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Your search for bela yielded 67 results
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1
Interview: Oct 17th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Daniel Rouk (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
Jordan knows about the internet groups, and even mentioned the recent split of the rawsfr-j from its parent group and said that is happening on a lot of other computer boards.
Jordan quoted the FAQ! Erica said the relevant part was from Novak, about Bela being a Darkfriend and attending the social. "The cloaked figure of indeterminate sex."
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2
Interview: Oct 17th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Erica Sadun (Paraphrased)Question
Is Bela ta'veren?Robert Jordan
He quoted John Novak's Darkfriend Social scene. (He called it the "Darkfriend Social". He got the name from Judy.)Tags
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3
Interview: Oct 18th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Erica Sadun (Paraphrased)Question
Did Bela kill Asmodean?Robert Jordan
Read the book, chuckle chuckle.Tags
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4
Interview: Oct 20th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Dennis Higbee (Paraphrased)Dennis Higbee
I was at the Robert Jordan signing today at Forbidden Planet on 12th and Broadway in lower Manhattan, NYC. I'm not going to set the scene, except to say that the line wasn't too long, and it moved well. I found him and his wife (who was also present) to be a charming and personable couple. They went out of their way to by nice and patiently answered all my questions. None of them were really of any significance, but he did identify me as a net-denizen from the question "Is Bela ta'veren?" (Yes, I know it's been done, but I could not help myself.)Tags
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5
Interview: 2011
Twitter 2011 (WoT) (Verbatim)Brandon Sanderson (5 January 2011)
People (mostly my editor) complain about my capitalization of magic-related terms. (Push and Pull in Mistborn.) I learned from RJ.BRANDON SANDERSON
I'll admit, keeping track of which terms are upper case while writing these can be hard. Warder, for example, is capitalized.BRANDON SANDERSON
Ha. I love @GrammarGirl. She says: "Refer your editor to the section on capitalizing Platonic ideals: http://j.mp/18T09ZBRANDON SANDERSON
When younger, I thought Rand's first Channeling was lightning in Four Kings. It wasn't until later that I caught the Bela thing.TEREZ
No, 'channeling' is NOT capitalized. :)BRANDON SANDERSON
That's the one I most think should be. We always have to search/replace it after I write a book.SHIVAM BHATT
Why did you use the word 'magic' in Towers of Midnight? It never showed up in WoT before that.BRANDON SANDERSON
RJ used the word a couple of times in the series.SHIVAM BHATT
Did he? Because I remember being jarred out of the narrative when I saw it mentioned in Towers of Midnight. Seemed really incongruous.BRANDON SANDERSON
Yeah, a couple of times. Mostly in earlier books. In Aviendha's vision, though, it was supposed to be incongruous.BRANDON SANDERSON
This is (presumably) many, many years in the future. Language and usage has changed.Footnote
The word 'magic' was actually only used once (in The Eye of the World Chapter 33). Brandon used 'magics' in Towers of Midnight Chapter 48 in Aviendha's POV, but he also used 'magical' in Faile's POV in Towers of Midnight Chapter 16 (neither word appears anywhere else in the series).Tags
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6
Interview: Oct 28th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Julie Kangas (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
The real Robert Jordan was late arriving (he had an earlier signing and then an interview) and asked for a three book limit. I had six books so got to talk to him twice. He looked kind of tired and seemed to be in a hurry to get to everyone. Most of my questions got a 'read and find out.' He said he had read the 'Is Bela a Darkfriend?' thread from this group. He shook his head in a bemused manner as he said this.Tags
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7
Interview: 2011
Twitter 2011 (WoT) (Verbatim)Brandon Sanderson (5 January 2011)
This now reads interestingly: "With all his heart & desperation, he silently shouted at Bela to run...tried to will strength into her...ZEERAK WASEEM
The Bela thing?BRANDON SANDERSON
Rand heals Bela of her fatigue before Moiraine can.BRANDON SANDERSON
Since people are asking, Rand's first use of the Power is healing Bela of her fatigue. He feels the effects later in Baerlon, I think.BRANDON SANDERSON
Are there any Theorylanders/Dragonmounters who can confirm this for me? Maybe give some specifics or a thread for people?ADAM PETTY
Didn't Moiraine bring that to his attention at the end of The Eye of the World or The Dragon Reborn?BRANDON SANDERSON
I think she did, but either way, I missed it first read-through.JO KENEBEL
Actually doesn't Moiraine confirm it later, she says something like "I had suspicions from the first...then there was Bela..."BRANDON SANDERSON
I was asking for confirmation on his sickness, not whether he channeled. :)BRANDON SANDERSON
On the subject of Rand's channeling, a lot of people are bringing up the event on the ship outside of Shadar Logoth.BRANDON SANDERSON
I'll talk about this when we get there. I've read a lot of theories on this one arguing for both sides. I've never made up my mind.BRANDON SANDERSON
Wotfaq on Rand channeling: http://bit.ly/fBBrCz I've read enough questions from theory-types on the second one to make me question.TEREZ
Like what? Seems pretty straightforward to me.BRANDON SANDERSON
And...Linda to the rescue. Once again, 13th Depository has an exhaustive look at all this: http://bit.ly/gYgU7Z (Thanks @einarjh.)TEREZ
She doesn't question it either. :D I have not seen a case against it. Also, Vin using up her 'luck' reminded me of that. :)MATT HATCH
Brandon, come on over. We'd love to "entertain" your theory against Bela. :)BRANDON SANDERSON
My theory against Bela?MATT HATCH
Thought "theories on this one arguing for both sides. I've never made up my mind" meant you were undecided on Bela...MATT HATCH
...as the first instance of channeling. But now I see you were speaking of the sickness.BRANDON SANDERSON
The ship is what I was talking about. I remember reading, in the early days, some people trying to refute that one.BRANDON SANDERSON
The reason everyone misses the first times Rand channels is because the sickness after the lightning is so much more memorable.HBFFERREIRA
The mast swinging and killing a Trolloc, right? I remember thinking ta'veren during my re-read.BRANDON SANDERSON
That's what I thought for a long time too. Might still think it. I want to watch it this read.LUCKERS
Re: Rand's first channelings—do you know of the theory that Rand channeled to bring them to the Eye...LUCKERS
Compare the last few moments before they reach the Eye with when Rand heals Bela of her tiredness.LUCKERS
If that is one of the first channelings, it's not on any list. Always intrigued me. RJ was so subtle sometimes.BRANDON SANDERSON
I'll watch for that, Luckers. Thanks for the heads up.BRANDON SANDERSON (7 JANUARY)
Okay, we come to Rand using the One Power to swing the boom on the ship and hit the Trolloc. The argument against this one...BRANDON SANDERSON
...is that the Power doesn't actually seem to move the boom. The boat shakes for some reason, which swings it down.BRANDON SANDERSON
In the other two cases, Rand does something actively. In this, it seems more accidental. It's enough of an argument to make me wonder.TEREZ
Who says Rand didn't shake the boat with the Power? Besides, the aftereffects are what make us sure.LINDA TAGLIERI
I agree. He jolted the boat which dislodged many Trollocs and the boom swept the one attacking him away.JOHN IN PUEBLO
Are you saying him being ta'veren caused it to move?BRANDON SANDERSON
I'm saying I've been made to wonder. The biggest point against it is the sickness he feels after.BRANDON SANDERSON (10 JANUARY)
So, Rand on the rigging really must be an after-effect of channeling. But it doesn't HAVE to mean he did it on the night with the boat.BRANDON SANDERSON
