Bryan Cogman Quotes

Powerful Bryan Cogman for Daily Growth

About Bryan Cogman

Bryan Cogman, an American screenwriter, producer, and novelist, was born on September 14, 1973, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is renowned for his work on the HBO fantasy series "Game of Thrones," where he served as a writer and producer for eight seasons. Cogman's passion for storytelling began early, with an upbringing that fostered creativity and intellectual curiosity. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric & Communication Studies. His academic background, focusing on narrative structure and rhetorical analysis, undoubtedly influenced his future career in screenwriting. Before joining "Game of Thrones," Cogman worked as a staff writer for other successful television series such as "The West Wing" and "Charmed." However, it was George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy novel series "A Song of Ice and Fire" that truly captivated him. In 2013, Cogman co-wrote the "Game of Thrones" episode "The Rains of Castamere," which is considered one of the most shocking episodes in television history. Over his eight seasons with the show, he wrote or co-wrote multiple critically acclaimed episodes, including "Mhysa," "Hardhome," and "Battle of the Bastards." In addition to his work on "Game of Thrones," Cogman also penned several novellas set in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" universe. Notably, he wrote "The Princess and the Queen," which was published in 2013 as part of the "Dangerous Women" anthology edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois. Cogman's work is characterized by a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of character, and a knack for crafting suspenseful, emotionally resonant stories. His contributions to the world of fantasy television are indelible, making him an influential figure in contemporary storytelling.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Every great story tells a truth about the human heart."

This quote by Bryan Cogman suggests that every compelling narrative, whether it's a novel, movie, or myth, encapsulates some universal truth about human emotions and experiences. In essence, stories serve as mirrors to our hearts, reflecting the complexities, joys, pains, fears, hopes, and dreams that define us as humans. They help us understand ourselves better by providing relatable characters and situations, ultimately offering insights into the human condition.


"A good story is a promise from a writer to a reader."

Bryan Cogman's quote highlights the contractual bond between an author and their reader. By writing a story, the author makes a commitment to engage, entertain, or enlighten the reader. This promise lies in the narrative structure, characters, plot twists, and emotional resonance that captivates readers, fostering an immersive experience. The writer promises a worthwhile investment of time and emotion from the reader, who in turn receives a journey through imaginative worlds or compelling human stories.


"Good writing doesn't just happen. You have to work at it."

This quote by Bryan Cogman emphasizes that exceptional writing is not a result of pure talent or spontaneity but rather a product of dedication, effort, and continuous practice. It serves as a reminder that becoming a good writer requires time, discipline, and commitment to crafting one's skills, with the understanding that improvement comes through hard work and perseverance.


"I believe in the power of story to change the world."

Bryan Cogman's quote emphasizes the transformative potential of stories. He suggests that narratives have the capacity to impact the world significantly, potentially inducing changes on a global scale. Stories can inspire, educate, challenge, and unite people, helping them understand each other better, empathize with different perspectives, and work together towards common goals. The quote underscores the power of literature, cinema, art, and other forms of storytelling in shaping societies and influencing positive changes in our world.


"The best stories are those that resonate with us on a deep, emotional level."

The quote suggests that the most effective stories evoke profound emotions within us. By striking a chord in our feelings or experiences, such stories not only entertain but also leave lasting impressions, fostering a deeper connection between readers, viewers, or listeners and the narrative being presented. These resonant tales can illuminate aspects of ourselves, helping us understand our world better and forge meaningful connections with others.


As far as engaging with fans... it's a tricky thing. I enjoy seeing the feedback on Twitter, etc. It's probably the actor in me.

- Bryan Cogman

Enjoy, Fans, Tricky, Engaging

After we map out all the main characters' individual arcs, using color-coded index cards, we arrange them by episode and get a rough idea of the scene order.

- Bryan Cogman

Cards, Rough, Using, Map

'A Storm of Swords' is a massive volume, and it seemed like it would be shortchanging it to try to cram it into ten episodes.

- Bryan Cogman

Storm, Like, Seemed, Episodes

I tend to write the episodes in the middle of the season, which can be a challenge because you've got to balance all these threads that have begun - and also make sure they will make sense with the overall plan going forward.

- Bryan Cogman

Begun, Got, Tend, Episodes

I couldn't enjoy 'A Dance With Dragons,' unfortunately. Of course, I enjoyed it, but it was the first of the books I read as a writer on 'Game of Thrones,' so all I could do is think, 'We're going to have to shift that,' 'We won't be able to afford that,' or 'That's a great scene.'

- Bryan Cogman

Game, Enjoy, Shift, Dragons

I come from the theater, where the response to your work is immediate, and I suppose there's a part of me that still craves that.

- Bryan Cogman

Work, Part, Still, Craves

When we're shooting, I'm in producer mode.

- Bryan Cogman

Shooting, Mode, Producer

Coming out of Juilliard, I had a big head, and a lot of people wouldn't want to be an assistant. But I am so fortunate, and I've learned a ton.

- Bryan Cogman

Want, Big, Learned, Juilliard

The pressure used to wear on me. I was on Twitter a couple years ago, and I couldn't handle it all that well. Don't get me wrong, because 90% of the feedback you get is fantastic.

- Bryan Cogman

Handle, Wear, Couple, Fantastic

I hate when the major event of a show I watch is spoiled for me. And I'm wracked with guilt when/if I spoil something for someone else.

- Bryan Cogman

Guilt, Something, Show, Spoiled

I'm a big fan of the underdogs.

- Bryan Cogman

Big, Fan, Big Fan, Underdogs

I tend to work in coffee shops. I need to get out of the house, and, well, I need the coffee.

- Bryan Cogman

Work, Need, Tend, Shops

I think 'The Americans' is exceptional on every level.

- Bryan Cogman

Think, Level, I Think, Exceptional

Don't limit yourself to one thing.

- Bryan Cogman

Yourself, One Thing, Thing, Limit

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