building and creating magic systems in fictional settings. The terminology of hard and soft originate from hard and soft sciences, which lends itself towards hard science fiction and soft science fiction. Both terms are approximate ways of characterizing two ends of a spectrum. Hard magic systems follow specific rules, the magic is controlled and explained to the reader in the narrative detailing the mechanics behind the way the magic 'works' and can be used for building settings that revolve around the magic system. Soft magic systems may not have clearly defined rules or limitations, or they may provide limited exposition regarding their workings. They are used to create a sense of wonder to the reader. Sanderson's three laws of magic are creative writing guidelines that can be used to create magic systems for fantasy stories: An author's ability to solve conflict with magic is directly proportional to how well the reader understands said magic. Weaknesses, limits and costs are more interesting than powers. The author should expand on what is already a part of the magic system before something entirely new is added, as this may otherwise entirely change how the magic system fits into the fictional world. Additionally, there is a zeroth law: Always err on the side of what's awesome. Teaching Sanderson is adjunct faculty at Brigham Young University, teaching a creative writing course once per year. Sanderson also participates in the weekly podcast Writing Excuses with authors Dan Wells, Mary Robinette Kowal, and web cartoonist Howard Tayler. He began hosting the podcast Intentionally Blank with Dan Wells in June 2021, where they discuss random things they enjoy. Bibliography Selected awards and honors Sanderson has been nominated for and also won multiple awards for his various works. See Writing Excuses for additional awards and nominations. See also Magic (game terminology) Magic system Notes Explanatory notes Citations External links Brandon Sanderson at the MLCA Database 2020 Creative Writing Lectures at BYU 1975 births 21st-century American male writers 21st-century American novelists American children's writers American fantasy writers American male novelists American Mormon missionaries in South Korea American science fiction writers Brigham Young University alumni Brigham Young University faculty Latter Day Saints from Nebraska Latter Day Saints from Utah Living people Novelists from Utah People from American Fork, Utah The Wheel of Time Writers from Lincoln, Nebraska