How Do I Get in the Mood To Write? (And Tips That May Help You.)

This is a segment from Live Signing Session #17. You can watch the whole clip here: • #17 - Brandon Sanderso...
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[@Tzizic_]

"I only write when I'm motivated. Fortunately, that's every day at 9 am."

[@BrandonNinja]

3 am for me.

[@dmas7749]

constant motivation to write? i'll, uhh...get back to you on that

[@ElJorro]

That hits the nail on the head!

[@ScribblyDoodle]

Is that from the War of Art?

[@1117AJ]

I read that in a book before but I don't remember the title.

[@hedgehogmind3186]

Every time i see Brandon write I can’t stop thinking about the “ain’t got rhythm.” Song

[@gainesdominique]

We are able to watch a living legend sign books and teach us how to better write while he has a pet dragon next to him... We are blessed. Thanks sir

[@myrojyn]

That’s Adam.

[@breadna2856]

@@myrojyn Orthos?

[@DevinCruz69]

you can we are .....storm blessed....:(

[@macwalsh83]

Share your writing playlist with us!! Would definitely listen

[@SpirusOfH]

He's mistborn1 on Spotify where he was Stormlight 3 and Skyward playlists

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

Habit and Hobbit, both powerful. I started writing three pages every morning for the last 188 days. It really surprised and inspired me that, at the age of 71, I can make a change in my behavior that I was not sure was still possible for me to do. However, I am still procrastinating on actually writhing stories. I've started but have not followed through, which is more like what I have done in the past. *I SHALL WRITE!* That is my pledge to myself but, right now I have to finish my writing workshop group task; finish the three critiques I will need for the meeting tomorrow. Thanks for listening. We should talk more.

[@lampyrisnoctiluca9904]

It is never too late to start writing. I started writing when I was 12, but had only felt "good enough to write a novel" in the past 10 months. I was 28. I am currently working on my first real book. First thing I ever tried writing was a novel which I never finished, because after about 30 or so pages of my tiny hand writing I started reading it. I was very sad because it was so bad. I didn't know at the time that even the greatest writers don't publish their first version of the book. Especially the greatest ones. I had no writing experience, and was only 12. What was I expecting? - The next Lord of the Rings! 🤣 The good thing about this was the fact that I was heavily bullied at the time. Books helped me deal with it. I was reading about the underdogs, people who were going through even worse situation than me. They kept on going. It gave me courage to keep going too. Then I started writing. I have only told it to my cousin. She promised me that she would keep my secret. When I got disappointed with myself after reading it, I was way less bullied because their leader, the one who was jealous of me, and couldn't handle her jealousy, moved away and had gone to another school. When I told my cousin that the book was bad, she assured me that if I continued writing I would one day became good at it and that when I finally got to write a book, it would be great. I listened. She was my role model. She was very nice and very cool. She treated me as her equal even though she was in college and I was in the elementary school. We had a great time together. She introduced me to the rock music, but I eventually switched to metal. She was quirky, wore a long leather jacket, had a great sense of humor and the only reason she had not dyed her hair red was because it already was red. And she told me that if I were to continue writing, my writing would eventually be great. Of course I continued. I felt very bad about the fact that I had stopped. She made me remember how it helped me, and how great it felt. She was very strict and was telling me things that I didn't want to hear. I am very grateful to her for that. Writing has been very helpful to me ever since then.😊

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

@@---nu4ed Good I think. Just got my first 6K section of my first novel critiqued in my writing group. Everyone seemed to like it but also pointed out a lot of places that need revision. I'm still writing my morning-pages every day but I still feel overwhelmed by what to work on in that novel. With NaNoWriMo looming, I want to get my outline solid so I can crank out close to 2K words per day. No pressure there. Thanks for asking.

