His fantasy novel series A Song of Ice and Fire may have sold 90m copies and been translated into 47 languages, propelling George RR Martin to literary superstardom – but that wasn’t enough to prevent the Game of Thrones writer being frozen out of a sci-fi conference being held in Glasgow next month.
A visitor to Worldcon – the largest annual gathering of science fiction creators and their fans – can expect discussions, workshops and talks from some of the best-known figures in the genre. But despite his keenness to be involved, attenders probably won’t be hearing from Martin unless they have the good fortune to bump into him at the bar.
Describing his plans for a trip across the Atlantic from his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he ruefully informed readers in a blogpost: “I will be in Glasgow, attending the con, but whether you’ll see me, I don’t know. I am not on any programming. It is not for lack of trying, though.”
Martin’s efforts appear to have been stymied by the organisers’ rigid – though admirably egalitarian – insistence that any and all potential participants, regardless of status or renown, fill in the same online application form.
Martin describes suggesting he take part in a panel discussion, host an event for new writers or chair a memorial for the late short story writer Howard Waldrop, who died in January.
All to no avail. “I wrote the con’s programming chair back in January, and again in February, asking for his phone number so we could discuss the details. No phone number was forthcoming, alas, just a form letter with a link to an application and a warning that while I was welcome to apply, I could not be guaranteed a place on the programme.”
Martin says that he attempted to get in touch with the organisers twice more, but received no further response.
The Guardian understands that Worldcon 2024 – which is a non-profit volunteer-run event – has not blocked Martin from attending in any way, that he remains welcome to attend and that there may be opportunities for him to interact with fans beyond the formal programme.
An event spokesperson said: “All of the programming at Glasgow 2024 has been proposed by our members. To ensure fairness to everyone, all proposed programme items must be submitted through our application process. About 2,000 members submitted proposals, and we are delighted to be hosting nearly 1,000 participants for more than 1,000 hours of programme items covering everything from books, movies and games to science, technology and culture.”
Big names appearing include Charlie Jane Anders, the author of the young adult Unstoppable trilogy and the creator of the transgender Marvel superhero Escapade; and Nnedi Okorafor, who has explored her Nigerian heritage in her internationally acclaimed Africanfuturist and Africanjujuist novels. There will also be a first performance of Murrow’s Isle, a new opera with a libretto by the Scottish science fiction author Ken MacLeod, inspired by the HG Wells classic The Island of Doctor Moreau.
Martin remains upbeat about his trip to Glasgow. “I will check out the art show, as I always do,” he wrote, “maybe attend some bid parties, and I will be wandering the dealer’s room (the huckster’s room, as us old timers call it). The rest of the time I guess I may hang out in the bar, drinking with friends both old and new.”
