Yes, I am aware that more than a year has passed since my last update. A lot of you have been emailing me to point that out. Thanks, but really, I did know. Unlike many of you out there, I got my copies of the Song of Ice & Fire calendar, so I knew what date it was.
No, I'm not planning to update the update, for reasons stated in the update itself. Until such time as I can write, "It's done," it will remain the last update... aside from what I may say here from time to time, on my Not-A-Blog.
I made a lot of progress on the book in the first half of 2008. So much so that I was optimistic that I would be done by the end of the year. Unfortunately, I did not make much progress on the book in the second half of 2008. Indeed, I made some regress. (That Sansa chapter I talked about finishing, for instance. It's still finished, but my editor and I decided it belongs in THE WINDS OF WINTER, not A DANCE WITH DRAGONS, so it's been moved into the next book. Sansa will not appear in DANCE.)
Some of the reasons were literary, arising from problems in the narrative itself. I'm not going to discuss them here, because I really do not like talking about questions I am still wrestling with on a work in progress. It never helps. Art is not a democracy, and these are problems I need to solve myself. Having a few hundred readers weigh in with their thoughts and opinions -- which seems to be what happens whenever I post here about DWD -- does not advance the process. I'm sorry, but that's true. I know that many of you would like to help me, but you can't. I have editors and I have two capable assistants, and that's sufficient. I'm the only one who can dance this dance.
Some of other reasons for the delay have nothing to do with the book itself. They're extra-literary, arising from other things in my life. I could sketch out some of them here, sure, but what good would it do? Those who are inclined to understand would send me messages of sympathy and support. Those are not so inclined would dismiss them as "excuses," or even "feeble excuses." A few will even go so far as to accuse me of lying.
That's the part that really bothers me. For the record, I have never lied about anything having to do with A DANCE WITH DRAGONS or the series as a whole. I have been wrong, yes. I have been wrong lots of time, especially when I've tried to predict how long it will take me to complete the book, or when it will be published. Being wrong is not the same as lying. Since the very beginning of this series, I have been guilty of being over-optimistic about how long it would take me to finish the next book, the next chapter, or the series as a whole. I cannot deny that. I have always been bad with deadlines... one reason why I did my best to avoid them for the first fifteen years of my career. That's an option I no longer have, however. Or at least will not have until A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE is complete.
That's the main reason why I no longer want to give any completion dates. I am sick and tired of people jumping down my throat when I miss them.
This latest flood of emails has worn down my resolve, however. So in hopes of quieting it, once more I will step into the breach --
I am trying to finish the book by June. I think I can do that. If I do, A DANCE WITH DRAGONS will likely be published in September or October.
(Yes, I am aware that I have previously said that I hoped to finish by the end of 2008. And before that, I said that I hoped to finish by June 2008, before I went to Spain and Portugal. And before that, I said I hoped to finish by the end of 2007. I know, I know, I know. No, I was not lying. I was wrong. And wrong again. And wrong before that. This time I hope that I am right. But you know, I can't swear that in blood. I write one chapter at a time. One page at a time. One word at a time. And then the next.)
That's all I have. But it's more than Amazon has, or anyone else.
The INSTANT that I finish the novel and put it in the mail to Bantam, I will post that fact here, just as I did for SUICIDE KINGS a few days ago. Until and unless you read that announcement here, believe nothing you hear from any other source.
Thanks for your continued support... and for your patience.
- Current Mood:
depressed
Profile
grrm- George R.R. Martin
- George R. R. Martin
Page Summary
- bakunin : (no subject) [+0]
- magnus_gallant : (no subject) [+0]
- lovefromgirl : (no subject) [+0]
- chern_greenhilt : Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down [+0]
- stevem65 : Lying [+0]
- gillan : (no subject) [+0]
- gesellschaft : (no subject) [+0]
- jacobford : (no subject) [+0]
- gryphonlsb : I have total faith in you [+0]
- tal125 : (no subject) [+0]
- shieldhaven : (no subject) [+0]
- tonys_mac : whew..... [+0]
- dustwing : (no subject) [+0]
- geordie2 : Take all the time you need [+0]
- dark_majesty : (no subject) [+0]
- newsbean : (no subject) [+0]
- olathewildcat : It's your book, I am only a reader [+0]
- trillian4210 : (no subject) [+0]
- 1eyedman : Inspiration rather than pressure [+0]
- commissarred : (no subject) [+0]
- kiddofsteel : Dance with Dragons [+0]
- ronin_lethe : (no subject) [+0]
- whatamiatailor : (no subject) [+0]
- auricandrax : Keep on writing [+0]
- narfboy : (no subject) [+0]
Comments
So it might take some time, and where you are right now (the middle) has got to be one of the hardest spots to work on because you need to keep track of everything that has been happening, as well as plotting the way to the end.
Keep your spirits up and enjoy your work whenever you can. And thank you.
And as someone whose brain does bad things that keep her from writing more often than she likes, I hear you on personal matters. Life is not exactly kind when we need it to be, eh?
Best of luck, good sir.
You have provided with me with hours of enjoyment and merely for theprice of $11.95 (Canadian) per novel. I am sincerely gratefule for this.
