"A Game of Thrones" pilot ordered by HBO!

Excellent news!

HBO has ordered the pilot episode for the proposed mini-series based on George R. R. Martin's "A Game of Thrones".

I am thrilled. I started reading this series years ago after having picked up the first book in its initial hardcover release at the now sadly defunct "Future Fantasy" book store in Palo Alto. I've enjoyed every volume since, although I am becoming a bit worried at the amount of time Martin's spent on book five—originally announced for sale by Amazon more than a year ago and still not on the shelves.

"A Song of Ice and Fire" is adult fantasy, in that it deals with adult themes such as politics, religion, heroism and revenge, in an adult way. The people are people. They're not thinly characterized stereotypes a la Terry Goodkind's infantile "Sword of Truth" series. They have complex, adult motivations. It's not another "go get this sword" or "go get this ring" fantasy.

I'm excited not only because an HBO pilot bodes well for a hugely entertaining mini-series with very high production values, but that the entire genre of adult fantasy will get a big boost if it's successful. The book I'm writing is cast in very much the same vein as "A Song of Ice and Fire", although it leans more heavily toward science fiction than fantasy. I definitely want that market to grow and prosper.

From what I've read, the production would be a joint venture between the BBC and HBO, similar to their collaboration on the superb historical mini-series "Rome". If so, I think we will be in for a serious treat.

Another 70!

Good think I got my shaman "Tektonyx" to level 70 last night. I can't login to Warcraft at all tonight. I guess the server maintenance window went a leeeetle bit long.

On the other hand, I finished chapter eight in my book, so there's that. And the Sharks are playing a team they've massively dominated over the years. Go Sharks!