George R.R. Martin says he would’ve been a teacher if his novels hadn’t been a hit

George R.R. Martin is a well-known author who has written many popular fantasy books. Being an author, he is undergoing significant changes driven by technological advances, shifting reader habits, and the evolving publishing industry. In a recent reflection, George R.R. Martin shares his thoughts on what his life might have looked like if his novels hadn’t been a hit.

A road not taken by George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin thinks about what he would do if he weren’t a writer. He says he would be a teacher. He has taught before and likes sharing what he knows. He says he would be good at it. Martin has already taught journalism, English, and writing. He enjoys helping others learn and grow. He believes that teaching would be a fulfilling career for him if he weren’t a successful author. George R.R. Martin, in an interview with Winter is Coming, said,

“I think, when I look at my own career…if I hadn’t become a writer, what the hell would I have been? I mean, I guess I would have been a teacher. I’ve taught journalism, and I’ve taught English and writing for a while. That’s pretty satisfying, I’m pretty good at that. I could have done that. What else could I have done?”

Credit: Amy Sussman

The Unpredictable Life of a Creator

He didn’t think he was a gambler, but that’s what George R.R. Martin turned out to be. He reflects on his career, noting that success in the creative arts is fleeting and unpredictable, much like an actor or singer’s career. He shares the story of a singer friend who once performed in front of thousands but now plays in smaller venues. Martin emphasizes that a career in writing is a roll of the dice, and young writers must ask themselves if they’re suited for the unpredictability.

“I didn’t think I was a gambler, but that’s what I turned out to be. You can be hot, and then you can be cold. In some ways it’s not unlike an actor, or a singer, you know? I have a singer friend, I won’t mention the name, but I have a friend…in the ’60s, this person would fill giant stadiums — well, not stadiums, but basketball arenas, thousands of people. And now she comes to Santa Fe and plays in my bar with 130 seats, after an entire career as a singer, and a really great singer, who has won Grammys and other things like that.”

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