Brandon Sanderson reveals the only tactic that could help George RR Martin win back his fans

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Brandon Sanderson reveals the only tactic that could help George RR Martin win back his fans

Readers eager for novels with intriguing and gripping plots often face a major challenge when waiting for the next novel: lack of updates. Having experienced it when he was younger, he is an author of frustration Brandon Sanderson wishes to spare fans of his work. Aptly utilizing the power of technology and social media, Sanderson keeps his fans engaged in the progress he is making on the novels they are all eagerly awaiting. For example, through his website, Sanderson publishes regular updates for fans to interact with as he works his way through these highly anticipated novels. This is a detailed, behind-the-scenes progress report that includes charts, annual summaries, discussions on various related topicsand effective fan engagement through Instagram posts as well.

No one invested in a project wants to be sidelined and left without updates, which is why Sanderson’s decision to use social media to connect with fans is welcome. Speaking about his decision to explore this tactic via The Bookseller, Sanderson detailed what motivated this particular engagement strategy. He said:

“I grew up in a time where I never knew when new books would come out…and so when I broke out, one of the things I wanted to do was use the Internet, which was relatively new. [at the time]. I realized, “Hey, maybe my fans, if I’m lucky enough to have them, won’t have to be in the dark like me.”

Openness is a tactic George RR Martin should embrace more

This is how Sanderson began his journey of blogging and posting on social media to keep readers informed of his progress. Over the years, this tactic has paid off as Sanderson has managed to retain his readership. On the other hand, another literary icon and fantasy author George RR Martin sees some of his loyal fans fall by the wayside. Martin’s fantasy works are legendary, with his A song of ice and fire new series bringing together the critically acclaimed HBO series, Game of Thronesto life. His novel, Fire and bloodalso inspired the prequel show, Dragon Housewhile A Knight of the Seven Kingdomsyet another offering from HBO, draws inspiration from his writings. However, Martin’s wait The winds of winter seems to have expanded the relationship between Martin and his fans.

The novel, which constitutes the penultimate entry in the A song of ice and fire series, has been marred by controversy. Martin was unable to meet deadlinesrefusing to make promises about release dates or generally sharing regular updates. This approach has has aroused the wrath of those who once encouraged himand this has, consequently, affected his work as he seeks to move the novel forward. However, it’s not too late for Martin to take the next step. The author can still rally his fans by blogging updates and interviews that he once employed, and those that have always worked for Sanderson.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres January 18, 2026 on HBO Max.