George RR Martin Offers a New Update on THE WINDS OF WINTER and Surprise! It's Still Not Done

A Song of Ice and Fire author George RR Martin has offered a new update on his upcoming novel The Winds of Winter after speculation and rumors started spreading that it was done.

Seriously, though, I don’t know how anyone could believe those rumors. Martin has not been working on this book for so long, he’s never going to finish it!

Martin recently shared on his Not a Blog page that he'd be meeting with his British publishers soon. But, he cautioned, this isn't a sign that the novel is done.

He said: "Last year, when I mentioned seeing my Voyager editor in London, the internet went nuts, throwing up all sorts of theories about how this meant that WINDS OF WINTER was done and a huge announcement was at hand. Uhhhh… sorry guys, but no.   That's not how it works.”

Later in his post, he said "It does NOT signify that some momentous announcement is at hand. It doesn't signify anything, actually… except a desire to touch base, catch up, renew old contacts or make some new ones… and enjoy a nice meal.

“So calm down, please. When WINDS OF WINTER is done, the word will not trickle out, there WILL be a big announcement… where and when I cannot say." 

Martin also shared an update on the Game of Thrones stage play set to open in London, which will be another prequel to the events of the main novels and TV show.

He said: "HARRENHAL was our first title, since it is set during the fateful Harrenhal tourney, but now we are leaning toward THE IRON THRONE.

“It's coming along well, I am told. Young Ned, Young Robert, Lyanna, Rhaegal, Howland Reed… should be fun.  And jousting. On stage. The dream is to open somewhere on London's West End in 2025… but there's still a lot of work to do." 

Yeah, Martin is more focused on this play and every other Game of Thrones project he is working on than The Winds of Winter. I hope he finishes it, but I’m not going to hold my breath.