Sanderson Revolutionizes Publishing with Hollywood Approach

Fantasy Author Builds Empire, Prioritizes Fan Experience

American author Brandon Sanderson is transforming the literary landscape, adopting a film and video game pre-production mentality to bring his expansive fantasy worlds to life. With a dedicated team of seventy, he oversees everything from card games to luxury book editions, treating each novel’s creation with the meticulous planning of a major studio.

From Tolkien’s Successor to Independent Powerhouse

Initially gaining prominence by completing Robert Jordan’s epic The Wheel of Time saga, Sanderson‘s most celebrated creation is his interconnected “Cosmere” universe. This includes massively popular series like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, boasting millions of readers globally.

Spain Becomes a Hub for Sanderson’s Empire

Sanderson‘s recent visit to Spain, headlining the Celsius 232 festival in Avilés, marked a significant milestone. His presence drew immense crowds, eager for the unveiling of his first dedicated European retail store. This expansion highlights his ambition to reshape the publishing industry.

A Grand Narrative Arc: From Medieval Fantasy to Sci-Fi

The author is currently realizing a lifelong ambition: completing a narrative cycle that begins in medieval fantasy, progresses through two industrial revolutions, and culminates in a science fiction setting. This ambitious project is being realized within the Mistborn series, a testament to his long-term vision.

“It is wonderful. I have waited for it so much… I called my editor with this idea in 2004. That means that it has been able to put myself with it. And, as a person who loves to see how the plans are executed, it has been extraordinarily satisfactory.”

—Brandon Sanderson

Returning to the planet Scadrial, the setting of his early successes, presents unique creative challenges. Sanderson addresses this by generating extensive conceptual art, ensuring each iteration of his world feels fresh and distinct, a process he finds immensely enjoyable with his large team.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Drives Publishing Innovation

Sanderson candidly discusses the evolution of his company, expanding from a small group to a formidable enterprise. He notes, The editorial world refused to change. So I realized that if I wanted to fulfill my dreams I would have to do it for myself. This proactive approach allows him to present cohesive visual concepts, like style guides, when collaborating with Hollywood.

His wife, Emily, plays a crucial role in managing the company, enabling Sanderson to balance his writing with business operations. He now dedicates four days a week to writing, with an additional day for his company, a structure that sustains his prolific output.

The overwhelming success of his European store launch at Celsius 232, evidenced by lengthy queues, underscores a significant demand. Sanderson credits his Spanish publisher, Nova, for its commitment to simultaneous English and Spanish releases, a rarity among his international partners. This strategy fosters simultaneous growth in both Spanish-speaking and Anglophone fan bases, preventing delays and encouraging readers to engage with fantasy in their native language.

Sanderson aims to uplift Spanish authors by leveraging his success, hoping to inspire imprints like Nova to champion local talent in the fantasy genre. He observes a positive trend at Celsius, noting the increased presence of Spanish authors, signaling a healthy progression for the genre in the country.

Navigating Fame and the Future of Media

Acknowledging the loss of anonymity, Sanderson, like fellow author Joe Abercrombie, finds himself constantly recognized. He humorously recounts being stopped even in unlikely locations, though he emphasizes that the positive aspects far outweigh any inconveniences. The financial security his career provides for his family is a significant comfort.

When questioned about potential film and video game adaptations, Sanderson remains optimistic, drawing parallels with game creator Hideo Kojima‘s independent successes. However, he stresses the importance of finding the right collaborators, preferring not to risk his company’s stability on projects without proven expertise.

Sanderson is deliberate about his approach to multimedia projects. I have considered it. But, for now, I said no. Basically, because I have no experience in this. I don’t want to do a Kickstarter of a video game or a movie and then not being able to produce them because we do not have the experience. His primary commitment remains to his writing, ensuring it is not compromised by ventures outside his core competencies.

Mental Health Explored Through Fantasy’s Lens

In his latest novel, Wind and Truth, Sanderson integrates a therapist character into an epic fantasy world, reflecting a growing trend in the genre to address contemporary issues. He explains, Stories always deal with people. In fantasy, we add the imaginary as a spice that gives a flavor to what we tell, but at the same time dissociate you from the world.

Fantasy serves as a powerful tool for exploring societal challenges without the direct burden of reality, he argues. But, really, fantasy is not about the past and science fiction about the future. They deal with now. They deal with an author who wants to explore the world and understand it. The inclusion of mental health themes, specifically for characters like Kaladin and Shallan, is a deliberate effort to portray these struggles responsibly, recognizing fiction’s capacity to influence public perception and understanding.

When playfully compared to Superman by fellow author Joe Abercrombie, who styled himself as Batman, Sanderson embraced the moniker. Well… Let’s see, I’m a boy scout. I can’t deny it. And know what? I am from Nebraska. And what does Nebraska borders on? With Kansas. The home of Superman. He expressed admiration for Abercrombie’s work, despite its darker tone.