Originality, Writing and Career Fulfilment with Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson ( ‪@BrandSanderson‬ ) is my favourite author of all time. He writes incredible fantasy books, including Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, and wrote the final 3 books of The Wheel of Time. Brandon's output is legendary - he writes books almost faster than we can read them, and he teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University. I recorded this episode with Brandon as a live stream during the 2020 lockdown, and because it was one of my favourites I wanted to share it with you again as a bonus episode. Enjoy xx
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🔗 CONNECT WITH BRANDON
🎥 KZbin Channel - / brandsanderson
🐦 Twitter - / brandsanderson
📸 Instagram - brandsander...
💻 Website - www.brandonsanderson.com/
🔗 CONNECT WITH ALI
🎥 KZbin Channel - / aliabdaal
🐦 Twitter - / aliabdaal
📸 Instagram - / aliabdaal
💻 Website - aliabdaal.com
👥 Linkedin - / ali-abdaal
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Final Empire (Mistborn Series Book 1) - geni.us/pgFL
The Way of Kings (StormLight Archive Book 1) - geni.us/rcAlETs
Dragonsbane by Babara Hambly - geni.us/FUKN
Silmarillion by Christopher Tolkien - geni.us/KwsB
Wheel Of Time Series - geni.us/9nPu2dd
Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon - geni.us/020B6XY
📄SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - aliabdaal.com/podcast/
🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
The podcast that delves into the minds of entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people to uncover their journey's towards finding joy and fulfilment at work and in life. My names Ali, and in each episode I chat to my guests about the philosophies, strategies and tools that've helped them along the path to living a life of happiness and meaning.
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[@dipanjoytikadar]

About two years ago, It was Ali who first introduced me to Brandon Sanderson through one of his videos, he suggested mistborn as it was his favourite fantasy series . My curious mind nudged me to pick it up and see if it was really that good and now I'm reading _rhythm of war_ having completed mistborn era 1 era 2 and halfway through skyward series. Brandon Sanderson is my absolute favourite. Watching Ali interview Brandon hits as a different kind of nostalgia.

[@aliabdaal]

amazing!

[@wonderwoman133]

Would you recommend the skyward series? I'm afraid that it might turn out too young adult - ish or "boring".

[@dipanjoytikadar]

@@wonderwoman133 Ummm i wouldn't say that. It _is_ young adult-ish but it _is not_ boring by any means. I didn't binge read it though, i read it in between those big books of other series whenever I felt like I needed a break. Skyward is not _that_ great but it is good for a change in taste i would say.

[@wonderwoman133]

@@dipanjoytikadar oh,ok. Because some friends of mine told me that they found it boring and too young - adult-ish. But to be fair, they don’t normaly read ya and scifi, so I guess that they were very subjectiv while talking about it.

[@rachmusic9873]

Stormlight is a next-level awesome series how are you enjoying RoW

[@zzzMrgamerzzz]

I've always wanted to see Sanderson enter the self-help space. He seems to love life while being one of the most hard-working authors of all time. We can all learn a lot from him.

[@jibranelbazi]

That would be sad, actually. He shows, through his actions and life, how you can help yourself. He is changing people's lives through the stories he tells. Would you really, truly, want to see him-like a Mark Manson, a shell of a person-in the self-help space where the blind lead the blind?

[@hasanmahmood3155]

Stormlight Archive is already the GOAT fantasy series.

[@NaphakadeTheGoat]

I like that basketball analogy very much. I think that's the best way to approach any creative endeavour: not to be the best artist to ever do it, but to rather try and better yourself by learning to express yourself. And, also, just to enjoy yourself - like, just have fun.

[@dutyfreeadventures5924]

I really appreciate you not being afraid to edit the interview to stitch together the big ideas into thoughts that flow. Jesus Christ it takes gold ore and turns it into gold ingots. Good job

[@redcrest5]

I appreciate Brandon’s philosophy on fair compensation. Didn’t expect to leave this video with that as my takeaway, but it just goes to show ppl can always surprise you.

[@joshuastclairmusic]

Brandon is a wealth of wisdom for writers and creatives. I go through phases of binge watching his interviews and I’ve finally produced my first book and I’m about to start working on my second. So much fun!

[@AmbientCinematics]

Great interview/crossover with two great people! I understand why you put a lot of jump cuts in the edit, but I wouldn't mind versions of these without them...I'm a sucker for old school pauses between words and sentences ahaha. Even if it's an extra second here and there, makes it a bit more real 😊

[@Angelo-uw9eo]

Me 2!

