Friends, a new year is upon is, and that means new opportunities — opportunities like a fresh chance to hear beloved author George R.R. Martin tell us that he thinks the latest book in the A Song of Ice and Fire saga will be out this calendar year. Maybe. Possibly. Perhaps. Who knows?
A few days ago, Martin shared his hopeful proclamation in the comments on his Livejournal page, once again proving that the only person still actually using Livejournal is George R.R. Martin. Here’s Martin’s response when someone grumblingly brought up the inevitable Winds of Winter issue:
You really think statements like that would make a difference? Ah, you sweet summer child. I have years of experience with this that tells me otherwise.
But ok, I will try it your way.
Not done yet, but I’ve made progress. But not as much as I hoped a year ago, when I thought to be done by now.
I think it will be out this year. (But hey, I thought the same thing last year).
Yes, even Martin himself seems oddly sceptical about his claim that this might finally be the year we see Winds of Winter on shelves. But he’s closer now than he was last year, so that’s good. We can but hope!