How Do I Motivate Myself to Write-Brandon Sanderson

This is a short segment from my 2021 Creative Writing Lectures at BYU. If you want to watch my lectures in their entirety, you can watch all of my 2020 lectures here: • Lecture #1: Introducti...
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[@intentionally]

"Being successful in life is partially about being able to hack your brain." Feels good to hear this from such a prolific writer.

[@Atzael-SMN]

Right. I wonder how hacked he is.

[@torchlight1785]

Probably the most true advice I have heard about success.

[@diegoperdomo3035]

This is so true, a lot of the time our brains only wants to procrastinate and be lazy, we have to force ourself to do valuable and productive things. Things that really make an impact in our life.

[@daruddock]

I read Taika Waititi saying that he sometimes sits in front of his laptop for an entire day workout writing a single thing and feels like a piece of crap. I thought, if the guy who wrote multibillion dollar movies can feel that way, then I shouldn't be so hard on myself.

[@Big_Fan_just_generally]

A lot of what Brandon Sanderson says in his lectures helps me to write, but some of it is just really great advice on living in general!

[@magus3553]

If you like his lectures you should read his writing about how to live life. :D

[@teagannakamoto9688]

"Some[times] it's a stick" But it _could_ be *fire*

[@jakehopkins6989]

I am a stick!

[@MetalCharlo]

Nah I'm a stick bro

[@drell3884]

Yeah you dont have to be a stick

[@adroitws1367]

a hellfire

[@Theis_Ejsing]

Evi: I am a person. Dalinar: But you could be fire.

[@ErynBroughtaBook]

"Being successful in life is partially about hacking your brain" My brain is a damn fortress. Where's the dream team for the heist on my motivation.

[@oscarchavezavellan2738]

You made my day 🤣

[@tigerpilz1]

did u got a fucking good idea for a book? hacking brains. hmm... do u gonna write it or should i? who will be faster?

[@oscarchavezavellan2738]

@@tigerpilz1 Brandon, Brandon will be faster... 😆

[@Bryonybeebee]

You son of a bitch... I’m in!

[@pdreding]

Isn't this essentially the premise of Persona 5?

[@jasongallagher631]

It is so nice to hear from an established professional something other than "Well, if you don't want to write every day why are you doing this in the first place?" I am 2/3 of the way to today's word count, I think this will help me get the rest of the way.

[@kaboomgaming4255]

@@devinreese7704 and that's why revision exists

[@frankjohnson123]

Agreed the "advice" that you should love what you're doing is not advice at all; if you already love it then you wouldn't be seeking out motivation in the first place. Exceedingly often you are forced to do something you don't like in order to get to the thing you do, and linearizing your progress is a good idea.

[@tinafurger8166]

Me: *takes out the computer to write but instead opens youtube and sees the video* "...well I guess this counts"

[@bmoneybby]

Here were are buddy. You and me both.

[@amandalynh]

Guil-teeee

[@bgmi_short_426]

Then you should write on paper

[@rlblindstone]

Get an alphasmart. did the job for me. Watch Brandon, then kill KZbin and write on the neo...

[@rubenlarochelle1881]

"Success, in all aspects of life, can often be traced to: learning how to make yourself do the things you want to have done." I needed to replay that part a couple of times

[@abcdef27669]

“Every being is motivated by different things”. Reminds me of Master Shifu training Po, in Kung Fu Panda.

[@jamescaldwell2357]

This is my issue: when I was in school (college, too) I was highly motivated to get the work done because of the deadline. I rarely procrastinated. And at my job, I have a great work ethic, because people depend upon me to finish the job and do it well. But with my personal writing, I can't push myself to write consistently. I can go about 5-10 days and then I become distracted and it may be weeks before I can build up the steam to go again, and by then, whatever I had been working on, I've lost the drive and end up working something else.

