Hey, all! I want to give you my thanks, and an apology. The apology is for being so silent about this. I’ve learned that you all are really, really good at guessing what I’m up to. So if I want to preserve a surprise, I have to be extra careful in what I say and how I act. At the same time, I wanted to say thank you to all those who worried about me, expressed concern, or otherwise were nervous from yesterday’s video. (Or from the start of this one.) Your emotions aren’t misplaced; I really was starting to feel the burnout I imply here. Only, it started three years ago, and I managed to get through it. It was strange to realize, at the start of the pandemic, just how much I was relieved by not being forced to travel--and how much I’d started to dread certain aspects of my job. By luck, I was able to have the time to take the steps I needed in order to prevent burnout. Yes, I’m a little strange in that the thing that most helps me most in such situations is writing something completely different, something unexpected. It probably seems incongruous that I avoid burnout by doing more work--but I truly love telling stories. So, here we are! I realize that many of you would rather I have focused that time on writing the next book in your favorite series, rather than writing something off the wall. However, this is how I work--and it’s the fact that these were so unexpected that let them pull me back into a healthy (for me) relationship with my job. Regardless, I really did need your positive vibes to help me through this. I got them, back when the real crisis was happening three years ago. I appreciate you all, and the way you treat me and my stories. Thank you. Not just for that, but for putting up with me doing the occasional overly-dramatic reveal like this. --Brandon

If you listen very closely to this video, you can hear a clicking sound when Brandon's seated at his desk talking to us. That's because he's got a keyboard under his desk, and he's typing up a sixth novel with his toes.

brandon: "i have lied to you." me: he's not a human being, but a lovecraftian creature meant to write at unimaginable speeds brandon: i wrote 5 extra books me: i knew it

Brandon Sanderson: "I write as a coping mechanism for stress." Me: *Stares at huge catalogue of books that are his career.* "You uh... Ok there buddy?"

What I love about Brandon is that when he is burned out, he does not take a break from writing but instead he simply writes something different. If only my other favorite fantasy author could do the same, but alas! I have been waiting 10 years on that one.

The man is trying to out write his fandoms memes about his writing.

"I accidentally wrote an entire novel in secret" I was waiting for the punchline, I knew it was coming. That is the most Brandon Sanderson statement I have ever heard.

Anyone else watching this again 6 months later just to try and relive the excitement? What an absolute madlad

I've been suffering from PTSD and depression for a number of years. I needed an anchor, something I could set values by, because what caused the illness was ongoing and constant and I could feel nothing any longer. A friend recommended the Stormlight archive to me to listen to as an audiobook. He didn't know about the PTSD and I'd never listened to audiobooks before. If someone had told me I would find values I could anchor my life, and my sanity, by in a work of fiction I would say there were mad but I did. There is a plaque in my office at home that I had made. It is in sight at all times and on it it written "Life before Death, Strength before weakness, Journey before destination, The Way of Kings". It reminds me to live, not just to exist. There is a wisdom and insight to life in your books and I am grateful to you for writing them. Thank you.

Brandon Sanderson has reached such a level of dimension bending self awareness that exaggerated jokes we have made about him writing nonstop have vastly underestimated how fast he writes and how many books he makes at the same time 😳 what an absolute Giga colossus of an author.

Omg this guy. "Oopsie daisy, I tripped and accidentally wrote several novels, check 'em out." What a legend.

This guy actually loves what he does

Brandon Sanderson is the last person I expected to do a meme apology video and this is incredible

This is the only type of lying I will accept

Youknow, I would be shocked, but Brandon "oops I wrote an extra novel" Sanderson is quite on brand.

As a middle school librarian, I'm super excited about the graphic novel, they fly off our shelves!!

Brandon Sanderson: I wrote 77 novels while in the pandemic Me: ....and I overcame my fear of onions. Mostly.

Brandon Sanderson is without a doubt my favourite author just based on his personality

This man wrote more words in 2 years than George R. R. Martin has in the last 10. I've already shared this with multiple people. We need to support this madness as much as possible.

