Hopefully Hell won’t actually freeze over before the chilly Winds of Winter blow our way. Martin had promised the book would be with readers by the end of July this year but that day came and went like Sansa’s dreams of a handsome prince. Today, however, there was some excellent news from the an author who has so far taken ten years working on the penultimate book of his blockbusting series. And fans of a certain “girl with no name, over there in Braavos” will be very happy.
Martin wrote a message for fans: “I am back in my fortress of solitude again, my isolated mountain cabin…
“I’d returned to Santa Fe for a short visit, to spend some time with (his wife) Parris, deal with some local business that had piled up during my months away, and of course fulfill my duties to CoNZealand, the virtual worldcon.
“But all that is behind me now, and I am back on the mountain again… which means I am back in Westeros again, once more moving ahead with WINDS OF WINTER.”
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Game of Thrones George RR Martin Winds of Winter update (Image: GETTY)
George RR Martin Winds of Winter update: Arya (Image: HBO )
Any fans who doubt Martin’s dedication to his task should note he just said he is not even with his wife while he is writing.
The author also gave fascinating insight into how his writing process has evolved over the years as his fame and fortune has grown.
Firstly he wrote at home and then he bought the house opposite as a work space. He ended up with five assistants to handle all his responsibilities but still he admits “I was drowning.”
So now he works isolated in a mountain cabin.
George RR Martin Winds of Winter update: Melissandre (Image: HBO)
George RR Martin Winds of Winter update: Tyrion (Image: HBO )
Martin explained the intense process: “My life up here is very boring, it must be said. Truth be told, I hardly can be said to have a life.
“I have one assistant with me at all times (minions, I call them). The assistants do two-week shifts, and have to stay in quarantine at home before starting a shift.
“Every morning I wake up and go straight to the computer, where my minion brings me coffee (I am utterly useless and incoherent without my morning coffee) and juice, and sometimes a light breakfast. Then I start to write. Sometimes I stay at it until dark. Other days I break off in late afternoon to answer emails or return urgent phone calls.
“My assistant brings me food and drink from time to time. When I finally break off for the day, usually around sunset, there’s dinner.”
It sounds gruelling but there is fantastic news for fans eagerly awaiting the next book.
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Martin said: “I sleep. The next day, I wake up, and do the same. The next day, the next day, the next day…The time seems to go by very fast. It is now August, and I don’t know what happened to July. But it is good for the writing.
“For the nonce, it is what it is. My life is at home, on hold, and I am spending the days in Westeros with my pals Mel and Sam and Vic and Ty. And that girl with no name, over there in Braavos.”
He is, of course, referring to Melissandre, Sam Tarly, Victarion Greyjoy, Tyrion and Arya.
Sample advance chapters have already been released, including Arya’s adventures withe the Faceless Men and Victarion’s arrival in Mereen .
What this is still no sign of, however, is a release date…
