Game Of Thrones fans went into a frenzy when the news that George R. R. Martin has finished writing the last two books – “The Winds of Winter” & “A Dream of Spring” started circulating online. The news also said that although the books were finished, the author had agreed not to publish them till the HBO show wrapped up. Actor Ian McElhinney, who played the role of Ser Barristan Selmy in the show had made these claims at a convention. Jump to 31 mins to watch the part where he talks about the last two books.
Martin, however, debunked this news on his blog. On the blog post titled “Idiocy on the Internet“, he wrote –
“I will, however, say for the record — no, THE WINDS OF WINTER and A DREAM OF SPRING are not finished. DREAM is not even begun; I am not going to start writing volume seven until I finish volume six.”
He also went on the record to say that this whole news “makes not a whit of sense“.
“Why would I sit for years on completed novels? Why would my publishers — not just here in the US, but all around the world — ever consent to this? They make millions and millions of dollars every time a new Ice & Fire book comes out, as do I. Delaying makes no sense. Why would HBO want the books delayed? The books help create interest in the show, just as the show creates interest in the books.”
“So… no, the books are not done. HBO did not ask me to delay them. Nor did David & Dan. There is no “deal” to hold back on the books. I assure you, HBO and David & Dan would both have been thrilled and delighted if THE WINDS OF WINTER had been delivered and published four or five years ago… and NO ONE would have been more delighted than me.”
The blog post ended with a note –
“I have said it before: don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Except here, of course.”
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