Overview
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George R.R. Martin has given a new explanation for the prolonged delay of The Winds of Winter, citing the need for a specific writing environment and the challenges of balancing other commitments.
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Many readers express skepticism, frustration, and even resignation, with some believing Martin has lost motivation or is avoiding the project due to the pressure of expectations and the divisive TV ending.
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The community's patience has worn thin, with widespread doubt that the book—or the series—will ever be completed, and some fans turning to fan fiction or moving on entirely.
Skepticism over Martin's reasons for delay
Fans are openly skeptical about Martin's latest explanation for the delay, with many arguing that the reasons given—such as needing a specific writing environment—don't hold up after so many years and opportunities. There's a strong sense that Martin has lost interest or motivation to finish the series, especially after the divisive TV ending and his lucrative side projects. Some believe financial incentives and the daunting task of wrapping up complex storylines have contributed to the ongoing stall.
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He just doesnt want to. Thats all there is, any other reason given is a lie. 16 years AND a global pandemic that forced everyone to stay home for months, and he has nothing to show for it. Thats beyond writers block, thats beyond "too busy" or "not in the right mindset" He just does not want to. He wants to do other things with the millions of dollars hes made from the media and merch empire, and egotistically watch other people adapt what text there is to adapt while making no good faith effort to conclude any of it.
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Martin told D&D how to finish the series, saw how everyone hated it, and now doesn't know what to do.
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We know why. Because this franchise was already sold, so adding content won't make any more TV money. Financially it's better to create a new setting in the same world and get a new show out of it. Besides, anything he puts out from the original ASOIAF will just be compared to how the show went, and as bad as we all know that was, there's always potential to do worse.
Timeline of delays and shifting priorities
The timeline of missed deadlines and shifting priorities has become a meme in itself, with readers chronicling Martin's repeated assurances and subsequent diversions into other projects. Many believe the passion for the series has faded, and the sheer complexity of the remaining storylines has left Martin paralyzed. The community's patience has largely evaporated, with some even speculating that the book will only be released posthumously or not at all.
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2010: Martin says the first chapters are done! 2015: Says he won't attend the World Fantasy Convention and will use the time to wrap up WoW. 2016: Says he isn't writing anything else until the WoW is finished. 2017: Says he thinks WoW will be out this year. 2018: He confirms he's been working on Fire and Blood instead (FYI - HBO wants it as source material for House of the Dragon). 2021: Martin and HBO sign an eight-figure deal for more projects. 2023: HBO orders the series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, on which Martin will serve as writer and producer. 2025: Martin runs his mouth about WoW and comes dangerously close to the truth. He has other, more shiny, toys to keep him occupied. Edit: typos
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He’s been explaining the delay for fifteen years, lol.
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If he wrote a chapter a month since October 2015 he'd have been done years ago.
Resignation and speculation about the future
Longtime readers reflect on the decade-plus since the first missed deadline, with many expressing a sense of resignation and even dark humor about the situation. Theories abound about creative burnout, over-editing, and the overwhelming scope of the narrative. Some suggest that Martin's perfectionism and constant rewriting have led to a loss of narrative cohesion, while others point to age and memory as possible factors. The consensus is that expectations for the book's release are at an all-time low.
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I stopped believing in TWOW getting released the day I read about GRRM joking about his fans imprisoning him if he is not finished by July 2020.
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He's written himself into a corner. His heart isn't in it anymore and he's already made his money so why bother? He'll never admit it because he has obligations with his publisher. It's never coming out.
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At this point, a non-fiction book about the writing of The Winds of Winter would be more interesting. Because seriously, what the hell has happened the last 13? Years. That’s the story.
With skepticism and resignation now the norm, the fate of The Winds of Winter remains one of fantasy literature’s biggest question marks. Share your own theories, frustrations, or hopes—and join the ongoing conversation on Reddit.