People should understand that not only did Brandon write five secret books while following his other agenda, but he is also the marketing mastermind behind this whole success. Of course implementing his ideas is greatly achieved by the whole team, but let's go through a few milestones that happened in the last week. The dramatic announcement video (his idea btw) has the most views in his channel by far, notwithstanding being one of the most recent ones. He knew he had a silver bullet asking his fans to share, comment and like that video. Why? Because he NEVER does that. Just picture this: before this whole event, his channel had a 15k-50k average views per day. After it, he has ranged between 230k-700k views per day. In one week he added 42k new suscribers to his channel (12% of his total subscribers). That's not all... Scheduling two weekly streams over the course of March has given momentum and expectation to his campaign, adding to the final hype that's keeping the stats over the roof. This whole success also gets mingled with KZfaq's algorithms, leaving remnant flows of people coming back to his content. Let's go on... Not only did he just raised the biggest kickstarter in the history of the platform. He has already covered a year of work in advance (2023). Of course there a lot of details to take care of and edges to sharp, but the fact that he has scheduled more than a year in advance of sales strategy and planning is simply stunning. It doesn't end there... This is clearly the most audacious move he has done in his entire career regarding manufacturing, distribution and retailing. He has proven that Dragonsteel can be completely autonomous from any other third parties, and even being more successful. This will also allow his team to experiment a lot, in a different areas of the business. And thus developing a unique expertise in the field, empowering his whole company. He also made it clear that he still wants to support bookshops in his future releases. And guess what? This groundbreaking move will give him a lot of leverage when talking to New York. I honestly believe he might actually revolutionize the way physical books are being sold (being merchandising one of the cornerstones of this revolution). And last but not least... Brandon keeps delivering high quality content to his readers, keeps building this amazing and complex web of intertwined stories that is the cosmere. His product is not even worth money at this point. He might not realize this now, but he is forging the history of modern twenty-first century writing. And the best of all? He is doing it in an extremely healthy and sure-footed way. I truly think this is unprecedented territory. I would really like him to read this. Not because I am saying any novelty. But because I want you to know that we appreciate all of this, Brandon. And that right there, gives our whole writer-reader relationship a pewter boost. Please keep following your instincts, they will keep taking this project to unparallel dimensions.

This is so wholesome. "The pandemic is tough, but like many it freed me up to over triple my already insanely good writing output." As a fan, I'm very happy.

This man was getting up, showing us pie charts after he mentioned he wrote 2 books, and managed to hide his smile knowing he had 3 more by his chair. S-tier acting, Brandon!

Most people spent their extra time during the pandemic baking bread or binge-watching Netflix. Brandon Sanderson spent his time pumping out novels like the tree-murdering, story-telling fanatic that he is; and I wouldn’t have it any other way 😆

I've never heard of you (sorry) and this video came up in my feed because the algorithm decided it should, and I was like "this dude is either about to admit to something horrendous or this is a swerve" and you did not disappoint. Thankyou for that entertainment lol

I actually discovered Brandons work through his openly published writing lectures and within two and a half years tracked down and read every single piece of peace of writing the man's ever done, tremendously excited for this

"I felt stressed about not writing enough. So I wrote 5 more books in secret." Thank you, Brandon. :D

The Enigmatic Inevitabilities of Sanderson: 1: He writes faster than you can read. If you train to read faster, he will unconsciously quicken his pace in exact proportions. 2: If for 40 consecutive days he does not write, he will perish. However, nothing powerful enough to impede him for this long is known to exist. 3: He will surprise you. You may expect this, but preparation is futile. Consider this an omen.

This is the most un-George RR Martin video ever made

Sometimes I just come back and watch this again, grinning the whole time. Love this so much.

Brandon Sanderson was bored with his book's plot twists, so he started real life plot twists.

I really appreciate the fact that Brandon's nerdy little fan base is actually so big that he is the number one trending video on KZfaq. Like what is this

i wish i had gotten into the cosmere back when this came out, this must have been such a crazy time in the fandom

Way to swing a sledgehammer at my bank account, thanks Brandon... But seriously, I know why you are my favourite author! Consistent quality, great humor and inhuman work ethic. I guess I'll just have to say: Shut up and take my money!