It could have happened in the days between, and... and I'm sounding like @theoryland, aren't I? You guys are a bad influence on me.TEREZ
If you actually hung out @theoryland you would never put such an unsupported theory forward for fear of our scorn. ;)TEREZ
Sometimes, Occam's Razor is your friend. Alas.BRANDON SANDERSON
Ha. You want me to think your theories are all well-supported? You think I haven't heard @theoryland's Avi theory?TEREZ
Hey, that was MY theory. And it was way more supported than yours! hmph... (though I didn't believe it really)MATT HATCH
Ouch. I should get Jenn to do an Asmodean panel at JordanCon. I need an outlet for my glossary disdain.TEREZ
While all of us in the apathy camp think the glossary reveal was JUST PERFECT TAKE THAT YOU CHUMPS.MATT HATCH
Of course you were happy, because it was the apathetic way to reveal it...I really need that panel, Jenn!JENNIFER LIANG
Tell Shannan. I think we have room for another theory panel.TEREZ
Also, Moiraine clearly says that early unconscious channeling always comes in response to a desperate need.TEREZ
We know it was smooth sailing after they left Shadar Logoth, so no opportunity to make Rand channel.BRANDON SANDERSON
Where did you get the idea that this was my theory? Just something I was curious about. :PTEREZ
Just from the fact that you were, you know, defending it. :p I know you said you had read it back in the day though.BRANDON SANDERSON
Unfortunately, I don't really GET to have theories any more, since I can just look up the answers or ask Maria. :(BRANDON SANDERSON
And the theories I do have I don't really get to post about, since they will influence the series end. Maybe once A Memory of Light is done,BRANDON SANDERSON
I'll pick a few things the notes are silent on, explain that they're silent, then jump in with some good, old-fashioned theories.BRANDON SANDERSON
That won't stop me from making random comments as I read, though, so maybe those count as my theories.BRANDON SANDERSON
I am keeping a list, though, to get answers on as I go. Already got a few, actually....TEREZ
That would be awesome. In the meantime, feel free to defend silly theories. It gives us something to do. ;)Tags
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8
Interview: Oct 28th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Michael Thompson (Paraphrased)Michael Thompson
My wife, my mother, and I arrived at Flights of Fantasy in Santa Monica about 5 minutes after six last night (October 28). We were given numbers 23 and 24. Robert Jordan hadn't arrived so everyone just milled around inside the store which became quite warm. I was wearing my Bela '96 button (ftp://netcom.com/pub/morgno/wot/bela.gif), but nobody commented on it. I heard no indication that any other rasfwrj readers were present, but then, I didn't ask. Someone had two children there, but they seemed ordinary children, not wide eyed and clinging, and I had no reason to suspect that Moghedien was among the crowd.
About 6:20, they started lining us up, announced a three book limit and requested that we write our names down so he would know how to sign it. I would guess there were maybe fifteen people behind us before the line went out the door.
A brief moment later, he entered the back of the store wearing, as foreshadowed in the previous signing reports, the hat and carrying the Trolloc-horn cane. The hat and cane were more impressive than I had expected. His wife (I presume—no announcement or introductions were made) has a streak of white in her hair, so I immediately wondered if she were one of the Black Ajah, but she has far too much presence and charisma for that.
From reading reports from the other signings, I knew there wasn't much point in asking any substantive questions. Since the books usually do answer the questions eventually, there's no need to ask what's going to happen; in fact, such are really spoilers anyway. One young man was brandishing three printed pages of questions. The young man stationed himself off Jordan's left shoulder and sort of shouted out questions whenever there was a pause in the action. I don't expect he got much, but perhaps if the young man is one of us, he'll post his results here.
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9
Interview: Oct 30th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Matthew Hunter (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
He is aware of us, and the Bela discussion. We had a rather long convoluted discussion about Bela and the Darkfriend social, which seemed to leave everyone else clueless, when I identified myself as a net.jordanite...
We complain about the Sweet covers. He complains about the German covers. (Well, not much. But one in particular had a naked woman wearing pearls holding back an army with a wave of her hand (The Great Hunt) and "I had no idea where they got that one.")
You don't want to hear about his British agent.
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10
Interview: Oct 28th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Michael Thompson (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
I showed him my Bela '96 button, and he said, "So you're not one of those who think she's a Darkfriend?"Tags
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11
Interview: Jun 16th, 1995
East of the Sun Con - Karl-Johan Norén (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
Some of the "Read-and-find-out-answers" are partly due to that there are things that might happen, not decided yet, in future books. He also saw it as a way to diminish the reader's reading experience due to narrowing his view of the future works. And he was vastly amused by our looney theories, especially the Bela Darkfriend one. Unfortunately, I missed telling him of the Demandred being Olver theory.
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12
Interview: Jun 16th, 1995
East of the Sun Con - Karl-Johan Norén (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
When told about the Bela in Lord of Chaos plot contest he said that he knew what Bela had been doing in Lord of Chaos. WARNING! Non-family newsfroup material! Quote made without consent from the Great Lord of the Dark! "I wouldn't quite call it lesbian bestiality. Rather a very close mutual friendship with a certain female in Salidar." [I wonder who? :-)]
Footnote
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13
Interview: Jun 27th, 1996
AOL Chat 1 (Verbatim)BHeins1
I was just wondering if you have read the FAQ compiled by many of your fans. If so, how would you evaluate its accuracy?Robert Jordan
It's been about a year since someone's sent me a copy of the FAQ. At that time, the proportions were running pretty much the same as the early ones I'd seen: about a third are right, a third are almost right, and the rest are blue sky. In fact, there have been some arguments over things I'd thought I'd made clear. (Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? Bela knows!)Tags
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14
Interview: Aug 23rd, 1996
ACOS Signing Report - Lara Beaton (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
Bela is the Neigh'blis.Tags
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15
Interview: Oct, 1998
Sense of Wonder Interview (Verbatim)Sense of Wonder
Can you give us a hint about anything new and exciting readers might learn in The Path of Daggers?Robert Jordan
You wouldn't want me to spoil things for you. Would you? I have to fall back on that useful Web acronym, RAFO. READ AND FIND OUT. But I suggest you watch your back if Bela happens to be around.Tags
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Interview: Nov 1st, 1998
SciFi.com Chat (Verbatim)Erica
Is Tai'daishar the foal of Daishar? Could someone bond Bela?...pause....Why? Any chance that Bela will foal during the series? Exactly how old is Bela supposed to be?Robert Jordan
(laughs) No...nobody could bond Bela. And for the rest of it, read and find out.Tags
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17
Interview: Nov 14th, 1998
TPOD Signing Report - Matthew Hunter (Paraphrased)Matthew Hunter
Lots of minor comments thinly veiled towards the net-jordanites. I got the impression he thinks we're a bit obsessive but appreciates it. Some of the more interesting ones:Robert Jordan
—"I like the idea of Bela as a Darkfriend."
