Game Of Thrones author George RR Martin has been ‘iced’ out of officially appearing at a sci-fi convention in Scotland next month after failing to fill in the application form.
The renowned American writer – who is behind fantasy series A Song Of Ice And Fire – will be attending Worldcon in Glasgow.
He had hoped to join in the festivities, which includes talks, workshops, readings, panel discussions and entertainment, but has not made the official line-up of events.
In a blog post last week, Mr Martin said: “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.”
The writer explained that he had contacted the event’s programming chair in January and again in February with a view to joining the bill.
He said: “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.”
Mr Martin said he attempted to get in touch with the organisers several more times with a number of suggestions, including proposals for a memorial panel for the late short story writer Howard Waldrop, who died in January.
He received no further response, but it is understood he did not submit an application via the official process.
Mr Martin added: “So… yes, I will be at Glasgow. I will check out the art show, as I always do, 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, toasting Howard and Gardner and all the other friends we lost.
“Maybe I’ll see you there.”
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Worldcon – The World Science Fiction Convention – is taking place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) between 8-12 August.
It is the largest celebration of science fiction writing, creativity, community and culture, and is run entirely by volunteers on a non-profit basis.
The organisers are looking forward to welcoming Mr Martin to the Glasgow event.
While the window to submit programme items is closed, it is hoped there will be other opportunities for the author to interact with fans at the convention.
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A spokesperson for Worldcon Glasgow 2024 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.
“Around 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.”