[@PawanTanaySingh]

Maybe join a writing group or even just get a buddy to bounce ideas off of and keep involved in the process every couple of days

[@PawanTanaySingh]

It could help keep the project in the foreground of your mind even if you're not currently working on it and maybe help freshen up the process with new concepts that you want to apply and get you pumped up

[@karissahammond4587]

The best way I have personally found to overcome that problem is that I tell myself that I must sit down to write for five minutes. In that time, I might not even write. Most often, the act of having the goal to just sit down leads to me writing. On the days that it doesn't, I let it go.

[@tigerpilz1]

did you answer the question "WHY are you writing? WHY do you wand to write?" And what helped me: I said to myself (lazy procrastination Master) "You didnt write for so long. give this Dream away - u will have much time more for another project, but accept u will never write your story, never finish a book." Could i accept this? No... so i started to write. not much, not often, but i write. What are your answers?

[@Peachu_n_Goma_Home]

Reread a paragraph written by author I admire. For me it's Margaret Atwood, I'll reread a few opening sentences of Alias Grace or Handmaid's Tale to get a feel of the deep POV and Atwood's prose. It motivates me to work hard and reach her skill level. :) but it's still easier said than done.

[@catblue4690]

My motivator is “When I’m done, I can experience it.” Like with cooking, making music and writing. Like bitch, it’s all for myself and even if I know what I’m gunna get it doesn’t change how good it is. Honestly it’s better in someways. So I will literally go back and read by stories from the beginning SO LANY TIMES while writing cause I’m enjoying it.

[@codenamelarry6518]

I completely relate to numbers increasing as motivation. Seeing my savings increase motivates me to save more money, just as seeing my step counter increase motivates me to go for a run more often.

[@storieswithradhiya7876]

But for real, I love the feeling of turning the pages and seeing the progress going through a book. I hope books don't just turn completely paperless in the future. There's just something so nice about snuggling in with a physical book in your hand.

[@fenz7219]

Thank you for this. I'm a classically trained musician, and most of the advice I had from my professors in school was that if you're a musician, you should always want to be practicing/performing. The fact that I had other hobbies and friends that weren't involved with music at all was always supposed to be a mark of shame of some sort in their eyes, but hearing that Brandon sometimes doesn't feel like writing makes me feel much, much better. That alone makes me want to write today haha.

[@Rhadagar]

Speaking for myself, this feels like just the right length for these shorter videos.

[@Aaron-un8ke]

I came for writing advice. I stayed for life advice, thanks Brandon!

[@hoxilicious]

Knowing that someone else obsessively tracks progress via spreadsheets because the numbers going up just makes their brain snap into focus made me feel so validated.

[@Yelnatsinthepit]

"So you mean the curse only affects the young ones?" Sir Goodfellow struggled to imagine the pain and horror of becoming an undead. The town elder shook his head and corrected the knight. "No, not the little ones, so far they are safe in their innocence. The curse appears to only target those who are emerging into adulthood. The responsibilities of adolescence is already of burden for most. Even at my age I find it difficult to get started in my own tasks." He sighed deeply. "My heart weaps for what has transgressed here." The elder gazed across the field of freshly dug graves around them. "Promise me, you will destroy all progress the Necromancer has made. Please." Sir Goodfellow considered the journey before him. He had no cheering crowds to support him this time. He saw only a group of grieving villagers too busy providing aid to their loved ones. He couldn't project how long his task would take, and wondered if he could simply quit and do something else. Anything else. A small child dressed in dirty rags approached him with a sorry looking mule. "Sir Goodfellow?" Her voice was weak and faint, but brimming with honor. "You will stop the bad one?" "I will do what I can child." He wasn't sure if he was being completely honest with her. "My father is scared. He saw what happened to my sister and is afraid that I am to follow. He says you can take Corkscrew to ride" She patted the animal. "He isn't smart or strong. But he can help. And these too." She held out a bag. In it, a carrot attached to a walking cane by a long thin chord, and an axe. The knight was puzzled. "I understand the carrot and the stick, but an axe?" The little girl smiled and whispered, "To hack their brains."

