I TRIED WRITING LIKE BRANDON SANDERSON FOR 2 DAYS // a writing vlog

[@TheTrueReiniat]

Sleeps at 4 am until noon, writes in his couch and plays videogames at the end? I feel vindicated.

[@madhatyr]

Seriously though that’s my exact schedule and routine too!

[@m.m.schill4579]

I've "handled" Brandon at cons before. He's never requested a caffeinated beverage anytime I've dealt with him. He also doesn't drink, doesn't miss church even at cons, and likes steak.

[@Naurm]

i've noticed in all his lecture videos that when he drinks from his cantine it's always water

[@ChaseMcCain81]

Commendable, lol.

[@selenophile410]

He s a church goer ?

[@m.m.schill4579]

@@selenophile410 he's Mormon

[@chugg159]

Brandon is actually fully aware of all the water drinking subreddits.

[@car5522]

I am a morning person (the morning relaxes me) and a night owl (I am generally more energized to do stuff and productive) I am constantly sleep-deprived.

[@noutsakh.2135]

Ugh same! It's always a battle between "wake up early, greet the sunrise, new day, good day!“ and "staying up late while everyone else in the house is past asleep, looking at the night sky and the inspiration striking".

[@tejpatel5320]

This is how I am too!

[@parkjiminismylight6441]

ARMYYYYYY!!! 😭😭😭😭😭💜💜💜

[@ingvarsuigin609]

Sleep twice a day!

[@lilywojciechowski9906]

Same! And I literally wish I could sleep from 1 - 5/6 pm everyday and have the best of both 😅

[@captainnolan5062]

Brandon Sanderson is very inspiring. His free advice is worth every penny! I am so grateful that he has posted the BYU lectures so that we can all be inspired (and educated) by his experience.

[@Tori-vz5er]

I feel like the pup has an ulterior motive to wanting to go outside, I like to think he knows his human needs fresh air. This is why he is the best

[@KateCavanaugh]

*Other "I Tried Writing Like..." videos:* J.K. Rowling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnWqpWqmf7V7f6c Stephen King: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZobZiIhul6qVhtk Haruki Murakami: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6jchaBjht2mhtU Nora Roberts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGiyYYKMnNB2bZo Neil Gaiman: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWSsoYuZobt4iNE

[@beths_studio]

What time?

[@ABrokenJac]

@@beths_studio 6:30 Mountain Time

[@AsherGrace7]

As someone writing their first book, 400+ words in 40 minutes sounds super-human.

[@TBCaine]

It gets easier! I'm only on my second manuscript but I've gotten used to writing like 600-ish words in roughly 40 minutes. It just depends on whether or not you're in the mood.

[@writative8285]

Hey congrats on writing your first book!! Don't worry about how long it takes, we all struggle, you can do this, just keep working at it!

[@danieldosso2455]

best thing you can do is write a little bit everyday. You don't need to write half your story in a week but we all write at our own pace. Brandon is a beast at publishing and probably the guy worth measuring yourself against

[@vaderguitarplayer]

If you're an architect type writer than you will probably be slower because you like to know everything before you put it on the page. Some of us can get 2000 words a day, but it is because we create it as we go, some entirely so, and some of us are a mix. I basically know the structure or foundation of my books, but I figure out how to connect the dots between events in the book on the fly. Whether this is good or not depends on the person. Stephen King never knows what is going to happen before he writes it. He flies by the seat of his pants. Brandon is an architect, he plans everything, but, he has also been doing it for a long time, so he is faster at it than most of us.

[@YelloDuzzit]

Facts!

[@dianagarland4907]

I get up at 5:30 for work everyday, so I've trained myself to be awake in the mornings, but at heart, I am a night owl. I stay up to midnight or 1:00 a.m. every night and have been going on 4-5 hours sleep every night for the past three years and I find writing when I first wake up, before I get ready for my first job and then writing after 11:00 PM when I'm done with my third job are my most productive writing times. I am only working two jobs over the summer, so I am staying up later to write and am loving it. You will get used to staying up late if you do it more often. However, I definitely could not go a whole day without coffee, tea, or an energy drink.

[@celinery9166]

I'm about one third of the way through Way of Kings and I have a hypothesis that staying up until 3 or 4 am is a prerequisite to create the kind of fantastical creatures and worlds that he does 😂 (ex. a giant crab-like creature called a "chull" that pulls carts). Those night time hours are wild...

[@isaiahjoiner6153]

If you’re only 1/3 of the way through the way of kings then you have no idea how cool and weird this series gets.

[@vaderguitarplayer]

That series is his baby. He has been planning and world building for years and years. He has taken the most time on putting in details to that particular story. It is supposed to be his "Wheel of Time" series. I went to a lecture of his, and he stated that when world building, throw in whatever crazy idea you want into it, and find a way to explain it in your world.

[@celinery9166]

@@isaiahjoiner6153 I can't wait. At first, I was thrown off because I tend to read a lot of fantasy grounded more firmly in history. The newness of the world was shocking. I am looking forward to reading more now that I have adjusted!

[@celinery9166]

@@vaderguitarplayer That's incredible. I love that writing isn't always super broad ideas to more specific, but sometimes a very specific idea that you find a way to incorporate!

