I thought this was a pretty cool quote from Robert Jordan, describing the Wheel of Time:
I’ve written a few million words so far, and you want me to summarize in six? Well, here goes. Cultures clash, worlds change; cope. I know; only five. But I hate to be wordy.
– Robert Jordan, Dec, 2000
Succinct, yet grand and appropriate for the series. I wonder if the importance given to the clash of culture was something that existed when the early outlines were made (I’m talking pre-Eye of the World-trilogy-time), or if that was something that grew in the telling of the story. Also, love the small bit of humour at the end.
If you had to describe the Wheel of Time series in six-or-less words, what would you say?
Starts great, then goes nowhere.
“Skip book 10. You’ll thank me.”
You can always tell someone who has been reading WoT for many years by the book 10 angst. New readers barely notice the lull.
“Not always what it seems.” Only five, but…
Exactly. Book ten was barely a speed bump. By that time i was completely engrossed.
“A culturally defining work of art.”
Hah. Great comment.
I love how self-aware he was. “Lengthy, enduring, immersive and worth it.”
A culturely defining work of art? Whose culture exactly?
‘Magic woman fold arms beneath breasts”
“Meandering. Good set pieces. Braid pulling.”
Brilliant Start. Bloated Middle. Finish Strong.
It’s life Jim, with channelers