'Winds of Winter' author drops all other commitments to finish the book

Fans of “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series, who are eagerly waiting for the release of the next book “Winds of Winter” have some good news. Author George R.R. Martin has said that he will not taking up any other writing assignments, till he completes the book.

In a recent interaction with one of the fans on his blog, Martin said that he is focused on delivering the book. The author was asked if he would be writing the script for an episode for “Game of Thrones” Season 7, for which the producers have started to outline the plot.

“I am not writing anything until I deliver ‘WINDS OF WINTER.’ Teleplays, screenplays, short stories, introductions, forewords, nothing,” the author replied. “And I've dropped all my editing projects but Wild Cards,” he later added.

The author did not commit any deadline for the completion of the book and it did not reveal how much of the book he has already completed and how much of it still remains. Martin wanted to complete the “Winds of Winter” before the premiere episode of “Game of Thrones” Season 6.

Martin was unable to meet the deadlines for the book to be released before the premiere episode of the next season. When the author finishes the book, it has to be checked by the publishers and the editing process takes a few months before it can go for printing.

In terms of sheer size, the books in “A Song of Ice and Fire” are huge. The most recent book in the series “A Dance with Dragons” has about 1152 pages in the paperback version and is being sold for about $7.49 (AU $10.54). The Kindle version of the book is available for $5.71 (AU $8.03).

The book “Winds of Winter” is perhaps the most anticipated book in the series. The book is expected to reveal the fate of major characters like Jon Snow. The future of many of the characters including Davos Seaworth is uncertain, as the characters embark on a new journey and meet new characters.