[@isaiahjoiner6153]

I'm just excited that the fandom has a new member! If you finish The Stormlight Archive then try checking out Shardcast and the 17th Shard along with his other works

[@jkwonsmiff]

Authors who inspire me: Fanfic writers, primarily. I grew up writing fanfic and I know so many incredible fanfic writers, the community helped me grow as a writer in such an amazing way

[@KateCavanaugh]

Some of the stories that have stuck with me most have been fanfic!!

[@melissacavalcante1948]

We made up such a revolution.

[@LordofFullmetal]

Fanfic writers are awesome (though I am one, so I might be biased) but please don't use them as your only or main source of inspiration if you're planning to actually write professionally. If you just write for fun it's okay, but there are so many things fanfic writers do that you WILL NOT get away with in professional writing. Just so you're warned.

[@Lollilenaa]

LordofFullmetal Could you explain what they do? I haven‘t read a lot of fanfics in my lifetime :D

[@oddeyes9413]

I'm a fanfiction writer (ShadowDragon94) and I just finished the first draft of my novel series. It's helped my writing evolve.

[@BeccaCSmith]

This was so worth the wait!!! As you know, Brandon Sanderson is my favorite author ever, so this was fascinating to me! I didn't know his routine at all! I'm like you, the opposite of a night owl! (And LOL morning dove!) I honestly don't think I could do it! 4am!! That's insane to me hahaha! But I do have writer friends that this routine would be perfect for. It's so cool how everyone is so different! And Way of Kings is one of my all time favorite books so it's really cool to know it took him so long to write. (And you should totally read that one first hahaha!)

[@KateCavanaugh]

RIGHT. It was weirdly inspiring to hear how he "failed" so many times before The Way of Kings came to finally be! And all the morning doves unite. 😂

[@78EverybodysFool87]

I'm a night owl myself, and let me tell you, writing and studying during the night rocks! (For me at least). The calm of the night is incomparable :D

[@nickamies6180]

The way I've got people hooked on Sanderson is starting with Warbreaker, then mistborn, then stormlight archive 😊

[@eternalskywalker9440]

@@KateCavanaugh it is amazing how infrequently people demand your attention at 5am

[@damianjonsson1688]

I'm a burst writer- I'll write twice a week but those two days make up for a consistent daily regimen. I guess the flow of ideas through my brain really gives those great eureka moments and helps fill in gaps. Also listen to writing excuses and his BYU lectures - so glad they're recorded for the world :D

[@michaeleldredge4279]

For the jewelry, look at Elantris. The magic system there is done by drawing shapes called Aons that also form a second written language in universe. The appendix for Elantris has pictures of a LOT of Aons.

[@TheEccentricRaven]

This is smart. Many new writers struggle with meeting their word count goals and finding time to write. Trying another writer's routine is a good way to practice and figure out what works for you. I also write from the couch because my back doesn’t do well with chairs.

[@violetwhiteheart9285]

Lol, I write from my couch. Though it’s mainly because I enjoy having a really fluffy blanket and natural lighting as well. I’m definitely a night owl not an early bird! But I also dislike sleeping in, for I feel like I’m wasting time. It’s so interesting to see how different people write. There is such a wide variety of routines these authors use. I wonder if anyone but writers actually care about how/when they write. Probably not, but fair enough. And yes... I’m an definitely procrastinating on plotting my new WIP and editing my finished MS by watching YT videos. I just came from your last video about your trip to Toronto, I’m so glad you enjoyed! I never knew writing retreats were even a thing and it looks fun :) I would love to go on one of those one day. One thing that just me to mind... do you ever look at your paragraphs are realize they are the same size and edit it to change that. Like four paragraphs in a row are about four lines each, so you add a sentence to one or just change that to shake up that sameness. Ever since someone pointed it out to me it’s made me look and try to change up the sizing of my paragraphs and sentences. It sounds strange, but I had to ask XD On the note of Wattpad again, I’m looking forward to when you explore that! I hope you do check out the forums for it’s one of the best sections that not as many users take advantage of-a reason for that is there is a huge difference in the writer/reader ratio on Wattpad, and the forums are a lot of used by the writers (who have a laptop/desktop). I would love to see you around there!

[@kal-muzel875]

👀 You are everywhere.... Vi does the essays I've already done count or should I finish my actual essay now? 😂 And I agree with you on the wattpad note! I will be looking forward to see her try it out and maybe see how it feels to be surrounded by the community as well

[@violetwhiteheart9285]

@@kal-muzel875 lol, finish your essays! The quicker you get the rough drafts done the sooner you can read and relax before editing them up. Maybe we'll ever get to see her around :) That would be fun.

[@nicoledorman8484]

Honestly, your my biggest inspiration as s writer. And when you finally publish I'm going to fill my shelves with your novels. I've also taken this entire month off since Camp Nano (trying not to feel guilty) but watching you always motivates me to do something. Thank you for all that you do Kate in bringing us these videos, and for all that you do to inspire me.

