In a much-anticipated update that has sent shockwaves through the fantasy community, George R.R. Martin has broken his silence on the progress of The Winds of Winter, the sixth instalment in his legendary A Song of Ice and Fire series.
The author confirmed he's been writing "every day" on the long-awaited novel, though he remains characteristically cautious about providing a definitive publication date. Martin's candid revelation comes after years of intense speculation from fans desperate for any news about Westeros's future.
The Writing Process: Triumphs and Tribulations
Martin described his current writing phase as "two steps forward, one step back," acknowledging the immense complexity of weaving together the numerous character arcs and plot threads left dangling from A Dance with Dragons. The author revealed he's currently working on multiple character viewpoints simultaneously, a technique he finds necessary for maintaining narrative cohesion.
"Some days the words flow like wine at a Dothraki wedding," Martin shared, "while other days feel like climbing The Wall without ropes."
Diverging from the Screen: A Different Ending Awaits
In perhaps his most significant revelation, Martin confirmed that his book ending will substantially differ from the controversial conclusion of the HBO television adaptation. While some major plot points will align, the author emphasised that the literary journey to reach those moments will follow entirely different paths.
The books will introduce characters and storylines completely absent from the television series, including:
- Young Griff and the Golden Company storyline
- Lady Stoneheart's continuing vengeance
- More extensive developments in Dorne and the Iron Islands
- The deeper magical elements and prophecies
The Pressure of Expectations
Martin openly discussed the weight of fan expectations, acknowledging that the passage of time has only increased anticipation. "Every reader has their favourite characters and their theories about how this should all end," he noted. "I'm not writing by committee - the story must follow its own path, even if that means breaking a few hearts along the way."
The author also addressed his famous "gardener" approach to writing, explaining that while he knows the major landmarks of his story, the specific paths between them often reveal themselves during the writing process.
What Comes Next
While focused entirely on completing The Winds of Winter, Martin did acknowledge that A Dream of Spring - the planned seventh and final volume - already has substantial material written. "Some chapters naturally belong to the endgame," he explained, suggesting that certain sequences intended for the final book have already been drafted.
For now, the literary world holds its breath, waiting for winter to finally arrive in bookstores. As Martin himself concluded: "When it's ready, you'll know. And I promise it will be worth the wait."
