Reader Nate Kohl sent in these awesome photos of the woodburning project he did that features Szeth with some Allomantic symbols.

In this week’s Writing Excuses episode, Hooking Young Readers, we sit down with Kily Snyder, the Media Specialist (school librarian) at Discovery Middle School in Indiana, to help answer those often asked questions about the young reader markets from someone who has their finger on the actual pulse of those readers.

Last week, in Tor.com’s continuing reread posts for Words of Radiance, Kaladin finally initiated serious Windrunner training and tentatively accepted Renarin’s presence. This week, in Chapter 42, Shallan tackles some serious Lightweaver training and is saved from grave error by Pattern’s…well, patterns.

My assistant Adam has updated the Twitter archive for June.

Adam here. A few weeks ago I posted about one of Brandon’s (and Isaac’s) interviews in Germany to his social media pages. You read the interview in Germanhere, or download a PDF of the English version a few paragraphs down. Brandon was also interviewed by the German site FantasyBlogger, which Google Translate makes easy reading in English.

In this week’s new Writing Excusesepisode, Governments Large and Small, Brandon, Dan, Howard, and Mahtab talk about talk about governmental systems. What kinds do you live within? What kinds do you implement? Answering these questions can help you with the worldbuilding of political power structures.

Last week, in Tor.com’s continuing reread of Oathbringer, Kaladin tells Azure who he really is and discovers that the way they’re getting food is a Soulcaster secreted away in an aluminum-lined bunker. Meanwhile, Shallan has an emotional breakdown and is visited by Hoid, who gives her some much needed advice and—of course—a story. This week, in chapter eighty-three, Elhokar and his group (including Adolin, Kaladin, Shallan, and Azure) leave the tailor’s shop as the walls come under attack, leaving a spanreed with an ardent with orders to use it to alert Dalinar of the impending opening of the Oathgate. They make their way to the palace, where Kaladin, Shallan, Skar, and Drehy break off to loop around and take the Sunwalk. After assaulting the main doors of the palace and making it inside, Adolin discovers a small group of palace guards who didn’t fall under the sway of the Unmade. Kaladin and his men (and Shallan) rejoin them, and they regroup for a moment before Elhokar leads Kaladin off to try to find his wife and son. Meanwhile, the rest of the group continues along the Sunwalk towards the Oathgate platform… and the two Unmade waiting there for them.

Most of the gang from the Wheel of Time showed up to Planet Comicon for this week’s featured cosplay.

Adam here. If you live in the Salt Lake City vicinity, or you don’t mind traveling, Brandon will be at FanX 2019 this weekend. You can see his schedule for FanX below, as well as on his Upcoming Events page which also shows all his future events.

Friday, April 19th

Strange New Worlds: Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Room 250A
With: Eric Flint, Jonathan Maberry, James Owen, Brandon Sanderson, Larry Correia, Erin Summerill, Dan Wells (moderator), Tyler Whitesides

World Building 101: Creating the History of Your World
Time: 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Location: Convention Stage – Exhibit Hall 1831
With: Brandon Sanderson, Michael Haspil, M. K. Hutchins, Brian McClellan

Signing
Time: 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: 151A

Saturday, April 20th

Writers of the Future: Story Prompts, Short Fiction & Winning the Contest
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Room 151D
With: Eric Flint, Brandon Sanderson, Robert J. Defendi, David Farland, John Goodwin, Scott Parkin, Darci Stone, Eric James Stone

The Brandon & Brandon Show: Spotlight on Brandon Sanderson and Brandon Mull
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Ballroom
With: Brandon Sanderson, Brandon Mull, Dan Wells

Signing
Time: 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: 151A

In this week’s new Writing Excuses episode, Technology, Brandon, Dan, Howard, and Mahtab talk about talk about science and technology in that same way as they have worldbuilding. This has been a staple (perhaps the defining staple) of science fiction since before “science fiction” was a word.

At risk of opening the “where do you get your ideas” can of worms, this episode covers a little bit of where they get their ideas, and where you might get—and subsequently develop—some more of yours.

Last week, in Tor.com’s continuing reread of Oathbringer, Kaladin, having joined the Wall Guard, walks the patrol beat inside the wall with Lieutenant Noro’s squad. He mostly enjoys the banter, obtaining new perspectives on how other people view the social stratification of their society, then helps guard a supply wagon until they turn it over to Velelant’s soldiers. They return to the barracks, then are sent up to the top of the Wall for duty after a short break. As Kaladin arrives, a group of Fused attack the Wall, but in a different location, apparently continuing to test the defenses. Kaladin is reminded in multiple ways that he has neither responsibility nor authority in this setting. This week, in chapter seventy-four, Shallan, as Veil, checks in with her regular poor-folk contacts, but is frustrated that she can’t do more. Encountering a parade of cultists, she creates a new Illusion and “becomes” a very convincing spren, but nearly loses herself to whatever is influencing the cult. Shocked, she tells the cultists to quit playing at being spren and go home to their families; she herself returns to the tailor’s shop for the night. Elhokar is in the kitchen, writing up lists of possible troops and contemplating heroism; Shallan does an idealized drawing of him before going to her room. Ishnah awaits her there, with a note inviting her to join the revel.

