I went to Dragonsteel Nexus 2024. It was a long three days for a rather extreme introvert, but it was also amazing.
But before we get into that, let’s go back to the beginning.
I have a friend who’s been reading Brandon Sanderson for a while—since high school. Fourteen years ago is a good estimate of when I first heard about Brandon Sanderson from this friend. I wasn’t terribly interested in reading his stories at the time, though. My friend was super into his books (still is), and I trust her recommendations, so what was my problem?
It was the length of Brandon’s books.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Brandon has written books of all lengths, but getting into the Cosmere specifically can be quite daunting. It wasn’t until years later that my friend convinced me to give Warbreaker a try. Warbreaker isn’t a short book, but it is a standalone. I didn’t feel the added pressure of a crazy long series looming over my head, and she assured me (not for the first time) that it was my kind of thing.
I love big worlds and universes—I had been writing my own! Even so, characters always come first for me. I don’t need interconnected worlds to love a story; without characters, an emotional investment, they don’t matter.
Well, I’m here to tell you, Brandon does both excellently. He writes fantastic characters and worlds. If you’re hesitant like I was, don’t be. It’s worth it to dive in, and Warbreaker is an excellent starting point.
Needless to say, I love Warbreaker.
I was a brand-new Brandon reader when I got to meet him at a writer’s conference. It’s strange to think that just a few years ago you could actually talk to him in line, and now he has so many readers his signings have to go fast. It may not look like much, but my little mass market paperback will forever be a special memory because of that writer’s conference, the smallest interaction with Brandon.
Brandon is someone many fantasy authors (myself included) look up to. Not only are his stories incredible, but he’s a cool dude, too. This year at Dragonsteel Nexus 2024, he gave a heartfelt speech for the Wind and Truth release party. I’ve listened to Brandon talk many times before. I’ve watched all of his Creative Writing Lectures, which he did for BYU but so kindly posted on YouTube for any interested writer.
And that’s my point: Brandon is kind.
His release party speech wasn’t even about Wind and Truth, the fifth novel in the wonderful Stormlight Archive series; it was about kindness. So often people fight and divide themselves over the strangest things—in this case books. Fantasy readers have been called nerds by those who don’t read fantasy, and then fantasy readers have further divided themselves by saying things like “Oh, you like Twilight? Well, Twilight sucks.” You shouldn’t have to feel ashamed of the things you like or need to justify why you like them. Maybe Twilight isn’t my cup of tea, but you genuinely like it. That’s okay! It’s more than okay. Art is subjective. What resonates with one person won’t with another, but that doesn’t mean that art is “bad.” Art is connection, and I’m grateful for the variety, for all the people who create.
I highly recommend you listen to what Brandon said. I agree with every word.
Dragonsteel Nexus was fun, informative, and inspiring. I got to hang out with my lovely friends for three whole days. There were awesome guest authors and artists and cute merch. Some panels made me laugh while others made me think. I saw the endless potential of what stories can do, and I can’t wait to get back to writing my own to share with you.