[@jeffjohnsonization]

That first line from Sanderson was a hell of a gem! Thanks for this 🙏🏾

[@JoshLevelsUp]

I've watched a lot of Brandon content because I just love how talks about creating and writing. This is one the best interviews of him I have found. Great job!

[@Megan-vb9ze]

I love Brandon Sanderson and his writing classes and advice, and I love Ali and his tips on productivity, diligence, and focus, so this whole video was a huge gem for me

[@saraeissa4954]

It’s like my two worlds are colliding HOLY SHIT!!!! I love both of you guys and watch both of your podcasts every week wow I’m so excited. I take breaks from working on my startup by reading epic fantasy I’m really excited for this

[@piyushpandey8872]

I am so glad that you had him here, his books helped me get through 2020.

[@ma_niz]

SO HAPPY to see you interviewing Brandon Sanderson ❤️❤️

[@rag3536]

You introduced me to Brandon Sanderson, and I could not be more thankful! He has changed my life, just like you have!

[@danielroman2276]

This was a really fantastic interview. Been a huge fan of Sanderson for years, and this is one of my favorite recent interviews I've seen with him. Love how many of the questions were geared toward general creative career advice; it really is something that isn't taught with the same level of transparency as other careers. (Side note, I was wearing a Journey Before Destination shirt when I watched this, and may have cheered a little when you dropped that line in the interview!)

[@piersyfy4148]

I've always wanted Brandon to talk about these things, awesome video!

[@BirdMorphingOne]

Dude, Sanderson doesn’t match the market, he creates the market

[@midnightseahorse]

Thank you for this. I needed to hear this. The way I'd sum up Sanderson's view: writing needs to be willingly accepted into the fabric of your existence. That despite valid and realistic challenges, there remains a constant pull to do it. I really liked how Sanderson suggests practical ways to make writing a part of your life.

[@mikewalls9317]

Holy shit! Thanks for getting this interview! Can't wait to dig in!

[@oneclipleft]

I worked as a night auditor for a chain hotel in a small-mid sized city, and it was an absolute nightmare. Nothing worked properly in the guests' rooms, the software I had to use was almost 20 years old, I had to do things that managers were supposed to (they were never there more than a half-hour per day), and I was the only person there tending hundreds of rooms. It was my 2nd job for extra income, and I bailed in under six months to preserve my sanity. I wrote exactly 1 short story in that entire time, 1700 words total, and it was about a nightmare hotel. Brandon's experience is the exception, so bear that in mind for anyone who is thinking about trying this. Peace!

[@krzysztofomilian7295]

Great episode, love those ideas about work ethic, work structure, and allocating certain amount of time for things not directly related to writing

[@amankasat]

Amazing interview with 2 inspiring people! Brandon's words are really motivating and I like his structured approach to a happy life. Definitely going to come back to this video a few times.

[@mr.knownothing33]

Good man! To bring Brandon Sanderson into the self development world. The man is a genius and workhorse author with passion 🔥

[@MVARTZ]

So much wonderful ideas and inspirational energy! ❤️

[@underquartz9481]

That was incredible Ali!

[@98codex]

Love the fact that he has basically stock options for his team!

[@Isaac-sk7vi]

First discovered Mistborn via Alis “Top 10 books to read” just over a year ago and have been listening to Brandon’s books/cosmere on audible ever since. The Mistborn series being a great fantasy starter pack, and The Stormlight Archive being an absolutely legendary fan favourite. Very glad to see Ali conversing with one of his author hero’s. It’s about the journey not the destination

[@jenny6904]

I really enjoyed this. I've read Sanderson's Elantris and enjoyed it but, for some reason, I haven't delved into his other stories. The generosity and focus he displays here though makes me want to read more.

[@Burgalo2001]

I love Brandon Sanderson. He's prolific and super talented guy😊

[@pragyashanker1048]

This is such an insightful video So helpful Thank you Ali ❤

[@mussoletart8485]

what? wow? edit: now that i've watched it, a bit more coherent: thanks for doing this interview, i never expected it. brandon's outlook on productivity and business has fascinated me for ages, and i never thought i'd see someone explicitly talk to him about that. also, i have been following your main channel since i found you through thomas frank, but not regularly enough to know you had a podcast, so i'm excited to go through it all.

[@weronikaryfka3088]

sanderson has me in a chokehold

[@shinydsouza6286]

Thankyou for your videos, super helpful with a clear objective. There's so much to learn. Love your voice too :).

[@sophiejoy1470]

This was really entertaining and practical insight. Thank you!

[@DrWolfenstein313]

What a freaking good interview.

