Writing - Good & Bad - Edward Cullen?

[dumbledore11214]

Let's just all read Jim Butcher or Dumas, pere, in either the original
French or a great translation. They've both got Meyer and JKR beat.
:)


Alla:

I believe I mentioned on this list more than once that I adore Dresden Files. I think for someone who wrote eleven books already Jim Butcher has amazing hold on his world building and storyline, but seriously I am not sure I agree he got JKR beat. I mean, no, no scratch that, by sheer quantity of writing, I totally agree that he has her beat by now and I also think that his writing skills are improving with every book he writes and OMG, I could not catch my breath when I read Turn Coat, literally, non stop action and twists and turns and yes I was even crying at one point.

However, really, first couple of books in Dresden files? Especially first one, was really trying my patience to get through, really trying my patience. Now, of course I did get through since I started reading from book 6, found it awesome then went back and then read everything in order, but if I were to compare writing wise, I would have preferred PS?SS as a first book in the series.

Of course they write for different audiences, and sure, Butcher's last books beat JKR, I agree, but again I think part of it is because his plan is so much more ambitious, I mean really 22 books? I hope he pulls it off, but so far I have not heard of the writer who managed to produce such series and whose books quality did not go down.


Even Patrick O'Brian series, which I am now at book 10, while of admirable quality, I heard last couple of books were still not as good, but at least he managed to do seventeen or eighteen of top notch adventure, so yeah fingers crossed for Butcher.

So yes of course over the course of eleven books his characters are developing with more complexity than JKR's ever would, but even over the course of eleven books, how many of his secondary characters are than complex?

Obviously Harry and Thomas are very complex, Harry's mentor from White counsel is complex enough and couple other senior members and... Frankly I am not sure who else? We had been known Michael since book 3, right? What else do we know about him besides him being you know, Knight of the Cross and a very dedicated one at that?

He is Harry's friend, he is willing to do anything to serve God, to get hurt and all. But I would have expected more character development from him, especially after what happened to him. You know, some doubts at least?

Dumas, well you do not have to convince me, but do you know how many times I heard that it is dry and boring and language is archaic? I do not understand or agree, but well I am just saying that enough people do not consider Dumas to be a good writer.

JMO,

Alla