[@lampyrisnoctiluca9904]

@@---nu4ed Are you asking me too? I am on my third out of 7 chapters, close to its end. I started crossing a little from my outline, and will probably need to tweak it a little because I see my new version as better. I will definitely need to rewrite the whole thing because it would make the more readable and more enjoyable to read, even though the same things will be happening in the same order. I will just make it more nicely written. The first 2 chapters were about 13000 words together, the third will be shorter than the first two. I don't know how much I had written. Couldn't look it up now because I am on my phone.

[@madiantin]

This is inspiring! You go, man!!

[@danielchappell1672]

You are an inspiration!

[@TheToneBender]

I started writing one character's backstory (a shortstory of that character's most significant life event) with pen and paper because of this. It went rediculously well. 27 pages handwritten. Emptied out an entire pen (could see the ink run out). Definitely will be doing this a lot more.

[@andyz2861]

Allow me to suggest that you pick a particular album that you like and that fits the novel you're working on, then ONLY listen to that album when you're writing the novel. Even if you do that with nothing but the first song, it'll stick things in your head that'll pop back up when you're focused on the novel, but an entire soundtrack/album is preferable so you don't get sick of it.

[@GetWriteOnIn]

I love that you read scriptures every day. I wish I could not write in my bedroom. I have a desktop, but I have a goal to get a separate space for my writing somewhere down the line. I definitely have notebooks full for sure, though. Building a writing habit is just like building any other habit! Good advice :)

[@chadnicholas8884]

Hey man, I see we watch the same writing videos!

[@GetWriteOnIn]

@@chadnicholas8884 yessss

[@ThatPash]

The parrot in the backround gives me life.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

It's name is Jello! It says things in other videos.

[@InkAndSmudge]

I have been actually forcing myself to write everyday and it has been a huge help!

[@SilverInThePitchBlack]

But what do you write? That's where I have issues finding momentum. I can't just write, I must plan/worldbuild. Can't seem to get past planning lol.

[@bobdhshshxhzvs2314]

Me as well! I don't let myself go to sleep anymore with out coming up with some kind of tag line for a story or new idea its improved everything

[@kbg12ila]

@@SilverInThePitchBlack Not a bad thing. Once you've planned enough start on writing it.

[@kbg12ila]

Nothing will stop death and evil. Just lan into it. Just die. Just hurt. Just bleed. I'm drinking. In drunk. I'm scared but not really. I'll die. So what

[@glennwerner566]

I can echo the advice about building a habit of same time, same place for writing. It helps a lot. One thing I've noticed is that I have a harder time getting in the "mood" if I'm frustrated/worried about something else that's going on in my life (relationship problem, job-related stress, financial worry), so it helps me to do some activity that relieves stress for me. Examples would be video games, reading a book, taking a long walk, or watching a show. Once I've had time to let my mind settle, it's easier to sit down and write like normal.

[@Reveticate]

Keep in mind a huge factor in procrastination is fear of failing at whatever you're procrastinating on.

[@luksiko408]

Yeah procrastinating is so annoying

[@viorp5267]

Drugs. Joking aside, I managed to teach myself to just get in the mood after I start writing. It is still hard to start tho.

[@kylepask4989]

Ritalin is a hell of a drug

[@raharu000]

Caffeine deserves a credit at the end of all my stories.

[@SlowBurnReader]

Big inspiration you are Brandon, if I ever succeed in publishing I will put you in the acknowledgements page

[@serachobby]

Solaire T-Shirt! Praise the Sun!

[@MaZzIlFauno]

You are my source of inspiration. My biggest aspiration is to become a writer. Your lectures are very precious. Thank you, Brandon.

[@CabreraJuanCr]

Please someone send this video to GRRM and Pat Rothfuss

[@seventus]

Lol.

[@midius_peu]

Brandon has already said that these methods work for him but not necesarilly work for other writters. GRRM is a gardener and I doubt that being constrained by an schedule would improve his writting pace.

[@anarchsnark]

@@midius_peu gardeners also benefit from schedules

[@CabreraJuanCr]

@@midius_peu dude chill is just a joke lol.

[@CabreraJuanCr]

@@midius_peu also GRRM didn't published a book in like 8 years so I doubt his method works lol.