[@pendlera2959]

I really enjoyed reading this.

[@Yelnatsinthepit]

@@pendlera2959thanks!

[@claysk350]

Very good. Was confused by "brimming with honor" and I think the part where he wonders if he could quit needs a little more maybe. I found myself thinking: "of course you CAN quit".

[@Yelnatsinthepit]

@@claysk350 thanks for the feedback! Yeah, using brimming, I was trying to show that the kid was hopeful about the knight helping. And the whole quitting thing just refers to Sanderson’s video. I should write more of these 😁

[@monikastaron7627]

Oh man, how I needed to hear that being not motivated isn't a bad thing!

[@felviofernandez1225]

I think the reason why Brandon Sanderson writes so much it's because he has a curse on him that he can't read books made by other people

[@cadencev5572]

He reads a lot though...

[@felviofernandez1225]

@@cadencev5572 Is it other people's text though?

[@cadencev5572]

@@felviofernandez1225 yes lol. I always find his blurbs on new fantasy books. Plus I doubt anyone could actually be as successful of a writer as Brandon is unless they were an avid reader. It's kind of essential to improve your own writing.

[@felviofernandez1225]

@@cadencev5572 Maybe he has clones and some read while others write

[@cadencev5572]

@@felviofernandez1225 wait why are you even so convinced that he can't read books that weren't written by him? It doesn't make sense

[@GoblinsAreReal]

This makes me feel so good. I do something similar. I have a spreadsheet that lists all my chapters with word counts and page counts and the thought of being able to make those numbers rise really helps to keep writing.

[@nikkireigns]

I'm going to try this, thanks!

[@hurricanemanning]

I have used reading and setting reading goals as an exercise to train myself to set other kinds of goals and get used to working hard to meet them. I don't really have a system to keep myself honest but just the idea of setting and achieving goals, no matter how big or small, has helped me in life.

[@topfish1225]

I just love this man Thats all

[@mardigrate]

What I loved about Brandon's videos on writing that I've watched is that he's not trying to force his opinion or advice on others in a patronizing way, like so many other people giving writing advice. He just tells us what works for him.

[@rociomiranda5684]

Having a contract to fulfill, datelines to meet, and a check are great motivations.

[@levitaylor3781]

I need brandons motivation for school work..

[@aliabdaal]

Amazing advice

[@williamkeohane9964]

First like 👍🏻

[@contactsergio18]

Man, this lectures are priceless. I know your books are fantastic and I love them, but seriously you are making a huge difference for aspiring writers with this videos.

[@michaelkulakov9716]

I don't write fiction, I'm a professional blog/copywriter. And man did I need to hear that advice. Thanks, Brandon!

[@theworldsmostplagiarizedma2436]

Gamifying stuff definitely does help for me. I'll try this out, I'm a burst writer and I lose motivation easily.

[@storieswithradhiya7876]

Is it weird I can just watch so many of these kind of lecture videos in a row. If only I could've done the same kind of thing with school stuff...

[@haraldcarlsten6238]

This is so spot on when it comes to motivation. At least in my case..

[@BucketOfMarbles]

I didn't realize I was coming here for genuine life advice 👍 awesome

[@AyrisMoon]

This is literally what I needed! I’m almost in high school, play games, and ofc I read. I haven’t been motivated to write for three or four days! That all changes now!

[@b.lloydreese2030]

I'd say getting paid for it and having people actually read and like it is good motivation

[@cbob213]

Its the wrong type of motivation to be focusing on. As Brandon says, focusing on word counts or chapter's is a good way to be thinking. Journey before destination!!!

[@madeyeatreides4055]

That's true but Sanderson in particular writes at such a rapid rate and he doesn't have to

[@nikolaimichel5326]

pretty salty, eh?

[@milospollonia1121]

Lmao true

[@cbob213]

@@madeyeatreides4055 because he enjoys it. He's a writer and gets satisfaction from being creative. People that get really good at anything usually love it and lean into that passion for motivation.

