I try to make the readers feel they've lived the events of the book. Just as you grieve if a friend is killed, you should grieve if a fictional character is killed. You should care. If somebody dies and you just go get more popcorn, it's a superficial experience isn't it?
George R. R. MartinWhen Maester Aemon heard him sing, he said his voice was honey poured over thunder.
George R. R. MartinI want you to be afraid to turn the page (and to do that) you need to show right from the beginning that you're playing for keeps.
George R. R. MartinNobody likes cravens,โ he said uncomfortably. โI wish we hadnโt helped him. What if they think weโre craven too?โ "You're too stupid to be craven,โ Pyp told him. โI am not,โ Grenn said. โYes you are. If a bear attacked you in the woods, youโd be too stupid to run away.โ โI would not,โ Grenn insisted. โIโd run away faster than you.โ He stopped suddenly, scowling when he saw Pypโs grin and realized what heโd just said.
George R. R. Martin