—"There is an alphanumeric code in the copyright page." He expects us to decode it shortly. Let's get cracking!
—"How do you know Mat isn't back as Cyndane?"
—"Any crazy rumors I can start on the Web are good."
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18
Interview: Mar, 2000
Letter to Paul Ward (Verbatim)Paul Ward
Possible question: Who killed Asmodean?Robert Jordan
I really think that the best suggestion for the murderer of Asmodean was that it was Moiraine acting under Compulsion imposed by Bela. Of course, that is not the answer, but it is the best suggestion from a fan.Paul Ward
I can't remember who suggested that. It's the best suggestion?Tags
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19
Interview: Nov 11th, 2000
Barnes and Noble Chat (Verbatim)E.S. from Denver
How did Kierkegard and Sartre influence your portrayal of Bela and can you discuss how the equus/superequus dichotomy played out in the whole Asmodean murder scene?Robert Jordan
(laughs) No, no, neither Sartre or Kierkegard influenced me in the slightest, nor did they influence the development of Bela. My wife thinks that they did influence the development of Bela, but I don't and I'm the one who did it, so there.Tags
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20
Interview: Apr 8th, 2001
Elf Fantasy Fair - Gonzo (Paraphrased)Isabel
Can you eliminate anyone from the list of suspects in Asmodean's murder?Robert Jordan
No. I like to see you wondering. It should be obvious to anyone.Isabel
Not even a single one?ROBERT JORDAN
(After some thinking): Rand. Apart from him, I will not clear any other suspects. Not even Bela.GONZO THE GREAT
After this, it deteriorated into a discussion of Bela as the Creator/Moridin. Isabel defended my view that Moridin is Jeade'en, Rand's horse. For some reason, she failed to convince RJ; probably her fault, as my theory was very good. It was just my humility that made me stay in the background, of course. Certainly not the fact that I was not quite sure I could have defended it better.Footnote
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21
Interview: Apr 8th, 2001
Elf Fantasy Fair - Aan'allein (Verbatim)Isabel
Can you eliminate a few suspects of who killed Asmodean?Robert Jordan
No. No, I refuse to... Well, I'll tell you this. It wasn't Rand. [Seems he isn't even aware of the idea that Lews Therin Telamon taking over Rand killed Asmodean. Scratch one idea there.] But I have my suspicions about Nynaeve. And I've always thought that Elayne might have been covering up something that was going on at the site.Comment
It was Bela.Robert Jordan
Oh, you're one of those people who believe Bela is a Darkfriend, are you?Comment
No, she's the Creator herself.Robert Jordan
No no, there's a whole body of thought, a whole body of writing on the net, proving that Bela is indeed a Darkfriend, and possibly an avatar of the Dark One himself.KuraFire
We have the proof that Bela is the Creator.Robert Jordan
You'll have to put it on the net then. [*blinks* Jordan isn't aware of Larry Homer's essay? What a pity indeed. Seems like he's still thinking as they did back when the "where was Bela during Lord of Chaos?" contests were held on rasfwr-j.]KuraFire
It is.Isabel
How about the idea that Moridin is the horse of Rand?Robert Jordan
No, actually Moridin is hiding as Nynaeve. [And yes, choosing Nynaeve there was deliberate; poor Isabel.]Footnote
The bit about 'the horse of Rand' is referring to the prophecy in which Rand rides a white horse, the name of which is Death.Tags
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22
Interview: Dec 9th, 2002
Dragonmount Interview with Harriet McDougal (Verbatim)Dragonmount
Who is your favorite character?Harriet McDougal Rigney
Bela, the stout, shaggy little mare.DRAGONMOUNT
Favorite book?HARRIET MCDOUGAL RIGNEY
I love them all.DRAGONMOUNT
Scene?HARRIET MCDOUGAL RIGNEY
Ditto.Tags
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23
Interview: Jan 7th, 2003
COT Signing Report - David Funke (Verbatim)Robert Jordan
[inaudible] Well, I don’t know what I’m supposed to say, so I think I will start off by giving you some pronunciations.Audience
[LAUGHS, CHEERS]Robert Jordan
[inaudible] ...use pronunciations that I’m not quite sure where they came from. It’s Nynaeve Al’Meara and Siuan Sanche. Aiel, Aiel, not ale. Ale is a drink. Egwene al’Vere. That seems to be a fairly obvious one to me, but...it’s one I labored over the most, because I knew exactly how I wanted it to sound. I used [inaudible] in the first draft spelled, 14 different spellings of her name...I thought it was obvious to even the most casual observer [slightly inaudible, but same phrase as he’s used with Asmodean] everyone will see this and know exactly how to pronounce this name...but I was wrong. [More like this] Mazrim Taim, Moridin, Moghedien, Semirhage (don’t forget her. If you forget her, she gets very upset), Ba’alzamon.Audience
Asmodean?Robert Jordan
(The pronunciation of) Asmodean is quite correct.Audience
Who killed him? [LAUGHS]Robert Jordan
I no longer have to worry about that, because someone has actually deduced who killed him, using the evidence that was available two books ago, perhaps three books ago. And I’d said that that evidence should have been sufficient to tell us who killed Asmodean and so someone has posted it.Audience
Where?Robert Jordan
It’s out there. The evidence is there. [inaudible. Apparently, an audience member asked, “Was it Bela?”] Bela has an alibi. A shaky alibi, yeah. OK, I will take just a few questions, because then we’re gonna have to get all of you guys to here (point to table), to sign your books.Tags
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24
Interview: Sep 4th, 2005
DragonCon Report - Matt Hatch (Paraphrased)Matt Hatch
Skipped [transcription of] question to Harriet about a subject of questions she is surprised fans aren't asking about.Harriet McDougal Rigney
She jokes that we aren't asking about Bela. She says she can't think of anything we don't ask about.Tags
bela, -
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Interview: 2001
Thus Spake the Creator (Paraphrased)Terez
This is a collection of quotes that were organized by Raina (presumably an old rasfwrj person) some time in 2001. Most of the original sources for the quotes she collected were found online, so those quotes aren't included here. These are only the leftover quotes, and as a result we have no idea where they came from or when they were asked, unless there are clues in the text. Sometimes it's not entirely clear if consecutive paragraphs are from different reports or the same report. We are, however, always searching for these lost interviews, and when we find them, we'll delete the quotes from this collection. I'll include Raina's introductory comments below, along with a list of the categories, each of which links to a Google Doc containing a link to the original category and an annotated copy of the page's original contents, linking to known sources and highlighting lost sources, which are the ones included here. Raina also drew from these interviews for her collection (and those quotes are not included here):
