Diana Gabaldon, author of the “Outlander” book series which has a TV adaptation on Starz, recently took an indirect swipe at George R.R. Martin, author of the fantasy novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire” which has been successfully adapted on TV through the very popular “Game of Thrones” on HBO.
Gabaldon’s dig at Martin has something to do with the delay in the release of the sixth book of the series “The Winds of Winter” and that the TV show is already about to overtake the novel.
Readers and fans of the “Outlander” book series were concerned that there might come a point in time in the future that the TV series might outpace the books, which is what is about to happen with “The Winds of Winter” and “Game of Thrones.”
During a panel discussion at the Television Critics Association, Gabaldon categorically stated that it would never happen in the case of “Outlander” because, unlike George, she writes no matter where she is or whatever she is doing.
The crowd responded with ‘oohs’ and laughter, indicating that they clearly understood the casual swipe that Gabaldon took on Martin, notes the International Business Times of Australia.
Capable of writing everywhere
In a recent blog post, Martin admitted that he has not completed “The Winds of Winter” yet and that he is still months away from completion.
In fact, because of the delay in the release of the sixth book of the popular fantasy novel series, reports have it that “The Winds of Winter” could actually come out after the Season 6 premiere of “Game of Thrones” on HBO this coming April.
The release date schedule was obviously in stark contrast to previous reports that “The Winds of Winter” will be released before the TV show returns to the small screen for its Season 6.
Gabaldon pointed out that George likes to travel and when he travels, he cannot write. She said that she can write even when on travel so she is positive that the TV series shall not be able to overtake her books.
Critics felt that Gabaldon’s statement was an unmistakable velvet glove at Martin’s feet. Accordingly, in the past, gentlemen and knights used to throw their gloves or gauntlets on their opponent’s feet as a way to challenge them.
Martin has yet to issue a statement or reaction on the swipe and seeming challenge posed by Gabaldon.
She also debunked Martin’s previous statement about the publishers taking a few months to get the manuscript ready for print. She said that publishers can actually get it from the manuscripts to bookstores in about five weeks.
Well ahead of the TV series
The “Outlander” book series already has a total of nine humongous books, a bunch of novellas, and a spinoff series of Lord John Grey novels from which to adapt the series. Gabaldon is now hard at work on the 10th book of the popular series. The TV series, on the other hand, will premiere its second season in April, details Blastr.
George Martin, on the other hand, has released five books in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” fantasy novel series with the fifth titled “A Dance of Dragons” coming out in 2011 or about the time when “Game of Thrones” premiered on HBO for its Season 1.
The sixth season of the popular TV series will hit the small screen in April and it is obvious that the TV series has already caught up with the novel series and is about to overtake it in a few months time.
In an interview during the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, Martin said that it is not his slow writing that caused the delay in the release of “The Winds of Winter” but actually the travels, the interviews, and all other commitments outside writing that were the culprit for it.
It is all very simple…She is jealous. The Game of Thrones series is much more vast and complex than The Outlander… There is absolutely no contest between the two universes. She may scribble down romantic plots and surprises but Martin is a world builder akin to Tolkien. Let him do his stuff. Enough badgering.