Via EW.com:

It’s long been rumoured, but Gemma Whelan has finally been confirmed as Yara Greyjoy on the second season of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Who’s Yara Greyjoy, you ask? Theon’s sister, better known as Asha Greyjoy in the novels. Why?

Producers changed the character’s name from Asha to Yara presumably because the former sounds too much like another character in the show, Osha. (They did the same with young Lord Robert in the Eyrie in season 1, changing his name to Robin as not to confuse him with King Robert Baratheon).

Fair enough. Martin’s well known for re-using names or casting characters with very similar names. Interesting, however, that they changed Asha’s name (who’s an important viewpoint character in the series), instead of Osha (who’s importance is yet to be determined, despite being introduced before Asha). Visually, she looks the role.

[bragging]

Last friday, I went down to Seattle, Washington to meet George R.R. Martin. He was in town for a book signing at Town Hall. 1,000 people showed up. He’s a popular dude. I was on hand to help with the signing for The Signed Page signing, hauling nearly 400 books from one side of the room to the other, with George signing them along the way. Along with George, I had the pleasure of meeting one half of James S.A. Corey (Ty Franck, whose novel, Leviathan Wakes, rocks) and Peter Orullian, author of The Unremembered. Needless to say, I was a star-struck little blogger for the entire weekend!

But, well being a braggart is only fun for me. So, instead of gushing more, here’s a video filmed by Suvudu blogger Shawn Speakman. I was sitting right next to the camera. Cherie Priest, the Hugo-nominated author of Boneshaker was on the other side of the camera. She’s a sweetheart, too.

Beyond that, there’s not much to report that the video doesn’t relate. He’s a wonderful man; very humble and possessing a dry, self-deprecating sense of humour and very passionate about his work. All around, a great experience.

[/bragging]