[@inkbythebarrelandpaperbyth6905]

Brandon has a creative writing course on KZbin. Def awesome!

[@constantine2061]

Incredibly practical advice

[@oasisjan1]

Brandon Sanderson my favorite author ❤️🔥

[@mcmaschio]

Time to get my snacks and enjoy this episode 💯🔥

[@mister4y]

Vey important thing he touched on, that doesn't get mentioned in self-help at all is that big reason for unproductivity IS alienation of the worker from their work

[@frontendmakers]

I just don’t understand how the interview with one of the best living fantasy writers just got 25k views and not 2.5m. Super interesting btw 🤟

[@Ktulured55]

yeah, more people should be watching it. some of it is the KZbin algorithm. luckily I watch so much Sanderson KZbin stuff (not just his channel either, but other videos with him in them), that this video came up as I was scrolling, and I had to watch it. It may not be coming up for everyone.

[@Josue.Pronounced.Hose_Way]

Brandy Sandy is always good times. THANK YOU for your exceptional editing, it really kept the flow of the conversation engaging. Rarely does an interviewer go through the trouble of cleaning up the conversation like that but it makes a huge difference.

[@billkigathi3492]

Thanks for the interview 👏👏👏 - such cool insights! Oh and eff Moash ! I wonder if that would be a good opening interview question with Sanderson ...🤔

[@El_Diablo_12]

11:55 coding and storytelling are the same kind of problem solving towards a purpose, coding for computers, storytelling for viewer investment and emotions 21:30 find a niche and copy the style, your own weirdness will mix in and make it original 23:00 Brandon’s work style and sources of joy 23:30 Even Brandon has to force himself to start working, but enjoys when he gets into it 24:55 carrot has stopped working to motivate Brandon 26:00 becoming harder to work when you have plentiful time 26:20 days becoming satisfying 27:30 get to place where you fee satisfies each day in bed 28:20 get to effective long term productivity 28:35 no one forcing you to work 30:00 you gotta build effective habits and have a good balance in your life 31:10 you can train habits even if you’re naturally a head in the sky person 31:44 difficulty in getting started vs continuing 33:00 ownership makes us wanna work 34:30 how Brandon compensates 36:00 Compensating their creative energy 46:45 make every task exciting and interesting in some way. No boring and filler tasks ever. Always find the fun 51:27 Find a way to enjoy the work

[@Cladestinecandle]

How did I miss this? My faviorate author and favorite youtuber in one video. I aspire to be brandon and ali at the same time, cuz I'm going to med school and I'm going to be a writer.

[@Mahmoud1987Hamada]

Man I never expected this crossover

[@muhammadumer7833]

Ali, how may I thank you & Mr. Brandon for such a useful video. I'm a writer and have decided to become a published author no matter what. Because I love writing and reading. This podcast guided me in so many ways. Will listen to it again. I thank you both again for your efforts. ❤️

[@Jon_Browne]

The Cosmere is the next Marvel. You heard it here first. Better yet, the Cosmere can be Star Wars x Marvel. If you know, you know.

[@andreav3663]

I recommend watching even if you hate fantasy or are not into books and/or writing at all.

[@raydogz101]

I LOVE SANDERSON. YESSSSSS

[@DavidDecero]

Wasn't expecting this collab, but I'm glad it happened. lol

[@gkbrown2443]

I worked as a nite clerk in a motel after I got out of the army. It took several weeks till I realized they had working girls in the motel! Just to top off the unsavory joint,I went to the barbershop with an employee,he discretely gave me his gun to hold while he got a haircut! It turned out fine I quit after a short stay.

[@jamil6510]

One of the best British and American English comparison 😂 Anyway really liked the interview going to start reading Brandon's books

[@gothikhouse]

History of Japan is one of the best videos on the internet.

[@razabadass]

Thank you Brandon, Ali, Angus, Elizabeth and other team Ali related people, Raza :)

[@SlothFang]

My only complain is the constant cuts remove by sentence to sentence pauses. Sure it’s one thing if it’s a long pause, but the delivery feels off/robotic. I enjoy everything else though and look forward to watching more of your content!

[@noteuser15]

When I saw this I was like, ‘no way!’

[@eyekosaeder5387]

Ali Abdaal and Brandon Sanderson in one video?? :OOO

[@EwokPanda]

This was really enjoyable to listen to, but man did the constant video jumps mess with my brain. In the end though, I can't complain about more Sanderson content.

[@melarc4560]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Wingedmagician]

Bangers and slappers. B.S. Brandon Sanderson.