This might be one of the greatest youtube videos of all time. Not just for the execution, but the impact. So many people are happy right now. Thanks Brandon, keep inspiring us and telling your stories.

I like how sanderson describes writing novels like affairs: "one thing lead to another and i wrote another novel!" What a legend.

This randomly showed up in my feed in February 2024. I’ve never read any of Brandon’s novels before. I was deeply invested in a certain unfinished series by another author. After being left hanging since 2011, I became jaded when the TV series ruined the whole series for me and I have barely read in years. Contrast that with THIS guy. Metaphorically, if certain football loving novelists who don’t finish their series could be considered to have an abusive, negligent relationship with their readers, THIS guy is the opposite - this is the writer who makes you coffee in the morning and brings it into the bedroom for you, vacuums and surprises you with a 3 week vacation to Hawaii in the dead of winter. As a writer, I struggle to get out a chapter (I mean, who would want to read my bizarre crap? Lol!). Sanderson is like an Iron Man athlete of the writing world. His editors and publishers must love the HELL out of him.

I'm so sad I missed out on this. I just found your work recently. I am whole heartedly enamored by the worlds you have created, and the Cosmere you have weaved. Thank you for sharing your creations.

"No I don't have 8 more secret novels." Did anyone FEEL a wink?

If you're new to the fandom, you might not realize how much Brandon loves to troll with secret projects. He loves it. But FIVE new secret books, THREE COSMERE is a whole new level. I found this video absolutely hilarious, him dumping new manuscripts on the table hahaha. -Eric

I haven't ever read Sanderson's works, but this was recommended by the algorithm and I adore this guy already.

So much energy. What are the odds that he ends up completing not just The Wheel of Time but also A Song of Ice and Fire...

It's official, Brandon is not human, he's the ultimate artificial Intelligence that keeps of giving new books and improving in quality and time to write each one. Mesmerizing

Sanderson likely saved my life. I was homeless for a time, a long time I guess. One day, I just went into the library and picked up a book I liked the look of. Maybe 7 years ago. I spent the next month sleeping out back the library where they had a small sheltered area, I read every book he'd written up until that point. I was incredibly depressed going into that, but when I finished his last book at that point, I'd decided I wasn't gonna give up, so I got up and walked. It took another 3 years for me to get off the streets, into a crap apartment, into a better apartment, into a better apartment, and then travel to the other side of the world. I now live in Japan, I'm the manager of a small growing school, I'm married, I'm happier than I ever thought possible, and I even buy nice things for myself, expensive things, I wear Air goddamn Jordans man. In fact tonight I bought a 300 dollar pair of Air Jordans for my friend, because I f***ing could. Many thing's helped me get here, luck in largest part I'm sure, but one thing I'll never forget, is sitting outside that library, it pissing it down with rain inches from the dry space I'd found, with Kal. Thanks man. Whatever you do in future, I'll never forget the extra moments you gave me.

You absolute bastard. I held my breath for about five minutes. Good to hear you're feeling rejuvenated!

I feel like this man's ambition is entering my ears and eyeballs and inflating my head. I've never felt so daunted and inspired and plain fearful at the same time. I think I'll try to keep pace with the release of these quarterly secret novels. Not with full-length novels, but short stories that I've had brewing for a long time. This might finally be the year that my ideas are realized, in spite of my awful work ethic. I'll meet you with each release, and we'll see which side stacks up higher. I won't be outdone by Brandon Sanderson.

"There's always another secret." -Kelsier Really excited about the new books! Thanks for all you do for your fans, Brandon!

As an aspiring writer, "oh Sanderson can also burn out, it's ok to take it easy". Then he smacks up five new books... My heart dropped * laughing in panic, pain and a massiv kick in the butt *

i love how this was framed to sound like he'd be making an apology video about something serious XD

“Stress made me irresponsible, I’m sorry” slaps a secret extra novel on the table. Explains how it happened then: “oh well actually I wrote 5 extra not just one, and I want to give them to you as a subscription box” Lol loved the video and I haven’t even been able to start your books yet although they are on my list

Me: “Hey, Brando, you ever take a vacation?” Brandon: “YES! Vacation is a GREAT time to *write* a book!”

