George R.R. Martin Answers Facebook Fans' Questions

[@callmeinstead]

"art is not a democracy" something film makers need to understand

[@callme7691]

callmeinstead preeeaaach it brotha!!

[@lokezep]

callmeinstead true, but money is very democratic. That's why art has to be dumbed-down for mass consumption.

[@zgabuterimon21]

lokezep That's called capitalism

[@lokezep]

Marko Maletic true. But where art and capitalism intersect is where commercialism and the watered-down art of the world makes its way to John Q. Public.

[@SillyScyllia]

callmeinstead Amen

[@devinrai]

Just Imagine. Inside this man's head is the ending to A Song Of Ice And Fire.

[@Ramix09]

+Devin Rai And maybe in his computer ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@Ramix09]

+Josh AndroidDeveloper And knowing the kind of novel that SOIAF is, I'm really worried of this situation being a possible outcome

[@zt3195]

+Josh AndroidDeveloper I really hope he doesn't die, but as selfish as it sounds, I hope he has the ending and a general plot for the rest of it so someone can do atleast a shotty attempt at finishing his work.

[@devinrai]

+Ciaran Hawkins I know he did but it just wouldn't be the same.

[@paulinacampos1370]

he has but considering how much of the story they have butchered it wouldnt really be his ending

[@TheeGoldDynamite]

What we need to do is find the Fountain of Youth for George so he can write 50 more books!

[@Bestialce2007]

Apparently he told the writers of the show how the story is gonna end in case something happens to him and he can't finish the books ...omen much?

[@TheeGoldDynamite]

Bestialce2007 Damn.. yeah I've heard he wants to finish the 7th book before he dies :/

[@TheOrangeType]

Bestialce2007 Hes even planning his own death. Dudes hard core.

[@undead890]

Bestialce2007 George RR Martin is really commited to his stories, he's even willing to kill himself.

[@Mentatskillz]

By my calculation, 50 more books would take 400 years. He doesn't need the Fountain of Youth, he needs the Fountain of Immortality. That or he needs to stop watching the fucking New England Patriots. I'll settle for the 7 books (in total) he's promised for Ice and Fire.

[@iftak7278]

'Are wildlings human?' 'Is Bran really crippled' the fuck is up with some of these questions lol

[@tashayharvey4594]

wasted questions right?

[@jerk1921]

RIGHT!?

[@anuragk7184]

Anon E. Mouse Next, someone will ask "Is Tyrion really a dwarf?"

[@hijack69]

Is Jon Snow made of Snow?

[@NarakuNoHana01]

"Is winter actually coming?"

[@TheeSuperJazzer]

this man is a pleasure to watch and hear him speak

[@Diggnuts]

Just like nails on a chalkboard...

[@JosephLeeEun]

0.o

[@ClaireYunFarronXIII]

Diggnuts What?

[@jamiestewart48]

I wish he'd drink some water when talking for extended periods like this, the constant clearing of his throat gets more than a little grating on the old nerves once you notice it and can't stop noticing it.

[@MrEnviousOfficial]

Its crazy that a man who, as a child, experienced very little of the world is able to so eloquently tell a story that varies its perspectives across a huge continent. Amazing.

[@spacesandshark2418]

It's what happens when you read a lot history and fiction from around the world.

[@TheOjkk]

+paperC This.

[@OceanbornAngel]

+Ne2o You don't need to have traveled to places to create vast worlds.

[@MrEnviousOfficial]

OceanbornAngel That is my point.

[@corsicanlulu]

+Ne2o its based on british medieval history, "the war of roses",,,its not all totally from his head

[@LuisCarlosAlvarezRebaza]

This guy is like the most badass geek in the world.

[@MikaelMurstam]

him and Woz =)

[@asoiaf.got.3048]

Who is Woz

[@aegonthedragon7303]

Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Computer and a genius engineer.

[@dafunk666]

I love how well thought out and thorough his answers are!

[@Aethuviel]

Except for the "favorite character" one. It just popped out. :)

[@rayaqin]

***** well it answers the question : D

[@Confirmed866]

***** to be fair, I think we all knew what the answer was going to be

[@nhaugen5975]

***** And "Are wildlings related to humans"

[@jakebishop7822]

goodomens I love how thought out his books are

[@dextermorgan5424]

He is a pure genius.

[@akfox38]

batfan9 Shame! ding ding Shame!

[@pzjay241]

batfan9 and it came from venus

[@chriscahill9861]

Foss Gutten well he is genius but he also put a lot of work in. I think its more based on that.

[@donmakaveli4life]

***** Is that said by George? When?

[@Patatovor]

Foss Gutten A genious from evil

[@kevnar]

George must get tired of answering the same questions over and over and over. Every interview I've seen, he winds up going over the same points he already answered in every other interview. But he does a good job.

[@cbabygags2553]

@VideoGames4Days ! Still, after a point the magic of that feeling must fade, even while initially loving it. I would always find joy in the enthusiasm from people I think, but after decades of it...

[@apopan4185]

In every interview we see he does the same thing, not writing

[@builderman912]

"Human beings are complex people." George R. R. Martin

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

Haha profound insight from one of the greatest authors of our time!

[@motyovszkimiklos7538]

Builderman912 Yea that line is wise and all deep and shit, but dont act like he is the first man who said it LOL

[@leowalton8436]

Motyovszki Miklós I don't think that's the point... HUMAN BEINGS are complex PEOPLE.

