'Dreamsongs' allows me to show the scope of my writing - with personal commentary that puts the works in context and includes some autobiographical details intended to reveal how each piece came to be, what it represents, and how it has formed, or been informed by, my philosophy of writing.
George R. R. MartinI was a journalism major, and I would take creative writing classes as part of that, but I would also look for opportunities to write stories for some of my other classes. So for my course in Scandinavian history, I asked if I could write historical fiction instead of term papers. Sometimes theyโd say yes.
George R. R. MartinJon Snow had dreamed of leading men to glory just as King Daeron had, of growing up to be a conqueror. Now he was a man grown and the Wall was his, yet all he had were doubts. He could not even seem to conquer those.
George R. R. MartinHe pushed himself to his feet. โDonโt lie, Sansa. I am malformed, scarred, and small, butโฆโ she could see him groping โโฆabed, when the candles are blown out, I am made no worse than other men. In the dark, I am the Knight of Flowers.โ He took a draught of wine. โI am generous. Loyal to those who are loyal to me. Iโve proven Iโm no craven. And I am cleverer than most, surely wits count for something. I can even be kind. Kindness is not a habit with us Lannisters, I fear, but I know I have some somewhere. I could beโฆ I could be good to you.
George R. R. Martin