I love George RR Martin. I love that he takes his time with his books and won't be rushed. I love that he is true to the story, even sacrificing beloved characters. First Ned Stark and now the Red Wedding. He says that when he plots a novel he figures out the right thing to do, and does the opposite. Keep 'em guessing. Judging by the outrage over the Red Wedding scene, he did a good job. I can't believe people were shocked at that. The book was a best seller what? a decade ago? and yet viewers were shocked. I was more shocked when Jamie lost his hand. (Spoiler alert?)
The best writers do this. They keep us engaged. They remain true to themselves. They don't pander; they never pander. I want to be George RR Martin when I grow up.