Sanderson’s Three Laws of Magics:
1) An author’s ability to solve conflict with magic is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL to how well the reader understands said magic.
2) Limitations > Powers (i.e. “Superman is not his powers. Superman is his weaknesses.”)
3) Expand what you already have before you add something new.
In the years leading up to and during his time concluding The Wheel of Time series, Sanderson developed three Laws of Magics for the fantasy genre. He’s been quick to point out on his blog that the laws merely serve as “guidelines” for his own writing, but his insight is revolutionizing the traditional approach to fantasy writing.
Literature has a history of ignoring rules when it comes to magic—it is magic, after all. But the 21st century is cultivating a new breed of reader who doesn’t take magic for granted. Sanderson’s laws appeal to their desire to understand how Dorothy’s ruby slippers transport her between worlds and why the Phial of Galadriel shines brighter when used by Sam vs. Frodo. From allomancy to surgebinding, the magic systems in Sanderson’s novels are both incredibly original and comprehensively detailed.
Beyond his penchant for establishing unique systems of magic in multiple worlds, Sanderson has a tendency to dream astronomically.
“At some point,” Sanderson says, “I was inspired by Michael Moorcock’s Multiverse and the way Isaac Asimov eventually connected his Foundation novels and robot novels, to write a ‘stealth’ series into the background of my novels.” Enter the Cosmere.
An entire universe distinct from our own, the Cosmere consists of 10 (and counting) planets with autonomous magic systems, geographic characteristics and storylines. All of Sanderson’s novels (excluding his YA and The Wheel of Time titles) exist within the Cosmere, but each planet’s book(s) can be read independently of the others. In simpler terms, Sanderson has subtly connected everything—so subtly, in fact, that only one character is granted the ability to travel between worlds.
Hoid, the world jumper and mysterious fan favorite, appears in every Cosmere-set novel. But don’t plan on always recognizing him; the intelligent trickster favors disguises. And, to be honest, no one besides Sanderson understands Hoid’s significance at this point.
“I have said before that choosing a favorite [character] is a tough question,” Sanderson says. “Very tough. I’ll have to say Hoid, but I can’t say why without giving spoilers.”
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