'The Winds of Winter' release date might not be until 2017

Earlier this month, bestselling author George R.R. Martin confirmed that "The Winds of Winter" will not be out before "Game of Thrones" season 6 releases.

Now, fans are back to square one as to determining when the sixth volume of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series will be out. The widespread speculation is that it will hit the shelves next year.

Martin has earned the reputation of being a slow writer, which isn't a bad thing. The 67-year-old writer is known to be scrupulous when it comes to stitching his stories. He often rewrites, revises and looks for ways to improve the story and the writing.

He pointed that out in his blog post, where he announced another "The Winds of Winter" delay. Reiterating his disappointment for once again being unable to beat the deadline, Martin said that "there's also a lot still left to write."

"I am months away still... and that's if the writing goes well. (Sometimes it does. Sometimes it doesn't.) Chapters still to write, of course... but also rewriting. I always do a lot of rewriting, sometimes just polishing, sometimes pretty major restructures," he explained.

Martin is also known for putting out long hefty books. "The Winds of Winter" sounds like a particularly lengthy installment, which should take him more months to put together.

As the author said, there's still so much to do. He did not mention how far along he was in the book or if the number of pages he managed to finish are more than the ones that are waiting to be filled, but he did say that the book will still take a long while to arrive.

That being said, it looks like fans of the author and the HBO hit series will have to wait one more year before getting their hands on "The Winds of Winter."

In the same blog post, Martin emphasized that he will craft the tome "as good as I can make it."

While fans idle away the months for the book's arrival, Martin vows to "keep writing. Chapter at a time. Page at a time. Word at a time. That's all I know how to do."

News
Princess of Wales to lead Westminster Abbey carol service, celebrating kindness and community
Princess of Wales to lead Westminster Abbey carol service, celebrating kindness and community

This evening, the Princess of Wales, Catherine, is set to revisit Westminster Abbey to preside over her fifth Together at Christmas carol service - a seasonal gathering that places acts of kindness and community at the heart of its celebrations.

Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.