[@maxmustermann-hx3fx]

Title should be "I tried writing like brandon sanderson for 2 days and published 5 books"

[@avalonperez3806]

I love this man he's a lunatic and he makes me smile

[@SingularlySelena1]

Do I listen to Writing excuses? Yes Have I seen B. Sanderson's BYU lectures? Yes I am inspired by authors who truly appreciate their fans. Brandon Sanderson is one who I had the privilege of meeting at last year's Kansas City Comic Con. Others I'm inspired by include: Neil Gaiman, Tomi Adeyemi, Octavia Butler and CS Lewis.

[@LisaL86]

Love these videos!! Another author I recommend trying out is Sarah J. Maas :) her record in one day is 21,000+ (resulting in a 100,000+ words in a week for one of her first drafts), but I believe she does 12,000-15,000 words on a regular 8-12 hour day. She has a 88 Cups of Tea episode that is really inspiring

[@TheChriswood1]

That amount of words is just lunacy

[@captaintugger6551]

I think this caused me physical pain.

[@KateCavanaugh]

OMGGGGGG that sounds insane! I'll have to check out her episode, I love 88 Cups of Tea!

[@shellystar]

I love Sarah Maas. I wondered how the heck she gets these books out so fast. I subscribe to her newsletter and it seems she always has some book or comic coming out. Crazy!

[@j.oan.n.e]

@@shellystar really? whats the book or comic about?

[@Aimz360]

I have always either sat on a bed or my sofa to write...paint, crochet, eat, cross-stitch...basically everything because i never had a desk for the past 9 years.

[@angieperez3864]

Please don't say you will never be a best selling author, say you will and believe it, if it doesn't happen then at least you know that you believed in yourself, it will also help you make decisions based on that potential outcome! Believe it girl! NY time best selling author K.C. !

[@Luxalpa]

Reason he writes on the couch is because it's easier to switch up your sitting positions, which is something extremely important if you want to stay healthy for long hours. I bet he's lying on the couch some time as well. The reason he uses the night-owl day rithm is because he needs quiet time where his family does not interrupt him, so his time awake is being offset from his wife and children. Finally, the reason for the split into 2 chunks is (among other things) in order to get energized by social contact (one of the main sources of energy for humans).

[@Network-yp8de]

WHY IS BRANDON SANDERSON A MOOD?!?!

[@connorholt2979]

I have Brandon's same schedule, except I awake up at 12, go to work, and then come home and write about 2000 words in the couple hours before midnight, and then play video games / read until 4 about 4

[@follozetesting6455]

OMG I have been waiting for this one for a WHILE! This serie is incredible, I'm learning so much both about the writer and about myself when I watch these. Obviously I love all of the videos, and JKR and Stephen King in particular, but Brandon Sanderson is a special one for me, both because of his writing lectures (that actually gave me the idea for my last Camp project), and because he is coming to Israel's ICon (Israeli Comicon of sorts) and I might even get the chance to meet this amazing writer that I learned so much from! THANK YOU so much for this one I love your videos!!

[@KateCavanaugh]

THat's so exciting!! You'll have to let me know if you do get to meet him. :) AND THANK YOU!

[@follozetesting6455]

Kate Cavanaugh I will definitely let you know! And you really do deserve it! Keep up the great videos coming!

[@IceDevine]

I love Sanderson's KZbin lectures. Since I've discovered them, I try to rewatch them about once a year, just for a refresher. There's always some tidbit that I find didn't sink in the first time and hearing them again definitely helps me.

[@ancientsound]

kate in this video in 2019: "I don't have a treadmill desk" kate in 2021: *has a bike desk* movin' on up kate!!!!! lets go kate!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@xXAffenschaukelXx]

Brandon Sanderson is one my favourite authors but I never looked into his routine. I didn't know it was such a late night thing. That's cool to see. Also I love all the information you finnd on the authors and how you present them in this series. Thank you :-D

[@allieasay8384]

Hearing you say you are an under writer makes me feel seen. I feel like all the other writers on KZbin and stuff say they always over write and I’m here with like a 1000 word chapter thinking, “I feel like it’s done, but aren’t chapters supposed to be three times this length?”

[@CheyenneSedai]

Brandon is one of my favorite authors ever, my favorite currently working, and a lot of this felt super familiar to me because of how many times I've heard him talk about his process during his lectures, on writing excuses and during his livestreams. For the record, that Way of Kings Prime story is my favorite of his because of how much it inspires me every time I hear it.

[@victoriamallon7244]

I've rewatched/listened to his lectures several times over several years! A+ content

[@dirtywashedupsparkle]

I've watched his BYU vids on YT, listened to a couple of series of the Writing Excuses podcasts, have read one novella and like one section of one of his books. It's great what's available from him, and thankful for it.

[@jbizzlemcnizzle]

I love Sanderson. His lectures and lessons and podcasts have helped me to no end. Heck, I found you by searching for him, and I'm glad I did. Have subscribed to you now :)

[@ChBrahm]

Wow I might try this style being a night owl myself and trying to do this Stephen King kinda routines trying to wake up early to write... That doesn´t do it for me. I just stare at the screen wondering why am I even awake at the moment. Also a thing I´ve find useful is to "quit while ahead" meaning that after writting "enough" for the day if I ran into a scene that really has me in the zone I just stop. Then the next day I get exited for finishing that scene and adrenaline keeps me going the rest of the way after finishing the cool scene I was working on before. That way you never begin your writting like "ok now what?"

