“The Winds of Winter” is definitely long-delayed, and there is no question about it. It has been eight years since the last book in the “A Song of Fire and Ice” was released, and the next one, which is “TWOW” has yet to arrive.
Book author George RR Martin acknowledged the fact that there could be fans who are really frustrated, but he said that there are still others who can wait, and he is grateful to them. While GRRM already spoke about the delay of “The Winds of Winter” a few times in the past and even just months before, he discussed it again through his recent interview with WGN Radio.
The cause of the delay according to Martin
Martin admitted that “Game of Thrones” got in the way, so he could not finish “The winds of Winter” on time. He also said that his popularity is taking a toll on him because, as a result, he could not work quietly. There are just too many distractions that are pulling him away from his work, and he can’t avoid them.
“There was a period where the show caught and past me, and I hadn’t anticipated that happening, so there was a tremendous amount of stress on me a few years ago when that was about to happen but hadn’t happened yet, and I was desperately trying to finish Winds and stay ahead,” Martin said in the interview as transcribed by Wiki of Thrones. “And it didn’t work. The amount of stress that was on me at the time slowed me down rather than speeding me up.
The 71-year-old added that he sometimes wish that these things happened to him 30 years ago because, at that time, he is younger and had lots of energy to work on his numerous projects and yet he could still keep up. Martin said that his works will not wear him out like what it’s doing to him today since he had more energy when he’s younger.
When will “TWOW” be released?
In any case, fans are still hoping that with the eight years that “The Winds of Winter” has been delayed, it will finally be out soon. But then, they could be assured this time because George RR Martin already set the date of release in the months of July or August in 2020. He revealed on his blog that the book will be in his hands by the time he attends the upcoming WorldCon in New Zealand slated from July 29 to Aug. 2, 2020.
