George R.R. Martin Updates Fans on ‘Winds of Winter’ and Defends Working on Side Projects

George R.R. Martin spoke at this year’s New York Comic Con about the long-awaited next book in his A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Winds of Winter.

Fans have been waiting for nearly 15 years since the release of A Dance with Dragons in 2011, and frustration has grown over the delays.

A Song of Ice and Fire began in 1996 with A Game of Thrones. Martin followed up with A Clash of Kings in 1998, A Storm of Swords in 2000, A Feast for Crows in 2005, and A Dance with Dragons in 2011.

The Winds of Winter was expected to follow quickly, but Martin has yet to finish the final 200–300 pages. Fans have grown upset because the series has stalled, and some feel Martin is spending too much time on side projects instead of the story they have been waiting for.

Martin addressed the criticism, saying, “I know there’s all this controversy about Winds of Winter and how late it is, but I’ve always had trouble with deadlines, and I don’t feel happy breaching contracts or missing a deadline or anything like that.”

He also explained why fans get frustrated when he works on other projects. “Every time that happens, and I announce it on my website, half the internet goes crazy. ‘Why the f— is George R.R. Martin writing this other thing when he should be writing Winds of Winter? What is he doing?’ And I want to say, ‘I did it in 1993, guys. Come on! It was lying in my drawer, and they wanted it, so I sold it to them!’ Yes, I do love Winds of Winter. I’m still interested in it, I’m still working on it, but honestly, I love these other things, too.”

Fans’ anger mainly comes from the long wait and their perception that Martin’s attention has been divided.

They want answers and a finished book, and many have grown impatient seeing him take on other projects while The Winds of Winter remains incomplete.

Martin reassured readers that he is still passionate about finishing the book, even as he works on other stories and adaptations. The saga of The Winds of Winter may be long, but Martin remains committed to bringing it to his fans when it is ready.

While the wait has been frustrating, it’s clear Martin is juggling a lot and wants to maintain quality. Fans’ impatience is understandable, but rushing him could hurt the story. What do you think? Are you frustrated with the delay or willing to wait for the book? Share your thoughts in the comments.