Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
George R. R. Martin is one of the most influential and famous writers of our times. Having created the brilliant mythos ofGame of Thrones, the writer is also a screenwriter and producer. Known for his intricate plotlines, complex characters, unusual themes, and detailed world-building, Martin’s influence on popular culture extends beyond the literary world he has created.
A fan of J. R. R Tolkien and having sought inspiration from him, theGame of Thronescreator himself is an influence and inspiration to several young writers. Yet, his fame and acclaim have not kept Martin safe from fans’ demands and questions, to whichTheSandmancreator had more than a befitting reply to give.
When Neil Gaiman Defended George R. R. Martin
Among the plethora of artists today,George R. R. MartinandNeil Gaimanexert a considerable influence over others, thanks to their exemplary works. While Martin famously created the world on whichGame of Thronesand its prequelHouse of the Dragonis based, Gaiman perhaps isbest known for the comic and its subsequent TV adaptation,The Sandman.
Just as Martin grew up inspired by and reading the likes of Tolkien, Gaiman has been a fan of Martin since he was 15 and hopes that fans discover and love his other works too, instead of just reading theGame of Thronesbooks (viaThe Guardian).
“The dream continues”: The Sandman Season 2 Begins Filming as Show Set To Adapt “Multiple Volumes” of Neil Gaiman’s Mythology
Back in 2009,The Sandmancreator once defended Martin from endless fan demands andlack of communicationregarding the nextSong of Ice and Firenovel. In hisblog post, when a fan asked him what he felt about Martin letting fans down, Gaiman ferociously replied:
“Yes, it’s unrealistic of you to think George is ‘letting you down’… I keep trying to come up with a better way to put it, but the simplicity of things, at least from my perspective is this: George R.R. Martin is not your b*tch.”
Adding on that ‘People are not machines. Writers and artists aren’t machines.‘ Gaiman’s befitting comments were more than necessary to shut toxic fans who believe that writers owe them everything just because they bought their books.
Even George R. R. Martin is Tired of Toxic Fans
While Neil Gaiman brilliantly defended theGame of Thronescreator, George R. R. Martin himself, in a blog post, opened up about the toxic culture of social media and how toxic fans have deeply affected him. Stating that there are wars everywhere, with climate change to nukes threatening the human world, he called 2023 a nightmare of a year.
“The choice would have brought its own perils”: George R.R. Martin Contemplated Making a Radical Game of Thrones Change That Would’ve Made Casting Emilia Clarke Impossible
But failing to find solace in movies or TV shows, Martin stated in his famousblog,
“Toxicity is growing. It used to be fun talking about our favorite books and films, and having spirited debates with fans who saw things different… but somehow in this age of social media, it is no longer enough to say ‘I did not like book X or film Y, and here’s why.’ Now social media is ruled by anti-fans who would rather talk about the stuff they hate than the stuff they love, and delight in dancing on the graves of anyone whose film has flopped.”
While Martin went on to write on several important and probable things like immigration and more, he described his current mood as depressed with a crying alien emoji. Well, despite his immense success and acclaim, he is only human, and his ability to express such feelings only makes the writer more likable and relatable.
And we sincerely hope that fans will take Neil Gaiman’s advice to heart and stop asking George R. R. Martin about hisyet-to-be-releasedThe Winds of Winter.
Game of Thronescan be streamed on Netflix.
Maria Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2703
Maria Sultan is a dedicated News Content Writer at FandomWire. With over five years of professional experience and hundreds of published articles, she brings a wealth of expertise to her coverage of Marvel, K-dramas, and the latest on streaming platforms.Her work is not just about reporting news; it’s about providing insightful perspectives on the entertainment trends that matter most.
