We all know thatGeorge R.R. Martinhas taken too long to finishThe Winds of Winter. Indeed, no one is moreaware of that fact than Martin himself, which is why his consistency in making public appearances remains so commendable. However, Martin may be reconsidering these appearances following reports of appalling scenes at this weekend’s WorldCon in Seattle. Martin, appearing on a panel alongsideBrandon Sanderson, Robin Hobb, Rebecca Roanhorse, andRyan Cahill,was said to be confronted during a question-and-answer session by a supposed “fan” of his work, who demanded to know when he would be handingThe Winds of WinterandA Dream of Spring— the final novel inA Song of Ice and Fire— to another author like Sanderson, adding that Martin was “probably going to die soon.”
The other authors on stage came to Martin’s defense, before the hosts took control as Martin was said to be consoled by his fellow guests. Afterward, the panel disbanded with Martin heading off to do book signings for much more grateful fans and followers. The unsavory scenes bring to mind the more toxic aspects of “stan” culture, where fans believe they are entitled to work from creators whenever they please. Nobody wantsThe Winds of Winterto be finishedmore than Martin himself, but what motivation will the man have to finish his work with this kind of treatment?
What Has George R.R. Martin Said About ‘The Winds of Winter’?
Well, it’s been a long time, so he’s said quite a lot. The most recent comments on the book came as it related to how dragons would feature in the story, as he noted in his blog:
“I would have dragons, yes… but I wanted my dragons to be as real and believable as such a creature could ever be. I designed my dragons with a lot of care. They fly and breathe fire, yes, those traits seemed essential to me… They bond with men… some men… and the why and how of that, and how it came to be, will eventually be revealed in more detail inThe Winds of WinterandA Dream of Springand some inBlood & Fire. Septon Barth got much of it right.”
Martin has also previously added that the book will be the longest he has written, and that he is more than 75% finished. During the panel, he added that he had taken the weekend off from writing to attend.
Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest updates onThe Winds of Winter.
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