As early as last month, there have been reports that critically-acclaimed author George R.R. Martin has already finished writing “Winds of Winter,” the sixth book of the epic fantasy novel “A Song of Fire and Ice,” and that the author is about to begin writing the seventh and final book of the series.
While George Martin did not confirm nor deny the reports, the only confirmation and commitment that the author gave is that he would release “Winds of Winter” before Season 6 of the very popular TV series “Game of Thrones” airs on HBO next year.
Season 5 of “Game of Thrones” just started airing this month and shall culminate with its nine episodes in June. Season 6, which has long been confirmed by HBO, shall begin airing most likely in April next year.
That leaves George Martin a time frame of anytime between May this year to April next year to release “Winds of Winter,” although reports last month indicate that the author would likely release the sixth book in October this year.
Timing of release
George Martin actually talked about the importance of timing in the release of “Winds of Winter” in a recent interview.
He said that releasing the sixth book of his epic fantasy novel before Season 6 of the TV series has been very important to him all along. He understands how eager the fans of his books are and if he only had his way, he would like to release “Winds of Winter” already now.
Martin also added that he may be being too optimistic on how quickly he can finish the sixth book but he related that he cancelled two convention appearances and turned down a lot of interviews just to free up his schedule so that he can finish writing the book, reports Realty Today.
From the way he sounded, it seems that George Martin has indirectly dispelled earlier reports that he is through writing “Winds of Winter.”
A big twist
The best-selling author also disclosed that he is currently working for a big twist in “Winds of Winter” involving a veteran character which he says will drive readers crazy. But he says he loves the twist although he is still weighing it if he should go and take that direction or not.
George Martin said that it is easy to do things that are shocking and unexpected, but they have to grow out of characters and situations because otherwise, being shocking is just for trying to shock readers.
He assured that if ever he’s going to put that great twist on “Winds of Winter,” it would come out as very organic and natural. Since he will be involving three or four characters in the twist, George Martin says that readers will eventually find it later on as making sense.
He also revealed that it’s nothing he has ever thought of before or nothing that they can do in the TV series although he said that the show already made a decision on a particular character but he has yet to make the same decision and apply it on the book.