[@jerjer626]

I started reading Sanderson when he helped finish the Wheel of Time series. Stumbled into a signing with him in a book store. Fun times.

[@daniquevanderweijden3847]

I just finished The final empire by Sanderson yesterday and picked up well of ascension immediately. The fact that you upload this today is such a coincidence...

[@KateCavanaugh]

📚 Now I just need to read something by him, too!

[@Jonas_Fox]

I've watched and taken notes on most of Sanderson's lectures. I appreciate seeing you test drive his approach. Him and Rowling both manage to turn scenes well enough so that my ADHD brain doesn't put the book down and that's saying something. My average turnout is 2k words per day. I'm seriously tempted by this deskless approach. Then again, my ultra-widescreen monitor! How could I do without it? lol.

[@charlie.cummings]

The term is "the early bird gets the worm but the owl sees at night". Hence, "early bird" and "night owl". 🌞🐤 🌚🦉 (Morning 🕊? Maybe a 🐓.) 🤣

[@margretsnae]

In my language it's exactly a morning rooster. But we say night raven.

[@amandaschwarz5745]

And here I thought the second half was "but the second mouse gets the cheese"

[@kenedeighbara2188]

Amanda Schwarz that is the saying

[@oddeyes9413]

I'm just a permanently pooped Pigeon.

[@joshliam1967]

As a night owl myself, out of all the writing routines this might be the one that fits me best! Great video as always.

[@TheThreeBookshelves]

Morning dove. 😆 I’ve always said early bird! I had no idea Brandon Sanderson does Nanowrimo. Wish I’d known when I did a video on Nanowrimo success stories last November!

[@KerriB]

Trying this again in 30 minutes at noon so I thought I'd watch the video again 😂 I found a quote from him today and I have never felt more seen! "I write to relax. That’s what I do for fun. If I go on vacation I usually want to go on vacation to get away from everyone so I can write."

[@KerriB]

For anyone curious, I got 3,358 words and did 4.3 hours of actual writing. In fairness, I probably shouldn't have done this when starting a new book because I had to spend time creating the wolf pack so I could set up future books in the series during the first chunk of writing. It was really fun, but it really took away from the actual writing. And, yes, I know Brandon doesn't drink coffee but I love coffee so I had it lol While I was reminded how great working in two chunks is amazing, and wonderful, and I need to do it more often, staying up until 4am is just not for me. I'm a morning person who gets up at 4:30am and goes to bed around midnight.

[@AMG_Creates]

I enjoy writing from the couch, it's SUPER comfy to have my legs up (or sit crosslegged in a more comfy spot cause my legs won't work with my office chair). I think I'd bust my ass on a treadmill desk LOL

[@KateCavanaugh]

Bahaha, I wonder if I'd actually be able to both walk AND type at the same time. I'm so curious how it would work. And I sit cross-legged in my office chair because it doesn't have any arms but the freedom of multiple positions that the couch allowed me was VERY nice. Dunno that it helped my shoulders since I was still looking down a lot though...

[@Neil-writer-author]

I'm an underwriter also.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Underwriters Unite!

[@DanicaChristin]

Me too 😩

[@catlinejade3672]

same :

[@shahrozemalik9439]

@@KateCavanaugh Anyone who can write 5k in a day is not an underwriter.

[@suffercore4483]

Same. For my very,very first draft, I have to push myself to have at least 1000 words. I do my first draft on Wattpad just to get feedback. On Wattpad, 1000 words look like more than it really is.

[@PianoMan-hx3ev]

It depends on your sleep pattern. Mine varies so right now i go to bed around 6Am and get up around 2ish. I write in 2 chunks. I like it.

[@loxee4769]

I haven't watched you in quite a while, mainly because I was procrastinating on writing, but, damn, I've missed watching your stuff! Glad to be back.

[@KateCavanaugh]

Awww yay, GLAD TO HAVE YOU BACK! And I'm sure your writing is excited too! :)

[@heathercampbell6059]

Heck yes, I have watched his writing classes on KZbin. I have pages of notes. And I think I will try and go through them once a year every single year. I need to listen to his writing excuses pod cast though. Of all of the writers you have chose to write like, this one is actually the closest for me. Lol

[@KathrynFaye007]

I'm sooo happy that you did this! Brandon Sanderson is one of my absolutely favourite authors. His books are the ones my hubby and I read critically together to see his foreshadowing and how he weaves his words. We go on road trips binging Writing Excuses and have for several years now. Truly fascinating to see his writing progress and yes, I've watched his lecture series! Inspiring! Thank you so much for the video Kate, you're amazing.

