Step 1 : Introduction to the question "HBO's Game of Thrones is based on a series of novels by which author?"
A Game of Thrones is the first novel in A Song of Ice and Fire, a series of fantasy novels by author George R. R. Martin. It was first published on August 1, 1996. The novel became a New York Times Bestseller and reached #1 on the list in July 2011. HBO Productions purchased the television rights for the A Song of Ice and Fire series in 2007 and began airing the fantasy series on their cable channel on April 17, 2011. George R. R. Martin was heavily involved in the production of the television series adaptation of his books.