Interview
George R.R. Martin says he would’ve been a teacher if his novels hadn’t been a hit
Which profession suits you better?
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?”
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.”
READ NEXT: Steve Toussaint calls Corlys and Rhaenys’ romance a “modern love story”
Stream House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones and more HBO Original series on Max. Sign up and save up to 20% with an annual plan.
-
News5 days ago
House of the Dragon Season 3 will start filming in 2025, according to showrunner Ryan Condal
-
Lore6 days ago
Who is Grand Maester Orwyle in House of the Dragon?
-
News5 days ago
Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke to star in sci-fi romance ‘Next Life’
-
Lore6 days ago
Everything we know about Lord Lyman Beesbury in House of the Dragon
-
Interview2 days ago
How Emilia Clarke (Daenerys) helped Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra) with their role in House of the Dragon
-
Lore6 days ago
Everything we know about Jasper “Ironrod” Wylde in House of the Dragon
-
Lore5 days ago
Everything we know about Ser Rickard Thorne in House of the Dragon
-
News1 day ago
New A Song of Ice and Fire calendar will focus on Dunk and Egg