SOURCES
Letter to Tom McCormick: December 1993
Sense of Wonder interview: October 1994
Compuserve chat: October 19, 1994
AOL chat 1: October 21, 1994
AOL chat 2: October 21, 1994
Sci-fi Channel Interview: April 23, 1995
East of the Sun Con�Karl Johan Nor�n: June 16, 1995
East of the Sun Interview�Helena Lofgren: June 17, 1995
Balticon XXX�Bill Garrett: April 5, 1996
Balticon XXX�Pam Korda: April 6, 1996
ACOS Signing Report�Brian Ritchie: June 21, 1996
Compuserve chat: June 26, 1996
AOL chat 1: June 27, 1996
AOL chat 2: June 27, 1996
ACOS Signing Report�Hawk: August 4, 1996
ACOS Signing Report�Robert Watson: August 23, 1996
ACOS Signing Report�Lara Beaton: August 23, 1996
ACOS Signing Report�Greebs: August 25, 1996
ACOS Signing Report�Erica Sadun: October 9, 1996
ACOS Signing Report�Mike Lawson: October 12, 1996
AOL chat: October 19, 1996
DragonCon Sci-Fi Channel chat: June 28, 1997
Barnes and Noble chat: November 11, 1997
Waldenbooks Interview: October 1998
Barnes and Noble chat: October 19, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Aaron Bergman: October 20, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Pam Basham: October 22, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Drew Gillmore: Octoer 24, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Justin Howell: October 24, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Chris Mullins: October 24, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Rick Moen: October 25, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Kevin Bartlett: October 29, 1998
Sci-fi.com chat: November 1, 1998
Amazon.com interview: November 6, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Matthew Hunter: November 14, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Michael Martin: November 15, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�John Hamby: November 18, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Melinda Yin: November 18, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�John Nowacki: November 20, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�John Hamby: November 21, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�Rachel K. Warren: November 21, 1998
TPOD Signing Report�John Novak: November 21, 1998
Brisbane Signing Report�Joel Gilmore: September 21, 1999
Locus Magazine Interview: March 2000
Orbit interview: October 2000
Barnes and Noble chat: November 11, 2000
WH Signing Report�Ryan R.: November 12, 2000
Sci-fi.com chat: November 14, 2000
CNN chat: December 12, 2000
Author's Table Interview: 2001
Leiden Signing Report�Aan'allein: April 2001
Amsterdam Signing Report�Aan'allein: April 5, 2001
Rotterdam Signing Report�Aan�allein: April 6, 2001
Dromen and Demonen chat: April 6, 2001
Elf Fantasy Fair�Aan'allein: April 7, 2001
Elf Fantasy Fair�Aan'allein: April 8, 2001
Interview with RJ�Kurafire: April 10, 2001
Marcon Report�Sorilea: May 2001Raina
Below are collected various Jordan questions and answers, and reports from interviews. Not all quotes are guaranteed to be here, although I try to be thorough, and in some cases I've deleted answers that repeat material more or less verbatim. They are organized into categories by topic, and some are in more than one category, so you shouldn't find it hard to find a quotation you're looking for. Try 'Miscellaneous' if none of the categories seem to fit. As for such categories as 'Sex and Sexuality' and 'Bela'�you asked the questions, I just sort them.
And please stop asking who killed Asmodean or if Moiraine will be back. 'Read And Find Out' is already far too long!
In several cases, the people who provided the quotes have included comments of their own on the questions or answers. As such, any interpretations of Jordan's words do not necessarily represent my personal opinion. A few comments were written by me, and they are in blue text and signed Like this�Raina. so you should have no trouble working out which is which.
Robert Jordan Himself
How long will the series be, how long will it take, and does he know the end?
What if he dies before finishing it?
How did the series originate?
How does he go about writing the books?
What are his sources and inspirations?
What else has Jordan written?
What else is in the Wheel of Time universe?
What is he planning to write?
Fan reaction to the books
Spin-offs: movies and so forth
The Wheel of Time game
Fantasy as a genre
Jordan and Tolkien
Advice to aspiring writers
Guide Art and Cover Art
WoT versus reality
Themes of the series
What books does Jordan read?
Timing of events in the seriesWorkings of the Wheel
Women and Men
The One Power, the True Power, and channeling
The Dragon
The Heroes and the Horn
Tel'aran'rhiod and other dreams
The Age of Legends
Is he his characters?
Rand al'Thor
Mat Cauthon
Perrin Aybara
Egwene al'Vere
Nynaeve al'Meara/Mandragoran
Moiraine Damodred
Al'Lan Mandragoran
Min Farshaw
Elayne Trakand
Aviendha
Thom Merrilin
Faile ni Bashere t'Aybara
Berelain Paeron sur Paendrag
Tam and Kari al'Thor
Padan Fain
The Daughter of the Nine Moons
Birgitte and Gaidal Cain
Verin Mathwin
Cadsuane Melaidhrin
Galad Damodred
Sharina Melloy
The Shadow
The Black Ajah
The Forsaken
Shadar Logoth
Slayer
The White Tower
The Black Tower
Warders and the Bond
The Aiel
The Aelfinn and the Eelfinn
The Oath Rod
Language and the Old Tongue
The Ogier
Geography
Theology
Prophecy
Blademasters
Other Lands (Shara, Seanchan, the Land of the Madmen)
Sex and Sexuality
Bela
Trivia
Miscellaneous
Read and Find Out!
Questions for the future
Raina's Hold -
26
Interview: May 15th, 2009
Dave Brendon
We know you can’t say anything specific or even in general about what takes place in A Memory of Light, but you have to be able to answer this one, at least—does Bela save the day? :-)Brandon Sanderson
I’m afraid Bela’s future exploits are still under wraps, but I have already revealed that it was Bela (with the assistance of Narg) who killed Asmodean.Tags
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27
Interview: Nov 14th, 2009
TGS Signing Report - Matoyak (Paraphrased)Matoyak
Well there ya have it! Lots of good information here, the death of a faction war being among one of them. Also, I have official proof that Bela killed Asmodean.
