Timewaster's Guide Archive

Although I am not currently enrolled in public school, when I was, I was extremely disappointed in the quality of writing that was taught by the teachers there. Not only was there almost NO focus on creative writing (!), but we had to learn total **** like expository writing (possibly the most USELESS technique ever taught to mankind, monkeys, and javelinas (I would say canines, too, but their habit of using urine to mark territory is just plain weird))!!!! Come on, ladies and gentlemen!!! Teach us some REAL writing!!! I wish people like Brandon Sanderson and RJ could show them a thing or two–then maybe so many trips to the bathroom during English class wouldn't be necessary!!! I once took an afternoon Creative Writing class in fourth grade (my mom forced me to go, but I came to like of my own free will (no injections were necessary that time (kidding))) and the first thing the teacher (who is an extremely talented published author) told us was to forget everything our previous writing teachers had taught us. I was ecstatic. No rules?? No regulations?? No having to begin my stories with onomatopoeia?? And (can you believe it?) no 80-year-old lady telling me that swords were inappropriate for fourth grade kids (not that I have anything against 80-year-old ladies )!!! I think more authors should do a clinic or two each year for kids who are passed expository writing and introductory paragraphs, and simply want to write!

Has anyone else had similar experiences with public school writing teachers (not that all private school teachers are great–far from it)? If so, please share….

I've always enjoyed RJ's side characters…in particular the woman who fed the forkroot to Elayne and Nynaeve. I don't know why; I just find them amusing. Which characters have you guys enjoyed the most?

I tried to get my brother to read Eye of the World. We were at the beginning of a 4-hour drive to the Adirondacks. After a week of my pestering, he begrudgingly agreed to read the first chapter. He opened to the first page, and I sank into my book. At the end of the drive, I looked up and asked him how it was. He was reading "Exodus" (Leon Uris). He didn't even get to the second chapter. I've kept trying, but he's a lost cause, i think.

Good luck to everyone else…spread the BS…

I personally think Rand will die, because he expects it. Before the bonding ceremony with him, Aviendha, Elayne, and Min, the main reason he doesn't want them around him is because he is afraid of hurting them. (1) They could be caught up in an attack on him, but also (2) he *knows* he is going to die and he doesn't want them to have to live with the pain of his death. All the same, I think he'll die, and the three girls will find other people (or maybe they'll all die, too?) to love. I don't know, I'm just thinking out loud here.

I'm curious…has Mr. Rigney gone for the heartbreakingly tragic ending where all the good guys sacrifice their lives for the betterment of the world? Or will he go for a "happily ever after" ending? What do you think?

Mr. Sanderson is your house filled with swords and weapons and armor and stuff like that like Mr. Rigney's was? Just wondering….