Summary of "Lecture #1: Introduction — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy"

Brandon Sanderson took over teaching the class "Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy" in 2004, originally started by a professor at BYU in the '80s. He emphasizes the importance of learning the fundamentals of writing, focusing on plot, setting, character, and business aspects. Sanderson encourages aspiring writers to be consistent in their writing habits, aiming for 2,000 words a day or a consistent output to complete a novel. He discusses the dichotomy between discovery writing and outline writing, advising writers to find what works best for them.

Balancing Writing and Personal Life

Sanderson also shares insights on balancing writing with personal life, setting boundaries to prevent writing from taking over completely. He stresses the significance of maintaining relationships while pursuing a writing career, emphasizing understanding and communication with family and friends. Creating a routine that suits individual needs and having a support system to safeguard writing time is crucial. Sanderson discusses the impact of interruptions on the writing process and the importance of a conducive writing environment.

Overcoming Despair and Achieving Success

To overcome the sense of despair in achieving success as a writer, Sanderson advises writers to maintain hope, focus on the quality of their writing, and view finishing a novel as a significant accomplishment. Exploring options like self-publishing or finding a niche fan base can also be beneficial. Seeking advice from other writers and being part of the writing community can provide valuable support. Joining a writing group can offer support, deadlines, and feedback. Sanderson provides guidelines for giving feedback in writing groups, emphasizing being descriptive of emotions, not prescriptive, and starting with what is working before discussing areas for improvement.

writing group

In the class, 15 writers have already been accepted into the writing group, highlighting its value as a tool for writers. Sanderson provides detailed guidelines for effective feedback within these writing groups, emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism and support within the writing community.