For the personalization of my signing I put:
For Mason Matoyak __________ killed Asmodean.
Here's the pic of what he wrote: [Brandon filled in the blank with 'Bela'.]
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Interview: Nov 19th, 2009
TGS Signing Report - Samadai (Paraphrased)Samadai
We all thanked him profusely for his time (20-30 minutes). Forkroot and I told him we thought he did a great job and we couldn't think of another person who is more suited to finishing the books. We said goodbye to the others, Forkroot and I shook hands and we went home (Forkroot, I am very sorry I didn't offer you a ride to your hotel).
I forgot to put this up there but while BWS was signing, the Storm Leaders were walking around giving out cool things. I got three bumper stickers, "I killed Asmodean", "Bela is a Darkfriend", and the WoT symbol. Also a map of Randland, a bookmark, and two flyers, one for a writer's conference with BWS in Los Angeles, and the other for JordanCon 2010.
I promised pictures and will get them on here but I can't do them here at work. So after I get home I will put them here.
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Interview: Mar 19th, 2010
Interview with Maria Simons by Luckers (Verbatim)Luckers
You told me that you sometimes lurk on the boards. Have you ever encountered something that for whatever reason made you laugh out loud? If so can you tell us what?Maria Simons
I frequently encounter things that make me laugh out loud. WoT fans are an extremely clever bunch. Once, at Wotmania, someone joined using Harriet's name. That person made a lovely post that included the (false) info that Talmanes was a Darkfriend (I have a crush on Talmanes. Not as big as the Mat crush, but . . .). There have also been many posts regarding Bela that tickled my funnybone (Is she the Creator? A Darkfriend? The Neigh'blis?). And somewhere recently I saw someone aver that it stated flat-out in the text who murdered Asmodean; it had just been transcribed inaccurately. According to this poster, Asmodean didn't say "You? No!"; he said "Uno!" And Leigh Butler's reread posts generally make me laugh out loud as well. It's rare for me to go a-lurking and not lol at some point.
LUCKERS
'YouNo' lol. That's brilliant. And I guess it means I don't have to ask the tedious 'who killed Asmodean' question and we can just move on into the fan stuff.
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Interview: Apr 23rd, 2010
JordanCon 2010 Q&A Report - Terez (Paraphrased)Terez
Was Verin at the Darkfriend Social? (This question was on Linda's list.)Harriet McDougal Rigney
That was Bela.Terez
AGGGGGH.Tags
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Interview: Nov 4th, 2010
Question
Who is Bela really working for?Brandon Sanderson
Harriet?Harriet McDougal Rigney
(with a wicked grin on her face) Would you believe Bela is the Dark One? (much laughter followed that statement!)Tags
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Interview: Nov 8th, 2010
TOM Signing Report - Sarayne (Paraphrased)Question
Where is Bela right now?Maria Simons
The last time we saw her was when Siuan rode her when going to rescue Egewne. She is probably in the Tower stables.Harriet McDougal Rigney
Harriet tossed in an ominous, "She's, of course, communing with the Dark One!" (Joking, of course!) -
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Interview: Nov 8th, 2010
TOM Signing Report - Sarayne (Paraphrased)Question
Who makes it all the way to the end?Brandon Sanderson
Bela.Footnote
Explanation here.Tags
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Interview: Nov 8th, 2010
TOM Signing Report - Ted Herman (Paraphrased)Question
Where is Bela now?Brandon Sanderson
In the White Tower stable.Harriet McDougal Rigney
Communing with the Dark One!Tags
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Interview: Nov 4th, 2010
TOM Signing Report - Catherine Sedai (Paraphrased)Question
A guy named Louis asked what's going to happen to Bela. (He pronounces it like "Bella".)Harriet McDougal Rigney
Harriet corrects his pronunciation (it's more like BAIL-a) and then, looking mysterious, asks "Would you believe that Bela is the Dark One?" (everybody laughs)Tags
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Interview: Apr 16th, 2011
JordanCon AMOL Status Report - Marie Curie (Verbatim)Marie Curie
There was a panel on the status of A Memory of Light at JordanCon last weekend. The panelists consisted of Harriet McDougal, Maria Simons, Alan Romanczuk, and of course Brandon who was running late and therefore missed the opening bit. The moderator was Richard Fife, blogger at Tor.com.
So, this is a transcription of the audio file that I recorded. I imagine that Portalstones will post a video of the panel at some point, so I've only included the actual Q&A parts and have left out what I consider to be the extraneous bits.
There are no plot-related questions, but there are questions that touch on how much of A Memory of Light has been written, when it might come out, why the timetable is being slowed down, how not to edit a book, the encyclopedia and a possible timetable for that, what lies in the future for the members of Team Jordan, Brandon's writing style, and so on. There's also a funny story about how Brandon nearly spilled the beans about Asmodean's killer to Tamyrlin before Towers of Midnight came out. And of course the obligatory question about Bela.
Footnote
The complete video of the AMOL status panel is available from Portalstones here. -
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Interview: Apr 16th, 2011
JordanCon AMOL Status Report - Marie Curie (Verbatim)Question
With reference to that last question, what about Bela?Brandon Sanderson
I think I've got a pretty good handle on the Dark One, don't you think?Tags
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Interview: Jun 4th, 2011
London Signing Report - Thomas C (Paraphrased)Brandon Sanderson
Bela survives!Footnote
Explanation here.Tags
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Interview: Aug 4th, 2011
West Jordan Signing Report - 17th Shard (Verbatim)Question
How will Bela be important at the end of Wheel of Time?Brandon Sanderson
You know, Bela is either the Creator or the Dark One. We're not, you know... (laughter). And so basically, Bela will be important in all aspects of the book, and none at the same time. Kind of like Vishnu.Tags
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Interview: Aug 4th, 2011
West Jordan Signing Report - 17th Shard (Verbatim)Question
Some of Robert Jordan's characters, the female characters especially, are very much alike. Are they similar to Harriet?Brandon Sanderson
No, they're really not. He, when asked on tour which character was most like her, he said Bela (laughter). And this is what Harriet said, it's an indication of Harriet's sense of humor, the shaggy mare that just won't give up. No, she's really not much like them. She is like... imagine in your head your kindly, nice grandmother and mix her with a stately Southern belle, and that's Harriet. She's just very polite, kindly Southern grandmother.Tags
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Interview: Jul, 2009
ErrantKnave
Also, who was your favorite character to write? And don't say Bela.
Brandon Sanderson
It's really, really hard for me to answer this, since when I'm in a character's head, that character is the most important in the book. They're all my favorite when I'm writing them—that's just the way it has to be as a writer.
