"I will, however, say for the record - no, THE WINDS OF WINTER and A DREAM OF SPRING are not finished. DREAM is not even begun; I am not going to start writing volume seven until I finish volume six.
"It seems absurd to me that I need to state this. The world is round, the Earth revolves around the sun, water is wet ... do I need to say that too? It boggles me that anyone would believe this story, even for an instant. It makes not a whit of sense. Why would I sit for years on completed novels? Why would my publishers - not just here in the US, but all around the world - ever consent to this? (sic)"
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The American novelist went on to assure fans of his tomes that he has not got a "deal" with HBO to withhold the books until the popular series has ended.
He added: "They make millions and millions of dollars every time a new Ice & Fire book comes out, as do I. Delaying makes no sense. Why would HBO want the books delayed? The books help create interest in the show, just as the show creates interest in the books.
"So ... no, the books are not done. HBO did not ask me to delay them. Nor did David & Dan. There is no 'deal' to hold back on the books. I assure you, HBO and David & Dan would both have been thrilled and delighted if THE WINDS OF WINTER had been delivered and published four or five years ago... and NO ONE would have been more delighted than me. (sic)"
-Bang! Showbiz
