Game of Thrones creator and Elden Ring loremaster George R.R. Martin has utterly had it with folks hounding him for his next book: ‘I care about them all. More than you can ever imagine’

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George R.R. Martin is arguably one of the most well-known figures in modern fantasy literature. Known for his extensive work, he penned the renowned series “Game of Thrones,” and has also been involved with television shows, films, and video games. He laid the groundwork for the mythology behind Elden Ring, a project that later evolved under the creative direction of Miyazaki, resulting in numerous characters and narratives being transformed into complex and often grotesque creatures.

He’s also dealing with considerable stress because George R.R. Martin, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire, a seven-book series that started with A Game of Thrones (which is where the TV show got its name), has only managed to complete five books as of now. The latest one, A Dance with Dragons, was published in 2011. If you look at your calendar, you’ll see that it’s currently 2025, over a decade and a half later.

Instead of idly waiting, he’s actually been engaged in adapting Howard Waldrop’s “A Dozen Tough Jobs” for his website, as mentioned in a recent blog post. However, the post also includes some lengthy and off-topic discussion.

Following the reveal of his plans for the adaptation, Martin subsequently shares a lengthy post addressing fans who persistently inquire about why he hasn’t finished ‘The Winds of Winter’. I believe it’s significant to include the entire post here, as it’s also crucial to mention that Waldrop, a close and cherished friend of Martin’s, passed away in 2024.

Apologies in advance, my dear readers. I can sense your anticipation for Westeros and The Winds of Winter, and I understand your frustration when the topics veer elsewhere. It may seem like I’ve lost my way, or that the book is never coming, but let me assure you, I am still hard at work.

However, I must confess, the process has been more arduous than I ever imagined. The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring are complex tales, and I fear they may not be completed in my lifetime. In a perfect world, I’d love to pass the baton to another skilled writer, but alas, that is not an option open to me.

I hope you will continue to support me as I navigate these challenges, and I promise to deliver the best story possible when the time comes. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Deep breaths, we’re not halfway done yet.

Given my advanced age, death seems imminent. Over three decades ago, my enthusiasm for George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” waned, leaving me indifferent to it. Writing no longer holds significance for me; I primarily spend my time and resources idly. Additionally, I edit the Wild Cards series, but you have expressed dislike for that too. You may find fault with every piece I’ve ever penned, including the Hugo-winning and losing works like ‘A Song for Lya’ and Dying of the Light, ‘Sandkings’ and Beauty and the Beast, ‘This Tower of Ashes’ and ‘The Stone City,’ Old Mars and Old Venus, anthologies like Rogues and Warriors, Dangerous Women, and all the other collections I co-edited with Gardner Dozois.

It seems clear that the Winds of Winter is your primary focus, not those other things we discussed before. You’ve made it clear to me on multiple occasions.

It’s understandable to perceive Martin as increasingly agitated under the pressure of completing A Song of Ice and Fire, a work of such epic cultural significance. After all, imagine being tasked with wrapping up such an endeavor, especially when the time between releases stretches further apart. Additionally, it’s easy to empathize with his annoyance at the notion that a delay in completion implies a lack of commitment. A notion I firmly believe is far from accurate and one he vehemently disputes.

To be honest, my feelings run deep for them – Westeros, the Winds, and all its characters. From the Starks and Lannisters to the Targaryens, Tyrion, Asha, Dany, Daenerys, the dragons, and the direwolves; they all hold a special place in my heart. It’s a level of care you might find hard to comprehend.

Perhaps it’s the current task he’s engaged in that’s sparking his philosophical musings. Longtime friend and fellow author, Waldrop (a science fiction writer), passed away at the age of 77 due to a stroke in January 2024. Martin, in his heartfelt tribute, penned: “We are working on adapting a few more of Waldrop’s works too, and I vowed to secure him a share from those projects as well before the end of January. I never imagined when we said our goodbyes that it would be our last conversation.

I won’t pretend to understand what the man is thinking or speak on his behalf. But if I were adapting a late friend’s work and someone unexpectedly criticized me for not completing a book, it would make me very angry. Martin finishes his post by referencing an article from The Hollywood Reporter about the upcoming adaptation, saying “I hope we do him justice. How could we not? Hercules, Howard, Joe, Lion Forge… I wish you all could share my enthusiasm for this movie.

1. Elden Ring Ranni Quest: I follow the sorceress, the witch with enigmatic powers.

2. Elden Ring Blaidd Quest: I watch over the land as the wolf-man, a guardian of sorts.

3. Elden Ring Nepheli quest: I ally with a valiant warrior woman, a beacon of hope in these dark times.

4. Elden Ring Fia quest: I seek comfort, cold and harsh, from the enigmatic lady, Fia.

5. Elden Ring Volcano Manor Quest: I venture through Mt. Gelmir to uncover its secrets, a challenge that tests my mettle.

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2025-05-29 17:02