If he wasn't before, Brandon is officially a youtuber now: he has mastered the art of clickbait. This is amazing!! I'm glad that you've found a healthy relationship with your work. It's just a bonus that we get some new books :)

In 2023 I read my first Brandon Sanderson book Yumi and the nightmare painter and it was amazing. I literally had no idea it was part of this secret project series and it gave me the push I needed to finally start mistborn. I'm really sad that I kind of missed the excitement of the release, but I'm so happy to be a fan now and to see what will happen in the future. ❤

I am currently working my through Words of Radiance, and I have to say this series keeps getting better and better. Keep writing!!!!

Brandon: This *slams down stack of paper* is a new book Us: Dear God Brandon: There's more Us: NO

As a Utah native I feel comfortable with the following comment: You can tell Brandon is a Mormon by the way he is able to sell this as a naughty confession that turns out to be more like a Tupperware sales pitch that actually has me excited.... . I love you Brandon. You are the most prolific writer of our time. Truly a Utah treasure.

This man has the true heart of a writer.

Each time he put a manuscript on the table my jaw dropped even more. How can this man write so fast!??

This absolute mad man is my hero. I was blown away with “I accidentally wrote an entire novel,” but when he busted out the rest of those stacks my jaw dropped

Please up-vote: We need other shipment option for non US fans. This cost alone almost kills high tier support from outside US. Either we need boundling everything at the end of the year or have some printing done in Europe/Australia/etc.

You are truly an inspiration. The epitome of hard work. I love how its so apparent that your excellence in writing comes from consistent effort and so much enthusiasm. The joy you bring to writing brings it to the rest of us in reading.

It's been a great time getting these books in the mail. You've definitely succeeded in creating an atmosphere of excitement that I haven't had for any books in quite a while! Thank you for your hard work and your stories

I have genuinely never been so concerned with a person's welfare. WAS STRESSING OUT ALL DAY, MR. SANDERSON! Extremely relieved that you're okay. Keep on keeping on!

This man never disappoint us

absolute king, what an icon. i am simultaneously filled with envy yet completely in awe. i aspire to be like you brandon, what a legend x

I’ve rewatched this video a good number of times. Thank you Brandon!!!

His smile when he feels coy about the jokes he wrote for the script is so precious. He is so precious. I adore him.

Brandon Sanderson is a national treasure. I’m 38 and just recently got into his writing. Amazing story teller and I love how dedicated he is to his storytelling and willingness to put out this amazing content.

Thank you Mrs.Sanderson! Your generosity is our boon!📚💌

I stumbled on this video by pure accident (followed link out of curiosity) and now have a sudden urge to at least pick up one of this guy's books. Just comes across as really genuine and personable

Each book reveal absolutely cracked me up, without fail. The man has a flare for the dramatic and I can't help but respect the hell out of that :)

Brandon Sanderson inspires me to push myself more than any other motivational speaker by simply being himself. Thank you so much, Mr. Sanderson!

This is the first exposure I’ve had to this man besides my best friend telling me how much she loves his books. I’m convinced…. Heading to the old B&N right now to get a couple

Can't imagine how the real fans feel if this video made me (someone who's never read Brandon's stuff) all sweaty and excited. THIS IS INSANE!

Legit got misty-eyed seeing him slap those extra manuscripts on the table. This man is UNREAL. His dedication and passion for storytelling is simply unmatched. I'm in awe of you, sir.

You're incredible, and I'm so glad you are in this world to take my mind to another. Keep being you, we are all better for it.

And this video is why I love Brandon Sanderson. Personality, humor, and his neverending writing process making my TBR more existentially Impossible. Thanks Brandon.

God dammit Brandon. You gave me a near heart attack! I'm glad to hear you are well! And can't wait to hear more about this novel . Edit: 5 Books....kickstarter.... damn you. Off to redo my budget and get to backing

I've never read a Brandon Sanderson book and now I must consume them all.

