George R.R. Martin: From TV and Shorts to Game of Thrones and Beyond

George R.R. Martin, the author of the acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire series, has a rich and diverse background that spans from television writing to fiction and beyond. This article explores his career path before and during the creation of Game of Thrones and highlights some of his significant works.

Early Career and Diverse Writings

Before becoming the mastermind behind A Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin was a prolific writer, contributing to various forms of literature and media. Born in New York in 1948, he began his writing journey in the 1970s and 1980s, where he made his mark in the science fiction and horror genres.

Martin's early career included writing for film and television, including episodes for the iconic The Twilight Zone and Beauty and the Beast. He was a screenwriter and worked on television series and films, often thriving in the creative atmosphere despite budget constraints and demanding producers. Some of his notable works from this period include:

Sandkings – Awarded the Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novelette The Way of Cross and Dragon – Won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story Nightflyers – Recently adapted for television by Syfy

During this time, Martin was also heavily involved in writing and editing. He co-wrote Beauty and the Beast and served as a producer. He also worked on the television series Beauty and the Beast, alongside The Twilight Zone, which contributed to his growing reputation as a versatile and talented writer.

Editing and Anthology Series

In addition to his individual works, Martin has also been a pioneering figure in directing and editing. He has edited and contributed to anthology series, particularly the Wild Cards series. This superhero anthology series, which he helped establish, features nearly 50 contributing authors, showcasing a diverse range of writing styles and voices. Some of the notable works in the Wild Cards series include:

Tuf Voyaging – A personal favorite of Martin

Development of Game of Thrones

While his science fiction and horror works laid the foundation for his acclaimed writing, it was only when he began working on A Game of Thrones that his career truly reached its zenith. The series, which was originally written as a single novel, eventually expanded into a sprawling, highly successful series of books. The success of these novels led to the creation of the popular television series Game of Thrones.

The transition from writing individual stories to creating a sprawling, multi-character epic required a significant shift in focus for Martin. Over the years since the release of A Game of Thrones, his writing has evolved, with a greater emphasis on editing, collaboration, and fostering a rich, imaginative universe for Game of Thrones. This includes:

Contributing to and editing the Wild Cards series Building a second home to accommodate his growing book collection and toys Rebuilding a movie theater to host film screenings and author talks Travelling the world and engaging with fans

Conclusion

George R.R. Martin's journey from a screenwriter and editor to the author of A Song of Ice and Fire is a testament to his versatility and enduring creativity. His work in various forms of media has not only expanded his readership but also influenced generations of writers and fans. From his early science fiction and horror writings to his contribution to the Wild Cards series and the success of Game of Thrones, Martin's career is a fascinating progression of a truly multifaceted talent.