George RR Martin on Writing Battle Scenes

A Song of Ice and Fire Author George R. R. Martin on Writing Battle Scenes and War (2014 and 2018) #Gameofthrones

Full Interviews:

[TihetrisWeathersby]

George reminds me of the Old guy who owns the shop in a fishing town who gazes out at the sea remembering the time he almost caught that special fish

[durjoymaitra]

After reading blackwater in a clash of kings, and hearing him describe the challenges, he executed it perfectly. Having Tyrion both be set up as Hand, therefore general for the defenese of kings landing, and having Cersei's schemes push him to the front lines allow for us to see his plans be executed without having them spoiled previously, and immerse us in a "visceral" battle scene described in immense detail.

[deathdeathington]

I really liked the melee battle scene in Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The way George describes Dunk's limited vision through his helmet gives a real sense of claustrophobia.

[intraum]

what an absolute genius. just perfectly measured discussion of very complex topics. a true modern character writer

[joaovictor]

George doesn't hide us from the details, even the horrible details, and I like that

[niconasara]

One of the best battle scenes in aSoIaF was the Asha private perspective on Stannis atack on some Iron Sons

[aryanak]

1:14 George understands the importance of the High Ground, another reason why he’s my favourite author

[jaimelannister]

My random guess for the battle of ice is Asha will be the “private” perspective while Theon being sitting back with Stannis will be the “general” perspective.

[noname_noname_]

"We kinda forgot about our battle tactics"

[zackthezabarak]

I myself have noticed that it’s easier to write sword fights than unarmed or firearm fights, because you need the right amount of detail.

[Kriegerdammerung]

Action being bloodless violence is the Fast and the Furious chasing scenes.

[Matt_]

Its funny because D&D butchered all logical battle strategy at winterfell.

[gravymaze]

2:34 I like how he strokes his beard 😂

[Grivian]

I'm fine with following the "private" in battle scenes. The only thing I ask is:
1. I know who the officers are, at least visually
2. There are orders heard in the background, doesn't have to be super clear to the audience but it should be there
3. The soldiers hold formation for the most part
4. There is some visual of the supply carts, especially during marches

[Archonsx]

this is why i liked game of thrones so much, it was fiction but it had realism

[leroyjenkins]

This is why I'm patiently waiting for Winds Of Winter.

[Erik_Armando_]

Really appreciate the links in the description.👍👍

[ashleyofnaath]

Hearing GRRM talk about this has me PUMPED for the Battle of Ice. No way it occurred and he denied us the pleasure of reading it. No way. The Pink Letter is nothing but lies and conjecture!

PS- Go Stannis!

[gabrielionuttafalogu]

I wonder what he thinks of the battle from the long night episode

[Quadraxis]

One aspect I liked about the Overlord novels is that, when a big battle happens between armies, you get a small snippet of a paragraph from various "NPCs", if you will. Random soldiers, commanders and other characters that serve no other purpose narratively than to give the reader a broader sense of how chaotic the battle is going.