'Winds of Winter' release during mid-season of 'GOT' season 6? George R.R. Martin blames distractions for delay

George R.R. Martin blames distractions for delay of "Winds of Winter." HombreDHojalata / Wikimedia Commons

"The Winds of Winter" is probably the most awaited book of 2016, if it does get released in 2016. Author George R.R. Martin says distractions have caused delays to the sixth book of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.

The latest book in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, "A Dance with Dragons," came out almost five years ago. It is then understandable why fans are latching on to any news about the release of its follow-up, "The Winds of Winter." This becomes especially true for fans who like knowing what happens to the HBO series "Game of Thrones" before new episodes air.

"Game of Thrones" has always corresponded with its book counterpart, e.g. season 1 follows the plot of book 1, season 2 follows book 2, and so on and so forth. With season 6 coming out in April and book 6 having no release date pinned yet, some readers-slash-viewers are already panicking.

Author George R.R. Martin, however, offered an explanation about the delay. He says it's not so much writer's block but distractions. The popularity of the books and the show based on them have resulted to numerous interviews and travel tours.

"I don't write when I travel. I don't write in hotel rooms. I don't write on airplanes. I really have to be in my own house undisturbed to write. Through most of my life no body did bother me, but now everyone bothers me every day. I have assistants and minions whose main job is to make sure people don't bother me so I can actually get writing done," according to an interview with the author on Uproxx.

This is why GRRM has also begged off writing an episode for "GoT" season 6. But if rumours from Parent Herald are to be believed, the wait for "The Winds of Winter" is not too far off.

While it won't be published in time for the premiere of the sixth season, it might be released in the middle of the upcoming season. The online publication says the latest book will be out midseason, which is some time between episodes 5 and 6 expected in May.

More news on the release date of "The Winds of Winter" when it becomes available. "Game of Thrones" season 6 premieres on HBO this April 2016.

News
13 Christians abducted in church attack in Nigeria
13 Christians abducted in church attack in Nigeria

Thirteen Christians have been abducted by a militia group in Nigeria following a skirmish in Kogi State.

Former moderator of Church of Scotland teams up with pop star to release Christmas song
Former moderator of Church of Scotland teams up with pop star to release Christmas song

What do you do when you've retired from leading a church?

Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'

The university and students' union said the play was within the bounds of free speech laws.

Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged

A pro-life campaigner who silently prayed near an abortion clinic in Birmingham has been criminally charged.