Generally speaking, creative people can be split into two categories – those who set a release date and stick to it by all means, sacrificing whatever is necessary in order to reach the goal, even if it means cutting out bits of the original plan in order to fit it into the schedule; and then there are those who have no qualms about pushing back the release date time after time, just so they can add another layer of polish to their work.
Both camps have their arguments to defend their style of working, and it’s pretty clear for George R.R. Martin’s fans which category he falls into. The author has never been one to rush his works, and in fact, he’s somewhat known for constantly delaying any book he writes, to the point where fans have stopped taking his release dates seriously in the first place.
It came as no surprise to anyone when he announced that “Winds of Winter” may not be coming in 2015, even though the book was originally scheduled for release during this year. According to Martin, the problem is that his publisher was the one who set the release date, even though Martin isn’t one to tie himself down to specific schedules in the first place.
And indeed, the author recently stated that he’s going to push the new book as many times as he feels necessary until he’s happy with the final product. This means that we very well may not see “Winds of Winter” in 2015, although it’s still a possibility – there are ten months to go in this year.
Meanwhile, season 5 of “Game of Thrones” has been moving forward with its production, despite the fact that the book is not out yet. The show is based tightly on the plot of the books, and the delay in the release of “Winds of Winter” has reportedly caused some problems with the development of “Game of Thrones”.
In the end, according to reports, the producers of the show had to meet with Martin to discuss how the books were going to move forward, so they could know how to develop the plot of the show itself. Martin then reportedly shared some important details with them, allowing them to continue their work.
It would be funny if we get to see season 5 of “Game of Thrones” before the actual book is out, and it would certainly spoil a lot for those who are actively following the books, so hopefully Martin and the producers of the show will reach an acceptable middle ground that works out fine for everyone, including those who just want to see the show resuming sooner.