George R.R. Martin Consulted Stephen King for Tips on Overcoming Writer’s Block in Game of Thrones

Overview

Stephen King maintains an impressive writing routine, consistently producing around six pages daily.
During a candid exchange, George R.R. Martin consulted King for strategies to tackle writer’s block.
Both authors continue to have numerous adaptations in development, confirming their lasting appeal.

Renowned for their captivating storytelling, Stephen King and George R.R. Martin have carved their respective niches in literature. King excels in the horror genre, while Martin is celebrated for his intricate fantasy narratives. Despite their differing styles, King effectively outpaces Martin in terms of output. Martin, on the other hand, has been grappling with his much-anticipated novel The Winds of Winter for over a decade.

Nonetheless, Martin keeps himself busy with several adaptations, including the acclaimed Game of Thrones series and its prequel House of the Dragon. Juggling numerous projects presents challenges in his writing schedule. In contrast, King has successfully published more than sixty novels, many adapted into films and television shows. Intrigued by King’s disciplined approach to writing, Martin reached out to him for insights during a discussion.

King Offers Guidance on Battling Writer’s Block

George R.R. Martin Game of Thrones Lord of the Rings

In a candid discussion at the Kiva Auditorium a few years ago, the two literary icons engaged in a deep conversation about their craft and experiences. King shared that a particularly painful period in his life led him to read Martin’s work, which he credited for helping him through tough times. As their dialogue unfolded, Martin expressed his astonishment at King’s prolificacy by saying, “How the f— do you write so many books so fast?”

Martin compared their writing speeds, remarking on his own progress: “I think, ‘Oh, I’ve had a really good six months — I’ve written three chapters!’”Clearly perplexed, he acknowledged, “You’ve finished three books in that time.” King, eager to offer advice for overcoming writer’s block, revealed his personal approach: “Here’s the thing, there are books, and there are books. The way that I work, I try to get out there, and I try to get six pages a day.” King dedicates three to four hours daily to achieve this goal, a method that could potentially benefit Martin.

Martin appeared taken aback by King’s response and asked if he ever experienced days when writing felt daunting, humorously questioning his own talent with, “Maybe you should’ve been a plumber.” King firmly responded “No,”while acknowledging the significant pressure Martin faces from a dedicated fan base eager for new content. Despite these challenges, Martin is active with several adaptations, including A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight and multiple animated series.

Similarly, King is not without ongoing projects; adaptations of his works like The Life of Chuck, Carrie, Welcome to Derry, and The Dark Tower are in various stages of development. For readers curious about the literature that might haunt King at night, he cites a classic horror film from 1968 that leaves him feeling vulnerable and contemplative.

Source: Andy Atkins’ YouTube

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