The news that four spin-offs are being considered by HBO is bittersweet to many "Game of Thrones" fans. On one hand, it can mean new life for the series, which is set to end next year. On the other hand, it can also mean further delay in the release of The "Winds of Winter," the sixth novel of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series of George R.R. Martin, which serves as the source material of the show.

Early this year, Martin indicated on his blog that the novel would be released this year. Since then, however, neither he nor his publishers have given updates on when it will come out. Many believe that the author's busy schedule is keeping him from writing the material for the new novel. The delay in the release of the book is such that "Game of Thrones" has already been able to overtake the pacing and the plot of its source material.

While Martin will not be the one to write the scripts for the four spin-offs, he will be actively involved in the development of such. This means more of his time will be taken away from writing. Given his already busy schedule, what with his commitments to other projects such as "Wildcard," as well as starting out "Stagecoach Foundation," which is dedicated to bring his hometown, Santa Fe, under the spotlight via film or television, it seems unlikely that the book will be completed within the year.

On the other hand, some are surmising that the reason why the author signed the contract for the four spin-offs is that he is already done writing the novel, and that it is already in the hands of his editors. Blasting News reports that Martin seems to be goofing off on Twitter, which gives credence to the theory that the book is already done, at least, as far as he is concerned. According to rumors, Neil Gaiman is working with him to expedite the completion of the novel.

The last novel in the series, "A Dance with Dragons," was released in 2011.