[@ಇLiv]

The playlist is such a big true

[@weirdloverwilde]

That clinking is insane 😂

[@quintessenz7974]

Gee, i love when I got writing problems and the authors im subscribed to have the answer to these problems no questions asked XD

[@isidorabojovic6859]

Brandon’s manager: So how many videos do you want to post? Brandon: yes

[@robinsprung207]

Great advice! Thanks for that!

[@ryanhair6444]

What app would transcribe the work in a notebook?

[@dukeofdenver]

Alternate Title - Pen Scratches ASMR

[@MissHolliday3110]

I would love a video where you talk about the process- from ideas to plot and premise of a story.

[@WasatchWind]

This is probably the biggest challenge for me with writing. How do I write when my stories are hitting a wall, and I can't think of any new ideas to start new stories?

[@EGRJ]

Pixar has a list of story tips. One of them is "write what wouldn't happen next." Come up with the silliest, worst ideas you can. Once you jumpstart your brain, you'll end up with some good ideas in there too. Or ideas that can be turned into good ideas. It's also a good idea to write with an idea of what the ending will be, even if it's not a fleshed out idea, or you change that ending later.

[@WasatchWind]

@@EGRJ Thanks for your suggestions! Pixar has been a story inspiration for me. I want to get the book "creativity Inc" at some point.

[@muhammadhashir6136]

Fascinating

[@JamietheEmperor]

amazing tips and tshirt

[@VulpesRol]

Aaaahhhh!!!! Praise the Sun!!! Love to see he ir wearing a Soleir T-shirt

[@zerberus_ms]

Mad respect for the shirt lol

[@lampyrisnoctiluca9904]

I never opened a video in less than a minute after it was uploaded until now. I think that I should spend less time on KZbin just because of how it made me feel. It felt too good. Then I felt ashamed of myself because of that. I am now going to start writing after 3 days of not writing....

[@rutgerniemeijer]

Good luck! What are you going to write about?

[@lampyrisnoctiluca9904]

​@@rutgerniemeijer There is a thirteen year old girl whose family was kidnaped by impostors. She is now in hiding because they want her too. When I stopped writing she just realized where her family, and many other kidnaped people are. Before writing the previous comment I had written about her looking at the tortured dog that may, or may not end up being put to sleep. Some of the other impostors did this just so the people would not notice a little girl being kidnapped. It worked.

[@rutgerniemeijer]

Oh, wow, sounds great!

[@lampyrisnoctiluca9904]

@@rutgerniemeijer I didn't know how hard it would be to make her not seem stupid. She is first doing something "genius" and on the next page I have to find a way to justify her doing something that would seem stupid, if people would not know where is she coming from. I am playing on her ignorance, her fears and on her problems with handling stressful situations.

[@rutgerniemeijer]

@@lampyrisnoctiluca9904 Oh, that must be very hard to do correctly, but she sure sounds interesting.

[@hyfryd6677]

That Solaire t-shirt, I love this man.

[@ivanhagstrom5601]

Praise the sun!

[@maxsanchezjr]

FUCK YES!!!!

[@aaronvt9980]

I think I may try that notebook trick. I've done something similar from my laptop in a place without wifi, but that has its own problems (bad weather, can't see the screen well enough, battery life, etc.).

[@Xarfax321]

To me habits really do work, but unfortunately I have slipped these last few days! it really sucks, and I am starting to feel restless. When i was at my best I would always write at 6 PM, after dinner. This was iron-clad. But now I have grown lazy and since I moved to a new place and started a new job I am trying to find that same rhytm again.

[@FonzieKree]

I do write "professionally" (far far far from Brando's level) and I have very strict routine. But the most helpful thing was when me and my wife could afford bigger apartment and to separate my working space from everything else. My office is 4x white walls, leather comfy chair and purposely old laptop which has only writing software. I am very easily distracted and my white room helps me keep focus on my letters. Perhaps this technique my help somebody

[@dallan7736]

I kind of stumbled on this video because of a different question I'm having trouble finding an answer on: how does a person's mood affect their writing? Will depression or rage, or things like dealing with rejection or heartbreak be a hindrance (and therefore subsequently, should one hold off on writing until they are over these things), or should they be embraced?

