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Interview #977: Cosmere Q&A - 17th Shard, Entry #157

astalduath

2) I am formerly a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves. Having read all of your work except for your Wheel of Time additions, I couldn’t help but to see that you have a good grasp of leadership displayed in your writing. When I finished reading the scene in The Way of Kings about Kaladin ordering Bridge Four to carry their bridge into battle in a way that would protect them, but ended up causing defeat for the rest of the army, you wrote a well described contrast between an NCO and a high ranking officer (not saying an officer would act like Sadeas by the means of using bridge men like he does), and how the two types of leaders look at battle. I was wondering, do you draw from your own experiences, or study others, or something entirely different you use when you write leadership roles in your characters and how they act in different situations utilizing that trait?

Brandon Sanderson

That’s very flattering to hear. I’ve made a study of leadership in many different areas, the military being one of them. It’s a topic that fascinates me, and I try hard to get it right. I wouldn’t say I have any practical experience in it, unfortunately–just a lot of study, questioning, and curiosity.

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