The #GameOfThrones Through My #Author #Reader Eyes

Game of Thrones season 2 as seen on HBO website. To make a long story short, I was provided an opportunity to binge-watch the Game of Thrones series from HBO. I have not read the books but the video series taught me a few things that I believe authors should take to heart when writing.

For those who haven't seen it, don't worry, I don't plan on giving out spoilers. Just general statements. I will say that if you are sensitive to graphic violence, sex, and language, do not even begin the series. If you can get past that then you will see an Epic Fantasy that has wonderful world building with characters that are true to their nature.

In my humble opinion, as a viewer and reader, authors should avoid giving names to people and places that are so similar that it can get confusing. If I were asked, as an author, I would have recommended using as many letters in the alphabet as possible. I know how tough that is. I've caught myself using multiple names with the same first letter. It varies with each writing. Knowing that I have this problem, now I go back through after the rough draft and rename some of the characters. Recently, I've been learning about outlining. In the future, perhaps I will catch that as I review my outline and character list.

For those of you who have watched Game of Thrones and are an author, what things did you pick up on that perhaps could have used a 're-write' in your humble opinion? What did you think was well done and would be great for authors to aspire to do? As a reader/viewer is there anything that you found annoying or well done that you feel comfortable sharing? Please keep comments G-rated and information general - without giving anything away - for those that haven't watched yet. 

Lynn Hallbrooks
Author Reader Cheerleader