[@padgettfarmer]

Your vids give me such joy I just love em

[@oddeyes9413]

Considering most of my writing is done sitting on my sofa or bed, I write from 11pm - 10am with ten minute breaks every two hours. During the breaks, I stretch, wash my face, and get more water or a small snack. I also have a specific playlist of music that reminds me of my story. Which, the current one is full of mostly Japanese music. I sometimes will drink a cup of tea, and I also put a snack nearby in case (I have a snack box for writing) and I don't write on weekends so I can recharge. *authors have the weirdest schedules.* 😐

[@duartevgc2114]

Answering your questions in the end: I've watched Brandon's lessons on YT twice, and in the second time I've took lots of notes-I did that in a hardcore way, writing down almost everything he said; it took a long to get done, but it was worth it. I've listened to Writing Excuses three times, and, of course, I listen to their weekly programs religiously. I kinda wanted to start over the fourth time, but I'm really not quite in the mood-I'm mostly listening to audiobooks and podcasts nowadays. My favorite author and the person who inspires me the most is Brandon himself. In terms of inspiration, I guess he should've become a role model to every writer, because, c'mon, the dude is so prolific! And, about him being my favorite, hey, just try out to get deep into the Cosmere and tell me later if that thing is not addictive, and fun, and wonderful, and mindblowing, and...whatever; you name it. Here's a trivia: I discovered Brandon before reading him, and I read him for the first time only after finishing all the lectures, the ones uploaded to the Camera Panda channel. At that point, I trusted him a bunch, so I knew his books would, at least, be very good, but turned out that they much more than that: they were amazing! I've started with Mistborn; It's a nice pick, if you maybe want to read something from him, which I highly recommend. Of all the stuff he'd written until now, Stormlight Archive is his masterpiece by far. However, I'd recommend to read it only after you're used to his books and specially after reading Warbreaker, a standalone novel also set in the Cosmere. (No, just DON'T read Stormlight before Warbreaker! Don't, don't, don't!) Well, I suppose that's my testimony. And again, sorry about my bad english (not native). Thanks a lot for the video; I had fun and felt inspired to write. Also, you're such a sweet, nice person. I bet you're an awesome writer too.

[@calebnichols1111]

That’s better English than a lot of people I know born in America could do. Good job!

[@duartevgc2114]

@@calebnichols1111, thanks a lot! I really appreciate it. Learning a language is a hard task. Receive such compliment is a wonderful fuel to keep going. Thanks again.

[@wesleypatterson2989]

I've been struggling with the whole night writer/day writer thing, too. I live with 4 other people (both my parents, my sister and my grandfather) so at night in my room is pretty much the only time I can consistently write unbothered, but I already have trouble sleeping due to anxiety so I don't want to add to that

[@ShayLaLaLooHoo]

Brandon Sanderson is a teacher at BYU, so he is a fairly active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Teachers and students at BYU are expected to abide by a set of rules called the Honor Code, (which might sound weird to some, but it boils down to honesty, respect, living to standards of neat grooming, and using clean language, most of which are common rules for universities.) A part of this is keeping the Word of Wisdom, which encourages us to abstain from alcohol, tea, coffee, and recreational drugs; essentially, he probably doesn't drink coffee. Although the Word of Wisdom isn't really anti-sugar, so that comment kind of threw me off there. This is probably too long a comment if I'm just trying to say "he likely wouldn't drink coffee."

[@shellystar]

Finally a night writer! I keep reading about all these successful authors getting up at the crack of dawn (for me that's anytime before 10 a.m.) to write. I'm trying the early morning ritual but haven't been consistent since I'm also an insomniac. The earliest I can get going is around noon and I can definitely stay up until 4 a.m. easily. It's so quiet at night - no interruptions - time feels infinite. FYI morning people are referred to as 'larks' as opposed to 'owls' for night-timers ;-)

[@CharlesWarrenOnline]

Your "tried writing like" videos are iconic my friend.

[@KateCavanaugh]

THANK YOUUUUU!

[@cineselena]

oops I'm literally obsessed with this series and I've literally binged all of them within an evening/morning 🙈 please keep this up!! also weirdly inspiring haha

[@EndoLP]

Oh gosh, seeing you panic about writing late at night was such a trip 😂 I don't usually start working on my manuscript until midnight at the earliest. My writing brain just isn't _on_ until around that time of night. If I tried to wake up early to get work done it would be like trying to squeeze water from a stone. I'm basically worthless before 4pm. It's so interesting seeing people's different routines!! There's no wrong way to skin a cat - or write a book, apparently!

[@chloe_cosplay]

I started the The Final Empire friday and I've nearly finished it. I'm in love with the book, to say the least. It's the first of his books I've read even though I've been meaning to read one for a while. Eventually, a collab Brandon Sanderson and Sahdiversity did ending up encouraging me but when I saw this, I practically screeched and I love this video, it's really good! Thank you for the night owl writing routine attempt, I appreciate it as a night owl writer :)

[@shamusmercieca8394]

I arrived page 500

[@BaleighShortreed]

Your writing speed is insane!!! 400+words in 40+ minutes! Holy crap. You go girl!

[@Erdnussbuttertoast]

on that thing that you said, that being up in the night is freeing is true! i'm a night owl, and I do have that when I have to drag myself up in the morning. However, I then always get this anxious feeling at around 2-4 PM that the day is so long (especially when I'm not explicity at work), even if i'm busy studying, and i'm not able to shake it off until the evening

[@MAGAComedyHour]

The idea of trying out different writer's schedules is really inspiring. Keep it up Kate-I love these kinds of videos!

[@natashiabahnhansen6733]

Uhh, you know what, you should do a video about the process of writing the climax of a story. A lot of people start stories, but not as many have experience with constructing the climax. I am right now writing mine (only have 3 chapters left) and it is sooo intense!

