UPDATE: George R.R. Martin later clarified his comments via email with Entertainment Weekly, saying he didn't recall ever saying he didn't watch the acclaimed HBO drama series. He thought maybe something got lost in translation, since his comments came during a fan convention in Russia. "During his trip abroad he didn't watch any television — and he's behind on Thrones' current seventh season. So perhaps that was a source of confusion. But Martin does watch the series."

Original post:

George R.R. Martin isn't watching "Game of Thrones," so no spoilers, guys! Oh ... wait. He created the damn thing.

The author recently told Metro that he is too busy writing and touring to watch the HBO show anymore. He previously wrote one episode of "Game of Thrones" in each of the first four seasons. But since then, he's concentrated on finishing "Winds of Winter," the six novel in his epic fantasy novel series.

Also, perhaps Martin doesn't want to be influenced by events on the show, which have now outpaced his books.

"The book series and TV adaptation go their separate ways," he noted. "On the screen, characters are killed right and left. About 20 of them have died already, which are quite alive to me and will appear in a new book."

Martin's fans probably hope he doesn't get sucked into a binge-watch of the recent seasons; they've been waiting over six years for "The Winds of Winter" — which, unfortunately, is still not completed.

"I did not start to write slower over the years. I was working on the first book for six years and four years on the second one," he said. "In addition, I have not become younger. Age does not add enthusiasm."