somnambulist
Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2012
- Messages
- 15
For anybody interested, a series of classes taught by Brandon Sanderson have been uploaded up to youtube over the past thirteen weeks. Quite enjoyable background listening and i imagine kinda invaluable if you are the aspiring writer type.
http://www.youtube.com/user/WriteAboutDragons/videos?sort=da&view=0
The lessons are built upon insights specific to a successful published writer like brandon - rather than a creative writing class. The lectures on the publishing industry - agents, editors, contracts etc were less interesting to me as i don't have writing ambitions of my own. What i found really great was the information on exposition specific to fantasy, and the way good writers generally convey information differently than amateurs. You begin to realise the secret to quickly engaging, enjoyable sf/f books is in the craftsmanship. For me, the evidence that brandon has mastered reader psychology and writing craft is in The Way of Kings - an effortless, movie in your head kind of book.
There are some quirks though. First, it's taught in a Mormon university which affects the atmosphere, although not in a particularly negative way. Second, the starter lectures reference writing groups, course administration etc with no writing nutrition, but it isn't much and quickly moves onward.
ps, if this has been posted already then i'm sorry, couldn't find any mention of it and thought you guys might be interested
http://www.youtube.com/user/WriteAboutDragons/videos?sort=da&view=0
The lessons are built upon insights specific to a successful published writer like brandon - rather than a creative writing class. The lectures on the publishing industry - agents, editors, contracts etc were less interesting to me as i don't have writing ambitions of my own. What i found really great was the information on exposition specific to fantasy, and the way good writers generally convey information differently than amateurs. You begin to realise the secret to quickly engaging, enjoyable sf/f books is in the craftsmanship. For me, the evidence that brandon has mastered reader psychology and writing craft is in The Way of Kings - an effortless, movie in your head kind of book.
There are some quirks though. First, it's taught in a Mormon university which affects the atmosphere, although not in a particularly negative way. Second, the starter lectures reference writing groups, course administration etc with no writing nutrition, but it isn't much and quickly moves onward.
ps, if this has been posted already then i'm sorry, couldn't find any mention of it and thought you guys might be interested
