Everywhere I look this week I see references to A Dance With Dragons, the new (and exceptionally long awaited) release of George R. R. Martin's epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire. I see it all over the social networks, I see it all over the news, and I even see people reading it on the bus.
With all the interest in George R. R. Martin's latest novel, and from the number of Kossacks and R&BLers who have indicated they're fans, Limelite suggested having a series of diaries in which we ASOIAF geeks can freely discuss the books. So, I am launching a limited series covering his books and will serve as Editor.
Installments of "A Song of Ice and Fire" will appear over the next month or so on a weekly basis, publishing MON at 11 AM ET, beginning August 1.
The idea is to have one or more diaries per book, with volunteer diarists. I will start the series with an introduction to Game of Thrones, but am soliciting volunteers to write special diaries about certain aspects of the books -- favorite characters, close literary analysis, etc. We can also includie speculation on where the series is going. I would like to keep each diary confined to the book in question, with any speculation trying to avoid known spoilers. For instance we can say all we want about who Jon's real parents are, because that has not yet been revealed, so it would not be a spoiler. This would be so those who have just started the series don't get too badly spoiled.
The discussions will raise questions like: Who are your favorite characters? Is Jon totally awesome or is he too emo? Is Dany the greatest character ever or a total Mary Sue? Is Arya a totally annoying brat or the best child character you've ever read? Is Ned the most noble person in Westeros or a rigid fool?
Also under discussion would be our thoughts on the HBO adaptation, at least for the first book, A Game of Thrones, since that is the only one on video at this time. Do you approve or disapprove of the casting? Too much sexposition? Did they leave out any favorite parts? What added scenes did you like or dislike?
Please message me if you would like to write a diary, and let me know which book you would like to write about. I'll be working with everyone to avoid duplication and conflict. Opportunities for Contributors to sign up to do a diary will be posted in the Comments. Hurry and get your favorite book lined up and your date reserved!
See you here next week, same day, same time when I'll be talking about Game of Thrones.