[@LaceyOnHerWay]

I was having a hard day and what shows up, a new Kate video! They always make me laugh and remind me I’m not alone in the writing process! I’m an definitely a night owl but I want to try writing in the morning soon to see how I do! Thanks for the inspiration!!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Awww, I'm so glad! :) I'd love to hear what you think of the morning routine! After my 24-hour write-a-thon and this Brandon Sanderson experiment, I feel like I can safely say the night owl life isn't for me bahaha.

[@OKotachTV]

You got me so inspired about 14:00 that I needed to pause to write! Good job!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Awww, yay, I'm so glad! :) Way to get those words!

[@suzylove6502]

I freaking loooovvveee the Writing Excuses podcast! Also, I love watching you try other authors' writing routines. It's super interesting. Thank you! :)

[@AliceLinWon]

Thanks for another fantastic video, Kate, and bravo for committing to such a different sleeping schedule from your own! I am so shocked to see how similar my writing schedule is to Brandon Sanderson's---I had no idea! I usually go to bed between 3-4am and wake up at 11am. I also almost ALWAYS write on the couch because to me, writing at a desk is kind of uncomfortable and I quit writing more quickly. Luckily I've never had any back/shoulder/wrist pain, and I am constantly on my computer (as I own a business and work from home as well). I also usually break up my writing into two chunks, including really late at night (from around 9-3am) when I get my second burst of energy. I am thankful that you introduced me to Sanderson's schedule because far too often society (and the writing community) vilify people who sleep in late, even if the person sleeps the same (or even less) amount of hours as someone who is a morning person, and/or is just as productive, if not more, than an early riser. So long as you get it all done, who cares what time you sleep! My circadian rhythm has always been super late, and you're completely right--I totally get the magical feeling of having the world to myself when it's late at night! It's wonderful, and definitely my favorite time to work. Morning doves(!) and night owls have a lot in common, we're just a mirrored reflection of each other. I finally read one of Sanderson's books this year (The Final Empire, aka Mistborn #1) and I loved it! I was so pleasantly surprised. I really look forward to reading his other books and am curious what you think when you start. I've only listened to a few episodes of Writing Excuses, but I want to get back into it, especially since I now know he can back up the advice he gives. Bless you if you got through that essay of mine, and keep up the great work! These "I Tried Writing Like" videos are my favorite!

[@LetsArion]

I discovered your channel a week ago and I LOVE IT!! I've binged a bunch of your "write like"/routine videos! It's so interesting because it shows the routine of popular authors, but the whole experiment factor is a lot of fun! There's only one thing I would like to criticize 😅 If the goal of the video is to adapt the routine of another writer to see if it would suit you... It kinda doesn't make sense to copy stuff like work hours. I totally get why you would do it and its fun watching, especially if its a routine thats so much different to what you're used to! But the thing is: writers are (like) freelancers. They're independent and the beauty of the job is that you don't have to follow a 9 to 5 schedule and can adapt your schedule to what fits you! The secret to Brandons routine is surely not that he stays up late and sleeps until noon haha. It's that he found a schedule that works for him and a time frame where he can be productive! My own sleep cycle etc. is kind of similar to Brandons I would say. I'm basically an empty meatbag before 1pm and I can get the most work done at night. I personally think it would be a lot of fun if you adapt the routine of another writer to yourself. Maybe it doesn't work for you to write the entire night. Maybe it doesn't work for you to sit at the desk at 8am with a cup of tea like Neil Gaiman or Stephen King. The other "rituals" are what's interesting, like Brandon writing on his couch or Gaiman writing with hand and different inks etc. Those are the important factors that probably influence the writing more than the time frame in which they work haha Just wanted to put that out there, idk. But you've got a new fan!! 💙

[@kajielin4354]

omg yes, a nightowl routine!

[@emilyrln]

This is a fascinating experiment! Curious to see how it turns out (still watching lol). As a chronic over-writer, I posit that you aren't missing things, but rather avoiding things that don't need to be articulated 😂

[@A_Wee_spook]

Seeing this in 2022, after he wrote 5 surprise novels.... in 2 years...

[@Acidjazzr]

I'm so glad you made this video! Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite authors

[@myribstellmesheslying]

Do George R. R. Martin and you'd be sleeping and doing nothing for more than 8 years. 😂

[@tjthegreat7]

and then somehow write a masterpiece....I Seriously have no idea how he does nothing and then writes a masterpiece hahahaha

[@biankatoth1786]

He actually writes a lot just not the want we want :D but I would actually like to see her trying, i have no idea about his routine.

[@TheDictismiT]

Wrote the equivalent of half a season of GoT, and two books with more than 650.000 words combined. How is that writing nothing?

[@SuperCrazyfatGuy]

And thinking about plumbers...

[@myribstellmesheslying]

Oh lol. Some people really doesn't take jokes well. Honestly.

[@JeanetHenning]

The underwriter bit is so me and it makes editing such a hassle. I literally just listened to that podcast episode as well 😂

[@marahsoore6452]

I really love Brandons Sanderson's lectures, it was one of the things that kickstarted me back into writing. As for Authors that I love and are inspiring. I love me some Mercedes Lackey, her fantasy novels are always really well written and when I looked up her writing habits she tends to do the same as I. I'm a night owl, so much of my work, family, and chores are in the mornings and nights once everyone is watching movies and playing video games is the prime time I get to write.

