Game of Thrones season 6 is almost over and we still haven’t heard a peep about Winds of Winter—you know, the book that was supposed to be out before the season even aired. George R. R. Martin is still working on the next Song of Ice and Fire book. It’s not done yet. We don’t know when he’ll finish, and he won’t say or even tease, really. The Winds of Winter release date could still end up being in 2016, or it could be in early 2017, or later in the year, or farther than that. We really just don’t know.

Winds of Winter Release Date: When It’s Done

George R. R. Martin is a slow writer, and he has only gotten slower. He admits this himself, and has complained about it quite recently to Stephen King, who is far more prolific. His last update came earlier this year, when he admitted in a long and heartfelt letter that Winds of Winter wouldn’t be out on time for the new season. Back then, Martin said, “I am months away still… and that’s if the writing goes well.” We haven’t heard anything since then, as he said we wouldn’t, but we know he’s been traveling a lot, and under the weather, and busy with other stuff. So Winds of Winter isn’t done yet.

As of September 2015, GRRM still thought he could have finished by December, but as that became less likely, he admits his writing got even slower. And that makes sense: He missed a deadline he cared about a great deal, and it was disheartening. I’m not projecting; he says as much. We don’t know if his pace has picked up since then, or if he’s still trudging along. It’s done when it’s done.

It’s clear now that GRRM won’t be rushed. Winds of Winter will be out about three months after he delivers the final manuscript to his editors. But we have absolutely no idea when that will be, and anyone who says otherwise is deceiving you. Only George R. R. Martin could know, and it’s clear that he’s none too sure himself. Best of luck, George. You can do it.