[@renard6012]

Very nice video. I wish I could find my motivation to write... ... Or do anything... like living...

[@flamebrindger3984]

Can you make a video on writing characters and situations that feel authentic? Should a person continue writing even if they are not satisfied with thecurrent status of their story? Are authors(or you) truly satisfied with how a book turned out? Do you ever want to go back and change an element of your previous stories?

[@sebastianjaramillo9815]

I really recommend you check out Brandon’s online lecture series! It’’s free on KZbin. He says that you should definitely finish your story even if you don’t feel good about it because just finishing it will then give you the chance to look back at it and find the ‘right’ way to do it. He also talks about how he’s struggled to make his plots ‘work’ even after doing this for more than 20 years. But I do think he’s satisfied with them once they come out.

[@SPXC3_MUSHR0oMSWcue]

Trying to write a book, and listening to someone whose books you love, helps so much loll

[@Mikeztarp]

Right now on Brandon's website, all four bars ar at 100%. That is both satisfying and stressful.

[@paulinetayloe9988]

Your not alone brandon sanderson I love reading so much, I love to count how many pages there is between each chapter I usually read one in the morning and one at night, but the real reason why I havent started brandon sanderson books yet is because I want to wait till the last metal, and dawnshart, and the stormlight archive is complete, I like to start a series and finish it, so i'm going back to reading one book at a time, I have about 172 books and counting I usually read them in turn, right now I am reading malazan book of the fallen ten book series, I started in 17 december last year and because I was doing two at a time i'm only on the third book now and only about 500 pages from starting the 4th book, my omg the chapters a long lol, but while I am waiting any short time and commuting between places I use my ipad pro apple book appt or some times libby appt, right now it brandon sanderson's emperor soul, then I might read hope for elantris and way of kings prime, and with me having 172 books so far, I prefer physical books mind you not that I mean any harm to the lest, I have misolanius and a lot of thrillers and fantasy, right now i'm into more fantasy and historical fiction.

[@amon9556]

this was motivating in itself. Brandon would be a great life coach

[@emmanuelboakye1124]

So dicipline is always good👍👍

[@FIT2BREAD]

Love the topic of motivation. Great points and good guidance beyond just writing

[@MirrorscapeDC]

I'm going to recommend *4thewords* to everyone here. If games and/or gamification motivate you at all, I would recommend giving it a try. It's been incredibly helpful to get me writing since I started.

[@jamesfrederick.]

I feel like I’m stumbling back and forth from understanding what I need to convince my self and convincing my self I haven’t... if you get what I mean.

[@abdoul5176]

Yeah that's overthinking...I struggle with this everyday.

[@lisahyden4998]

I hope you find this helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGm7gIyAfNCKkKs

[@billyalarie929]

6 views and 20 likes? that's talent.

[@matthewgordonpettipas6773]

"No chocolate for you today Matthew.." Looks off to the side and sees two Hershey bars calling my name, tempting me with their chocolaty goodness. Curse procrastination!

[@justyce_yt]

I love the idea of the video game inspired motivation system. Might use that, but my current issue is having a story that can fill whatever word-"maximum". I can't make an end to a project if I don't have an idea of the entire timeline. Not sure if anyone will see this but I will happily receive any feedback

[@daruddock]

Thanks for this Brandon.

[@derricks5113]

Can you put up the whole 2021 lecture somewhere? I've already watched 2020

[@BrandonNinja]

I needed this.

[@paul.b.kohler-author]

Thanks, Brandon! I've been in a slump for a while now. I need the motivation. On a non-writing side note, what is the brand of your water bottle? I LOVE that pull-up lid/top.

[@enumaelish11]

O M G That's an MTG mana symbols shirt.

[@natalietanner9022]

I hold the ending like a carrot in front of my brain and tell myself “you only have 4 more scenes til act on is done”

[@juanmarodriguez6010]

Great advice!

