It has been nearly a decade since fans start waiting for the release of The Winds of Winter. Sure, George R.R. Martin is hard at work, but fans can't deny the fact that his age is advancing, and there are still two books left before the A Song of Ice and Fire series ends.
Although nobody should be talking about it, what will be the future of the ASOIAF if something happened to Martin himself? Would someone continue writing The Winds of Winter and finish its epic story?
Everybody wishes Martin the best of health to continue writing the book series and manage to finish the tale. Anyhow, as no one knows what the future brings, BlockToro noted there are several book series that other writers continue to write to end their stories.
Robert Jordan met his untimely demise before he managed to finish Wheel of Time. So, his family worked together with Brandon Sanderson to complete its final three books. Frank Herbert's son also teamed up with Kevin J. Anderson to continue his father's Dune and write other spinoff stories.
There are many similar stories that happened in case an author hasn't had the chance to finish their tales, and if the same thing happens to Martin, someone may take his seat and write ASOIAF. The Expanse creators Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham seem to be the best option to continue The Winds of Winter if Martin can't complete it.
Abraham already worked with Martin before and even advised the latter to split the book series, giving birth to A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons. They are even asked the same questions if they will continue Martin's work.
By the looks of it, the answer will be no. Martin has strict instructions that no one can take over the writing works of The Winds of Winter. Franck and Abraham, too, said they have enough money that they don't need to write others' books. The only chance that other authors can take their hands on ASOIAF is if Martin asks someone to do so.
Talking about Martin's writing speed, Outlander author Diana Gabaldon said, via Winter is Coming, she is doing her thing wherever she is, opposing Martin's way. Martin admitted he loves to travel, and whenever he's away, he can't continue to write.
Gabaldon knows how to get her stuff done, and she forces herself to write to reach the deadline. She is writing in any spare time she has so that she can finish on time.
However, she acknowledged each writer has their own mechanism; it is just that Martin writes slowly. It looks like Martin still has a lot of things to do to correct the character arcs and storylines that left fans disappointed in HBO's Game of Thrones, per Inverse.
The Winds of Winter can further explore many character storylines and more, and the only thing fans can do is wait. Anyhow, the much-awaited book is expected to be completed anytime this year -- hopefully.
When do you expect to see The Winds of Winter? Share your comments below.
