Why George R.R. Martin Continues Writing for 'Game of Thrones'

Many fans have wondered why George R.R. Martin, the author behind the internationally beloved Game of Thrones books, continues to pen new material despite the series being effectively finished. There are several compelling reasons behind this.

The Extensive Nature of the Narrative

The primary reason is the monumental scale and complexity of the narrative. A Song of Ice and Fire consists of deeply intricate plots, richly detailed characters, and vast timelines. Martin has often described the narrative as a dense and lengthy tale, making it challenging to tie up all loose ends to his satisfaction. For instance, he recently stated that three-quarters of the manuscript for The Winds of Winter is completed, but at this rate, it is projected to take several years longer before the book is published.

Engagement with Multiple Projects

George R.R. Martin is no stranger to a busy schedule. Apart from his main passion for completing The Winds of Winter and his planned follow-up, he has numerous other commitments. He dedicates significant time to editorial work, contributing to the "Wildcard" series mosaic novels and occasional co-edited books with Gardner Dubois. Martin also contributes short stories to anthologies like Warriors, Dangerous Women, and Rogues.

Beyond his writing, Martin is heavily involved in various projects. His residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, houses the Jean Cocteau Theater, which is a significant cultural hub. This involvement in multiple areas prevents him from solely focusing on completing his series, which is understandable given the multi-faceted nature of his interests and commitments.

Irregular Writing Habits

Apart from his busy schedule, Martin's writing habits are unpredictable. His process is described as a laborious, almost sporadic one. Some days, he writes prolifically while other days he barely puts pen to paper. This inconsistent approach means that maintaining a steady rhythm for a thousand-page novel like The Winds of Winter is a considerable challenge.

A Diverse and Meandering Writing Style

Martin's writing style is often compared to that of a gardener rather than an architect. Instead of meticulously outlining and sticking to a strict plan, he allows his imagination to guide him. This approach often results in the creation of extensive, complex plots that may need to be revised or even abandoned. This flexible, meandering approach not only makes his writing process more time-consuming but also more demanding in terms of time and effort.

Lastly, Martin does not have the same kind of driving force that many writers experience. There is no ticking clock, no looming deadline, and no significant external incentive to push him to complete his work. The sense of obligation is there, but it is not strong enough to override his other commitments or prompt him to use modern writing tools.

Despite these challenges, George R.R. Martin's continued writing is a testament to his passion for the Song of Ice and Fire series and his dedication to his fans. Fans are eagerly awaiting the completion of The Winds of Winter and its successor, hoping that Martin will finally bring this beloved story to an end, or perhaps, in his unique way, extend it even further.