The Game of Thrones author breaks his silence on fan frustration, sharing progress updates and calling for patience.

October 13, 2025: After years of speculation and growing impatience among fans, George R. R. Martin has finally spoken out about the ongoing delay of his long-awaited novel, The Winds of Winter — the next installment in his acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire series. The 76-year-old author addressed what he called the “so-called controversy” surrounding the book’s delayed release in a new blog post, reassuring readers that progress is being made, albeit slowly.

Martin Responds to Fan Frustration

Martin began by acknowledging the frustration of his readers, many of whom have waited over a decade for The Winds of Winter, the sixth book in the series that inspired HBO’s Game of Thrones. “I understand the impatience — truly, I do,” Martin wrote. “But good writing takes time. The world of Westeros is vast, and there are no shortcuts when it comes to doing it justice.”

He went on to explain that despite the endless online chatter about delays and possible writer’s block, the book is not abandoned. “I’m still writing every week,” he said. “The story is sprawling, with dozens of characters whose arcs must align in ways that feel authentic and earned. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done — but also the most rewarding.”

Progress and Pressure

While Martin refrained from offering a concrete release date, he confirmed that significant portions of the manuscript are complete and undergoing revisions. He also hinted that certain fan-favorite characters, including Arya Stark, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, will have “major turning points” in the upcoming volume.

“I could rush it and disappoint everyone,” Martin wrote, “or I could take my time and deliver the story as it deserves to be told. I choose the latter.”

The author also addressed online critics who’ve accused him of neglecting the book while focusing on other projects, including his involvement in HBO’s House of the Dragon and other spin-offs. “I’ve always been a multitasker,” he explained. “But make no mistake — The Winds of Winter remains my top priority.”

A Long-Awaited Return to Westeros

Fans first received A Dance with Dragons in 2011, leaving The Winds of Winter as one of the most highly anticipated novels in modern literature. Despite years of delays and speculation, Martin’s reassurance has rekindled hope among devoted readers that the wait may soon be over.

“I’ve come too far to stop now,” he concluded. “When the book is ready, you’ll know. And I think — I hope — it will have been worth the wait.”