'The Winds of Winter' release date: 'A Song of Ice and Fire' book ready for translation?

There remains no concrete release date info on "The Winds of Winter," the highly anticipated sixth volume of George R.R. Martin's bestselling saga "A Song of Ice and Fire." But the general consensus is that winter is coming before "Game of Thrones" season 6 premieres in April.

The 67-year-old author has once expressed that he is working hard to release the much-awaited title before the hit HBO series goes back on air. And from what the author has been doing (shying away from the conferences and guestings), it looks like he may very well beat his deadline.

Though his werewolf novella "The Skin Trade" was optioned for TV by Cinemax, Martin will not involve himself in the series just to finally complete "The Winds of Winter." He emphasized this as he broke the news about the pickup on his blog Not a Blog.

"While I would have loved to write the script and run the show myself, that was never really in the cards," the author wrote. "I have this book to finish. You know the one," Martin went on to say, referring to "The Winds of Winter."

There are also other reports that claim the installment may very well be here before April. Weeks back, there was news about a Polish translator by the name of Michael Jakuszewski, who was purportedly approached by Zysk publishing to translate the manuscript by the end of the year.

Before that, Spanish editor Alejo Cuervo hinted that "unless a meteorite falls," Martin's "The Winds of Winter" will be out next year. He revealed during an interview with a Spain-based radio station that the manuscript will be given to them by December so that it can be converted to Spanish.

For now, "The Winds of Winter" release date remains to be a mystery. So while fans twiddle their thumbs for it, they can make themselves busy by picking up the official "Game of Thrones" coloring book, which was developed by Martin and is now on pre-sale on Amazon for an Oct. 27 release.

News
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has come under pressure over her handling of past safeguarding cases. 

Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial

A leading figure among conservative evangelical Anglicans will not stand trial for alleged abuse, it has emerged.

Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings

The Church of England's House of Bishops has postponed a final decision on the Living in Love and Faith process as it continues to work on proposals. 

Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas

Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".