The prejudice is still there, but it's breaking down. You have writers like Michael Chabon and The Yiddish Policemen's Union. He's a writer who's determined to break down genre barriers. He's done amazing things.

The real issue lies in the North beyond the Wall. Stannis becomes one of the few characters fully to understand that, which is why in spite of everything he is a righteous man.

I 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.

I have idea files of books that I want to write one of these days, stories I want to write one of these days, but I'll probably never get to them.

And when you have it, what then? Some secrets are safer kept hidden. Some secrets are too dangerous to share, even with those you love and trust.

Fear cuts deeper than swords.

Jon: Have you seen the wall? | Sam: I'm fat, not blind.