Winter Is Being GRRM's Editor

July 13, 2014 7:18 PM

I'm about halfway through reading the first Game of Thrones book, and I'm looking for some literary criticism or in-depth articles about the series' writing (books only).

I'm interested in criticism of GRRM's style, the way the books fit into fantasy-type writing tropes, details about GRRM's process in writing, how fantasy editors similar to ones who would edit GoT do their work, etc. I like long-form writing, but shorter articles are okay too. Your own analysis is also welcomed. Something beyond the surface articles about characters, and more about the meta/literary aspects of the books.

Spoilers are okay, maybe try to warn me, as I'll probably read articles linked here at least after I finish the first book. I do plan to watch the TV series. Thanks all!

posted by Red Desk to Writing & Language (5 answers total)

Best answer: A professor friend of mine blogs about the Game of Thrones TV series, as well as the books, occasionally. He reviews each episode with a co-blogger but also offers occasional meditations on the series. Here's an example. (It may contain spoilers.)
posted by synecdoche at 8:24 PM on July 13, 2014

Best answer: Maybe not exactly what you’re looking for, but Tor has a chapter-by-chapter summary and commentary. http://www.tor.com/features/series/a-read-of-ice-and-fire
posted by metasarah at 6:16 AM on July 14, 2014

Best answer: Tower of the Hand

The Mereneese Blot

BryndenBfish

Note: quality variable, haven't scratched surface, maybe 10% litcrit if that, but good starting point.

Also, dig through r/asioiaf
posted by lalochezia at 9:25 AM on July 14, 2014 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Academia.edu, a social network for sharing research, has a few hits on this. It requires a login, though, or you can use it to search for articles and papers that might be available elsewhere.

Then there are books that delve into the books and related media, such as Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, From A Game of Thrones to A Dance with Dragons, which is regarded with mostly positive reviews (at least on Amazon).
posted by filthy light thief at 10:01 AM on July 14, 2014

Response by poster: Thanks all! I knew this was a tough question :) I'm interested in the blog synecdoche posted, and I'll read through the other sites and the book.
posted by Red Desk at 6:46 PM on July 14, 2014