In honor of the recent trailer drop of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, today’s featured cosplay of Szeth (which also features on of my favorite characters from all of science fiction) is from Brandon’s recent trip to Planet Comicon in Kansas City.

Adam here. If you’re interested in writing you should check out the Writing Excuses Workshop and Retreat which departs from Houston and sails September 13th through 22nd and is packed with intensive seminars, writing exercises, small group breakout sessions, and more. Attendees will also be invited to attend a live recording of the Hugo award-winning podcast Writing Excuses, hosted by Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, and Dan Wells.

In this week’s new Writing Excuses episode, Showing Off, Brandon, Mary Robinette, Dan, and Howard discuss how to infodump without infodumping and deliver lots of exposition without sounding expository. How to talk with the maid and the butler without having maid-and-butler dialog.

Last week, in Tor.com’s continuing reread of Oathbringer, Shallan, as Veil, goes for a walk through the marketplace. She discovers that the rich lighteyes are prioritizing giving food to the rich over the poor (surprise surprise) and runs into a familiar face telling stories to the beleaguered populace. This week, in sixty-eight, is featuring Hoid, so you just know it’s going to be full of witticisms and mysteries! Our favorite world-hopper’s never straight forward about anything, and he’s certainly in rare form this week as he drops hints about everything from his age to his role in the Cosmere. And along the way, he imparts a bit of wholesome advice to Shallan, nestled in amongst the jokes and snark.

Today’s “awesome” cosplay of Lift is brought to you by the talented Epnona Wingfeather.

In the most recent Writing Excuses podcast episode, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, Dan Wells, and I talk about breaking the rules. We’ve said that you’ve got to learn the rules before you break them, so now it’s time to talk about why to break them.

Tomorrow I’m starting the second leg of my book tour, and Harriet McDougal will join me for many of the stops. Details on my events page.

Wed Feb 6: San Diego w/Harriet
Thu Feb 7: Los Angeles area w/Harriet
Fri Feb 8: Sacramento area w/Harriet
Sat Feb 9: San Francisco w/Harriet
Mon Feb 11: Portland area w/Harriet
Tue Feb 12: Seattle w/Harriet
Thu Feb 14: Vancouver, BC area
Fri Feb 15: Toronto
Sat Feb 16: Milford, NH
Mon Feb 18: Baltimore area w/Harriet
Tue Feb 19: Philadelphia w/Harriet
Wed Feb 20: Raleigh w/Harriet
Thu Feb 21: Atlanta area w/Harriet
Fri Feb 22: Birmingham, AL w/Harriet

I’ll also go to various conventions this year, and there are two or three book tours later this year that aren’t planned out yet. I’ll try to stop somewhere in Texas for the THE RITHMATIST tour in May, and I’m thinking of going to the UK around November or so. If you want to receive my newsletter, and get email reminders when I’ll be signing near you, tell me your city here.

I’ve uploaded the second video of me writing the Rysn interlude from the sequel to THE WAY OF KINGS. If you missed the first video with the prewriting, it’s here. This week’s video starts the interlude itself.

I had an excellent time at Worldcon this year. We got a chunk of Writing Excuses episodes recorded, and I was able to hang out with a number of friends I hadn’t seen in a while. On top of that, I felt that the panels went well, even if they were a little crowded in the rooms. (Apologies to any of you who might not have been able to get in.)

The Hugo Awards ceremony was a delight. We didn’t win the Best Series award, but to be honest, at only three books into the Stormlight series it might have been a little preemptive to give it any awards. We’ll see how things go as the series progresses. Many congrats to Lois McMaster Bujold (the winner), who is a favorite around the Dragonsteel offices. She’s a fantastic writer, well worthy of the award.

Oathbringer still has one shot at an award, the Dragon Award, given out at Dragon Con. This is a newer award, one I’m not as familiar with, but man…the award itself is gorgeous. (Seriously, you guys should go have a look at the thing.)

This, like the Gemmell, is a fan-voted award. So if you feel inclined to vote for Oathbringer, you can sign up at the form on this website. They’ll send you a ballot to fill out, though you need to do this before the end of August to vote. The award does seem to be getting some traction, so maybe give it some attention!

As always, however, I strongly urge you to be a thoughtful voter when it comes to awards. Don’t vote for Oathbringer just because I wrote it—only do so if you think this book, in specific, deserves the award. And there are some other excellent nominees, so if you enjoyed one of those more, then vote for it!

Adam here. I just wanted to give all of you a little reminder that the Hugo Award voting deadline is tomorrow (July, 31st). Voting is open to all supporting and attending members of Worldcon 76. If you’re wanting to cast your vote but aren’t a Worlcon member, it’s not too late. You can still register and vote online.

I have some exciting news for Audible members: The Emperor’s Soul, Steelheart, Elantris, and Warbreaker are all part of Audible’s Sci-Fi & Fantasy Sale and are only $4.95 (at least in the U.S.) each! So, if you’ve been tinkering with the idea of trying a new book or series, this is the perfect opportunity.

