"The Winds of Winter" will not be releasing prior to the premiere of "Game of Thrones" season 6, to the dismay of many fans. But author George R.R. Martin has now made it clear in his official online journal, Not a Blog, that he is buckling down to finish the book with no distractions in the way.

"I am not writing anything until I deliver WINDS OF WINTER. Teleplays, screenplays, short stories, introductions, forewords, nothing," Martin replied when asked if he would be writing for "Game of Thrones" season 7. "And I've dropped all my editing projects but Wild Cards."

This is not a direct response, however, as a report from Winter Is Coming points out Martin may be able to finish the book before the time comes for him to pen a script for "Game of Thrones" season 7. Martin chose not to write for season 6 last year for the same reasons but unfortunately the book did not finish in time.

Because of this, rumors are now erupting that Martin has called on author Neil Gaiman for assistance in finishing the book. According to Parent Herald, the two writers were spotted together in New Mexico, causing many to think that Martin may be asking Gaiman for help in writing the final chapters of "The Winds of Winter" in order to get it out quickly.

Gaiman is known for his graphic novel series "The Sandman" as well as his popular novels "American Gods" and "Good Omens, Bad Omens." He is also responsible for penning the script to modern-fantasy film "MIrror Mask" and is recognized as one of the most influential writers of the 1980s, particularly for the comic book genre.

Whether or not Gaiman is indeed helping Martin finish "The Winds of Winter," the book is now speculated to be released by early 2017, just in time for "Game of Thrones" season 7.