Robert Jordan panel at Dragon*Con 2005

[agent5m]

Walk in the Light, Robert Jordan

[antipryzm]

She was quite cute.

[EvanQuade1]

Why did Robert have to die :'(

[blitz849]

@EvanQuade1 ..The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills...

[Folp9]

I love a lot of book series. To be honest, the authors, when I actually see or hear them, disappoint me most of the time. Either they disagree with my world view, hate on something I cherish, or just seem so sure of themselves it irritates me.

Robert Jordan? He did none of those things. Every interview I've seen of him has shown him to be a remarkable man of much intelligence. My only regret is that, while I have now read the entire series, I didn't start before his time game. A good man...

[crazyrazor666]

champion

[scabo33]

Genius...Roll on A Memory of Light

[histerics3]

@MalachyAllen Then go read some John Rechy (who I suspect could write about it with more authenticity than RJ) and stop worrying about it!

[histerics3]

That's marvelous, like scientists and doctors who say they have to do more studies and think they know everything. Sad to see all of the negative comments below, I must say, if you have such a bad attitude, then perhaps you should make better use of your time then to harass people that enjoy these books.

[alwaysopen]

One truth everyone will have to face....

Unlike LOTR, WOT will never be a movie(s) because there is too much bullshit to wade through.

And I like the books

[alwaysopen]

Mmmm....Wrong age and wrong country you haggis munching nut sack.

[hotwaiter]

I guess considering that only 10% of a given population is gay at all...it makes sense to me that perhaps the main storyline doesn't involve any gay characters, or that the main characters would themselves be heterosexual. There are openly female gay characters (Galina Casban) and experimental/situational gay characters (pillow friends) but all in all as a gay man, I can't see how a gay character would make the WOT better.

[alwaysopen]

Dickbreath...

If all you have to offer is a sigh you surely gave your faggot ass away.

FAG!

[hotwaiter]

but as an author you have to build characters that will forward your storyline. A gay character in the Wheel of Time would distract and be unnecessary because the story isn't about peoples' sexuality or stuff. There's romance obviously but even that is connected to prophecy, so having a gay character would need to forward the story somehow and it just doesn't. I do wish there were more gay characters in fantasy, but I wasn't disappointed that WOT didn't have a focus on it.

[hotwaiter]

the majority of the people in this world ARE hetero, so not every story lends itself to gay storylines. Sometimes the story just doesn't really give way for a gay character. What would the purpose of a gay character be in The Wheel of Time anyway? None of the prophecies say Rand has to fall in love with another guy or whatever. I just think Jordan honoured gay people by saying it was an ideal world, but the story didn't give way to a gay character is all.

[alwaysopen]

You are a GAY FAG who will ingest quarts of semen because you think it makes a difference??!!

Keep it to yourself, twinkletoes. The world has enough problems and can't afford the headache of sorting out your sordid lifestyle.

Go blow your dad and STFU.

[hotwaiter]

why? not all stories are about gay people. "We" homo types don't always have to be the center of attention. Some of "us" homo types can just relate to a character regardless of their sexuality.

[alwaysopen]

You outed yourself, FAG.

[sagadestiny]

I don't know the AS have pillow friends or whatever he called it that sounds pretty gay to me...

[ertreri]

I haven't comet yet to any gay mentioning in the books, just finished reading the first one (which i liked quite a lot);

but it seems things will be even more interesting in the other books.

:P

By the way, at least in the first book, there were some parts you actually got the feeling that Mat might not mind screwing around with Rand.

Anyway, i like the way rober jordan writes.

[hotwaiter]

Jordan has stated that homosexuality IS a normal part of the WOT world. It's not something people make a big deal about. It's difficult to understand that concept because we're so Puritanical here in America, but in WOT the interaction of same-sex is just as normal as interaction of different-sex. It just doesn't forward the storyline to have a gay character and focus on his/her story.

[ianfelton]

There are probably no gay characters in WoT because it wouldn't have helped the story in any way. It's like adding peanut butter to s'mores. it's unneeded, and it doesn't make the s'mores any better

[alwaysopen]

This has gotten completely out of hand.

If someone wants a homosexual fantasy series they should write one. I may be wrong but I doubt most want to read a fantasy series centered around homosexual heroes and their intimate moments. Go check out Anne Rice if you need effeminacy among male characters. I can't imagine Lan trying to coerce the boys behind a tree for a quickie.

The Moiraine/Siuane scenario was more like girls away at school.

Did Jordan ever say it was intended to be Sappho?

[Boochus]

Also, the people in the books are VERY old fashioned and superstitious, like the whole crow cocking means there's going to be a death. So to have gay relationships as a normal facet of life would be very out of place in the WoT world.

