'Winds of Winter' release date: Author George R.R. Martin debunks rumors about completing book

George RR Martin[Photo credit: George RR Martin | Twitter]

Just recently, there exploded a rumor claiming that novelist George R.R. Martin has already completed writing the sought-after title "The Winds of Winter." The rumor originated from a remark made by "Game of Thrones" season 6 director Jack Bender on a Reddit AMA that he has already seen a copy of the book. 

But as the author always said, the sixth volume in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series isn't done until he says so. As if tired of quashing false rumors about the release of "The Winds of Winter," Martin simply advised fans via his blog to "never believe rumors." 

"I've said that a thousand times," he asserted.

Before the novelist himself quashed the gossips, Watchers on the Wall took the liberty of ending the worsening racket by reporting that a "very reliable" source told them that Bender hasn't seen a copy of the book and he simply may have confused it with the "Game of Thrones" season 6 outline.

Now, it remains to be seen where "Game of Thrones," which already caught up with the book series, is headed. Without fresh material to extract from, it seems that showrunners Dan Weiss and David Benioff will be continuing the stories in Westeros beyond the printed word. 

But in BGR's interview with Bender, the helmer revealed that the two "communicate closely" with Martin. "The Winds of Winter" may not be finished yet but it is a safe bet that the author already has it mapped out in his head, allowing him to lay the groundwork for the "Game of Thrones" crew. 

Benioff was quoted as saying in Oxford Union that Martin and his team know where the show is headed for season 6. However, getting there is another story. This is where things will start to change.

"We'll eventually meet up at pretty much the same place where George is going," Benioff said as picked up by Independent. "There might be a few deviations along the route but we're heading towards the same destination."