George R.R. Martin: The King Who Won't Abdicate His Realm

George R.R. Martin, the celebrated author behind the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, has become a global celebrity, not just for his fantasy novels but also for the immense success of HBO's "Game of Thrones." The book series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 45 languages.

Despite his literary achievements, Martin faces criticism from fans who are frustrated by the long delay in publishing the sixth installment of his famous saga, "The Winds of Winter." Thirty years after the first book's release and 15 years after he began the sixth, fans are eager for its completion. Martin has indicated that over 1,000 pages are written, but the finalization remains elusive.

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It's just that you won't be in this world for much longer.

Adding to the fans' impatience, Martin has stated that he does not want anyone else to finish his unfinished works after his death. This stance was highlighted during a convention where a fan directly questioned his mortality and the possibility of him changing his mind. Martin shared that such comments, suggesting he is old and might not live much longer, were particularly hurtful.

Martin, who is 77 and writes on an offline computer, has numerous other projects. He has also been involved in the "Wild Cards" series, a literary universe of superheroes that has spanned 33 books, where he serves as editor alongside science fiction writer Melinda Snodgrass. HBO has also recently premiered "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," another series inspired by his books.

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Someone wrote that I had lied to them, that I am going to die soon, that you only have to see how old I am.