And I do believe that J.K. Rowling made Dumbledor gay to plz ppl. There's nothing to indicate that he's gay before the 7th book (nothing that you would say "oh he's gay" if it wasn't for the 7th) so she prob did that so ppl will think shes progressive. wtvr

[Borrom]

I'm with Boochus, Rowling just did it for looks, and even withing the seventh book, there isn't anything that hints at Dumbledore being gay. In British culture (and many european cultures) it is acceptable for men to do things with each other (kissing on each cheek as a greeting for example) that in America would be called "gay". Rowling only made that comment in an interview.

[Boochus]

About the absence of Homosexual characters, RJ admitted that pillow friends was a codename for Novices that were sexually together.

SPOiLAR ALERT! This actually means that Moiroine and Siun (however the hell they're spellled) were sexually active with each other as it is written that they were "pillow firends"

[projektzero]

how about you stfu and quit being a back seat author? Thanks.

[alwaysopen]

I concur, however let's make that a "GAY back seat author looking for a reach around."

[Absconditious]

I'm going to be the first to say that your arguement is completely retarded. His characters aren't gay, and this story wasn't meant to contain Gay characters. People pleasers like Rowling piss me off. Don't try and bring a writer of Jordans caliber down to a simplistic pleaser. His books are great because he wrote them the way they were meant to be, not because he pleased the crowd with what they want.

Really though, your post was retarded.

[Yourordinarycrook]

@Absconditious Have you read the books? He's mentioned homosexual relationships (pillow friends) and at least one specifically homosexual character... He's stated in an interview or blog post or something that homosexuality certainly exists in the world, including male-male homosexuality, just that it doesn't figure into the story much so it's not mentioned much... Don't talk crap if you don't have any idea what you're talking about.

[wiltabone]

@Absconditious J.K.Rowling and Robert Jordan and both GREAT Authors and they both Wrote what they wanted to write. J.K.Rowling always emphasised that what's written is what she wants and she wrote Deathly Hallows epilogue before even writing book five (the stories were planned prior the writing of book 1) so it is not true that she wrote to please the crowd. And No I am not hating here, I like both authors (Rowling and Jordan ... and of course Tolkien :) ).

[Khono]

And yet they're using swords and wielding magic. One of the great things about these books is that there aren't .... assumptions/truths that continue across the world. Different parts of the world work on different assumptions and this... chivalry isn't universal. Homosexuality was touched on in the books.. I think it was in Cairhien during an attack; between two women. There may be more which isn't discussed; just as defecating and urinating aren't discussed (I'm not saying they're same).

[aceofosea]

If I have a dollar for every adverb used in Twilight, a quarter for every time Bella calls Edward "Hot", "Adonis-like" or "Beautiful", a dime for every grammar mistake, a nickel for every misused word, and a penny for every plothole, I will have Bill Gates at my feet.

[coroloro]

While the question seems a little silly, at the same time, Robert Jordan's answer is brilliant- and the reasoning behind this as well. Those are wise words to live by, gained from great experience and a sharp mind: 'even though we don't know everything, we don't always have the luxary of sitting back and not acting.'

[narutofangirl2010]

Does anyone know when Brandon Sanderson is going to start writing the last book? I heard that he was picked to finish the series and so I checked him out. He'd do ok with A LOT of notes and stuff. It'll never be the same though. RJ was amazing! At least it's good that he DID have notes on the last book so we won't be left hanging forever.

[jrobichess]

He's already over 300k into it (the longest WoT book was around 400k or so I think). RJ left 50k (the ending), audio logs and notes. Working closely with his wife and publisher, Sanderson figures the last book of the WoT series will come out Nov 2009. It might even end up being 2 books from what his blog says. It's amazing how much care and love they are placing into this book. It will be a great tribute and conclude one of the best series ever written.

[vulgarmastermind]

The thing is... tolkien made up a whole new language and could speak it. theres trolloc i guess... i duno. iv read LoTR 4 times and WoT up to knife of dreams twice through. the dragon reborn 4 times.. nyway.. at this point i enjoy WoT more but im only 17. I kinda have the feeling that as i grow more "mature" LoTR will appeal more. Whatever.. They are both amazing clasics that have given humanity somthing extremly positive and important providing us with an indepth look into the human condition.

[MrRoekkum]

Well, my experience is that Jordan writes atleast five times as many descriptions than Tolkien, and Jordan repeats himself too much. Tolkiens language is much richer, and even though he tend to describe scenery and such, he doesn't describe the most little detail of a dress - or every dress on every person present at a ball. PS: I like both LotR and tWoT.

[eclecticsnipeg]

Robert Jordan one the smartest people you ever hope to see. Love his books much better than Lord of the rings

[byrobyro]

wtf is this? Why are fans trying to understand every minutiae of an epic fantasy story that spans some 3,000,000 + words? It is not supposed to be entirely coherent, nor can it be entirely plot-tight. What an idiot this lady was. And what an idiot question.

[Isabelsedai]

Well, I think it's kindof important to know if suddenly a lot of people are going to become evil. It was a important part of book 1 and 2. The contamination of the dagger.