It is also hard to answer without giving spoilers that I'm not certain I want to give. For instance, some characters were interesting to write for different reasons. In some places, I was expanding on things Mr. Jordan left behind, in other places I was trying to piece together what I think he would have done based on the momentum of the books. In some places, I was writing based mostly on my instincts as a writer. I was doing a lot of different things with a lot of different characters, getting a balance of action, drama, and fun. Which is my favorite among all of that? It depends on what I'm feeling like that day.
If really pressed on it, I'll probably say that going into this, my favorite thing that I anticipated would be finally (after all of this time) writing Rand's character through the end of the series. Like many, I was initially hooked into this all by his story, and—regardless of other favorites at different points in the series—who he is as a person is vitally important for driving these last books.
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Interview: Oct 27th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Keith Casner (Paraphrased)Keith Casner
Nobody showed up for the alleged Social afterwards. Perhaps some folk have forgoten their new Vows...
That's all I have. Pretty boring signing, really. Oh, I talked briefly about the Net with him, told him that we get more traffic than the main group.
Robert Jordan
He asked if I thought Bela was a Darkfriend, I said no, but ta'veren for sure. He explained all these references to the Tower lady sitting with him, but his wife didn't seem to be about.
KEITH CASNER
Keith E. Casner, Officially Designated Nae'blis, So There
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Interview: 2001
Thus Spake the Creator (Paraphrased)Signing Report (The Forsaken)
FAQ: Who killed Asmodean?Robert Jordan
Should be intuitively obvious to the most casual observer. [yeah, uh huh...] Ok, we know that. But he also said that we should know based on where everyone was, what they were thinking, what they were doing. Duh, right? But he made a point of mentioning where. For people thinking it was a Traveller, would 'where' be important? Dunno...
His list of candidates included the Aes Sedai, Nynaeve, Aviendha, Bela, and God knows who else.
And you know why he won't tell us? Because he likes to see us SQUIRM. He said it in a friendly voice, but you could tell he meant it.
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Interview: 2001
Thus Spake the Creator (Paraphrased)Signing Report (Bela)
As he grabbed my second book, I asked, "Is Bela the Creator?"Robert Jordan
"No, she's Nae'blis," he said, laughing. He went on to say something along the lines of: I know all your theories about her being Nae'blis.Reporter
As he handed me my book, I asked, "Is Bela the Dark One?"Robert Jordan
He laughed. "Hmmmm," he said, "I might do something with that... No, just kidding."Reporter
I stepped away but lingered as he signed the next person's first book.Robert Jordan
As he grabbed the second book, he said, "She's the avatar of Ilyena Sunhair." [I think it was Sunhair. Is that her name?]Reporter
He went on to say that Ilyena died, but had bad karma. I'm serious.Tags
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Interview: 2012
Twitter: AMOL Writing and Editing Process (Verbatim)Brandon Sanderson (9 December 2011)
Back at work on A Memory of Light. May be the day to reveal a side-character's long-hidden motivations .
JAMES BIRTLES
Do we get a clue as to whom this character is?
BRANDON SANDERSON
If I told you that, you'd be expecting it. I'm afraid it is a RAFO. This character HAS been a little suspicious.
LEBO GUME
Mr. @BrandSanderson please stop teasing A Memory of Light.
BRANDON SANDERSON
Sorry. Some people really want to watch the progress, and so I try to keep the posts as spoiler-free as possible.
BRANDON SANDERSON
This afternoon's "Brandon opens Magic cards as he writes" comes sponsored by Sarah Bartram, who sent the cards off my wishlist. Thanks!
BRANDON SANDERSON
The rare was this card (which is sweet, since I like zombie cards): http://gatherer.wizards.com/pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=230786
BRANDON SANDERSON
Just wrote a scene with Bela in it.
BRANDON SANDERSON
This scene is one that RJ left instruction for in his notes; it gave me shivers when reading.
BRANDON SANDERSON
Okay, that scene's done, and it is beyond awesome. Over 3k done; opening another pack sent by Sarah B. ...Mythic rare! http://gatherer.wizards.com/pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=247236
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Interview: Dec 2nd, 2010
4th Age Podcast Interview with Team Jordan (Verbatim)Mark
Okay. So, I got a question that actually goes all the way back to the very beginning of the series.Maria Simons
Mkay.
MARK
Will we ever find out whose voice it was at the end of The Eye of the World?
MARIA SIMONS
[pause] [in a sing-song voice] RAFO! (ray-foe)
JENNIFER LIANG
Yeah, that's a RAFO. (raffo)
MARIA SIMONS
Score!
MARK
I figured, but I had to ask.
MARIA SIMONS
I wondered how long it would take.
ALAN ROMANCZUK
Maria and I have spent some time trying to figure out different ways to say 'read and find out', so we're going to be trying out some of them today, and we'll see how it goes.
VIRGINIA
Oh, great.
SPENCER POWELL
Oh, this will be fun. Let me see if I can get you another trial run here. Um...Asmodean? [laughter]
ALAN ROMANCZUK
Who's he?
MARIA SIMONS
Yeah. Who's that guy?
VIRGINIA
He's toast, that's who he is.
SPENCER POWELL
No, Sammael's toast.
ANDREW GELOS
Yeah, I was going to say.
VIRGINIA
Well, I think he is too.
MARIA SIMONS
Um, if anybody sees the back of my car, they will see that I killed Asmodean. That's all I'm gonna say. [laughter]
MARK
I thought it was Bela!
JENNIFER LIANG
I do like the 'Bela killed him' theory. That one is just insane enough to be true.
MARIA SIMONS
I like that Bela is the Neigh'blis. [laughter]
VIRGINIA
Yeah.
JENNIFER LIANG
Terrible puns are always a good thing.
VIRGINIA
I love it.
MARIA SIMONS
And the master of the terrible pun is on this call.
VIRGINIA
Ahh.
MARIA SIMONS
In Jim's office.
JENNIFER LIANG
Ahhhh.
VIRGINIA
Well feel free. [laugher]
ALAN ROMANCZUK
I am, I am.
VIRGINIA
Pun away. Well, we've got two...you pronounce it 'raffo', right? Not 'rayfo'?
MARIA SIMONS
I say 'rayfo'. I don't know that there's a real pronunciation for that one.
ALAN ROMANCZUK
She says 'raffo', I say 'rayfo', so let's call the whole thing off.
VIRGINIA
Yeah, well we got two right off the bat. I don't know what else we're going to....well, probably everything.
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Interview: Dec 15th, 2011
Alloy of Law Signing Report - Zas (Verbatim)Question
I was reading on Facebook that you had Bela, that you were writing her recently. Was that your idea or was it Robert Jordan's?Brandon Sanderson
I usually save questions like this. Wait until the book is out, wait till it's been out for a little while, and then I can talk specifically about what was me and what was Jim. I don't want to predispose people so that they're thinking "Is this Jim's scene? Is this Brandon's scene? Well he said something about this, and whatnot." So the only thing I'm telling people, regarding his writing, is that I do have a thing from the prologue, each of the three have one of the scenes that he wrote for the prologue put in it, and of course the ending. And other than this, I'm not saying a ton about what is his and what is mine. Just wait until people have read the book, and then I'll start answering a few more of those questions.
