Interview
Game of Thrones fame was a “double-edged sword” for author George R.R. Martin
Without a doubt, one of today’s most admired writers is George R. R. Martin. Due to the fact that he blends elements of fantasy and reality, his writings have a unique taste. Unique, with a hint of grey, and some with odd skills, Martin’s characters are unlike any other. Game of Thrones brought him a level of fame he had never even imagined, but that didn’t always fare well for him.
“Fame is a double-edged sword”, says George R.R. Martin
As Game of Thrones’ popularity exploded, George R. R. Martin became a household name. He told The Guardian:
“I like the fortune part of it. Fame is definitely a double-edged sword … If I’m in an airport or a big city, any kind of public event, I have to be prepared to be recognised, everybody wants a selfie. The fans are usually very nice but you can’t control it, you can’t turn it off. We all have bad days when we’d just like to be left alone, you don’t get to have that option any more … It’s a mixed blessing, definitely.”
Fame makes George R.R. Martin conscious
Martin understands the weight on his shoulders due to fans’ expectations. He said, “The show has achieved such popularity around the world, the books have been so popular and so well reviewed, that every time I sit down I’m very conscious I have to do something great, and trying to do something great is a considerable weight to bear.”