[@isaacbruner65]

@@leowalton8436 if he had said simply that human beings are complex, would you be satisfied? That's clearly what he intended to say

[@ww6211]

Isaac Bruner I think he's just pointing out the humour in the comment

[@buzzardbeatniks]

"art is not a democracy"

[@davidfgranger]

Elaborate.

[@buzzardbeatniks]

The elaboration is in the video.

[@anartismal]

As an aspiring comic book artist, I love it

[@tobytaylor5960]

FraggingBard Not really.

[@TheRealGuillote]

great quote

[@RNSEntertainmentChannel]

Such an incredible author. Respect

[@njmccormackgmail]

Respect when he finishes

[@stephanier9859]

I can just listen to this man speak for hours!

[@joey2918]

IKR

[@johnhein2539]

Well, many people can listen to his words for hours. He's good at it.

[@TheDrownduck]

11:23 "are widlings human?"..... holy fcking sht!

[@FrostArael]

Such a waste. You have a great author and ton of fans out there that have truly interesting questions that can give us an insight on this guy's mind and thoughts... Not only they take the opportunity away from real fans who deserve it, but they ask something so dumb they could solve by using google, or actually paying attention while they read the books. The guys who picked up the questions for the interview are also to blame, dunno if they pick stuff like that out of ignorance or hoping it would prompt a funny or weird reply out of Martin. But oh well, at least some of those others questions were interesting enough to make up for it.

[@edwnx0]

it was a weird question. but i think it shows one of the differences between his work and other fantasy stories. different cultures aren't necessarily different races in his world.

[@ianodiolivei]

you need to remember that this interview was before the presentation of widlings in the series and is very acceptable that someone inspired by other books like lord of the rings and even the mythology of Got, could have the interpretation of the widlings being another race...

[@FrostArael]

This is from 2012, after the first season. Wildings are introduced and discussed ever since the very beginning of the show, you hear about them and even in later episodes Osha and her group shows up.

[@ShonenFreakTV]

that was sent by Alliser Thorne

[@WalterLiddy]

When he talks about the female characters frustrated by their position I suddenly realized that two of these (Cersei and Brienne) are an interesting pair. Cersei despises Brienne, yet Brienne is exactly as Cersei wishes she could be. Cersei laments that she is not a man, whereas Brienne does not allow that fact to prevent her from assuming the office of a man. Cersei should admire her, but doesn't - maybe because she serves as a reminder of Cersei's own failure to be what she wishes.

[@HebrewsElevenTwentyFive]

WalterLiddy VERY interesting analogy, thanks for that insight. :)

[@stalkingself]

WalterLiddy Cersei is probably jealous and hates Brienne for what she (Cersei) doesn't have. Even today, people try to bring others down for what they don't have or can't accomplish themselves. Good post, WalterLiddy

[@highwayexit]

WalterLiddy You can totally hate someone and admire them at the same time. Which is exactly Cersei's perspective on Tyrion and Brienne, because they both overcome the barriers in front of them, whereas Cersei can't for multiple reasons. One being is that she wants to keep her ego in one piece.

[@amisfitpuivk]

WalterLiddy what's amazing is that you can do these parallels with just about any character or event in the story. I don't know how the hell he does it

[@fullmetalsnowflake2508]

WalterLiddy Good point, although I think it's more like Cersei hates Brienne because Cersei, being hateful and immature even as a child, internalised the "women should be beautiful, men must be strong" stuff (because it allowed her to shit on basically every other girl). I think Brienne serves to show us how this Tywinian close-minded arrogance is why Cersei (and all the Cerseis) never really fought this paradigm. Even though it basically kept them as chattel.

[@IvyViper]

Thank you santa claus

[@blahchop]

lmfao

[@alicewwonderland1860]

frederik mele ehm sorry but RUN around, after ten seconds he will roll around. seriously i love his books, and really hate him when he gets heart attacked before finishing those

[@michaelfrown2423]

alice wwonderland Chillax he told the two directors of HBO GoT how the series ends incase he dies... So someone squeeze the truth out of them :O

[@alicewwonderland1860]

Michael frown thanks for the information. still i hope i can read the last two damned books XD

[@michaelfrown2423]

Yah the same with tolkien... I could possibly be going to a LOTR movie right now if he lived another 10 years or so.

[@DalleDayul]

I love George's voice. For some reason, it just sounds so cool to me!

[@TheWildmanden]

I loved that part: "Do you have a character that you favor?" "Tyrion" "Why" "Because he's fun" Exactly, well said George

[@KabzieMusic]

Fantastic interview, particularly the final third. "Art is not a democracy."

[@Aethuviel]

kabe ayofe No writer or creator of anything should have to compromise their vision in the favor of fans (especially small groups of vocal fans, but really all of them should really just get over it, and just read/watch it or don't). George Lucas especially has gotten so much undeserved hate over this, for making the movies *he* wanted to do, the way *he* wanted to, instead of what some spoiled, self-important brats thought he should.

[@14Schofield]

***** There is nothing worse than an author who changes work, both past or yet-to-be to appease the vocal fanbase, who are almost always the minority.

[@bindair_dundat]

That was probably a Tyrion death sentence. :P

[@KabooM1067]

***** So that's why everything after the Cell Saga seemed so half-assed and ridiculously stupid. ._. Goku's death would've meant something if the show ended after Cell's defeat, but it ended up being an atrocious asspull. I really admire George for what he said here. I can trust him to deliver the best he can now that I know he doesn't worry about fans.

