I’ve been watching a series of lectures by fantasy author Brandon Sanderson on the craft of writing with the focus on the fantasy genre. These lectures took place at BYU. Whether you write fantasy or not, much of the writing advice applies to all stories.

I’m working my way through them, but what I’ve learned so far is:

• I’m a chef, not a cook.
• Conflict connects characters, setting and plot.
• Everyone must be good at something.
• Yes, but; no, and.
• Captain Jack Sparrow is the perfect character who is incompetent, yet highly proactive, and that’s what makes him (and SpongeBob) interesting and entertaining.

The lectures in order are:

• 318R – #1 (Course Overview)
• 318R – #2 (Cook vs. Chef)
• 318R – #3 (The Illusionist Writer)
• 318R – #4 (World Building)
• 318R – #5 (The Box)
• 318R – #6 (The Business of Writing)
• 318R – #7 (Character)
• 318R – #8 (Magic Systems)
• 318R – #9 (Brandon Mull)
• 318R – #10 (Plotting)
• 318R – #11 (Dialogue and agents)
• 318R – #12 (Q&A)

Enjoy.

Free eBook (February 4th, 5th and 6th): Blade of Truth

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