
How does Sanderson pull off what seems like literary magic? Let’s take a look at his methods for maintaining a high level of productivity and the visionary techniques he uses to create some of the most detailed fantasy worlds in modern literature.
The 10,000 Words a Day Magic Trick
Writing 10,000 words in a day sounds like an impossible feat to most authors, but for Brandon Sanderson, it's part of his disciplined daily routine. Many wonder how he manages to produce so many words without sacrificing quality. The answer lies in his rigorous work ethic, well-structured schedule, and the deep love he has for storytelling.
Sanderson's key to productivity is consistency. He doesn't believe in waiting for inspiration to strike; instead, he views writing as a craft that requires consistent practice. His approach is highly methodical. He typically starts his day early, setting aside hours specifically for writing. By treating writing like a full-time job, Sanderson is able to maintain a consistent output.
Moreover, Sanderson uses techniques such as sprint writing and breaks his writing into chunks, which allows him to stay fresh and avoid burnout. Sprint writing is a technique where he writes intensively for short bursts of time, often up to an hour, and then takes a break. These writing sprints, combined with a clear outline of his story, allow him to work efficiently while avoiding the common writer’s block.
He’s also famous for his ability to "write in layers." Instead of trying to make everything perfect in the first draft, Sanderson allows himself to write quickly, then later revisits the draft to refine the dialogue, descriptions, and character development. This iterative approach enables him to move swiftly through the drafting process, knowing that he can always improve the story in subsequent revisions.
The Worldbuilding from Dreams
If you’ve read any of Sanderson’s work, you know that his worldbuilding is second to none. From the intricately layered magic systems in 'Mistborn' to the vast and diverse cultures of 'The Stormlight Archive', each of his worlds feels fully realized and deeply engaging. One of the secrets behind his worldbuilding is that he draws inspiration from his dreams.
Sanderson has shared in interviews that many of the core concepts for his novels have been inspired by vivid dreams he’s had. For example, the 'Mistborn' series originated from a dream in which a young man with the ability to manipulate metal was fleeing through the night. This dream eventually became the foundation for the metal-based magic system that defines the 'Mistborn' universe.
His dream-inspired ideas are often just seeds, but Sanderson nurtures them with logical frameworks, creating magic systems that follow consistent, well-thought-out rules. Unlike many fantasy writers who rely on whimsy or divine intervention to explain magic, Sanderson focuses on creating “hard magic systems.” These systems operate like sciences, with clearly defined limitations and consequences. By approaching magic as a functional part of the world, he gives his readers the satisfaction of exploring how these systems work, making the fantastical feel grounded.
Sanderson’s Three Laws of Magic
Part of Sanderson’s success in worldbuilding comes from his well-known "Three Laws of Magic," which guide how he constructs his magic systems. These laws provide structure to the otherwise chaotic nature of fantasy and ensure that his worlds remain consistent and believable.
1. The First Law: "An author’s ability to solve conflict with magic is directly proportional to how well the reader understands said magic."
This law emphasizes that magic must have clear rules, and readers should understand these rules for magic to effectively solve problems within the story. The more the reader understands the mechanics of the magic, the more satisfying its use is in the plot.
2. The Second Law: "Limitations are more interesting than powers."
For Sanderson, it’s not the magical abilities themselves that are captivating, but the constraints placed on those abilities. By focusing on the limitations and costs of using magic, Sanderson creates tension and stakes, forcing his characters to be resourceful.
3. The Third Law: "Expand on what you have before you add something new."
Rather than constantly introducing new magical elements, Sanderson believes in building depth with the existing systems. This allows for a richer exploration of the consequences and complexities of his worlds.
These laws not only help Sanderson craft his intricate magic systems but also ensure that his fantasy worlds are logical, cohesive, and grounded in their own internal reality.
What’s fascinating about Sanderson is the way his high output and complex worldbuilding coexist seamlessly. The discipline that allows him to write 10,000 words a day also ensures that his worldbuilding is detailed and logical. He doesn’t just rely on bursts of inspiration; instead, he follows structured processes to develop his worlds.
Each world is meticulously planned with maps, cultures, languages, and histories. His use of spreadsheets to track various aspects of his worldbuilding such as character development, magic systems, and political structures ensures consistency across his sprawling stories. This level of organization, combined with his high output, allows him to release novels at an astonishing rate without sacrificing the richness of his worldbuilding.
Brandon Sanderson’s ability to write 10,000 words a day and build captivating worlds from his dreams is nothing short of extraordinary. His approach to writing—treating it as a disciplined craft, employing writing sprints, and refining through multiple drafts coupled with his innovative worldbuilding techniques, has made him a giant in the fantasy genre. His blend of productivity, creativity, and structure offers valuable lessons to aspiring writers and readers who admire his works. Through his dedication, Sanderson has proven that literary magic is often the result of hard work, clear processes, and an endless passion for storytelling.