'The Winds Of Winter' Completion Is A Top Priority, George RR Martin Says

“The Winds of Winter” is, undeniably, one of the most waited books today. Avid readers of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series have been patiently waiting for its release since George R.R. Martin confirmed it in 2011. However, eight years later, the veteran author has not yet finished writing the novel, making some fans to think that “TWOW” might not happen anymore.

It has been eight years since Martin teased his devoted followers about “The Winds of Winter.” He even predicted to release the highly anticipated tome in 2017, late 2018, and early 2019. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.

Recent reports claimed that George R.R. Martin is planning to publish the book before July 2020. The 70-year-old American novelist teased, via his personal “Not A Blog” blog, that the sixth installment of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series will be released next year after Air New Zealand sent him an invitation to visit the country.

“As for finishing my book… I fear that New Zealand would distract me entirely too much. Best leave me here in Westeros for the nonce. But I tell you this — if I don’t have THE WINDS OF WINTER in hand when I arrive in New Zealand for worldcon, you have here my formal written permission to imprison me in a small cabin on White Island, overlooking that lake of sulfuric acid, until I’m done,” Martin wrote in his online journal. The said post, reportedly, sparked hope among fans who have been waiting for “The Winds of Winter” novel.

Many possible reasons for the delay of the sixth “A Song of Ice and Fire” book have made rounds online. One report claimed that George R.R. Martin’s hectic schedule largely contributed to the postponement of its release, especially since he has been traveling to and fro the United States to attend conferences and events. Others stated that the “Nightflyers” writer signed a deal with HBO to prevent him from releasing “The Winds of Winter” before the “Game of Thrones” series concludes.

However, Martin was quick to debunk the rumors and said that he never signed anything to delay the book’s release. The novelist, however, divulged that he is having a hard time finishing the novel due to its complicated storyline. He shared that, after “Fire and Blood,” completing “The Winds of Winter” is his next top priority.