[@HPirate91]

I wouldn't usually say this, but I'm glad you've added adds! Make that money!

[@thenailsageofgeo4975]

Dang, this is useful as heck! Thanks!

[@danramirez8553]

is that a praise the sun shirt? wait... say what? no way!

[@zenon3021]

"motivation is crap" - David Goggins. Just do it even when you're not motivated. We've got lazy brains that just want to watch Netflix and eat sugar - we lack self-control / self-discipline, so you need to just do it even if it sucks, then you'll be proud of yourself for doing something hard, and that'll translate into happiness. For example, I worked 3pm-11pm then went for a half hour jog and I'm damn proud of myself

[@SysterYster]

I too need my music and my computer. That's all I need. But in a pinch, I just need the computer. I mean, I find writing so darned fun I could do it all day long if I didn't have another job to take most of my time. Editing is slower though, not quite as inspiring, but still ok fun. :)

[@RebeccaLoran]

i've been doing this but with chess tactics. I have been trying many things to ease back into a daily writing schedule again, but it's just one of those things that takes time to build the habits. I've been making an effort to just write a paragraph on twitter and I can step that up and do that at the exact same time each day. I will try to get my life together, as I have been. Real life stress has put a dampener on all my goals. I am working with a team of doctors and therapist to try to manage but it's just so many things out of my control wearing down on me. I feel trapped. I don't have the mental energy to do much else other than stress, but I try to make do with whatever I can manage.

[@aliank9658]

thank you

[@filipepassos-coelho6661]

PRAISE THE SUN!!!!!!!!!

[@ajackass5950]

PRAISE THE SUN

[@ryanovell9509]

Brandos a Dark Souls fan and a Sunbro?!?!?! I love him even more now!!!!!!

[@michaelhixson6939]

(Sound of music ) When the apps blare, when the phone flares, when I'm feeling like hell. I simply remember my favorite habits and then I can write, so well.

[@themanwithoutaface2260]

Kinda cool that you read the Scriptures before writing. I too am religious, and always read the Bible first thing.

[@apstrike]

Another technique is to use an old laptop and disable the internet so there are no distractions. One need not be like GRRM and use 30 year old software. The challenge there is one cannot check the internet for synonyms or research, and if your writing references real world historical or cultural examples one cannot check those. A good middle ground option is to remove all messaging apps but save text to the cloud so it can't be lost if your cheap computer craps out. Or train yourself and your device to take dictation and write by speaking. Some writers say this saves time, but I've not tried to train software to understand my voice and the use of non standard words or concepts in a fantasy setting. The possible advantage to writers who familiarize themselves with this technology now is that they will have a competitive advantage if AI improves to the point that all writing becomes dictation and your average writer in future writes from anywhere by whispering into their phone.

[@zedorian6547]

I find that I do most of my writing when laying down and using the Microsoft word app on my phone. I can always edit later.

[@alessandrocampos6083]

how to enter the zone

[@maxbrennan8221]

For some reason I am a mood writer. I try to write every day, but sometimes I cannot go five minutes without getting distracted and working on something else. But when I am in the mood, I will stay up until 5 AM or whenever I run out of ideas/force myself to stop and go to bed. Cannot control it at all, unfortunately

[@КаэтрисДин]

Im motivated to write at 17:46 and 20:03

[@MiyamotoDaisukeUA]

Someone pls send this to Martin and Rothfuss

[@epic321123]

Praise the sun

[@jackwriter1908]

Yeah... I think the location where I could write the best is France... I am not sure that will work.

[@laughingkoala8623]

Great advice!

[@chandlerholloway3900]

That shirt speaks “jolly co-operation.”

[@ricoco7891]

So basically, it's an elaborate way of saying the age old wisdom: Just. Write.

