Maybe you've heard about a little television show called "Game of Thrones"? You know, the fantasy show that's garnered both critical praise and skyrocketing ratings, not to mention rabid fans?

Well, like many great cinematic spectacles, "Game of Thrones" began as a series of books, known as A Song of Ice and Fire. This ongoing series (there will be at least seven books) is the creation of one George R. R. Martin, a burly, white-bearded fellow with a penchant for newsboy caps.

Although Martin has been writing science fiction, fantasy and horror fiction since the 1960s and has gained legions of avid readers over the decades, it has been the creation of the television show "Game of Thrones" that has catapulted him into the media spotlight.