I've not read the Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin but I have watched episodes of the television series. My interest came indirectly from a friend who masterfully creates backdrops and scenes for the beautifully crafted show.
Contemporary authors today inspire me by the lives they live and the insight they share. That is what I most drawn to and intrigued by. I had read something George R.R. Martin wrote about writing itself and loved that. He captured subtlety as well as the sensual nature of living.
Three years ago, when I interviewed with the Amazon Kindle team (all elves!) to run their editorial content in the U.S., I had suggested interviewing George R. R. Martin. One of the editors said it would be too difficult as he rarely gave interviews.
After some time however, to my delight, I see several interviews with him and they are all insightful and interesting to watch and engage.
Here's one with ABC that is terrific:
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/game-thrones-author-george-rr-martin-23389033