[@14Schofield]

***** I don't know anything about that. Sure, sometimes it works but the majority of the time it's a horrible idea. Take ideas into account, but don't stray from what you feel should be done just because your fans have a different idea.

[@Atem0007]

So george was watching ships and making up stories about them when he was a kid, Sansa was doing the same thing huh.

[@Alexcutspie]

I NOTICED THAT TOO!

[@yolo8283]

Wow.

[@ShamsunNahar-nf1ty]

As he said, characters sometimes represent different parts of him.

[@TheSingleGuy]

Hearing George's story was very moving. Really got into his humble beginnings. Whatta G.

[@MsLm97]

15:30 so THIS is where Sansa's guessing game comes from awwwwwwwwww

[@ktxed]

Still waiting for his cameo in GoT.

[@ca4129]

+ktxed it would''ve been hilarious if he had acted as HODOR since season 1... :D :D :D

[@Abhijeetetrx]

+Prehistorik Caveman Lmao

[@huggerobertsson3496]

He was going to do a cameo in the red wedding but he was sick when they where shooting the scene😔

[@ktxed]

+Hugge Robertsson yeah. the wait continues.

[@phuckewe178]

His cameo will be when he kills off all the characters then walks into Kings Landing and sets on the Iron Throne himself.

[@USMCpredator77]

love how he refused Hollywood corporate's but still ends up bringing his story to the screen probably better than Hollywood ever could

[@USMCpredator77]

Perry Cox well yeah that too but i based my point on what he actully says so id rather take his word for it m8

[@Silverlance988]

Man, you sound clueless. If you don't think the show is a populist, commercial product then you are a tool indeed.

[@USMCpredator77]

Silverlance988 dude everything in all of american film and tv is a commercial product. my point is he didnt let some block buster Hollywood people make it soft and 'appeal to the masses' instead of staying true to the original. how many countless movies of books have failed completely

[@USMCpredator77]

Oberyn Martell he probably said that as well, in a different interview haha

[@Silverlance988]

USMCpredator77 "Making it soft" is not the only way to appeal to the masses... Isn't that obvious judging by the gazilllions of fans? People love brutality, machination and sex. The franchise by itself is a hyper-commercial business package and nothing more.

[@FlockofSmeagles]

Just imagine having George R.R Martin DM for your group, holy shit.

[@Fluxquark]

He would probably wipe the party during the second or third session.

[@royalblue5367]

That sounds like a dream

[@Dranwulf]

I would die for that experience

[@Fluxquark]

Funkymonk Warsong Yes you would, George will see to that ;)

[@OPTIKLOPS7]

+Funkymonk Warsong ur life must means a lot

[@tod2576]

"There are no characters... who are wholly evil." Gregor Clegane? I want to know how he's any speck of a decent human being. Does he like flowers and scrapbooking on the weekends?

[@reynoldsa14]

No, but it is stated that he suffers from constant headaches and is addicted to opium ("milk of the poppy") to deal with it.

[@Yodah97]

And he tried to cover Arya's eyes in the red wedding. At least in the serie, i don't remember how that went on the book.

[@COMMANDandConquer199]

Ewertton Tadeu That is Sandor Clegane (The Hound) that you are talking about. Tim means Gregor Clegane (The Mountain). As for Gregor being wholly evil, well that is debatable, it seems to me that he is just mentally disturbed.

[@tinnevermeiren5382]

I suppose he was loyal, loyal to Cersei and the Lannisters. That might speak in his favour.

[@COMMANDandConquer199]

Tinne Vermeiren Yeah, there is that. I hadn't thought of that.

[@luisacalderon717]

I love you George R.R. Martin! I love your books and I love your characters. The gods bless you, the old and the new.

[@tormundofhousegiantsbane2589]

luisa calderon there is only one true god

[@robowarrior2126]

Fred Elliot The night is dark and full of terrors. ;)

[@vaazig]

Fred Elliot ... and the one who's name we shouldn't mention!

[@tormundofhousegiantsbane2589]

Alex VI Lord Voldermort ? :D

[@punchisclap]

Fred Elliot R'ohllor

[@RPG_Angie]

The questions were so-so, but G.R.R.M. gave some fantastic answers in this one.

[@gbornem8634]

He's like a Santa that murders your friends!

[@Kennypowers51]

4Head

[@Mike.Ivory.Music7]

KappaHitler "Murder Clause"

[@conniebiggers1359]

I've read all the Game of Throne books. I normally will only read a book once. However, with Game of Thrones, I've read them over and over. The paperback books are literally falling apart. I love reading them. Thanks George R R Martin.

[@Daniel-rk2qz]

"Art is not a democracy" yes... omg yes

[@swinny_]

^this

[@kozhikkaalan]

can someone pls post the exact time he says that?

[@kozhikkaalan]

***** thank you, noble sir

[@kozhikkaalan]

+RamboRamsay6 although its more like 16:32. but thanks :)

[@Daniel-rk2qz]

lol wow thats actually right

[@saberrayed]

When he said, "I write some characters who are like me" and then it was Samuel Tarly who immediately came into my mind.

[@pinksphaghetti]

+Rey Asbeard Actually I think tyrion is the most like george

[@saberrayed]

pinkspaghetti Can you explain why?

[@pinksphaghetti]

Rey Asbeard I dont know really when reading what Tyrion thinks and then listening to George I just get a real sense of like George putting alot of himself in Tyrion.

[@dangerdan2592]

I heard somewhere that he said that Tyrion is the character that he most wants to be like, but that Samwell Tarly is more like how he is or how he sees himself. Something along those lines. Now, keep in mind I heard or read this somewhere, so take it with a grain of salt.

