Game of Thrones creator reveals why he is fascinated with war

When George R. R. Martin started writing the 'Game of Thrones' books back in 1991 he had no idea what a cult phenomenon it would become both on the page and in the HBO TV series. But as Marc Fennell finds out with success, comes great pressure.

(SBS)

George R. R. Martin described himself in his earlier years as a conscientious objector, but that hasn't stopped him from writing about war.

"War is a huge subject for any writer. As long as we keep having wars, I think we'll keep writing about them," he says.

"My feeling about writing about war in a fantasy context is that if you are going to write about it, you have to be honest and you have to show all sides of it."

As for the discipline required to meet the deadlines, George R. R. Martin says its like being trapped as a steam locomotive speeds towards you.

"Sometimes I feel like the guy who is laying the tracks for the railroad. And I'm laying the tracks as fast as I can but I can see the locomotive coming up behind me."

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