Many authors will present a scene in one big chunk, even when several distinct things happen. They simply add a transition paragraph between “topics.” Sr. Sanderson, however, eliminates the transition paragraph, and adds a section break. Read the first chapter or two, and I think the longest section before a break is 2 or 3 pages. They are noticeably short. They may get a little longer as the book progresses, bet the technique is generally the same.

As far as I can tell, this accomplishes two important things:

1. It breaks the story telling up into much smaller chunks. These chunks are much more digestible than longer sections, and make it easier to read the book. It’s simply less imposing, and also easier to say, “One more section, and then I’ll put the book down.”

2. It adds drama and emphasis to the item that precedes the break.

It’s a technique I find it very interesting.

Glancing through Mistborn, it appears that the sections are much longer than in Elantris, so I imagine the length of scenes or sections probably also says something about the tone and speed of the story telling.

Basic was more about role-play, Advanced was more about the mechanics of combat simulation. Both were FAR more complicated than systems that focus on role-play today.

–Howard

I like that you pointed out that even though many people didn’t start playing rpgs through D&D, they still owe a debt to Gary Gygax for initiating the rpg industy.