The M/M relationships weren’t particularly prominent with Brandon S, but gay men actually existed, and they didn’t when RJ was writing!

And yes, one of RJ's limitations is that he is super heteronormative. F/F relationships were very much presented as "practice" amongst girls/younger women who didn't have access to men, and who later grew into heterosexuality. M/M relationships didn't exist until Brandon Sanderson took over.

I feel like Robert Jordan had a brilliant vision for the books, and that vision exceeded his capabilities as a writer (which is not to diss his writing which is still good). Whereas the show and its writers are really able to fulfil that vision in a way that RJ couldn't.

Yes, definitely stick with the show for now! Then read the books, and then watch the show again so you can appreciate all the easter eggs for book readers.

I feel like I have spent my whole life since I was 13 waiting for new WoT! First the books, and now after a few years of respite, the show (which I think surpasses the books).

Hi!

...very powerfully prompts us toward the empathy that they have not shown toward others.

...can write complex fully human women and girls.

So when JKR does not extend that empathy to a group of marginalised and often-rejected kids, when Neil Gaiman abuses women over whom he holds power, it's particularly horrifying because we know they are capable of creating art that...

...even worse. If JKR and Neil Gaiman were incapable of empathy, then it might explain their actions.

But we know that JKR is capable of empathising with kids whose families reject them due to a part of their nature that is intrinsic to them. We know that Neil Gaiman...

I love the smaller stone circles, which may have been integrated into the daily lives of the people who used them.

Very atmospheric!

I think you're right! Thank you!