Unveiling the Epic: 10 Surprising Facts About Brandon Sanderson
It’s finally time to once again pick up our series of thrilling exploration into the lives of some of the most legendary authors humanity has ever produced! Following our previous articles on Sarah J Maas, Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, and Mark Twain, today we’ll be focusing on one of the absolute titans of modern fantasy literature, whose dedication to producing books at an almost inhuman pace, as well as his ability to craft worlds and stories that utterly captivate readers is unparalleled in today’s literary landscape. Of course, I’m talking about the one, the only - Brandon Sanderson!
You might think you know The Stormlight Archive author pretty well, so let’s test your knowledge and see if you’re already aware of these ten fun and surprising facts, which offer a glimpse into Brandon Sanderson’s fascinating life.
What You’ll Find in This Article:
Who is Brandon Sanderson?
1. Brandon Sanderson Age
2. Brandon Sanderson Net Worth
3. Brandon Sanderson Wife
4. Is Brandon Sanderson a Mormon?
5. Brandon Sanderson League of Legends
6. Sanderson’s Secret Projects
7. Teaching and Mentoring
8. Fan Interaction
9. Prolific Podcast Host
10. An Advocate for Mental Health
Who is Brandon Sanderson?
Before we dive into our list of surprising facts about Brandon Sanderson, such as his connection to League of Legends, and his net worth, let’s take a minute to first introduce him to those of our readers who, by some miracle, have never heard of him.
Brandon Sanderson is not just a name on a book spine—he's a phenomenon in the fantasy genre. Born on December 19, 1975, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Sanderson has become synonymous with high fantasy and complex magic systems.
He first gained widespread attention with his completion of Robert Jordan’s legendary Wheel of Time series, following Jordan’s death (which we rightly consider one of the 10 best fantasy series ever written!).
Since then, Sanderson has penned numerous bestsellers, taught creative writing at Brigham Young University, and even launched his own lecture series on writing.
What really sets Sanderson apart, however, is his mission to create one of the largest intra-connected fantasy universes. Therefore, all his works take place in the same universe, with the entire body of work aptly named “The Stormlight Archive”.
For those of you that want to get started with the Stormlight Archive, but are not sure where to begin, I’ll create a separate article on my recommended reading order. In the meantime though, I’ll provide links below to some of his most prominent works.
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The Mistborn Trilogy
The Stormlight Archive
Wax and Wayne Series
1. Brandon Sanderson Age
As of 2024, Brandon Sanderson is 48 years old. Despite his relatively young age, he has produced an astonishing amount of work, including over 40 novels and several novellas and short stories, effectively making him one of the most prolific fantasy authors of his generation.
2. Brandon Sanderson Net Worth
Brandon Sanderson’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. His financial success is a testament to his popularity and the expansive universe he has created. Notably, his record-breaking Kickstarter campaign for four new novels raised over $41 million, highlighting his massive and dedicated fanbase.
3. Brandon Sanderson Wife
Brandon Sanderson's wife, Emily Bushman, is often credited with being a significant support in his career. A fellow English major, she is described as Sanderson's "first and last reader," providing feedback on his manuscripts before they ever reach an editor.
Their partnership extends beyond the personal, contributing fundamentally to the quality and success of Sanderson's work.
4. Is Brandon Sanderson a Mormon?
Yes, Brandon Sanderson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church.
His faith influences his writing to some extent, as he often explores themes of duty, morality, and redemption. Sanderson served a two-year mission in South Korea, an experience that enriched his worldview and character development skills.
5. Brandon Sanderson League of Legends
In an intriguing blend of fantasy writing and video gaming, Brandon Sanderson once crafted lore for the popular game League of Legends.
He wrote a novella titled Shadow of the Radiant, based in the League of Legends universe, which expanded the game’s lore and deepened the backstory for its expansive world and characters.
We’ve done a broader piece specifically on Brandon Sanderson’s League of Legends debut, so make sure to check it out!
6. Sanderson’s Secret Projects
Brandon Sanderson is known for his transparency with his work schedule, often sharing detailed updates with his fans.
However, in 2021 he surprised everyone by announcing that he had completed not one, but four secret novels during the pandemic. This move not only delighted fans but also demonstrated his exceptional dedication and productivity.
The four novels in question are: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizards Handbook For Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and The Sunlit Man.
7. Teaching and Mentoring
Apart from writing, Sanderson is passionate about education and mentoring. He teaches a creative writing class at Brigham Young University, which he attended as a student.
His lectures, available for free online, have become a valuable resource for aspiring writers worldwide, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the literary community.
If you haven’t seen his lectures on world-building on YouTube, I highly recommend you go check them out!
8. Fan Interaction
Sanderson's relationship with his fanbase is uniquely interactive. He frequently engages with fans on various social media platforms and his own website, answering questions, sharing writing advice, and updating on his projects.
This open communication has cultivated a community that is as enthusiastic about reading his works as he is about writing them.
9. Prolific Podcast Host
Alongside his writing, Brandon Sanderson co-hosts the podcast Writing Excuses, which provides insights into the writing process and the publishing industry.
The podcast is designed to be short and informative, ideal for busy writers looking to hone their craft on the go.
10. An Advocate for Mental Health
Brandon Sanderson has openly discussed his struggles with depression, particularly during his college years. He advocates for mental health awareness and often addresses the importance of mental well-being in his lectures and interviews.
His openness about these challenges has helped destigmatize mental health issues within the broader creative community.
Brandon Sanderson is not only a master of fantasy literature but also a figure of inspiration and influence in both the literary and broader communities. His life and work offer a fascinating look at a man who has not only created worlds but has also profoundly impacted our own.
Whether you're a long-time fan or a new reader, diving into Sanderson’s life story enriches the experience of getting lost in the pages of his expansive universes.
If you enjoyed this article with interesting facts about the life of Brandon Sanderson, make sure to let us know in the comments! And also let us know which author you’d like us to continue the series with!
