Tower of the Hand

GRRM's Not a Blog gets a new URL. Update your bookmarks: George R. R. Martin's "Not a Blog" has moved to a new address: http://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/

All of GRRM's previous blog entries have been migrated to the new URL and GRRM already has an inaugural post on the new site, writing about one of his favorite topics: the NFL draft. (Some of you may recall why Not a Blog was originally founded, nearly thirteen years ago. GRRM had discovered that some of his readers weren't happy with the content of the "updates" he had been giving on his official website. Not a Blog gave him a new outlet to discuss non-ASOIAF related topics, which fans could read or ignore -- or read and ignore, and wonder aloud, "When is the next book coming out?" Some things will never change.)

Aside from changing the URL and the banner graphic, the new site looks functionally similar to the old one, though the slight redesign is more in keeping with the style of GRRM's Official Website. Also, GRRM notes on Twitter that his team will be trying out a new platform (WordPress, if I'm not mistaken), so it appears that he's moving on from LiveJournal in more ways than one.

A Game of Thrones Online Role-playing. A new community-run Game of Thrones Online Role-playing session has just begun and it's looking for new players. If you enjoy role-playing games, or you're intrigued by the prospect of running a noble house of Westeros, or you're simply looking for new ways to pass the time until the next installment of A Song of Ice and Fire comes out, this game might be for you. Here's a brief description of what's involved:

Players are just now choosing their houses, so look over the rules and resources and figure out what kind of house you'd like to lead. Thanks to DireWolf for extending the invitation!

Supreme Court of Westeros celebrates 100th ruling. For the past two years, Stefan Sasse and Amin Javadi have served as arbiters advocating for and arguing against various A Song of Ice and Fire theories in a fun series they call "The Supreme Court of Westeros." Over the years, they've invited readers to submit questions and even join their panel as guest judges. Today the Supreme Court of Westeros celebrates its 100th ruling with a special podcast that also features frequent contributors Sean T. Collins and Steven Attewell. Congrats to everyone at the Supreme Court for reaching this milestone!

Radio Westeros. If you're eager for more discussion on all things A Song of Ice and Fire, tune your dial to Radio Westeros. Hosts Yolkboy and Lady Gwynhyfvar release a new podcast every month, covering everything from WorldCon readings to the ever-popular R+L=J theory. The most recent episode features BryndenBFish, who discusses Stannis Baratheon and his essay for our upcoming ebook, A Hymn for Spring. Check it out!

History Behind Game of Thrones. History Behind Game of Thrones is a history website that attempts to draw parallels between Game of Thrones and history. Created by Jamie Adair, the website features articles comparing events from George R. R. Martin's stories to their real-world counterparts, historic recaps of Game of Thrones episodes, and interviews on all subjects with actual historians. If you're looking for more in-depth analysis of the novels and the HBO show, look no further than History Behind Game of Thrones.

A Complete Analysis of the Siege of Winterfell. Warning! This post may discuss events from beyond your current scope. If you're fully caught up, you can remove this spoiler warning from all similar blog entries, or view this post without bypassing the warnings of other entries.

Vote for APOIAF in the Podcast Awards. A Podcast of Ice and Fire has been nominated for a Podcast Award and you can help them win. Go to PodcastAwards.com and vote for them in the Entertainment Category. You can vote for APOIAF each and every day until Friday, November 15. The winners will be announced January 5, 2014, at the New Media Expo in Las Vegas. Best of luck to one of the best Ice and Fire teams out there (and one of our favorite collaborators).