[@_nevermind]

+Rey Asbeard SamWELL tarly. omg im correcting so many ppl on this comment section its ridiculous.

[@bestof4227]

George R.R. Martin has a very deep / unique perspective on the human condition and able to convey it with such truth. The more I think about it, the more I realize A Song of Ice and Fire is truly a masterpiece. Thank you!

[@LiterallyGod]

I’m so sorry for what the show (season 8) has done to your beautiful story

[@dmp1520]

He gave them the ending !!!!

[@dannyjohnston5914]

DM P yeh but in his book it will make a lot more sense and not happen seemingly over night. There Will be less plot armour and the long night will be longer than 3 hours

[@dmp1520]

@@dannyjohnston5914 obviously they cant write anything good and logical and without cheesy lines and idiotic vapid void characters. thats on them.

[@_starlesssea2209]

@@dmp1520 “the game of thrones writers had an ending, not THE ending”... he said this a few months ago in an interview

[@dmp1520]

@@_starlesssea2209 no...he said his ending wont be that different.

[@BenConlon]

7:18 RIP Headphone users...

[@msDanielp369]

EMOTIONAL POWER

[@mohammadhazik1744]

best joke made mt day

[@SuperJoshuaAguilar]

@7:16 They poisoned his ice tea!!!

[@tormundofhousegiantsbane2589]

SuperJoshuaAguilar i bet it was littlefinger

[@hadid1092]

He was poisoned by our enemies

[@iplz]

ARE WILDLINGS RELATED TO HUMANS LOL

[@25siesta]

she probably ment the children of the forest or the white walkers or something

[@jamiestewart48]

@@25siesta Well, the Wildlings and the Northerners are descendants of the First Men and the Southerners are mostly descendants of the Andals so there is a different, technically. Unsure re: First Men/Andals being akin to Homosapians and Homoerectus as I've not been deep into the lore in a fair few years due to my crushing depression over the wait for books (I started the series back in the 90s when it first came out..).

[@25siesta]

@@jamiestewart48 hey tnx for responding to my comment. however i dont really see the connection to what i sayed earlier :\ are the first men related to the children of the forest ? or was your comment directed at so

[@jamiestewart48]

reinout koenen Well, we evolved from monkeys to homosapians and others evolved to homoerectus. Two distinct forms of “man” with differing traits and you’d be able to tell them apart with ease. My point is that the first men and the andals could have evolved separately also, with the starks etc in the north sharing common ancestors with wildlings/free folks and them being distinctly different from the southerners who descended from andals who invaded westeros and are similar in that they’re “men” but different. Children and Others are completely different species from this and unrelated. There must always be a stark in winterfell could Beto do with blood of the first men which the starks have and others like Targs or even Lannisters don’t have as they evolved elsewhere. It’s 3am here, I must sleep heh.

[@25siesta]

James Stewart ah i see tnx lol its 5 am where im from i should be sleep too

[@CrazyChunkles]

Surely the greatest novelist of our time, I hope his work will live on for decades to come :)

[@ZzonkedMCFC]

I think he's the best at crafting amazing characters and stories, but I think the best actual writer of this generation is Cormac McCarthy. That's just my opinion.

[@efavuzza73]

George thank you for this wonderful story and everything you done. I first read GOT novel back in college 1997. Sir you open my eyes how wonderful reading can be.

[@28lester]

His comments about the ships near his house and making up stories about distant wonders reminds of the scene where Sansa and Shae are sitting by the port watching ships sail away to their destinations and making up stories about each ship. Perhaps it was his inspiration.

[@MajorityFFA]

Yes, perhaps.

[@morothane1]

Oh from ten years ago. Sweet

[@miralabualjadail4206]

LMAO are wildings related to humans ,,really ? some of these questions ! XD

[@WhoIsIanMcGovern]

A better Q would have been are giants related to humans.

[@amisfitpuivk]

or 'are the wildlings relatives to any of the westerosi families'. There's bound to be some Stark's and Bolton's up there that don't even know it. Might have some kings blood up there. I'd even guess that the wargs are Stark's.

[@KonguZya]

Miro aj I think they might have meant to ask if the Children of the Forest are related to humans.

[@BLASHYRKHRAVEN]

+Miro aj I thought the same, but reckoned that whoever it was got confused with White Walkers/Others...

[@lunasmith9367]

I was thinking what KonguZya said

[@sandorsbox]

Martin's humility in being compared to Tolkien is admirable. He's brilliant, but he acknowledges the same thing that I concluded in my senior thesis: J.R.R. Tolkien is the father of modern fantasy literature. You go George!

[@jorgecavazos9808]

Wow Martin is such an extraordinary man and author, even if he himself doesn't acknowledge it. It is not only an opinion, but in my own perspective a fact that he is one of the most amazing writers in history so far, with his immense and expansive world filled with fully fleshed characters and ideas. Thank you Martin!

[@makoygaara]

Please finish the story George! It will be your everlasting legacy to the world!

[@SpaceTravel1776]

Jon Snow killing Daenerys IS the ending of the books. The story to get there will just be a lot better than what the TV show had to make up.

[@jebushwplainview9453]

I'm glad I got to be alive at the same time in history as this man. I've been reading since 2002 and waiting for the last books has given me something to look forward to all these years.

[@apophis456]

Such a brilliant mind. Thank you for the stories George

[@kfizzledizzle8467]

"We'll do it again next book." yeah... in about 10 years.