[@arturoromeromendoza4516]

someone likes coffee they like me if they've already read Brandon sanderson's books

[@tristananleu4677]

MFW I just realised Brandon was a Mormon. :o

[@MrKlimcio]

I need to finally read something this guy wrote ;-)

[@jpjordan90]

My problem is I'm always watching these kinds of 'how to get writing' videos when I should be writing. Now I'm commenting too. What am I doing

[@tape319]

It's like he can read my mind

[@LucasJKey]

Hey, I hear you have a switch if you're looking for a gym replacement try ring fit adventure. It's really great!

[@jayferguson9968]

These are a few of my habitual things... Is there a song in that? Where have I heard that? :)

[@Rinzler.14]

Hey Brandon this may seem a silly question but how many pages do you normally like to have for a chapter? Additionally how many word processor pages translate to a printed book page? It all really comes down to a book format question.

[@Carlosmgcosta]

Woot first like too lol

[@gainesdominique]

Close but no cigar

[@Carlosmgcosta]

@@gainesdominique at least I got the like lol

[@sims2lovealot]

What kind of music does he listen to? Does anyone know?

[@mcspazatron240]

Of course Brandon is a Dark souls guy (his shirt) it would only make sense

[@jadencrawford3501]

What are you writing While talking I question this.

[@myrojyn]

That shirt though. \ [ “ ] /

[@mamin8army770]

What are some apps that can transcribe my hand writing? I really need these 😶

[@vermetheus]

Not to pry too much into a mans personal life, but he mentioned he's no longer able to go to gym. Does anyone know if this is just due to touring or some other reason, or is there some deteriorating health issues? Just a bit concerned is all.

[@vermetheus]

@Anne Day great point, sorry forgot to think about USA situation

[@kylegrefe4399]

Great advice and all, but all I noticed was the shirt.

[@gatsuyatsu]

Hey hey

[@payelrana2635]

LOVE YOUR BOOKS. BIG BIG FAN... Please release Nightblood asap as well..

[@paulsequin4198]

Playlist link?

[@arturoromeromendoza4516]

Wow

[@catStone92]

Praise the Sun \'[ T]/

[@johnnysmalls1579]

Brandon...love your work and lectures. Ummm.......is there any way you can get Patrick Rothfuss to finish Book 3?( I hear you bowl or play D&D with him occasionally. I wish you continued success. Cheers

[@m.m4999]

What is that on his T-shirt

[@MrJordwalk]

Imagery from the game Dark Souls.

[@ostimeg]

You are never going to feel like it. You need to muster up your activation energy. Stop being Fine with it. War is peace. Eat at Joes. Obey your thirst.

[@mg-wj8mp]

But I can't write while listening to music):

[@Peachu_n_Goma_Home]

I cant write listening to classical. Only a single song on repeat for mood setting.

[@henrywayne5724]

So the way to get into the mood to write is to write. That’s deep.

[@samk7721]

Why is a Mr beast video in your writing advice playlist 😂

[@RebeccaLoran]

Habits? Pfah! Hobbits.

[@selderane]

Why can't he go to a gym any longer?

[@billjensen51]

Maybe I should break my habit of playing video games so I can form some better one's instead.

[@huaweiwei5678]

Definitely, read books instead and improve your logos

[@WinterGray8888]

Huh, I never saw you as the religious type

[@h3lblad3]

He is, specifically, a Mormon.

[@missingaustralia]

The release party for the last wheel of time book was at BYU. All the students were wondering what the huuuge line of people was about and asked what was going on. I'm Mormon, and I thought it'd be funny to see the looks on their faces when I told them we were all there for the "Hail Satan Conference" 🤣😂🤣😂

[@JLchevz]

Someone send this video to GRRM and Pat Rothfuss lmao

[@pocketcinemafilms2873]

He kinda sounds like a slower speaking Ben Shapiro

[@arturoromeromendoza4516]

Wow

[@Carlosmgcosta]

I was 7sec slow lol