A Dispatch From BYU For... You
·Brandon Sanderson has a lecture series
So, as I have talked about in the Never Neutral Newsletter previously, I am doing like a curriculum for myself for fall that has included watching the lecture series Brandon Sanderson publishes for free (annually) on YouTube.
It’s nice he does that.
It blows my mind a little it’s at BYU. Early in this year’s set of lectures the camera flips around to the lecture hall and WOW was it a lot of blondes. Mormons have such an interesting relationship with popular culture. Anyway, this is just about how cool it is he does this— it’s generally great writing advice!
Thing to Watch
So there’s the lecture series in question
I also hear rumblings that there will be a TV series from his books AND he is associated with the Wheel of Time TV series, which I thought was very good.
The Wheel of Time series specifically seems cool from a religious perspective, which again, interesting…
Thing To Read
If you’re like, and what authority does this guy have to give me advice? He is the author of a wildly popular, huge fantasy series, and he is an incredibly accomplished speaker.
His books are set in a universe called the Cosmere, and I think there is something like 17 related books, but the original story is maybe 3 books— Mistborn being the first. I do believe there is a prequel series now.
Thing to Eat
In the Cosmere, there is a food called Chouta, which is like vaguely a gyro.
So let this be an encouragement to pop into your local Greek place this week for lunch— or maybe Friday night takeout? Extra tzatziki.
Thing to Gift
Gift shopping for a Cosmere lover?
There are really gorgeous leather-bound copies on Sanderson’s official website, but if you’d like something perhaps more general…
The Night Sky gifts, where you can get art of the astronomy of a specific time and date, for whatever special occasion or birth/ anniversary/ you get the picture. This would be extra special for anyone with a significant fondness of the stars, or AHEM the cosmos.
Thing to Wear
Freddy needs a sword for his Halloween costume, so liiiiiike, do I need this inflatable sword from Brandy Boy’s website?
Thing to Listen to
If you like to listen to your book advice, not watch, this is a podcast episode with some of Sanderson’s thoughts on how he builds worlds— something as a fantasy writer he is very successful at.
Beauty Bomb
And with the thought of great writing advice, from the author of a series that spreads across the stars, some star spangled makeup!
The Spectra product from The Unseen Beauty is a very specially formulated reflective cream eyeshadow that is like MADE FOR going out— it’s so cool. I bet it also looks crazy cool in candle light.