[@whitetrashtrucker5785]

+Kip Higginson Fine wines are not churned out in rapid succession. I for one am quite willing to wait for the product in its best unhurried form. Most true readers are juggling many different books, and series of books so that the concept of getting hung up waiting for one single book release is quite foreign.

[@muttsmuttt]

+Steve N well spoken, i agree completely. even if it's gonna be a few months or a few years until the next book, i would much rather have that than a book in a few days with sub-par writing. i think part of what is taking him so long, is that he believes the same, and as such he strives to make the book of similar quality to the previous ones, which nobody rushed him to do. i feel quite bad for martin, he's under a lot of pressure, whereas in fact, his writing pace is matching many other famous author's, going by the time to page ratio. whenever people complain about the book not being out yet they forget its size. i believe martin is smart enough not to rush the books due to peer pressure, however i do fear for his health. should he leave us before he can finish a dream of spring as well, no matter who picks up the book [as i know, he's revealed major plot points and character fates to his editor ?], it would not be quite the same. this is the only reason for which i would wish for the books to be completed sooner. i would like to say though, that it's a matter of character as well, which influences whether one can get hung up waiting on a book release. personally, i would say i am less patient than i wish i was. i'm quite frustrated by the wait, but understand it. i find it hard to dedicate myself to a new series while there is no closure to asoiaf, although that may be largely due to how in love i am with the series, and how inferior other writings seem so far, so much i would rather spend my time reading related material than picking up a new series.

[@whitetrashtrucker5785]

+muttsmutt I agree with you 100% I also fear a little bit about his health, but I believe he will finish the series. As for you not wanting to start another series, you should try a something else as I think we are looking at a fall release for WoW, so you have some time. If you havent read Patrick Rothfuss yet, I can honestly say the name of the wind is an amazing book....check it out!!

[@muttsmuttt]

Steve N i saw a little infographic which mentioned that the projected finish date for ados would be 2023 iirc, and he should live to be at least 75, statisically, which puts him at 2 years of wiggle room. still a tight finish. in his old age, there are many diseases that could strike swiftly and claim him unexpectedly, about which nothing can be done. if there is a reason for scientist to figure a cure for cancer and other such diseases, i would say this is it- to keep people of value among us until they no longer wish to be here. i digress. i haven't heard of patrick rothfuss, i will make sure to look him up and see about reading his work, thank you for the suggestion. : ) my problem when looking for new series is that none can match the four qualities i prize in asoiaf - the credibility, the fantasy world, and the character development, all wrapped up in great detail and thoroughly fleshed out. all series i've looked at fail in one of those four points, or prove to be much too short to go as in depth as i would enjoy. i would even say lotr is inferior to asoiaf comparing them by these four points, as it fails in the first- credibility. for me it boils down to a tale of "the good guys get together and beat the bad guys", where said guys are invincible. while beautifully executed, i've lost my interest in such tales since experiencing the vast moral gray and twisting conflicts of asoiaf.

[@wystraever2523]

well with writing an episode each season, working on the show, going to interviews and book signing i'm sure he has PLENTY of time ti just chill n write... i mean how often can u manage to write an entire book series with a lot on ur plate and feeling the pressure? :P I'm sure he's doing his best and we all are excited to read his next book, but give the old guy a break

[@JorgeAnzola]

If you're using headphones with too much volume, like me: mute it at 7:17. You're welcome.

[@davidsimmons9843]

these books changed my life. morals are ambiguous and thoroughly misconstrued, but Mr Martin captured the essence of the human spirit so elegantly. words cannot express how uncanny this epic is so I am not even going to try. keep up the great work, my Lord!

[@iimaadkent]

Praise George RR Martin, absolute genius. Thanku for GOT

[@mistermarcy]

the 'sneaking up with a knife' example was the shortest and best explanation for the value of POV over other perspectives of storytelling I've heard.

[@alejandrom8742]

George knows his shit... like really!

[@giuseppebiundo6356]

George, "I don't believe any of my characters are wholly good or wholly evil." Euron, "hold my beer."

[@missudbdr]

Giuseppe Biundo He is the long night/storm

[@giuseppebiundo6356]

@@missudbdr He's a bit of a dick.

[@LeandroLopez-qd2pt]

Giuseppe Biundo If you look closely at his conversation with Victarion,he name drops a ''him'' that he is working for.He is also preparing some crazy ritual with a bunch of priests from different faiths.There is something behind what he does,its not for pure evil.We just don't know what that is.

[@giuseppebiundo6356]

@@LeandroLopez-qd2pt Regardless if he's working for someone, the dudes pretty evil. If not "wholely" evil at the least mostly evil. You don't rape your brothers for the greater good.

[@nmisk3127]

I freaking love Jack Vance. So wonderful to hear Martin mention him. I've met Martin a few times about town (Santa Fe). Always incredibly polite and friendly.

[@CaptAlias]

this guy, tarantino and sorkin, are just a pleasure to watch and hear them speak

[@IamComics80]

16:33 "Art is not a democracy." WELL SAID!!!

[@BrehuiMiruna]

He is such an amazing man! I am very grateful that I came to know these books as a young 20 year old adult because I am able to appreciate them and understand them as they should be. The story he is telling our story, and we should all listen closely to what he is teaching us trough it. Also the World he created is damn awesome!

[@MrYourFilm]

+Miruna Corodeanu Word

[@oob631]

George I have been reading fantasy for 40 years and I have never found a series as good as yours.