[@TalesofaHobbyHopper]

My husband and I have loved Brandon Sanderson for years. I highly recommend the book Warbreaker. It's never mentioned in videos like this, but it is completely and totally my favorite. So good! (But don't listen to the audiobook. The narrator was horrible)

[@ShoreBlue]

You liked the ending? It was really good for me up until the ending and then it just sort of flopped

[@jchinckley]

@@ShoreBlue Now I have to read it just to see if Brandon _can_ write a flop. I've only read 2 of his books, his very first that is still a stand-alone: Elantris, and The first book in the Reckoners series: Steelheart. I've started several others, but haven't yet moved beyond a chapter or two. Your opinion makes me want to read the rest of Warbreaker to see whether I agree or not.

[@bilalkhares9337]

Interesting, I agree with Brandon about variety in college/ university but in England it is even more channelled as it is usually just one subject or major the whole course

[@aliabdaal]

oh god my beard looks horrendous

[@hafiz7611]

Haha it’s so on point now tho 🤝

[@billyalarie929]

I fucking love when creators of videos comment on their own videos Cuz you get incredible commentary like this 🤣🤣

[@Nemo37K]

A most unexpected crossover, but not unwelcome.

[@Sbeth85]

I have the same sleep schedule! It's called Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder.

[@davidkang5708]

The collaboration of a lifetime! Ali, would you ever consider writing fiction now that you're going to be publishing a book and all?

[@constancegoldwing5867]

Hello! Great interview What mic are you using (beginning and end of video)

[@naghamhossam556]

STORMS !!! Ali AND Sanderson? ALMIGHTY ABOVE SEND HELP

[@thesamuraiman]

💜⚡️

[@jchinckley]

I'd have preferred to be able to see/hear _all_ of what Brandon had to say, despite it not seeming important to you. If we're going to watch a 52-minute video we aren't going to be put off by another 10-20 minutes. For me, it was jarring to be watching Brandon saying something and suddenly he's saying or not saying something else.

[@sandeepaweerasinghe120]

Ayo brandoooooooooo Let's Fucking goooooooooooooooooooooo

[@hemanthkanamala2871]

Q.hey ali other than creator or doctor or stuff that your doing now what sought of profession you pick

[@jmagley2]

Based Sanderson

[@gregorhellmundt9559]

Great interview, but the cuts are almost unbearable.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

Just listen then?

[@Mert-pd2ht]

Swear Cliff first mentioned him

[@igormendonca4026]

ENFP with developed Te

[@costelinha1867]

They thought he was a reluctant reader.... Nah, you see, it's just that he likes to spend his time writing, even more than he likes reading. It's also interesting cuz I never considered myself a huge reader either, I specially struggled with finishing book series.

[@akamai8097]

This was a great interview. One suggestion though, try to keep the cuts in the middle of a conversation to a minimum. It's jarring and unnatural when there's cuts between short phrases or even individual words.

[@cooldragon919]

Why did it take you two years to post this !😁🙂

[@sqoody7invegas625]

How much time was cut out by editing out every other 2 seconds per 15 seconds of the video. It reminds me of an old episode of the Simpsons when Homer was interviewed for local news and they edited his words in a very unnatural way to make it seem like he was saying something completely different. I don't think editing this interview in this way saves that much time. It is really distracting as a viewer, at least for me. Also, Civilization games are one of most addictive games i've ever played, be very careful if you value being productive lol

[@lissicalathairyble5738]

Oh, so he doesn't use any magic to write the books! No animal sacrifices at midnight, no time-warping engines!

[@bilalkhares9337]

So does Ali Abdaal just do everything? lol

[@primeoetzand]

I was interested in watching this, but all the cuts make it unwatchable.

[@adityajha2553]

Is it just me or do both of them actually look bored when they are not talking?

[@kippers4u]

oooof so may cuts, this feels so choppy. A second of dead air isn't as bad as the video shuttering around nonstop. I feel sea sick

[@jackbenson5314]

Communist Brandon Sanderson 34:10

[@MunkFano1]

the cuts are so damn annoying

[@abhinav5847]

Ali is most incompatible person to talk with a fantasy writer, productivity nerd.

[@marksandsmith6778]

1 for 3 BS

[@LawrenceCaldwellAuthor]

Total hack.

[@user-xg7kd9fg9c]

It's very excited video and I'm interested in this topic and I like all the videos in the channel because it's give me more helpful information so keep going 🤝🤍

[@sandeepaweerasinghe120]

Ayo brandoooooooooo Let's Fucking goooooooooooooooooooooo