Happy Birthday, George R.R. Martin!. George Raymond Richard Martin turns 74 years old today. Here are five fun facts about the fantasy novelist. 1. He made money as a kid by selling monster stories. 2. He credits comic books for inspiring him to start writing. 3. Martin's first piece of published writing was a fan letter in a 'Fantastic Four' comic book. 4. HBO’s 'Game of Thrones' is based on his book series, ‘A Song of Ice and Fire.' . 5. Martin bought a home across the street from his own in Santa Fe and built a library tower inside. Happy Birthday, George R.R. Martin!