George R.R. Martin warns young writers, says the profession is not for “anyone who needs or wants security”

George R.R. Martin is a great storyteller. He’s been writing for over 40 years and has created fantastic worlds, characters, and plots. His most famous series, “A Song of Ice and Fire” and “Fire And Blood,” have become a huge hit and were even made into a popular TV show called “Game of Thrones and House of The Dragon“. Through his writing, he takes us on a journey to new places, introduces us to memorable characters, and helps us understand people better.

The Ups and Downs of a Writing Life

George R.R. Martin’s advice to writers is a sobering reality check. He confesses that he never thought he’d be a gambler, but that’s precisely what he became as a writer. Success can vanish in an instant, and even established writers can find themselves struggling to make ends meet. He drives this point home by sharing the story of a friend who went from rocking packed arenas to playing tiny bars. It’s a stark reminder that a writing career is a rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns. George R.R Martin in an interview with Winter is Coming says,

“I say this whenever I speak to young writers: this is not a profession for anyone who needs or wants security. 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.”

Credit: Amy Sussman

Staying True to Your Art

George R.R. Martin’s sage advice forces writers to confront their true motivations. He asks to identify the driving force. Is it the thrill of the allure of being a writer?” It’s a brutally honest question and one that requires some serious soul-searching. Martin warns that creative pursuits are a crapshoot, and writers must be willing to leap of faith. But for those genuinely passionate about storytelling and willing to take risks, the uncertainty can fuel their creative fire.

“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. The creative arts…you’re really rolling the dice. Now, are you temperamentally suited for that, is one thing to ask young writers. What do they want? Do they want stories to tell, or do they want the career of being a writer? It’s tough. It’s tough, and people have different feelings on that.”

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