Lecture #4: Viewpoint and Q&A — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Brandon Sanderson・2 minutes read

Introductions in novels should establish tone and conflict early on while varying in length and structure to engage readers. Subplots should be relevant, fulfilling promises to maintain interest, and new writers should persevere through challenges to develop skills consistently.

Insights

  • Introductions in novels should establish tone and main conflicts early on to engage readers, with length influenced by reader expectations and author reputation.
  • Utilizing subplots, character depth, and narrative techniques like flashbacks can enhance storytelling by providing insights into character development, creating anticipation, and offering unique perspectives on a character's growth and evolution.

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Recent questions

  • How can I engage readers early in a story?

    By selling them on the character's personality and introducing the tone of the story and main conflict early on, you can capture readers' interest from the start. It is crucial to set the stage for what's to come and give readers a glimpse of what they can expect, enticing them to continue reading to uncover more about the characters and the plot. By creating a strong connection between the readers and the characters right from the beginning, you can ensure that they are invested in the story and eager to see how it unfolds.

  • What should subplots in a story accomplish?

    Subplots in a story should be relevant to the main plot and keep readers engaged throughout the narrative. They should fulfill promises made to the reader and add depth to the characters and overall story. By weaving subplots that are connected to the main plot and characters, you can enhance the reader's understanding of the story's world and create a more immersive reading experience. Subplots should not only serve as distractions but as integral components that contribute to the overarching narrative and character development.

  • How can writers effectively handle side characters in a story?

    Writers should treat side characters as protagonists in their own stories and use the same tools for their development as they do for the main plot. It is essential to show how side characters' stories connect to the main plot to maintain coherence and engagement throughout the narrative. By giving side characters depth and purpose within the story, writers can create a more dynamic and compelling reading experience for the audience, ensuring that every character contributes meaningfully to the overall plot.

  • What is the purpose of utilizing twists in a story?

    Twists in a story should escalate conflicts and make readers reassess goals, expanding conflicts in unexpected ways. They should be satisfying and enhance the story rather than being used solely for shock value. By strategically incorporating twists that challenge readers' expectations and deepen the narrative's complexity, writers can keep the audience engaged and eager to uncover what will happen next. Twists should serve a purpose in advancing the plot and character development, adding layers of intrigue and excitement to the storytelling.

  • How can writers effectively develop character-driven stories?

    Writers can effectively develop character-driven stories by utilizing first-person narratives that allow for deep exploration of character development. By delving into characters' thoughts, emotions, and motivations, writers can create rich, multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers on a personal level. Through intimate portrayals of characters' inner lives and experiences, writers can craft compelling narratives that focus on the complexities of human nature and relationships. Character-driven stories offer a unique opportunity to showcase the growth and evolution of characters over time, creating a profound and engaging reading experience for the audience.

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Summary

00:00

Crafting Engaging Introductions and Subplots in Novels

  • The writer is answering questions about plot, discussing the length of introductions in novels.
  • Novels vary in length and structure, making it challenging to determine the ideal length for introductions.
  • It is recommended to introduce the tone of the story and the character's main conflict early on.
  • Reader expectations and the author's reputation can influence how long an introduction can be.
  • Every reader has a different threshold for what they consider acceptable in a story.
  • It is crucial to engage readers early on by selling them on the character's personality.
  • There is no comprehensive list of plot archetypes, but one can create their own by analyzing different genres and stories.
  • Subplots in a story should be relevant to the main plot and keep readers engaged.
  • Readers tend to have favorite characters in a story, which can affect their enjoyment of subplots.
  • Subplots should fulfill promises made to the reader and be engaging to maintain interest.

14:19

Developing Side Characters in Epic Fantasies

  • Use the same tools for side characters as for main plot
  • Show how side character's story connects to main plot
  • In epic fantasies, characters in different places may not connect immediately
  • Treat each character as a protagonist in their own story
  • Balance subthemes and subcharacters in the main story
  • Easier if all characters are in the same place
  • Guardians of the Galaxy movie example of subplots for different characters
  • Use subplots to add depth to characters and story
  • Subvert expectations purposefully, not just for the sake of it
  • Escalate conflicts instead of completely undermining them

28:24

"Twists enhance conflicts, satisfy readers, develop skills"

  • Twists in a story should escalate problems and make readers reassess goals.
  • The twist in a story, like Luke being Darth Vader's father, should expand conflicts in unexpected ways.
  • Twists should generally be satisfying and enhance the story rather than just being for shock value.
  • New writers may struggle with character development and plot coherence.
  • New writers should finish their stories even if they feel something is fundamentally broken.
  • Writer's block often stems from subconscious feelings of inadequacy or uncertainty about the story's direction.
  • Writing consistently helps new writers develop the skills needed to create great novels.
  • Established writers also face challenges in identifying and fixing fundamental issues in their stories.
  • Utilizing writing tools and techniques can help writers pinpoint and resolve story problems.
  • Some stories may require years of reflection and revision to reach their full potential.

42:42

First-person narratives: detailed, engaging storytelling techniques.

  • Farseer books by Robin Hobb are first-person narratives with detailed storytelling.
  • Flashback stories include more detail than journal entries, creating a novel-like experience.
  • Name of the Wind is a lengthy story presented as if told in one or two sittings.
  • Cinematic storytelling in YA literature involves first-person narration as if happening in real-time.
  • Present narrator style combines first-person and omniscient perspectives, jumping between characters.
  • True omniscient writing grants readers access to all characters' thoughts and emotions simultaneously.
  • Limited perspective focuses on one character's viewpoint per scene, with thoughts interpreted by the character.
  • Advantages of first-person narratives include engaging character voices and easier info dumps.
  • The Name of the Wind uses a third limited frame story with a first-person flashback narrative.
  • Character-driven stories in first-person allow for deep exploration of character development.

56:07

Character development through flashback enhances reader engagement.

  • Flashback is a narrative technique that allows for a character to reflect on past events, often revealing character development over time.
  • Flashback provides a unique opportunity to showcase contrasts between a character's past and present selves, offering insight into their growth and evolution.
  • One advantage of using flashback is the deep understanding it provides of a character on an intimate level, enhancing the reader's connection with them.
  • Flashback allows for the inclusion of clues and hints that prompt readers to pay attention to certain details, creating anticipation and engagement.
  • Limited perspective in storytelling offers credibility and a direct view of events through a character's eyes, enabling tension between what is seen and how it is interpreted, especially useful for large casts of characters.
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