Game of Thrones' George RR Martin wants to 'burn out every camera phone in the world'

The Song of Ice and Fire author has developed a hatred of those pesky selfies

George RR Martin is a celebrity these days, whether he wants to be one or not. But the Song of Ice and Fire author, beloved by Game of Thrones fans around the world, wishes he could consign all camera phones to Room 101.

Speaking about his newfound fame in an interview with the Guardian, Martin, 65, admitted that there were both “nice and not so nice” aspects to being a high-profile cultural figure.

The novelist behind the dramatic tales of Westeros expressed his wish to be able to go out and not be recognised by so many people.

“There are so many (fans) and it just doesn’t end,” he said. “Oh and selfies! If I could clap my hands and burn out every camera phone in the world, I swear I’d do it!”

Something to bear in mind there, everyone: Martin might be smiling as you grab him for that quick Instagram snap, but inside he’s gritting his teeth.

Martin is also fully aware of the pressure on him to deliver the next book in the fantasy series, but he is determined to do things his own way (as expressed when he told those concerned he might not finish before his death to 'f*** off').

“I have to be aware that the books are what I’ll finally be judged on,” he said. “If the novels are still being read in 50 years, no one is ever going to say: ‘What’s great about that sixth book is that he met his deadline!’ It will be about how the whole thing stands up.”