'Winds of Winter' release date delay: Diana Gabaldon takes a dig at George R.R. Martin

With the delay in the release date of George R.R. Martin’s next novel “Winds of Winter,” some of the “Outlander” book series fans were concerned that in the future Diana Gabaldon’s books too may lag behind the TV series. Gabaldon addressed such concerns recently and also appeared to take a dig at Martin.

During a Television Critics Association panel discussion, Gabaldon was asked about the Starz TV series outpacing her books, the way “Game of Thrones” has over taken “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series. The author categorical said that that would never happen, Deadline reports.

“Unlike George, I write no matter where I am or what I’m doing,” Gabaldon said to a crowd that responded with “ooooohs” and laughter. The author may have been referring to a recent blog post by Martin, in which he admitted that he hasn’t completed his novel yet and that he is still months away from completion.

Following the success of “Game of Thrones” Martin has had a busy schedule of travelling to various events and parties. He is also working with HBO for new TV shows; this may have affected his writing schedule for “Winds of Winter.”

“He likes to travel and he can’t write when he travels,” Gabaldon pointed out. “Unlike George, I write no matter where I am or what I’m doing,” the author said. Gabaldon emphasised that she is able to write even when she travels and said that the “Outlander” TV series will not be able to take over the books.

The report called Gabaldon’s statement as an “unmistakable velvet glove at George R.R. Martin’s feet.” In the past, gentleman and knights used to throw their gloves or gauntlets on their opponent’s feet as a way to challenge them.

Gabaldon also appeared to take a dig at Martin’s statements about the publishers taking a few months to get the manuscript ready for print. “I know they can actually get it from the manuscript to bookstores in about 5 weeks – because they do,” The author of the “Outlander” book series said. Martin on the other hand has so far not reacted to Gabaldon’s comments on the “Winds of Winter” delay.