BTW, I asked a lot more questions about minor details :) Jordan could answer everything!

[sk8terboi8056]

robert jordan was a very brilliant man, i have read all the books up to A Crown of Swords, very similiar to LOTR but just as great, RIP robert jordan, may u find shade and water in the arms of the creator

[XxDreadweavexX]

I've read LoTR and all of tWoT and they're not similar in anyway aside from having a Dark Lord and being based in a darker age.

[slipcock21]

wow i like the books but not to this extent. these people need other things.

[zqby88]

this man is a god. im so pissed he died. i wanted his point of view on the ending not some other second rate author.

[JaredDrake]

I think you're being kinda harsh. I read somewhere that Robert Jordan left copious notes on the last book. Everything is already planned out. He even dictated the last book to his family on his deathbed, telling them everything.

It is a shame that he died before he could finish the book. I'd like to think that they wouldn't just pick some idiot to write the rest. It wouldn't be the same, but at least the ending isn't going to be something that Jordan didn't want for The Wheel of Time.

[DarkdwarfSoaD]

His wife and son will complete the book

[fortrouge]

his wife chose a mormon from utah to write the book. brandon sanderson. i haven't read his stuff. hopefully he's half as good as jordan, i don't expect much more.

[chuckles222]

A mormon!!! damn it, now its going to suck

[alwaysopen]

Moroni!

[masterwin1779]

brandon sanderson is writing it and he is at 50 percent of the book.

[UnderclassHero1027]

@zqby88

Sanderson is amazing, buddy. He did an incredible job.

[Bommalomma2]

A great man has left us, now there are no good fantasy writers left alive in this world. I encourage all of you thinking about writing to start this instant, the world needs you more than ever, even though Robert Jordan's, Terry Brook's and Tolkien's worlds can be relived many times, they are getting "washed out" after a while. Write!

[gcoxumw]

George r.r. Martin is easily as good as Robert Jordan, i would say maybe better. you should check out "a game of thrones" if you havent already. it is the first in a seven book series that is every bit as addictive as " the wheel of time" was. if you have read martin i dont know how you could say there are no good fantasy writers left.

[evilmonkeydemon]

^^agreed. You read Martin's books and he does so much that leaves your jaw on your chest....a great read!!!

[reekthegreek]

AMAN,, I LOVE MARTIN'S BOOKS...

[15MINUTStellMIDNIGHT]

The wheel of time is the best seares of books ever

[xrobinxhoodlumx]

Tolkien? Whos that? Oh the dude with the midgets and the rings and the mushrooms? That guy is a good writer. Very good. But he lacked poise. Robert Jordan is simply more complex. He goes a lot deeper than anything you'll find in tolkien.

[inuyashamaniac1]

Huh? Have you ever read the Silmarillion? Lord of the Rings? Jordan, may he rest in peace, did borrow a lot from Tolkien. Tolkien's writings are deeper than Jordan's. Jordan is a great author, but not as good as Tolkien.

[LordLugburz]

although i love this series, it doesnt contend with the Indepth peaceful feeling you get from Lotr. Great Work, but not as extensive as Tolkiens work

[SirJust]

The Wheel of Time was the best fantasy I've ever read. Way better than Lotr or anything. God bless Jordans soul! I just hope the one who will finish the 12th book will make a good job of it :(

[nutshanglo]

Is that Harriet on his left?

[Baalzamon3]

He is dead? why?! the wheel of time series is without doubt the best books i have ever read. I will never forget him or his books :/

[dieshard1]

Lord of the rings and J.R.R tolkien is better.

[Baalzamon3]

No way! though i have to admit i haven read the books.. so.. it might be... Hm... robert Jordan was great anyway! :P

[inuyashamaniac1]

I agree, Tolkien is better.

[OLTJOE]

I was on a ship in Alaska last year when he died. I just found out he did. There's definitely a tear in my eye.

[force303]

RIP May you and your Family always find shade and water.

[mephiston001]

RIP, WoT is fantasic! he left a legacy with as much character as his own

[pauobiol]

Un dels meus escriptors preferits. Et recordem, Mr RAFO!!!

[thepresd36]

my favourite author...RIP James Rigney you will be sorely missed.

[jwdenzel]

Fantastic! Thank you for sharing this with all of us Robert Jordan fans.

And Emma... does your mother know you're on an internet video? (Inside joke for those of you who have read RJ's other interviews with Emma in them)

[Isabelsedai]

Hi Jason,

Yeah i showed it to my dad and mom :) They really liked it. It really gave a nice impression how much fun i had!

:p

[Isabelsedai]

Hey thats me. Is there any possibility that I will get this video so i can see it for myself?

[bigcat2010]

If that is you, you are a very sexy woman.

[Isabelsedai]

hehe :p Thanks ;)

[bigcat2010]

Are you going to Dragon Con this year?

[Isabelsedai]

Probably not. It's quite expensive to go there.

[mmt2853]

rest in peace dude!!!!!!!!