[@Sketchrcat]

I work primarily in the comic book industry, as a cartoonist (penciler & inker); but I also write chapter novels, graphic novels scripts, and comic book scripts in my spare time. I was a night owl person for many years; and I can tell you, quite frankly, it was a lot less productive, plus a lot less healthy for me. My much healthier schedule now is as follows: I wake-up at 5:30am every weekday morning (6:00am wake-up time on Saturdays & Sundays). I eat a good hearty breakfast (its the biggest meal of the day for me). Mondays thru Fridays I then travel the 10 minutes to the gym and work out [weightlift] for no more & no less than an hour and 10 minutes; from 7:00am - 8:10am. With another 10 minutes drive back home; I hit the shower for 20 minutes. I am now ready to start my actual days work usually drawing up my newspaper comic strip - which I do from 8;30am - 2:00pm. I break at 2:00pm for lunch for between 45 minutes to 1 hour. At about 3:00pm - 5:00pm I'm back in the studio drawing on the strip (writing the gag words into the strip and colorizing it, if its a Saturday newspaper insertion one). At 5;00pm I throw dinner in the oven (if the wife is working); while dinner is cooking I usually take care of emails; checking social media, and whatever till 6;00pm. I eat dinner at 6:00 pm till around 6:30pm. Watch the world news at 6:30 - 7:00pm. And I'm back in the studio at somewhere between 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm to start writing either on my chapter novels or on whatever scripts I'm writing. I'll write from 7pm / 7;30pm until bedtime at usually 9:30 pm; (sometimes 10:00pm). Off to bed at 9;30 pm. This is what happens M - F for me. On Saturdays and Sundays its what I feel like working on. (Waking up at 6:00am). Sometimes I'll write all day from about 7:30am till 2:00pm. Picking it back up at 3:00pm - 5:00pm. I keep the same lunch & dinner break times as I do during the weekdays. Saturday nights are either for more writing; or digital sketching practice; or sketching in one of my sketchbooks. Sunday nights are for either sketching in my sketchbooks, or just reading. (If I'm sketching in my sketchbooks and or reading I'm on the couch watching / listening to DVR recorded TV shows). I don't workout on Saturdays & Sundays. Getting 8 hours of sleep every night. Eating as healthy as possible; and getting at least an hour of exercise 5 days per week; has made me more productive than ever, at now being 61 years old. And I never work on major holidays - Xmas day; New Years day; Easter day; Thanksgiving day; and never on my June Birthday. Oh and if something comes up like going to the zoo w/ granddaughter; I don't feel guilty about taking weekend time off to do it; (but I do take a small sketchbook w/ me wherever I go, in an artist satchel; for when I'm out of the house; great for sketching in waiting rooms; and carry a small notebook too for jotting down notes for my novels... This is just what works for me. Just thought I'd share. ~Sketchcat

[@ccbb8115]

as a student, this guy's a mood. goes to bed at 4am, writes while sitting on the couch, plays video games before he goes to bed... only difference is i can't wake up at noon 😭

[@dimitripsarianos4913]

I had just finished watching Brandon Sanderson's lecture on worldbuilding a few minutes before the notification for this video popped up I read a novella of his a couple of months ago (having bought it a couple of years ago) and whilst his writing, for me, didn't stand out as much as his reputation would suggest, I really appreciated the ways he encorporates the magic systems and limitations etc. into the story and his writing.

[@s.l.wymansrockinwriting6633]

Totally watched his whole series. He's great! Stephen King and Laurell K Hamilton are my faves.

[@bytheBrooke]

I actually think it would be fun to write for a long period of time and then take a looonggg break before getting back to the writing fully recharged! I think that would get major work done while also giving you time to unwind in between :) And it was me you talked about the "writing witching hours" convo haha. I'm the same way with certain big-time authors where I follow their writing advice but I haven't read their work. It's weird how we look up to the best without getting a glimpse to see for ourselves if they truly are the best..haha hope this makes sense.

[@TheTrueGlaukos]

oh hey that's awesome, I write in a recliner too. never knew he did that.

[@ScribeOfDreams]

Honestly, I can't believe that I apparently share a sleep schedule with Brandon Sanderson. I mean, mine was born of insomnia, but I'm also absolutely a night owl by nature. I prefer writing at night to in the day. It's so odd for me, seeing you struggle so much with late nights because I'm the exact opposite. Brandon Sanderson is such an inspiring writer, I particularly love everything he has to say about magic and magic systems.

[@onenof10]

Esther Lowery Sanderson has also mentioned that he ‘suffers’ from insomnia, so his writing schedule is him capitalizing on what others may consider a disability.

[@potatomcgee6576]

I applaud you for doing these challenges. I've been trying to do a basic outline of my novel for the past three days and it's not going well xD

[@vanancio]

Remember, stress is key. Give him enough stress, and...

[@alittlebrownsmurph]

I just have to say I love that you do a zero draft. It makes me feel less weird for doing the same! Lol. Also I for sure clapped for you when you were done and doing your little dance. Lol. Yay.

