What the eyes of millions of readers feel like

George R.R. Martin is far from the first author to feel the pressure of fans’ excitement for the next installment of a series.

With the series based on his books wrapped up — and a hint of when we can finally expect the sixth book out — the anticipation is only building for The Winds of Winter.

In that spirit, the Guardian talked to a few other authors who have been in Martin’s shoes before, albeit on a smaller scale.

Here’s what Philip Pullman, Hilary Mantel, and Anne Rice have to say about balancing an eager fandom with the realities of writing.