In this week’s new Writing Excuses episode, Project in Depth, THE CALCULATING STARS, with Kjell Lindgren, Brandon, Mary, Dan, and Kjell Lindgren—who is a current NASA astronaut and one of Mary’s consultant readers on The Calculating Stars: A Lady Astronaut Novel. If you haven’t read it yet, you may wish to rectify that prior to listening.

Like most of their project-in-depth episodes, this one runs long. Longer still because we were at JPL in Houston, which was incredibly cool for all of us, so nobody was watching the clock.

Last week, in Tor.com’s continuing reread of Oathbringer, we were able to follow Puuli, Ellista, and Venli in the first three interludes. This week, in chapter thirty-three, Shallan makes her way to the room where she scared off the Midnight Mother, looking for Jasnah. She finds her and the two have a brief conversation about why Jasnah didn’t contact anyone to let them know she was still alive.

The Twitter Archive for July is up to date.

I found this week’s featured cosplay of a Shallan Davar, by lyra256, on reddit.

Adam here. I have some exciting news for those of you in driving distance of Idaho Falls, Idaho. This Saturday Brandon will be appearing at Iona Days just a few miles away. You can see his full schedule below, as well as on his Upcoming Events page, but it will include a reading, Q&A, and signing. Those who come to the reading will be given wristbands that will give them priority position in the signing that immediately follows the Q&A.

The Grand Teton Mall Barnes & Noble will also be on site, so if you’re looking for a book—including the leather bound editions of Elantris, Mistborn: The Final Empire, and The Well of Ascension—you can find them there. They are also (generously) donating 15% of their net sales to Brandon’s Lightweaver Foundation (more on this in a minute); donations that will be matched by Brandon.

If you’re not able to attend and still want to buy some books (not just Brandon’s) while supporting charity, you can use these vouchers in any B&N store on July 21^st and 22^nd. They will also be active for any B&N online purchases through July 27^th. Some exclusions apply. Please see vouchers below for details.

Iona Days

Location: Iona Square on Main Street (park near the Iona City Building)
Reading and Q&A: 2:00 p.m.
Signing: 3:00 p.m.

In this week’s new Writing Excuses episode, What Writers Get Wrong, with Wildstyle, Brandon, Mary, Dan, and Howard talk with special guest Wildstyle. Recorded live at GenCon Indy 2017.

Last week, in Tor.com’s continuing reread of Oathbringer, Shallan, as Veil, confronted the Midnight Mother in the depths of Urithiru. This week, in chapters thirty-one and thirty-two, Kaladin, near Revolar, upon seeing a group of human’s unprepared for an oncoming Highstorm somehow uses Windspren to create a windbreak that allows them get to safety.

The Twitter Archive for June is up to date.

I found this week’s featured cosplay of a Steel Inquisitor, by EHyde, on Brandon’s official fansite 17thshard.com. She wrote a little post if you want to know more about it.

Adam here. In this week’s new Writing Excuses episode, Character Nuance, Brandon, Mary, Amal, and Maurice talk about characters who have conflict built right into them; characters whose attributes and attitudes might seem to contradict one another; characters who like, y’know… actual people.

Last week, in Tor.com’s continuing reread of Oathbringer, we jump back in time again, thirty-three years, as Dalinar shows what a warrior armed with Shardplate can do to… well, pretty much anyone without Shardplate. It does have a few disadvantages, though. This week, in chapter twelve, we get to watch Dalinar attempt to play politics, with careful guidance from his wife and various scribes. Why don’t people just say what they mean?

The Twitter Archive for April is up to date.

In honor of JordanCon next week, here is an excellent Aes Sedai cosplay from The Wheel of Time.

Adam here. I saw a ton of questions about Subterranean Press doing a limited edition hardcover printing of the final Stephen Leeds book, Legion: Lies of the Beholder, that would match the first two Legion books. In case you missed the announcement that went out earlier this week, Subterranean Press has started taking pre-orders on the 2,500 signed and numbered hardcover copies. This edition of Legion: Lies of the Beholder will feature a full-color dust jacket, and two full-page, full-color interior illustrations by Jon Foster–who also did the illustrations on the first two Subterranean Press Legion books.

In this week’s new Writing Excuses episode, Character Voice, Brandon, Mary, Dan, and Howard discuss how the flow, order, and feel of words that are unique to a particular character. This “character voice” is extremely useful in defining characters for the reader. In this episode they discuss their tools for shaping character voices, and the ways in which they make sure each one is unique.

Last week, we again join Kaladin on his search for Voidbringers, while Sylphrena makes awkward suggestions for his happiness, and Adolin visits his father’s Ryshadium. This week, in chapter eleven, we jump back in time again, thirty-three years, as Dalinar shows what a warrior armed with Shardplate can do to… well, pretty much anyone without Shardplate. It does have a few disadvantages, though.

The Twitter Archive for March is up to date.

This week’s featured cosplay is of Syl and Kaladin from Emerald City Comic Con.