[@nannasskrivehjrne9494]

I've watched all Brandon's lectures multiple times and listened to most of the Writing Excuses episodes. His advice is so good, and I love that he, like you sayid gives you all the facts and then say why some things work or doesn't work for him. Also - now I need a tread mill desk. Like now, please. That is so amazing O_O

[@hugoleonardoamaral586]

I just discovered his work. Thanks for the perfect timing!

[@maureensaguna]

I’m hugely inspired by Joyce Carol Oates. Also Neil Gaiman and Margaret Atwood. I love this series, btw. I have three kids and am a freelancer, so don’t have hours on end to write what I want, but there’s something to learn from each video and each author. Keep them coming!

[@liriehalliwell]

I actually did a lot of twilight writing back in high school, when I just got infected with the bug. But as life took its course and the outside world started making demands (uni, papers, standard working hours), little by little I lost my ability to stay up past 11pm. Now I also prefer to work in chunks with big brakes in between, but the chunks need to be carved out of a fairly solid "grown-up" schedule, so I'm struggling with that. But I thank you for your videos, cause they keep me motivated. Part of it is your lovely personality and refreshing candidness, and part of it is the pup. My own geriatric little furball is also an inseparable part of my writing routine.

[@reecenaidu6020]

I work on my stories every day, whether that be plotting in excel or editing/writing in word. Writing itself, I usually do two or three times a year in a 2 month period. I write out an entire novel in each of those periods - they're plotted down to the scene level before I start - and then promptly get into doing all the edits I note down along the way (like foreshadow this, or tweak that. I do these as I write, but some require too much work and will reduce my 1 to 2 scenes a day) I get about 2k to 4k words a day this way. When I'm not noveling, I write shorter pieces and what not too. I also agree with the read a ton rule

[@serinejelsa4969]

I write scary stories and get super paranoid and jumpy when I'm writing at nighttime xD (past 1 AM), Btw: You're super inspiring to watch. Thank you for making great videoes! :D

[@lizipearlvlogs]

Lmao this is me! I've tried to write scary stories but I get nervous and scared of my own imagination 😂

[@tsaaglass]

I love this series. There is something about watching someone break down a writing routine or a writing process that I really enjoy. A lot of people are recommending Brandon Sanderson's lecture series but I still haven't watched it or listened to it. Maybe that will be something I listen to when I cook/bake. I have a bake sale coming up for my preschool class and I'll need something to listen to while I make all of the baked goods for this thing. I also haven't heard of the Writing Excuses podcast. I'll add that to my very long list of podcasts that I listen to.

[@adareadorou4965]

I jusy discovered your channel a couple of days ago and now I watch your vids every morning while getting ready for the day. They inspire me a lot to do the work! and discover new approaches to writing. Great channel! Keep it up :DD

[@KateCavanaugh]

OMG thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear that! :)

[@hibak8196]

Love this video! I LOVE Brandon! I love his books, his lectures and Writing Excuses as well. I can listen to him forever. I'm such a fangirl lol but that's not my fault :3

[@sjraymond3608]

I think this could work for me 🤔 not necessarily the recliner writing but definitely writing somewhere that isn’t a desk and during the night. I usually don’t go to bed until about 2am.

[@MissShembre]

I have a night owl schedule similar to Sanderson, but it's not for everyone, and I can't even do it anymore without feeling 'messed up,' and I'm younger and have no children. I usually get tired around 2:30am. It's easier to do in the summer when there's longer daylight hours. I highly recommend the Mistborn triology!!

[@readknitwithcheryl]

I liked this routine! I'm more of a night owl, anyways, so I think this would work for me. I have watched most of Sanderson's lectures on KZbin, but I didn't even know about his podcast. I'll definitely be checking it out! Thanks for the video, Kate. I always enjoy watching your channel.

[@TheToneBender]

So this is literally a year (and a day) after you posted this, so I don't know if you already have a reference to mistborn, but you could maybe do Vin's earring, since that's jewelry too.

[@ShelinaV]

I agree with you 100% about the writing advice authors versus the authors I admire and read. I love that there's room for both. Thanks for shouting out the new podcast, I didn't know about it and I'll be checking it out.

[@misswriter21]

This was fantastic! I LOVE these videos! I've been listening to the Writing Excuses podcast for probably 7 or 8 years now (maybe? Did I put too many years in there? Lmao) and I remember the episode where he bragged about not having any back/neck problems. I tend to go back and forth, but I do typically prefer writing reclined or just in a more cushioned, comfy chair. And I go back and forth with my writing time. Most of the time I'm a night owl though. I've written some of my best words in the middle of the night when everyone is asleep. There is definitely something about the quiet... I'd love to know the writing process/routine of the husband and wife writing team Ilona Andrews. I adore their urban fantasy and I've played with the idea of writing something with my husband once or twice, though I bet we'd wanna kill each other by the end of the process! 🤣

[@Ericaaaaaaaaaa]

Please do an "I Tried Writing Like Danielle Steele"! Apparently she writes for twenty hours(!) a day, eats miniature chocolate bars, and uses a typewriter! Also, her desk is designed to look like her bestselling books. 😆 Here's an article for reference: www.glamour.com/story/danielle-steel-books-interview