[@Artimes.]

17:14 omg that is so deep. I think this logic applies to all forms of art and why sometimes adaptations based on legendary works of art are at times tarnish because of global popularity and it looses its authenticity.

[@kylelussier7323]

What the hell am I going to watch In a couple years when GOT is over? The bar is set so high I will just crave epic fantasy shows forever

[@Max_-lo7js]

Read a book

[@Max_-lo7js]

Read a book

[@kylelussier7323]

Blackfish Tully Nobody got time fo dat.

[@Stroodler]

If you actually love GOT, you really should read the books. I just started A Storm Of Swords today and the books are even better than the show.

[@callianr6980]

I would suggest Babylon 5. It's a 5-season TV show from the 90s but it was a huge landmark in sci-fi that goes relatively unnoticed. Not only for its epic plot lines, lovable characters, intriguing concepts, etc. etc. But also, it was the first TV show to really use computer affects so it's a huge landmark in that regard.

[@Raze_N11]

"We'll do it again next book" 2011

[@TheTrueAegonTargaryen]

I’ve read a lot of books and this man is my favorite writer.

[@wildbucky]

im seriously so glad he said that he isnt comparable to tolkien. my biggest pet peeve is asoiaf megafanboys comparing the two. straight from the man's mouth, they arent comparable and martin respects him

[@Amantducafe]

Althou he accepts the comparison to one of his favorites fantasy authors.

[@TheMaskedChef7]

He is more relatable than Tolkien for our generation however just as sir George said Tolkien is as good as it gets for a fantasy writer so it is either way a good point of comparison to address that difference, makes it even greater, GRRM twists are always on point his imagination is true Gold . He is a real live legend I highly admire him .

[@mikeisapro]

Other than their different styles in their writing, George admits they are very different people. Just one example that George points out: George was a Vietnam war protestor while Tolkien fought in war, and this had the consequence of George's characters being more morally grey and ambivalent while Tolkiens world has "external evil" in the form of Sauron and characters who are closer to pure good and purely evil. It's not uncommon that people who fight in wars and get PTSD must have a world-view of "good vs evil" in order to cope with what they have seen or done. And that is of course only one major discrepancy between the gentlemen. George also points out that Tolkien delved into a far richer world-within-a-world in his invention of whole other languages unlike George, due to the fact that Tolkien was a linguist and George is not. I'm sure there are other reasons that George sees Tolkien as a very different writer; simply writing in the same genre doesn't necessarily make two writers on the whole similar or comparable as people or in their work.

[@wildbucky]

@@mikeisapro Don't forget that moral grayness is more of a zeitgeist of the times. plus years of experimenting with what worked and what didn't. if martin lived at the same time tolkein did his books would be massively different

[@JennyChrisBee]

Dionysus such a great read and interesting point of view

[@nrjelley]

3 years later...still no book 6 =(

[@TheSliderBy]

We'll probably be waiting for another 3 years. :(

[@Luubelaar]

TruePrinceOfWales Game of Thrones (1996), A Clash of Kings (1998), A Storm of Swords (2000), A Feast for Crows (2005), A Dance with Dragons (2011) ... and going on that the next one is likely still 2-3 years away.

[@Lari_A]

The next book is like already done.. The 7th one that's gonna take a while

[@TheSliderBy]

Larissa A How do you know? What is your source?

[@lxZodiacxl]

Larissa A Winds of Winter (6th book) is not completed. GRRM is not writing any episodes this season of the show to focus only on finishing the 6th book.

[@army310]

George R.R. Martin thank you for game of thrones.

[@simonrgard5769]

leman Russ a song of ICE and fire*

[@KnowsFilms]

'I can't imagine retiring' THANK YOU George. Please don't retire, please finish your series and keep writing until your last days.

[@MrCoffeejingler]

The story he tells of being stuck on 1st street and 5th street and seeing all the ships coming from different countries with different flags and making stories of where they were and where they came from is literally Sansa at Kings Landing.

[@nickg0261]

I appreciatate his modesty, regarding Tolkien. But Martin's fantasy series is far more exciting.

[@Blaisem]

I'm sure Martin and most other fantasy authors realize this. That might be one reason apart from distinguishing why their styles are inherently different that he mentioned Tolkien was not a professional writer but a linguist and a father trying to entertain his children; Tolkien was never supposed to craft a literary pinnacle, to capture the breadth and plumb the depths of pure writing when his initial audience is kids. Tolkien's legacy is purely the billions of imaginations he sparked by opening the door to high fantasy practically all on his own.

[@zephirous8165]

Both are pretty complex and beautifull pieces of art.

[@koltirasrip5775]

20:00 Martin describes people who don't fit well into the roles they've been stuffed into. Something I'm very glad about is how he wrote Arya. I relate to her so much, in being a female but having such definitively male interests. Sword play, wearing PANTS, being vulgar at times and brutish...not some delicate flower that can't do anything without someone else's help. I love that about her. I just wish her story after the fall of the Stark family wasn't so...scattered. I feel like her story is something of a filler event because it's gone so far out into its own world that it doesn't tie back to Game of Thrones anymore. It's Game of Thrones with the side-adventures of Arya. I hope her and Nymeria come back into the main story soon. They've both kind of disappeared into the background, but we know they're still there.

[@koltirasrip5775]

***** She's TRYING to be a Faceless Man. She isn't one yet. She's barely started training in that regard. It doesn't stop her story from being totally unrelated to everything else in GoT.

