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With the immense success of theGame of Thronestelevision saga and George RR Martin’s novel seriesA Song of Ice and Fire, one can say he’s made quite a fortune now. With all the projects he’s been busy dealing with, along with the upcoming release of his sixth novel, the famed author is certainly going to churn more profit.
This wasn’t the case, though, when he was starting in the business. In fact, every writer who started from scratch hardly made any income. Before Martin wrote his most popular novels, he started writing short stories, and this is where his journey began.
George R.R. Martin Barely Earned Money From Writing Short Stories
Most fans probably did not know thatGeorge RR Martininitially sold short stories to make ends meet. He started selling science fiction short stories professionally when he was only 21. At the time, he made some profit, but it was not enough to sustain his living. He has always wanted to become a full-time writer, but circumstances did not permit him to, so instead he took a day job.
In a post on hiswebsite, he admitted his funds from his work as a chess tournament director dried up and he had to sell everything he wrote, “but everything I wrote consisted of short fiction, and even then short fiction did not pay enough.”
He echoed the same sentiment in his interview withThe Hollywood Reporter. While he was able to sell his short stories, he soon realized he needed to write longer ones. “Eventually I started writing novels and series, because you can’t live on short stories,” he said before admitting his earlier works “didn’t pay very much.”
His first novel,Dying of the Light, was published in 1977. At the time,George Lucas’Star Warswas at its peak, and its effect on the science fiction and publishing industry helped sell the book. Martin also worked on screenplays, but after growing frustrated with his works not getting made for the screen, he returned to writing novels.
“The show will make its debut next year”: George RR Martin Promises Two More Shows If Upcoming Game of Thrones Spinoff Does Well
In 1991, he was inspired to write what we know now as his greatest work:A Song of Ice and Fire. Since its publication, the book series has sold 90 million copies worldwide, as perIndependent.
George R.R. Martin VisualizedA Game of Thronesas a Short Story
Interestingly enough, Martin initially thought of the first chapter ofA Game of Thronesout of thin air, which, at the time, he believed was going to beanother short story. As he explored and expanded his imagination, the tale became a full-fledged novel series. He shared viaThe Guardian:
When I began, I didn’t know what the hell I had. I thought it might be a short story; it was just this chapter, where they find these direwolf pups. Then I started exploring these families and the world started coming alive.
Fans can say it has been an incredible journey for the author. The success of his book series and the HBO franchise have already given him more than enough to pay his bills.
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3533
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
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