Childhood and Education Journey of George R. R. Martin in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of George R. R. Martin, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

George R. R. Martin is an American author, television writer, and producer, most famous for his epic fantasy novel series *A Song of Ice and Fire*, adapted into the acclaimed TV series *Game of Thrones*. He's also involved in the *Wild Cards* anthology and contributed to the worldbuilding of the video game *Elden Ring*. Martin's work is celebrated for its complex characters, intricate plots, and realistic portrayal of medieval-inspired political intrigue and warfare, significantly impacting the fantasy genre and popular culture.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 20, 1948: George R. R. Martin's Birth

On September 20, 1948, George Raymond Richard Martin, also known as G.R.R.M., was born. He is an American author, television writer, and television producer.

Others born on this day/year

1953: Family Moves to Federal Housing Project

In 1953, Martin's family moved to a federal housing project near the Bayonne docks, shaping his childhood experiences and fostering his imagination.

1964: Attended First Comic-Con

In 1964, Martin bought the first ticket to the world's first Comic-Con, held in New York, marking his early involvement in comic fandom.

1970: Earned B.S. in Journalism

In 1970, Martin earned a B.S. in journalism with a minor in history from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, graduating summa cum laude.

1971: Completed M.S. in Journalism

In 1971, Martin completed his M.S. in Journalism, also from Medill at Northwestern University.

1972: Alternative Service as a VISTA Volunteer

In 1972, Martin began alternative service work as a VISTA volunteer, attached to the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation, due to obtaining conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War.

1974: End of VISTA Volunteer Service

In 1974, Martin completed his two years of alternative service as a VISTA volunteer with the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation.

1975: Marriage to Gale Burnick

In 1975, George R. R. Martin married Gale Burnick after meeting her at an East Coast science fiction convention.

1976: English and Journalism Instructor at Clarke University

From 1976, Martin worked as an English and journalism instructor at Clarke University (then Clarke College).

1976: Move to Dubuque

In 1976, George R. R. Martin and his then-wife, Gale Burnick, moved from their Chicago apartment to a house in Dubuque.

1976: Hugo Losers' Party Conceived

In 1976, Martin and Gardner Dozois conceived and organized the first Hugo Losers' Party for past and present Hugo-losing writers, coinciding with Martin's own Hugo nominations for the novelette "...and Seven Times Never Kill Man" and the novella The Storms of Windhaven, co-written with Lisa Tuttle.

1977: Death of Tom Reamy

In late 1977, the sudden death of Martin's friend and fellow author Tom Reamy caused him to reevaluate his life.

1978: Writer In Residence at Clarke University

From 1978, Martin became Writer In Residence at Clarke College.

June 1979: Gale Burnick's Graduation and Move Plans

In June 1979, Gale Burnick graduated from Clarke University. Following her graduation George R.R. Martin resigned from his job and they decided to move to New Mexico.

1979: Resignation and Move to Santa Fe

In 1979, Martin resigned from his job and moved from Dubuque to Santa Fe, New Mexico, seeking to become a full-time writer.

1979: End of Clarke University Residency

In 1979, Martin's time as Writer In Residence at Clarke College concluded.

September 1981: Parris McBride moves in with Martin

In September 1981, Parris McBride moved in with George R.R. Martin, becoming his longtime partner.

1983: "Lost Year" Obsession with Superworld RPG

In 1983, Martin became completely obsessed with Chaosium's role-playing game Superworld, stopping literature writing for most of the year, which he refers to as his "lost year."

1991: Return to Novel Writing

In 1991, George R. R. Martin returned to writing novels after becoming frustrated with TV production limitations, such as budgets and episode lengths. Inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien, he desired to write an epic fantasy without the constraints of television.

2006: Closure of Jean Cocteau Cinema

In 2006, the Jean Cocteau Cinema and Coffee House in Santa Fe closed before George R. R. Martin purchased and restored it.

2008: Martin did not endorse Barack Obama

In 2008, George R. R. Martin did not endorse Barack Obama.

February 15, 2011: Marriage to Parris McBride

On February 15, 2011, George R. R. Martin married Parris McBride in a small ceremony at their Santa Fe home.

August 19, 2011: Larger Wedding Ceremony and Reception

On August 19, 2011, George R. R. Martin and Parris McBride held a larger wedding ceremony and reception at Renovation, the 69th World Science Fiction Convention.

2012: Endorsement of Barack Obama

In 2012, George R. R. Martin endorsed Barack Obama for re-election, calling him the most intelligent president since Jimmy Carter.

August 9, 2013: Reopening of Jean Cocteau Cinema

On August 9, 2013, the Jean Cocteau Cinema, owned by George R. R. Martin, officially reopened for business after being completely restored.

2013: Martin owned Jean Cocteau Cinema

In 2013, George R. R. Martin owned the Jean Cocteau Cinema in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

2014: Endorsement of Tom Udall

In 2014, George R. R. Martin endorsed Democratic Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico.

2014: Martin Uses WordStar on MS-DOS

In 2014, George R. R. Martin revealed in a BBC interview that he uses WordStar editor software on an MS-DOS computer for his writing, disliking spell-check and internet distractions. He uses a separate computer for internet tasks.

2014: Showing of 'The Interview' at Jean Cocteau Cinema

In 2014, the Jean Cocteau Cinema in Santa Fe, New Mexico, owned by George R. R. Martin, decided to show the film 'The Interview' amidst pressure to pull it from theaters, citing Martin's strong belief in the First Amendment.

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2016: Support for Hillary Clinton and Criticism of Donald Trump

In 2016, following Bernie Sanders' defeat, George R. R. Martin supported Hillary Clinton in the presidential election and criticized Donald Trump, comparing him to King Joffrey from 'A Song of Ice and Fire'.

April 2018: Blog Moved to Own Website

In April 2018, George R. R. Martin moved his blog, 'Not a Blog', from Livejournal to his own website.

2018: Martin's Favorite Books

In 2018, George R. R. Martin listed The Lord of the Rings, The Great Gatsby, Gone with the Wind, Great Expectations, Lonesome Dove, Catch-22, and Charlotte's Web as books that changed his life.