[@joemucchiello4542]

Koltiras Rip if her story did not overlap with some future event later in the books, Martin would not continue to tell her story. Obviously she returns to Westeros for "something" in book 6 or 7.

[@koltirasrip5775]

Joe Mucchiello Sure, I agree, but an example of what I mean is the way Jaime and Robb's stories were described in the books. Once the War for the North began, you almost didn't hear anything about it except as footnotes in other peoples' POV chapters. Jaime's imprisonment (insofar as I've read it) is barely mentioned at all, yet both of them are front-and-center characters in the HBO series. I would imagine that Arya's story would be similar to that, because her plot is basically...irrelevant to everything else. Give it some mention here and there, but don't focus on it for endless pages. I dunno, I guess I just feel jaded because Arya's adventure in the book is so freaking boring, and yet goes on for so damn long, that I'm a bit annoyed with how much time is spent on a character who has no actual influence on the overall plot. At least right now, the place I last stopped in the book, Arya has FINALLY gotten out of Harrenhall (motherofgodthattookforever) but she hasn't yet bumped into the Brotherhood without Banners. I almost feel that Arya's story could be glossed over by giving Tywin or Melisandre a POV chapter instead of Arya, because both characters are more important than her, and run into her at various times. At least until Arya gets to Braavos.

[@isaican]

I like how she went off to learn and grow into her own with others help. Back in westeros she would be just like Sansa.

[@koltirasrip5775]

isacan Nah, she'd never be like Sansa. She'd end up like Brienne, I think. Mocked by all for not being a 'lady' like her gender should've forced her to be, and being worse off than Brienne because she likely wouldn't be as physically large as her.

[@couch_philosoph3325]

the reason why i love game of thrones so much is not only the plot itself, but especially how realistic everything is. normally in fantasy novels, there is the good side fighting the bad side, sometimes theres a traitor within, but its mostly clear who is a "good" person and who is not. but in real its just different. we all want to think of us as good and other persons as bad, but its not so black and white. people will never be perfect and even the most "evil" ones will have something that moves them, or such. and we all are far more uninnocent than we want to believe. we all have dark thoughts, even if we dont carry out the action. i love seeing this reflection in game of thrones so much

[@jang3975]

thankfully we got his work produced by the HBO as a TV series and not as a Hollywood Studio Movie...

[@boush1177]

Hollywood version: At the Red Wedding, Ned suddenly appears and murders all the conspirators. Then Robb and Talisa kiss by the fires, The End.

[@joemutt359]

Bacon Senpai ...aaaaaand that has just been replaced in my mind as the "real" red wedding finale, thank you bro. I'm already starting to feel better.

[@boush1177]

Joe Mutt No problem. We all need to find ways of coping with the sadness of the fake version. Oh, can you see that? Grey Wind is alive as well! Aaaws.

[@joemutt359]

Bacon Senpai one would have to choose between the sadness of the fake version or griefy sorrow of the original.

[@boush1177]

Joe Mutt I have a big question in the air about this; Which version is worse? Actually, scratch that, the answer is obvious.

[@demonprinceofkhorne]

20:55 "we'll do it again next book". June 2022 is about to go and GRRM is still working on that book...

[@Ali_Srour]

​@@cat-le1hf yeah right, but the thing that makes us sad is that he is 74 years old, probably he will finish the main books but we will not see other books about his world like Tolkien Tolkien wrote 25 books about characters in different ages and centuries, adventures, and journeys that didn't happen at the time of the main story. But unfortunately, GRRM will not do that

[@125scalemodeldrive]

.... imagine me for the future now 12 years later, and still super bummed no WoW yet 😢.... hopefully it won't be another 12 years.... hopefully

[@iGenius98]

this dude is so amazing..

[@iinmediasres4938]

I love how patient and thoughtful George always is with his fans. I'm sure getting bombarded with questions gets tedious after a while, but he always takes the time to give generous, honest, satisfying answers. Fantastic guy

[@tomhulcelover]

he seems like such a sweet guy, a very simple, no bullshit kinda guy. it would be cool to get to know him. "women are people" you gotta love this guy DAMN, i'm happy someone with this much talent and ingenuity for writing can bring to life all these wonderful characters (male and female) for us

[@46747]

He's a good old fella.

[@Rosele17]

“Are wildlings related to humans?” 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@robinnsunshine9546]

Goarge i love your work your mind has givin way to World i cant get enough of forever a fan. god bless you and your family.

[@rekka6366]

Wait, the dude is 67 years old, why do people think he is going to die before he finishes the books? Honestly, like, he looks old, he isn't old enough to die from old age.

[@matthewkasper2202]

I too have found this problematic. I think it comes from the unknown factor in life. He could get hit by a car for example. To leave a story like this unfinished would be a tragedy on its own.

[@rekka6366]

In a way, it might actually even be a compliment to the author. The books are so rich and detailed and extensive and we realise the effort and time that is required. And the fact that GRRM is quite aged incites worry in the readers that they may not be able to finish this wonderful story that they have begun reading. But, thinking about it objectively, the "speculation" is sort of pointless.

[@arkbehindblueyes]

People die in others ways, not only age lol We are worried because he's not that fit to be really healthy.. also you can be killed by a car any day.

[@Diggnuts]

He is morbidly obese. Taking a flight of stairs to quickly probably will make him keel over.

[@dobbsy9410]

Well my grandma died just a few months ago and she was seemingly in fantastic health, She was always active and lively but life and death isn't that simple.