I used to read dozens of novels a year but over time I read less and less fiction and found myself consuming different materials with one major exception..... your novels. In some ways your works have kept my love of fantasy fiction alive. Thank you for your service, keep up the good work.

Bro this is my first time hearing of Brandon Sanderson and I love the guy already. :D He reminds me of Gabe Newell circa 2007, where he was like "oh, you want Half Life 2? How about HL2 Ep 1, and HL2 Ep 2 as well! Actually just kidding, here's Team Fortress 2 to boot! And then the real icing on the cake, if you'll pardon the lie, here's Portal as well! And if that's not enough, they will all cost less than a single AAA game from other developers! Merry frickin' random day in October, fellow gamer!

Oh. My. God. Every aspect of this (performance and the actual news) was perfection. Literally laughed out loud when books 3, 4, and 5 were dropped on the desk. 🤣 Can't wait for more Sanderson reading material!

Also: thank you Emily, for encouraging your husband to share the secret books with us! Thank you for letting us read the books dedicated to you! Love to both of you!

This makes SO MUCH SENSE!!! When the kickstarter happened, I was excited for the Secret Novels, but I also had to ask myself "Why does this NEED to be Kickstarter? This is Brandon Sanderson we're talking about! It's not like his publishers refused to fund them." Now I have my answer.

I'm still waiting for Brandon to shadow drop announce the Cosmeric cinematic universe

Honestly, when Brandon said "don't roll your eyes at me" I had just finished rolling my eyes. Mostly because I'm friggin jealous of Brandon's skillset and ability to write so well. Congrats Brandon!

I love that he's made a graph of his productivity. That is just so Brandon. Never change!

Brandon, you are amazing, this put a smile on my face. This is a level of output and productivity that boggles my mind.

your voice and mindset give me energy and fresh perspective on my goals. Thanks.

Kelsier was right. There _is_ always another secret. This hype train has no brakes. Also, the Kickstarter getting _16_ times the set funding in the first day? That's a sign. Adonalsium Approved.

I know the phrase “what a legend” gets thrown around a lot but I mean it now in its fullest extent. Add to it the amount of engagement he does with his fans and now the implications of the Kickstarter for publishing but I dare say this move will catch more eyes as far as adaptations go. What a genius and even better just a good dude.

Your fans rock dude. You asked them to share this with everyone who knew anything about your books. I've never even heard of you and I'm going to for sure read all of your books

I love this man. You can genuinely tell how much he loves writing which is awe inspiring

I'm not rolling my eyes, I'm practically crying happy tears. Brandon, you're a legend. The world needs more happy surprises like this right now. THANK YOU!

I was so stressed out and feeling anxious about current events (living next to Russia doesn't help) but now I'm crying and laughing out loud. Thanks for this stress relief!!! I really needed it! Can't wait for my books to arrive!

actually re-watching this gem for the third time just because i can

The best video of 2022. 😀Thanks Brandon, we ❤️ you!

Mr. Sanderson, I am truly overjoyed that this is what you were ‘hiding.’ Your work has done more good than you know. I work as a mental health counselor for children and teenagers. I have told the dog and dragon story more times than I can count to great and beautiful effect. Your prose is brilliant, accessible and hits me right in the feels. Thank you for all you do.

Brandon Sanderson casually wrote 4 novels and a graphic novel in the time I have written half of my rough draft. What a legend. I am looking forward to diving into the Cosmere!

You, mister, are a machine! An awesome author machine and gosh this sounds great. If the pandemic had anything good, it was for a lot of us to realize what they want and what they need from life and forced them to set priorities different. I was relieved that I do not have to sing in my choir but had the chance to write my fanfiction for my private enjoyment and to watch your awesome watchlist on youtube. So thank you very much for your unbelievable fanservice here and on Kickstarter.

This is why Brandon is my favorite author. He is so humble with his emails (I hope to never spam you, I respect that you have trusted me with space in your inbox, etc.) and videos (I don't usually ask you to like, subscribe, etc.). He is just the right combination of humble, geeky/awkward, and showman to feel believable, while writing some of the best fiction our world knows. Also, I am very happy AND rolling my eyes at you, Brandon. It can be both. I wouldn't have it any other way, in fact.