Like I've down with Towers of Midnight and The Gathering Storm. I've been a little more free in recent times about what was me and what was him, and I'm still not very specific for you, I don't want that focus, but I will start answering more of those questions.
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Interview: Oct 20th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Dennis Higbee (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
He also asked me to mention that he would neither confirm or deny the speculation that Bela, in fact killed Asmodean. I replied that I had my own theory; it was Mandarb. His wife chuckled. It was a very pleasant afternoon, and I consider it time well spent, and an honor to meet an author who treats his fans like friends.
Hawkwing (Dennis)Tags
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Interview: Oct 25th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Tony Zbaraschuk (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
Finally, Jordan refused to either confirm or deny
(a) if Bela was ta'veren
(b) that Bela was a Darkfriend
(c) whether Bela killed Asmodean.
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Interview: Oct 27th, 1994
LOC Signing Report - Tom Burke (Paraphrased)Robert Jordan
His last comment to me was, "I am going to leave you guys up in the air in regards to Bela." Since I hadn't brought up the subject of the B-one, I found this very suspicious.
—Tom Burke
PS This is from memory, not from tape.
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Interview: 2001
Thus Spake the Creator (Paraphrased)Signing Report (Bela)
In response to the people in the back of the line (which had circled around two book aisles to the RJ table again), he asked the following question of them...Robert Jordan
"Have you ever noticed how Bela and Shaidar Haran are never in same scene?"Reporter
Those WERE Bela monkeys in the back. And, no, RJ wasn't messing with them.Tags
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Interview: Dec 8th, 2007
Dragonmount Interview with Brandon Sanderson (Verbatim)Jason Denzel
Who killed Asmodean? Come on, just tell us. Please. I won't tell Harriet you told me.Brandon Sanderson
Okay, okay. You've got a right to know. I'll tell just you.
It was Bela.
JASON DENZEL
Ok, if you won't tell us, will you tell us in A Memory of Light?
BRANDON SANDERSON
I certainly intend to! I hope he left notes on it.
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Interview: Sep 22nd, 2012
Orem Signing Report - Zas (Verbatim)Bradley
[introduces self]Brandon Sanderson
So, Bradley. Any questions for me?
Bradley
Um, none that I feel won't get RAFO'd. Really, every possible question that I can think of is probably big enough that you're just going to say, "Wait until January." Which kind of hurts me inside, but at the same time, that's the way it's always been.
Fan
Ask it anyway.
Fan
Or at least for the recorder...
Brandon Sanderson
That's right. I'm being recorded for this so I can't tell too many secrets.
Bradley
That's true. Exactly.
Fan
That's the point. [...]
Brandon Sanderson
Brandon: Well, the last book is actually...I gave into what I've been wanting to do all along, and I made it a crossover with Twilight. (laughter)Bradley
Yes! See, I've always wanted that moment when it's got Nynaeve being awesome, and then Edward shows up and sparkles at her.
Brandon Sanderson
Yeah, right, well it's a meeting between Bella and Bela, right?
Fans
Ohhhh! (laughter)
Bradley
They're also both Darkfriends.
Fan
Bella rides on Bela? I can see it now.
Brandon Sanderson
Yep, yep...
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Interview: 2012
Twitter 2012 (WoT) (Verbatim)ali alhamadani (19 October 2012)
I was thinking, will Bela make an appearance in A Memory of Light? (Serious question) :P :DBrandon Sanderson (19 October 2012)
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Interview: 2012
Memories of Light (Verbatim)Day 36
"Run, Bela," Faile said. "If you've kept any strength back, now is the time to use it. Please. Run, girl. Run." (p. 760)
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Interview: 2013
Twitter 2013 (WoT) (Verbatim)Can (13 January 2013)
@Terez27 Do we know which character is dead by Harriet's choice?
Terez
Bela. @BrandSanderson told us twice that she would survive. :( But apparently Harriet later insisted she should die.
Brandon Sanderson (13 January 2013)
Yeah. Harriet felt that we had painted that character into a corner, and the story demanded that conclusion.
Daniel Shepard
Is that the GRRM moment? Or the character that was gonna recover from their injuries?
Brandon Sanderson
Character was going to recover.
Brandon Sanderson
She was right to make that call, but it does turn me into a liar. That's what I get for speaking too soon...
Werthead
That does seem slightly ludicrous. I think the fanbase turned Bela into a bit of a meme.
Brandon Sanderson
True, but I will note that Harriet personally has a special fondness for her.
Brandon Sanderson
She has said that she would joke with RJ that Bela was the character based on Harriet in the books.
Peter Ahlstrom
Harriet even has "Bela" in her email address. She took her fate quite seriously.
Werthead
The average reader wouldn't even remember who she was. Weird this much effort was spent on her.
Peter Ahlstrom
You think? Back when I was an average reader and hadn't talked about the books online, I loved Bela.
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Interview: Jan 10th, 2013
AMOL Signing Report - Aiel Heart (Paraphrased)Aiel Heart
The final Memory Keepers arrived shortly before Brandon and Harriet were set, which was also around the time that line numbers were to be handed out. The Memory Keepers helped guide those who had gotten their line numbers to the place where the Q&A session was to take place. A few Memory Keepers went around handing out Mad Libs and "Autographs" to pass the time.
While that was going on, I was telling another Memory Keeper that we needed to watch out for Brandon and Harriet, and behold, they walked in the door. We showed them to our little hiding place, where a couple of the Memory Keepers helped them as they pre-signed some stock books. The rest of us helped with the prizes of the games (the "Bela is a Darkfriend" bumper stickers were gone almost instantly). Towards the end of this time, we rotated in to have our time with Brandon and Harriet to ask a couple of questions and get our books signed.
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Interview: Jan 12th, 2013
AMOL Signing Report - Christine (Paraphrased)Question
Which of the great captains do you identify with?
Alan Romanczuk
Bela (lots of laughter from everyone). They are all really great.
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Interview: 2013
Twitter 2013 (WoT) (Verbatim)Jeffrey Bernard (23 January 2013)
With all the deaths that occurred in A Memory of Light, were there any that hit you harder than any others?Brandon Sanderson (23 January 2013)
Egwene. After that, Bela. I'd promised she would live, but Harriet decided that I was cheating to keep her alive.
Raj Ayer
How long did it take you to write Egwene's death? What were your emotions then? How much had RJ written of it?
Brandon Sanderson
It was a hard one, to be sure. Hardest in the books. Had a long conversation with Team Jordan about how to manage it.