[@ZexyZyxeI]

Martin has spoken, Tyrion is his favorite character, so he will never die... i hope :)

[@TaylorWeston]

I'm pretty sure that no character is safe from George, regardless of his own opinion of them.

[@Hellmarch123]

George R.R. Martin: ''... and then everyone died. The end''

[@ThomasTheNook]

A well-spoken and very smart man. I enjoy listening to him talk.

[@michaelstevens958]

There's something about him that I really relate to. I could perfectly imagine what he was describing and almost teared up just listening to him. o:

[@Pianosnail12]

As an aspiring writer this is truly invaluable, what I would do to sit down with him for an hour

[@DreamVikings]

Here is an extract from the 6th book passed to me by George RR Martin (Careful, mild spoilers ahead): Cersei: Bugger you all! - said the queen, as the mummer buggered the sellsword with his purse of golden dragons. It had been a long day of buggering. The dwarf stared at the knight with his mismatched eyes "You would do well to bugger yourself, and may the Father bugger you justly" He said. As the sun rose above the castle, Jaime could not help to tell him "Would you like some milk and strawberries as well? They go well with a good mummer buggering." Cersei was astonished. Had she heard right? The only good thing a man has to offer, was the piece of meat between his legs. "Bugger you all!" shouted the high septon from his balcony. His crystal crown cast a rainbow light whenever it took a ray of sunlight. Tyrion thought how good it would feel to bugger his sister with it. Mace Tyrell broke wind, and was buggered for it. On the meantime Daenerys spent fifty years walking the Dothraki sea. Although her hair grew again, her dragons died of age before she reached Westeros.

[@goshlike76]

hahahaha yeah right!

[@cappecfh]

"Mild spoilers"

[@esoessify]

Did he tell you when the book might be coming out?

[@DreamVikings]

Yes, "When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east," said G.R.R. Martin, "When the seas go dry and the mountains blow in the wind like leaves. When I stop wearing suspenders and this hat. Then it will come, and not before."

[@ccdiamond308]

DreamVikings It's funny because the greatest part of the prophecy has come true by now.The Sun's Son (of the Martell House) went eastward for Dany and died. The Dothraki sea dried up. The Mountain died after fighting the Red Viper. But the suspenders and the hat...

[@denisdaly1708]

7 years later, still waiting, and need those books even more now the way season 8 is progressing on GOT.

[@Ricadamu]

Every time he drinks that coke I feel like dong the same.

[@TheBloodsuger150]

Adam Cox hold be Pepsi, just saying...

[@TheMusachioedBrony]

Adam Cox I actually thought that was super strong Iced tea! I thought “Dang! How can he drink that!”

[@jeremyshepherd1700]

"dong"

[@rajesh-yp7xx]

"There is no character that is wholly good" Brienne: Am I a joke to you?

[@jaimelannister1797]

Maester Luwin

[@eliseg1574]

"There is no character that is wholly evil" Viserys: *exists*

[@stevewilliams4842]

@@eliseg1574 viserys is not evil

[@asoiaf.got.3048]

@@stevewilliams4842 he is evil

[@xXRockXLobsterXx]

I agree that Tyrion is the best character in the series!

[@25siesta]

he didnt say that he just said he liked him the best

[@xanderfields4375]

I tried to let this play in the background, but I kept getting drawn back to watching the video. The way his head and hands move is so influential to his points. This man is truly the greatest speaker I've ever heard.

[@mahdimohamedsani7410]

George deserves a nobel prize!!!

[@bellamorte76]

Did you Mean Mythopoeic Awards - awards for the best of mythic fantasy, following in the tradition of J. R. R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis - since 1971 ? Yes he should win that. Has he?

[@cgavin1]

LOL His face when the guy says 'facebook fans'. George, if you are lost in your cups and stumble upon this, its probably worth mentioning: you are not the only one who wants to stab 99% of 'fans' in the face.

[@wyomingptt]

ugh hipsters...

[@xx_faze_rolf_xxl4029]

When he was talking about making stories up about the ships, is that the inspiration for the game sansa and shae play in kings landing about the ships?

[@Anthony-eg2pj]

That would be amazing little Easter egg if it was

[@DEVDissers]

What an exceptional human being, love this man for giving us this amazing series. LIVING LEGEND!

[@amba74]

"You don't get to vote on art" D&D should have taken this advice seriously, the show is a fankwank right now.

[@Emanon...]

I'm seriously scared of GRRM dying before the last book... Oh Lord, please spare GRRM and take Miley Cyrus instead!

[@TheGamingCathedral]

How come people are so afraid of him dying? Does he look dying to you?

[@Emanon...]

I'm just a huge fan who's seriously worried that he's gonna pull a Frank Herbert. Seriously though: God, take Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber instead.

[@philiphenry2077]

Well it looks like they took Paul Walker instead :(

[@216yan216]

***** bless you.

[@Emanon...]

+2arunout: You're probably right. Thanks for that sobering lecture on human nature - you truly hit me "like a wrecking ball" ;)

[@DarkKonvict]

GRRM, Everyday you don't write a chapter, Hodor sheds a tear screaming,'Hodor!'. :'( :'( :'(

[@jeremyday9056]

It's nice to see an old interview when people asked questions besides "when is The Winds of Winter coming out, when is The Winds of Winter Coming Out?" I am anticipating it as much as everyone else. But when you are pressured on all sides to do something, it is no longer fun anymore. Let's make sure he gets to still enjoy writing his characters as much as we enjoy reading them. In the end, it will be better for everyone.