George R.R. Martin’s ‘The Skin Trade’ To Have Cinemax Adaptation; 'Once Upon a Time' Writer To Pen Script

George R.R. Martin's fans have something to smile about after the announcement of a Cinemax adaptation of one of his works.

Through Martin's Live Journal blog, "Game of Thrones" author announced that Cinemax, HBO's sister company, has acquired the television rights to the novella "The Skin Trade."

Martin said, "The deal is closed, and Cinemax has ordered the pilot script. This being Hollywood, of course, you never know where things will end... but if they like the script, we'll shoot a pilot, and if they like that, hey, who knows, maybe we'll get a series on the air."

"The Skin of Trade" has a complicated history with regards to publishing. Initially written for "Night Visions 5," the work appeared in the yearly horror anthology with other stories from renowned writers Dan Simmons and Stephen King, according to Access Hollywood. Furthermore, the book won the World Fantasy Award when it was released in 1989.

According to Werewolf News, Martin's novella focuses on detective Randi Wade who investigates a series of brutal killings in her town. When one of her friends becomes the target, Wade immediately gets in the middle of an underworld where werewolves are real and prey on humans.

The author of the novella credits Mike the Pike Productions in playing a central role to introduce his book to Cinemax. Martin unveiled that they tapped "Once Upon a Time" and "Prison Break" scriptwriter Kalinda Vazquez to handle the adaptation from scripting the pilot to actual production.

The author pointed out that Cinemax and his agents called him up for a meeting with about one dozen different TV writers, many of whom were very impressive. However, Vazquez's perspective on the story and the characters blew Martin away.

Vazquez loves the story and the world, and really appears to get Willie and Wade, in addition to her pitch to Cinemax being one of the most refined and professional ever. Martin said, "I love her enthusiasm, and look forward to working with her."

However, Martin will not write or run the show himself because he is caught up in the middle of his current project - Winds of Winter.