What happens when two amateur writers attempt to follow the grueling writing routine of one of the most prolific fantasy authors alive? That’s exactly what we set out to discover. We Tried Brandon Sanderson’s Intense Writing Routine
Brandon Sanderson, known for writing The Stormlight Archive and finishing The Wheel of Time, follows a routine that most people would find utterly impossible especially those of us who are used to writing in short bursts between jobs, meals, and daily chaos. So, in the name of experimentation (and a bit of self-torture), we packed up and headed to a remote cabin in North Carolina to immerse ourselves completely in Sanderson’s world. For one week, we tried to live like him write like him and maybe even think like him. We Tried Brandon Sanderson’s Intense Writing Routine
Brandon Sanderson’s Actual Writing Routine
On his website, Sanderson outlines his daily writing schedule, and honestly, it’s both inspiring and terrifying. Here’s a breakdown of his intense, self-disciplined writing lifestyle: We Tried Brandon Sanderson’s Intense Writing Routine
- Wake up around noon or 1:00 PM
- Write from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (4-hour writing block)
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM is reserved for family time
- Write again from 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM is “goof-off time” – video games, reading, or podcasts
- He also sets strict word count or page count goals (2,000 words minimum, or around 10 pages)
Additionally, Sanderson blocks off one day a week for business-related tasks emails, meetings, and anything that doesn’t involve world-building or character arcs.
He emphasizes a distraction-free environment, often working late at night when the world is quieter and less likely to pull him away from the page. We Tried Brandon Sanderson’s Intense Writing Routine
Our Version of the Routine (With a Few Tweaks)
As aspiring writers without the same level of professional pressure (or publishing deadlines), we had to make a few changes. Here’s how we adapted Sanderson’s routine to fit our lives and abilities:
- Morning Writing Block: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Evening Writing Block: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Distraction-free sessions, with phones on silent and internet turned off
- Breaks when needed, because, well… we’re not machines
- Goof-off time in between: throwing a baseball around, going on walks, and reading
- Extra chill time after the evening session: binge-watching Home Movies (the classic cartoon series)
We knew from the start that this wouldn’t be easy but we were determined to stick to the schedule and see what came out of it. We Tried Brandon Sanderson’s Intense Writing Routine
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Here’s what we managed to accomplish in just one week of focused, deliberate writing:
- 🖋️ Total Words Written: 62,000
- ⏱️ Total Hours Worked: 40
- 📈 Words Per Hour: Roughly 1,550
- ⚾ Hours of Catch Played: 10
- 📺 Episodes of Home Movies Watched: 26
- ⏸️ Breaks Taken During Writing Blocks: 15
Considering we started the week as skeptics unsure we could write for more than a couple of hours at a time, the results surprised even us. We Tried Brandon Sanderson’s Intense Writing Routine
What It Felt Like Our Experience
CB’s Perspective:
To be honest, I was intimidated before we even began. The idea of dedicating two four-hour blocks to writing every day felt overwhelming and, frankly, a little ridiculous. But once we got started, something just clicked. Having a writing partner with me made a massive difference. We held each other accountable and turned writing into a shared mission rather than a solitary grind.
Interestingly, while Sanderson blocks out time for his family, we had none of those obligations during the week. That led to an important question: what do we do during the downtime? Our answer? Baseball. We bought gloves and a few balls before heading to the cabin, and we played catch during the breaks. Surprisingly, that simple act helped clear our minds and energize us for the next round of writing. It became a creative refresh button. We Tried Brandon Sanderson’s Intense Writing Routine
SK’s Perspective:
For me, the week was a rollercoaster. There were moments where I felt like I could write forever completely locked in and brimming with ideas. But there were also times when I sat there staring at a blinking cursor, wondering if I had anything left in the tank.
The secluded location played a huge role. If we had tried to follow this routine back at home, it would’ve been a mess of distractions: ringing phones, emails, chores. The quiet and isolation of the cabin helped us enter “the zone” more quickly and stay there longer.
Even when it was hard, even when the words didn’t come easily, the structure helped. Knowing that we had to write at specific times gave us purpose and rhythm. We Tried Brandon Sanderson’s Intense Writing Routine
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TAKEAWAYS
During this experience, I hit a level of writing productivity that I had never reached before. It felt like I was operating on a completely new level writing more content than I ever imagined I could in such a short span of time. Not only did I exceed my own expectations, but I also had an incredible amount of fun doing it. For the first time in a long time, I truly felt like I was engaging in the work I was meant to do. We Tried Brandon Sanderson’s Intense Writing Routine
This process didn’t just help me write more it transformed how I see myself as a writer. My confidence skyrocketed, and I found a new rhythm that felt natural and powerful. I genuinely wish this challenge had lasted another week. If you’re someone who needs to produce high-quality content quickly, I strongly recommend this kind of structured routine.
Honestly, if I had the opportunity to write full-time, this would absolutely be the routine I’d stick to. It fits me so well. And the best part? I know this is just the beginning there’s so much more to explore and accomplish from here.
SK:
I completely resonate with what Corey shared. Taking on this writing routine helped me break through mental barriers and self-imposed limitations that I didn’t even fully realize were holding me back. I used to believe that producing large volumes of content in a single day was beyond my ability but now I know that’s simply not true.
This experience completely shifted my perspective. It’s like a runner who finishes their first marathon suddenly, shorter races like 5Ks and 10Ks feel easy and manageable by comparison. That’s how writing feels to me now.
The long-term impact is clear: writing doesn’t feel like a daunting task anymore. It feels achievable, even exciting. I now feel capable of taking on more writing work every day with less hesitation and more enthusiasm. It’s empowering to realize how much we can accomplish when we push past our own perceived limits.
Conclusion
Taking on Brandon Sanderson’s intense writing routine for a week was nothing short of eye-opening. While it pushed our limits in terms of discipline, creativity, and time management, it also revealed how much can be achieved with a clear structure and unwavering focus. Sanderson’s method isn’t for the faint of heart it demands consistency and stamina but it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you treat writing like a full-time commitment. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a casual writer, incorporating even a fraction of his routine could significantly boost your productivity. In the end, we walked away with a deeper respect for his craft and a few thousand more words under our belts.
FAQs
Who is Brandon Sanderson, and why is his writing routine notable?
Brandon Sanderson is a bestselling fantasy author known for series like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive.
What does Brandon Sanderson’s writing routine typically involve?
Sanderson’s routine includes writing for several hours a day, often late at night, with strict word count goals. He’s known to write around 2,000–3,000 words daily and keeps a consistent schedule that supports deep focus and creative output.
What were the main challenges in following Sanderson’s routine?
The biggest challenges were maintaining energy and focus for long writing sessions, especially during late-night hours. Adapting to the demanding schedule also required sacrificing leisure time and adjusting personal habits.
Did following Sanderson’s routine improve writing productivity?
Yes, overall productivity improved significantly. Following a structured schedule and having daily goals led to more consistent output, although it was mentally and physically taxing by the end of the week.
Would you recommend others try this writing routine?
It depends on your lifestyle and goals. If you’re serious about writing and want to push your limits, this routine can be highly motivating. However, it may not be sustainable long-term without adjustments to suit personal needs.
