Fantasy Quote by Brandon Sanderson
““Though in this genre we write about the fantastic, the stories work best when there is solid grounding in our world. Magic works best for me when it aligns with scientific principles. Worldbuilding works best when it draws from sources in our world. Characters work best when they’re grounded in solid human emotion and experience.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Advice, Brandon Sanderson, 2020
Effective fantasy blends imaginative elements with realistic foundations, using science and human experience to make magic and worldbuilding believable.
In simple terms: Fantasy works best when it feels grounded in reality and human emotion.
Key Takeaway
Anchor fantastical ideas in real science and authentic feelings.
Themes
fantasy
worldbuilding
science
emotion
character
magic
Mood
inspired
thoughtful
practical
Type
advice
inspirational
creative
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- game design
- film script
- role‑playing campaigns
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
hard magic
realistic worldbuilding
human psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance scientific plausibility with wonder?
- What human emotions make your characters relatable?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on realism can stifle creative freedom.