Brandon Sanderson
RJ had not written much of that sequence.
Andy Lee
Why did Egwene have to die? Very sad.
Brandon Sanderson
I agree. But if you look at the arc of her character, you might begin to see why it was important.
Travis Hall
Without spoilers, were there any characters you want to kill/save that you couldn't do to Jordan's wishes?
Brandon Sanderson
There was one. But it was Harriet's call, not RJ's, that ended them.
Bellygod
Who did you find hardest to kill?
Brandon Sanderson
Egwene by a mile. Followed by Bela.
Bellygod
Why did you kill Bela?
Brandon Sanderson
I tried to keep her alive! Harriet told me I'd put her in too bad a situation, and she needed to die.
Brandon Sanderson
She was right, of course, but it still hurts.
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Interview: Feb 8th, 2013
AMOL Signing Report - DJ Stipe (Paraphrased)DJ Stipe
Most all forces of the light were present to welcome Brandon Sanderson, Harriet McDougal and Jason Denzel to the Sacramento area signing at Barnes and Noble in Citrus Heights, CA. Represented were Aes Sedai, the Red Band, Whitecloaks and the Traveling People among others. Birgitte, Aviendha, Mat and Thom even decided to join in as Memory Keepers on this stop. Mat, the group's "first among equals", had a three hour drive and was first on scene to start answering questions and handing out wrist bands. 50 wrist bands had already been handed out by noon, a sign of things to come—by the end of the night nearly 400 would be given out.
As the majority of the Memory Keepers filtered in around 4 the store was already filling with fans. After setting up "green screen" backdrops for Wheel of Time commemorative photos and lining the path with Wheel of Time themed signs (Bela is a Darkfriend, I Killed Asmodean, etc) we hung a poster on the front of the signing table in memoriam of a family member of one of the Memory Keepers who was also a fan of the series and was killed in August of 2012. Brandon and Harriet both signed the poster and it will be presented to the family member's parents (Memoriam picture at the end of this post).
Next we set up for trivia. Unfortunately the store hadn't received one of the boxes containing the Way of Kings paperbacks, so we ended up winging it a little on the giveaways. This consisted of WOT trivia and quotes, with winners being given the choice between the AMoL messenger bag or the iPhone case, with a few front of the line passes thrown in for harder questions. To pass the time a WOT word search and a WOT crossword were handed out (thanks to the Seattle Memory Keepers for sharing their crossword with us).
Trivia:
At this point there were only two customers in costume, both beautiful Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah. One even made her own teardrop Aes Sedai hand bags (Brandon later signed these for her). Both were given prizes for their costumes. The crowd then chose to hold their own best costume contest for the Memory Keepers. By crowd noise they chose Mat, to which Thom said, "Bloody ta'veren." Birgette agreed with the decision though she thought his face too pretty and Aviendha just shook her head at wetlander ways.
Costume contest:
We were lucky enough to have Dragonmount.com founder and webmaster Jason Denzel join us for this stop and he was the first to arrive and check in with us. Even after all the events he's been to, he seemed just as glad to be there as we did. When it was time to greet Brandon and Harriet, Mat, Birgette and Thom headed outside. After 10 minutes or so talking with the 20 or 30 fans waiting outside the store, Brandon arrived. Mat and Birgette escorted him in while Thom stayed behind to play some songs for the crowd and keep a lookout for Harriet.
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Interview: Feb 8th, 2013
AMOL Signing Report - DJ Stipe (Paraphrased)DJ Stipe
Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)
Bela's death was the runaway winner for most brought up subject, to which Brandon usually arched his arm across the head of Memory Keeper Aviendha, pointed at Harriet and said, "Blame her." At one point he said he wrote a scene where she fought back to life, but Harriet cut it. She overheard this, said it wasn't true and Brandon responded that he'd wanted to. He then said that he likes to think that when the Horn is called next one of the Heroes will be riding a shaggy, gray mare.
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Interview: Feb 12th, 2013
AMOL Signing Report - billiam (Paraphrased)billiam
The best part of the night? My nine year old daughter got to fist bump Brandon when we got to the signing table. How cool is that?
The event went pretty much the same as the others described earlier, with pretty much the same questions being asked. Harriet was also there and read the "Wind" paragragh after the Q & A period.
I got to meet and talk with both Wetlandernw (who was dressed like Cadsuane, natch) and JeffS (who gave my daughter a "Bela is a darkfriend" bumpersticker for being there) who were both MKs.
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Interview: Feb 21st, 2013
AMOL Signing Report - rossnewberry (Paraphrased)Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)
Two of the major character deaths in the final book were not in Jim's notes. One (Bela's) was mandated by Harriet. Brandon did not (and has not, to my knowledge) divulged which one was his choice.
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Interview: Feb 15th, 2013
AMOL Signing Report - GardenGnome (Paraphrased)GardenGnome
I somehow ended up mentioning that I answered the trick trivia question on Nakomi, I told him I said my personal theory and that Brandon wasn't allowed to answer any questions about her.
Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)
He then asked what my theory was (-with an obvious poker face on-), I said that I found it obvious that Nakomi is the Creator (he goes mmmhmm). Then one of the Memory Keepers remarks "But Bela is the Creator!" to which I came up with the new theory that Nakomi is the Creator because Rand wouldn't be able to handle a talking horse.
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Interview: Feb 22nd, 2013
AMOL Signing Report - J. Dauro (Verbatim)Question
Have you heard the rumors about Bela being the Creator?
Brandon Sanderson
I have indeed, and I find them very amusing.
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Interview: Aug 23rd, 2014
Details on the Wheel of Time Companion (Verbatim)Harriet McDougal (paraphrased)
The Wheel of Time Encyclopedia is dead! Long live The Wheel of Time Companion as it will now officially be called.
The book will be 350,000 words long (comparable to several of the novels in the series; the longest, The Shadow Rising, is 389,000 words).
The book will feature a lot of new artwork, arranged by Irene Gallo at Tor.
Publication date likely to be November 2015.
The book will feature all of the already-published maps and also some new ones, including one of Thakan'dar.
The book will have a large vocabulary of the Old Tongue, with a minimum of 1,000 words.
The book will feature character profiles and sketches for almost every character in the series. Even Bela has her own entry.
The book will be written from a post-AMoL POV. It will have spoilers for the entire series.
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Interview: Aug 23rd, 2014
Details on the Wheel of Time Companion (Verbatim)Harriet McDougal (paraphrased)
Harriet named about 75% of the chapters in the series.
Harriet vocally re-enacted Bela's death-whinny from AMoL.
Adam Whitehead
The panel spent an intense five minutes arguing about Bela's death. When I tried to suggest that we talk about the human characters who died, no-one was really interested. It was all about the horse.
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