Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin has been laboring on The Winds of Winter for 15 years, yet he wishes to clarify his feelings regarding the ongoing delays. Speaking to fans during New York Comic Con, Martin addressed the frustration stemming from missing deadlines in his highly anticipated sixth book within the A Song of Ice and Fire saga.
Martin acknowledged the swirling controversy surrounding the delays, stating, “I’ve always had trouble with deadlines. I don’t feel happy breaching contracts or missing a deadline or anything like that,” as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
In addition to discussing delays, Martin elaborated on the various projects he has chosen to pursue instead of focusing solely on The Winds of Winter. He felt compelled to defend his right to explore ideas that inspire him. Over the past decade and a half since concluding A Dance with Dragons, Martin has penned a number of notable works, including the Game of Thrones spin-off book Fire & Blood, the Rogue Prince and The Princess novella trilogy, and several companion books such as The World of Ice & Fire and The Rise of the Dragon. Moreover, he has contributed to and edited new issues of the science-fiction superhero anthology Wild Cards.
Beyond literature, Martin has played a significant role in shaping the lore of the video game phenomenon Elden Ring. Additionally, several of his works have been adapted into successful TV series and films, including HBO’s acclaimed House of the Dragon, the horror series Nightflyers, and the fantasy film In the Lost Lands.
Despite the allure of these film and television projects, Martin was quick to clarify that he is not always actively engaged in each one. This acknowledgment comes as he recognizes the discontent expressed by fans each time he announces involvement in a new endeavor outside the realm of A Song of Ice and Fire.
“Every time that happens, and I announce it on my website, half the internet goes crazy,” Martin remarked. “‘Why the f*** is George R.R. Martin writing this other thing when he should be writing The Winds of Winter? What is he doing?’” He maintained that his previous projects were often awaiting release long before current events demanded his attention. “I did it in 1993, guys. Come on! It was lying in my drawer, and they wanted it, so I sold it to them!”
Furthermore, Martin continues to devote time to other endeavors such as the previously mentioned Wild Cards and serves as an executive producer for the AMC drama series Dark Winds. This summer, it was revealed that he would also be involved in the production of an upcoming animated Hercules film. He likened his various projects to children that he loves equally.
“Yes, I do love The Winds of Winter,” Martin concluded. “I’m still interested in it, I’m still working on it, but honestly, I love these other things, too.” In December 2024, Martin reiterated that The Winds of Winter remains a priority, although he noted that skeptics who believe his saga might never achieve completion might have a point. “A lot of people are already writing obituaries for me. [They’re saying] ‘Oh, he’ll never be finished.’ Maybe they’re right. I don’t know. I’m alive right now! I seem pretty vital!”
Based on reporting by Tom Phillips. Read the full story at IGN.