To all George's detractors:
Until you have walked in this man's shoes, you do not know the pressures, stresses, personal issues, or any other burdens this man carries. He has provided us with hours of entertainment and he continues to labour over the series. I work in a job that requires deadlines are met, but sometimes there are circumstances that prevent that from happening. Life carries on for those that have to wait so deal with it.
It is very selfish of you to post negative comments. Obviously, your primary concern is to bully, hurt, and antagonize George so that you can try to feel better about the delay of the next book. We are fortunate that George attends conventions and engages with his fanbase as there are other authors who could care less about their readership.
I don't know anyone that has the desire to work 24/7 without any breaks. The guy has a right to partake of events like football games (which are not everyday), weddings, funerals, and the like. I would go bonkers if I didn't get any time away from work to spend with my wife and son or watch a movie. His work would suffer if he didn't take any time to himself.
As for insults: Does it feel good when someone insults you? No. It doesn't. It makes you and the offended feel bad. In fact, the more you insult George, the more bad he feels and I am sure his work suffers because of it. So stop whining, offer support or don't comment at all. If we want DoD to be the best damn book it can be, offer him infinite encouragement and support.
But, as a conservative, I have to point out that you've been exposed to a small taste of George Bush' life. Its claimed that he lied to get us into Iraq. Its far more likely, considering all our other elected leaders were on the same page, that he was *wrong* based on faulty intelligence.
I couldn't resist. And I agree, Bush was still a lousy president.
I cant wait for the next book but will be happy when its done to your satisfaction
Be well
It will be done when it is done. I await with eager patience to read the next installment. In the meantime ignore the detractors (they're not really who you're writing for anyway) and do what you need to do to be happy with the work.
-T
When I picked up A Game of Thrones, it was on a recommendation from a friend. I did so because I was looking to get immersed into a storyline, to lose myself in a world and truly enjoy a series for the first time in years. This series has done that for me in spades. Know that out here on Long Island, NY there is a whole group of people who wish you well and wait patiently for you (and you alone) to tell us it's done. We're behind you all the way. So take your time, enjoy your football, and spend time with Parris. We'll be here when the time is right.
Continue living and being a person. The books will get done when they are done. Until then, your rabid fans will find other things to read. And hopefully they will learn patience. A useful skill.
I'm as eager as the next person, but for god's sake, people, have some respect.
And no, I don't want to hear any "he should respect us" bullshit. Get over your overblown sense of entitlement and be patient. Like the rest of the adults. /rant
Good luck, GRRM, and absolutely don't listen to anyone who says watching football is a waste of time! :)
Edited at 2009-02-20 04:32 am (UTC)
i'll be rotten, then, and give you my honesty.
when i met you, years ago (i do not expect you would remember) someone asked you what would happen to the story if something should happen to you before you finished.
you replied with "will i guess you are all screwed" (or something to that effect).
my sister and i had never laughed so hard. in that moment you were no longer deity but simply human, honest, real. we have never forgotten it.
so thank you for that. and for all you have done, and all you have given, and all that you are.
please believe it does not go un-noticed, not for one second.
As a fan of your work, I have to say, I enjoy your writing. In my 30+ years on this earth, I have read many books, and I came by A Song of Ice and Fire purely on chance. At the time, I was reading alot of horror, mainly Stephen King, and Richard Laymon, and what not. But I was getting tired of the genre, and wanted something different. So I went into a book store, went to the fantasy section and grabbed the thickest book i could find, and what did i grab, A Game of Thrones, and right next to it, a Clash of Kings, so i snagged that one on top of it. I went home, started reading, and I was hooked, and the rest as they say is history.
While like alot of your fans, I am eager to see your next book. But I also have no problem with waiting, I rather would wait five, six, seven years between books if i knew the book will be well worth the wait, which i am sure that it is in this case. There are plenty of other books out there to read to keep me entertained until then. Besides, i can always pick up my copy of a Game of Thrones and visit all my favorite(and some not so favorite) characters. You are in my honest opinion one of the greatest writers out there. So take your time with writing A Dance with Dragons. I would rather see a well written book that was carefully written, than get one that wasnt, because it was rushed. I'll still be there to pick it up when it comes out.
BTW, for which I am sure you probably know, Stephen King went through the same thing with his Dark Tower Series, so you're not the only one.
One last thing, when ever i meet someone who enjoys fantasy, but hasnt heard, or read anything of yours, i give them a copy of a Game of Thrones. So far i have yet to hear any disappointments from those people. I call it Spreading the Word of Martin, and i will continue to do so.
Keep writing my friend.
SRM
As one of your biggest fans, I can't believe the amount of guff you are getting from your detractors!!! Their harsh words, I think are a symptom of our 'I want it now, I can get it now' world we seem to have come into.
And it's sad really, shows just how selfish and childish some can be.
I personally like learning more about you than just SoIF. I've enjoyed the miniatures and learning about your other endeavors.
Like so many of your supporters, I look forward to DWD no matter how long it takes. I love your work! Because you take your time, I know that I'm going to get a great read from first time through to the fifth. Your work will always be in my library and I will recommend your books at the drop of a hat (and I have!) You are a Master and art can not be rushed.
May the Muse sing for you always!
Summer will come again!