George R.R. Martin made a lot of predictions regarding the release of The Winds of Winter, and every single one of them evidently did not come true.
Looking at how complicated the story has become, it’s hard to measure how long it would take him, but in a 2017 interview via The Last Hearth, he gave a wild guess on when he would like to deliver the novel:
I’m very perfectionist, maybe that is my worst defect. I do not like to leave anything in the inkwell and I am at a point where closing all the plots is my priority; but close them as they deserve, not fast and under pressure. It is possible that Winter Winds come out in September 2018, but I have nothing agreed.
It was his prequel book, Fire & Blood, that came out in 2018. Martin said that the Targaryen-centered novel was easier to write due to its linear narrative.
Despite not directly answering the query, which was about the possible repercussions of his delayed submission, the author said he’s more focused on making high-quality output rather than beating deadlines and working under pressure.
After Blowing Several Deadlines, GRRM Ditches Predicting The Winds of Winter Release
In a lengthy confession on his LiveJournal page, Martin admitted he failed to meet the book’s deadline twice. The Winds of Winter needed to be out before the sixth season of Game of Thrones, and for this to happen, the manuscript had to be completed by Halloween 2015.
However, Martin failed to submit his copy and was given another chance by his publisher until the end of the year. By January 2016, the book was still not finished. Now, Martin’s interview above mentioned a 2018 deadline, which he blew again.
This is why the author resolved not to make estimations any longer, as revealed in his entry on Not A Blog back in 2021.
I will make no predictions on when I will finish. Every time I do, a**holes on the internet take that as a “promise,” and then wait eagerly to crucify me when I miss the deadline.
The 77-year-old writer kept his promise, but with it came a lack of updates regarding his writing progress. Martin has been quite busy with other projects and convention appearances in the past few months.
Despite Massive Delay, Martin’s Publisher Has Been Too Lenient On Him
Generally, there is a penalty when an author fails to comply with the deadline. In some cases, their books get pulled out of the schedule, and worse, jeopardize their relationship with the publisher. This does not seem to be happening with Martin’s case.
With a novel so highly anticipated by fans, it’s understandable why the publisher still holds on. It’s going to sell out once it lands on bookstore shelves. Martin perhaps told them his personal struggle with the book, as evident in the many extensions he received.
Even if the publisher takes legal actions, they cannot make the author finish his novel. Martin said so many times that pressure and deadlines are his kryptonite.
Are you still waiting for The Winds of Winter’s release? Let us know in the comments!
