📚 The Long Wait for The Winds of Winter
After more than 14 years of waiting, Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin has once again spoken publicly about the delay of his long-awaited sixth novel, The Winds of Winter — the next installment in his iconic A Song of Ice and Fire series.
During a panel at New York Comic Con 2025, the 76-year-old author discussed the reasons behind the book’s long delay, the challenges of writing under immense pressure, and how he deals with criticism from fans who have been waiting since 2011.
🗨️ A Playful Start at New York Comic Con
Martin appeared alongside author Joe Hill, who kicked off the conversation with humor:
“I think the best way to start is with the question everyone wants to ask… Can the Giants keep winning?”
The room erupted in laughter — a lighthearted way to begin before addressing the question that’s haunted fans for over a decade: Where is The Winds of Winter?
🧊 “I Am Not Pleased With the Delay”
When the conversation turned serious, Martin directly acknowledged the frustration surrounding the book’s delay:
“I know there’s been a lot of discussion about The Winds of Winter being late. But I’ve always had trouble with deadlines. I’m not pleased about breaking contracts or missing delivery dates.”
He explained that he dislikes working from strict outlines or deadlines and prefers a more organic writing process, which naturally takes longer — especially for a story as massive and detailed as A Song of Ice and Fire.
⚔️ Responding to Fan Criticism
Since the global success of HBO’s Game of Thrones, Martin’s other older works — once overlooked — have gained renewed attention. Many of them have been optioned for TV and film adaptations, which has fueled some backlash from impatient fans.
Martin responded candidly to these criticisms:
“Whenever one of my older stories gets adapted, the internet says, ‘Why is George working on this instead of The Winds of Winter?’ And I’m like — guys, I wrote that story back in 1993! It’s been sitting in a drawer. They wanted it, I sold it.”
The author’s remark drew laughter and applause from the audience, but it also reflected the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and fan expectations.
🌀 “I’m Still Working On It”
Despite juggling multiple projects — including Wild Cards and Dark Winds — Martin reassured readers that he hasn’t abandoned The Winds of Winter.
“Yes, I love The Winds of Winter. I’m still involved, I’m still working on it. But honestly, I love my other stories too,” he said.
He compared his different creations to “his children,” explaining that it’s impossible to focus on only one when he cares deeply about all of them.
📖 Martin’s Relationship with His Critics
In previous blog posts on his official website, Martin has openly addressed the harsh criticism he receives from some readers. He summarized their reactions as follows:
“They say I’ll never finish The Winds of Winter. And if I do, I won’t write A Dream of Spring. And if I do write it, it won’t be good. They think I’ve stopped caring and that I just sit around spending my money.”
He’s learned to accept this negativity as part of the fame that came with Game of Thrones. Still, Martin insists that his passion for storytelling remains intact, even if his pace frustrates fans.
😅 “I’m Not Dying Anytime Soon”
The panel concluded on a humorous note. Addressing the long-standing fear that he might die before finishing the saga, Martin joked:
“People think I’m going to die before finishing the books. But I won’t die until the Jets and the Giants play each other in a Subway Super Bowl. So I guess that means I’ll live forever.”
His response was met with cheers and laughter, a perfect ending that combined his trademark wit with reassurance for his fans.
🪶 A Legacy Still in the Making
As of 2025, Martin has published five novels in the A Song of Ice and Fire saga:
- A Game of Thrones (1996)
- A Clash of Kings (1998)
- A Storm of Swords (2000)
- A Feast for Crows (2005)
- A Dance with Dragons (2011)
The two remaining books, The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring, are expected to complete the series that inspired HBO’s record-breaking show Game of Thrones.
While The Winds of Winter still lacks an official release date, Martin’s appearance at New York Comic Con has at least renewed hope among readers that the long winter may one day end.