Brandon Sanderson, one of the most prolific voices in modern fantasy, has weighed in on the structural challenges inherent in the genre. During a recent YouTube conversation with fellow author Joe Abercrombie, the discussion turned toward Game of Thrones and the specific narrative pitfalls that often plague massive, epic-scale stories.
For Sanderson, the appeal of epic fantasy is clear: it offers an immersive experience, allowing readers to live in a sprawling world for an extended period. However, that scale carries a significant risk. "Epic fantasy has this danger. It starts very personal, and then it can drift away from being personal about the characters if you're not careful," Sanderson noted. He pointed out that creators often become more fascinated with side characters as a project grows, which can dilute the focus on the core narrative.
The 'Map' Problem
The conversation shifted to the use of maps in fantasy novels—a staple of the genre that both authors approached with nuance. While Abercrombie admitted he enjoys maps but dislikes their "lazy application," Sanderson highlighted how they can box a writer into a corner.
"Once you put the map in, you run into some problems," Sanderson explained, citing Game of Thrones as a prime example. "Maybe like some later Game of Thrones seasons, we're like, ‘Well, how did they get from here to here?’" He added that when authors attempt to maintain a high level of realism, these geographic discrepancies become harder to ignore. Despite these technical hurdles, Sanderson maintained that he still loves the genre and the works that define it.
Refining the Scope
The challenge of balancing scope with character-driven storytelling is something Sanderson is currently navigating himself. After securing a deal with Apple, he is in the process of adapting his own works for the screen. He is currently writing a screenplay for a Mistborn movie and preparing a pilot for a Stormlight Archive TV series.
As he shifts toward these adaptations, Sanderson is clearly observing the trajectory of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. With Martin still working on the sixth book, Winds of Winter, 15 years after its inception, and the television adaptation having already concluded, the lessons learned from that saga’s pacing and structure remain a focal point for those looking to bring their own epic worlds to life.