'Game of Thrones' author shares brutally honest message for 'people pleasers' and we feel attacked

In HBO’s hit show "Game of Thrones," Tyrion Lannister became a fan favorite for his sharp wit and unapologetic attitude. But he wasn’t just loved by fans—he was also George R.R. Martin’s personal favorite. Martin, who wrote the books that inspired the show, has said he identifies with many of Tyrion’s beliefs and outlooks. In a 2012 interview with Adrià Guxens at the Celsius 232 Festival in Avilés, Martin explained why “trying to please everyone is a horrible mistake.” Although he may have been talking about the ending of Game of Thrones, his words resonate with anyone who struggles to stop being a “people pleaser.”

When Adria first met Martin in the interview room, he described him as “an old man with a cap, suspenders, goggles, and a lush white beard.” The writer said that Martin was sitting in an armchair,  which he held on to as if it was an imposing Iron Throne, such as the one depicted in his novel.

In the interview, Adria asked how Martin handles the pressure of knowing the ending of his novels won’t satisfy everyone. Martin said, “Of course, I will disappoint some of my fans because they are making theories about who will finally take the throne: who would live, who would die… and they even imagine romantic pairings.” He said he had already experienced this situation with two of his novels, “Feast for Crows” and “Dance with Dragons.” However, no one can please everyone, he said while quoting some words of the American actor, Rick Nelson, “You can't please anyone, so you've got to please yourself.”

“So I will write the two last books as good as I am capable of,” Martin told Adria, and added, “I think the great majority of my readers would be happy with it.” He emphasized that trying to please everyone is a horrible mistake. “I don't say you should annoy your readers but art isn't a democracy and should never be a democracy. It's my story and those people who get annoyed should go out and write their own stories; the stories they wanna read.”

Later in the interview, the “A Storm of Swords” author also said that he never changes his ideas just because his fans don’t like them. He called out people on the internet saying that, for each correct theory on the Internet are at least 1,000 incorrect theories. “People see shadows on the wall when there is nothing.”

Having sold more than 90 million books in fantasy, horror, and science fiction, Martin is known as one of the legendary fiction writers of the century. His novels are known for describing majestic scenes in castles, supernatural creatures, and gigantic battles, while his stories depict a grim and real picture of the world. What he said back in 2012 went on to influence the outcome of the show based on his books, when fans were left disappointed by the ending of the final season of "Game of Thrones."