[@MS-ot9mn]

We need to get Brandon to coach George RR Martin

[@TheMaidenOnes]

haha my thought exactly

[@bmoneybby]

Brandon would probably disagree haha

[@lisedeal9234]

The progress bars have not been showing much lately, everything is just sitting at 100%. We need a progress bar for things like WOK signatures signed

[@CLAYZERFUL]

Yeah I can't set rewards and punishment for myself because I know I'm full of shit. I have to have external motivators and friends to help hold me to my rewards and punishments. But also things like you can't have dinner until x amount is completed don't work cuz my ADHD does that all the time just from existing I spend an hour telling myself to go get dinner before I finally can and it takes all my energy and concentration to get myself up to do that. I just really really struggle with motivation

[@iiiiitsmagreta1240]

Then go build up those external motivators! Whatever works for you, do it! I get where you're coming from, btw. Neurodivergence do be like that sometimes XD (autism in my case, often manifesting as "wanna get work done, but ooh, shiny!" Hence me being in this comments section in the first place)

[@lifenote1943]

we're all different bro just try and find what works for you!

[@Chizypuff]

I gotta say, I heavily disagree with "success is (...) learning how to make yourself do what you want to have done" Learn what you want to DO and do it. Don't do things just to have done them. Things you have done will give you pride, which isn't inherently good. Things you are doing will give you joy.

[@lifenote1943]

Really nice I'm definitely a carrot person. I really like how he said more or less "We're all differently motivated and that's ok". I feel like if I'm not this perfect machine stereotype, I'm not productive or working hard enough.

[@bookyodaianimate8982]

I really need it now...

[@Arlo-s6f]

I source a lot of inspiration from my coworkers

[@peterkovic2241]

“YES, SENSEI!”

[@GeekonMySleeve]

Gamification for the win!

[@JeremyGleavesOfficial43]

he is wearing a magic the gathering t-shirt under a suit, epic

[@Herowacky]

I’m a huge fan!!

[@SysterYster]

I think deadlines kill my spirit. XD I hate them with a passion. This doesn't mean I don't use them sometimes, or try to finish things regardless. but man, I hate them. And they are often ineffectual. Works maybe half the time. XD Most of the time it's the joy of having finished things that drives me. :)

[@buck-the-vocab-mascot]

0:46 Me at 14 : "I am too old for this"

[@TayNez63]

who's the hater who disliked immediately?

[@ebe-janbuitenhuis2043]

or a misclick

[@blewlight5708]

@Lavitz It's sad, but this comment was funny anyways xD

[@PawanTanaySingh]

Could be bots?

[@abcdef27669]

Probably some heretic from the Shu-Korathi sect... (if you read Elantris, you will understand)

[@robertstewart9989]

Odium

[@tristanangayon6161]

I tried hacking my brain, but the things i discovered is not what i expected. The only thing worth hacking is knowing when can i die, to avoid this sad life.

[@GODCONVOYPRIME]

I know how you feel

[@PeterMacansky]

[@thesamuraiman]

💜

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

Ok

[@dakotabaker628]

Lol, second! I went from watching a WW2 Documentary to this... don't ask me how xD

[@Ironflame27]

bruh I just came from a cold war vid

[@aaronmarko]

here's how you motivate yourself to write. you pretend that you're going to go homeless if you don't sell a story in the next 72 hours. and hey, myabe you don't but it worked for myself.

[@howardkoor2796]

Where is my carrot?

[@TheNinjaDwarfBiker]

full-time youtuber, part-time writer

[@geceergen7920]

86th comment!!! 22 hours.

[@namesurname2889]

wow early

[@elitillemann6890]

First!

[@aurthurpendragon1015]

I would've thought his biggest motivation these days would have been if he doesn't write, he doesn't eat. :)

[@wntu4]

You're hardly the first video game generation. I was playing Pong and Castle Wolfenstein when you were pooping diapers. :)

[@PureMagma]

Why can you run for President of the United States? ...Oh yes, I can figure this out for myself, it's because you are way to smart to do something so ridiculous with your life/time.