"The Winds of Winter," the sixth book in the "Song of Ice and Fire" series, was initially set to launch before the premiere of "Game of Thrones" season 6, but the launch was pushed back because author George R.R. Martin was not finished with it yet. Now, it is possible that he will have to move it even further, delaying it as far as 2018.
New rumors suggest that Martin lost the manuscript of the book and that no other copy of it exists, given that Martin is known for writing solely on his old computer at home. This computer still uses the DOS operating system, and he writes using the old WordStar 4.0 word processor.
Back in 2014, Martin admitted that he used an old program to write his books because he preferred how they did not have automatic help or correction features. It is the same system he has used for the past few decades. However, the writer explained that he also had a separate computer that is connected to the internet.
If the manuscript was indeed lost, then it would require Martin to pick up the work using an older version that is saved on a different hard drive. This is what could have forced Martin to delay the book further as he will now have to re-do the chapters he had completed but lost.
According to the iTech Post, fans are already aiming to boycott "Game of Thrones" season 7 if "The Winds of Winter" is delayed any further. Season 6 already spoiled many of the key events that would happen in "The Winds of Winter," and if season 7 premieres before the books are finished, it will also hint how the story will conclude.
The report also points out that it is unlikely that Martin lost his manuscript, given that his old DOS computer is connected to a backup server so that nothing is lost. Martin and his publishers have also given no official announcement about a lost manuscript which further indicates that the rumor is not true.
As it stands, "The Winds of Winter" will still get published sometime in 2017.
