"The Winds of Winter" is probably the most awaited book of 2016, if it does get released in 2016. Author George R.R. Martin says distractions have caused delays to the sixth book of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.

The latest book in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, "A Dance with Dragons," came out almost five years ago. It is then understandable why fans are latching on to any news about the release of its follow-up, "The Winds of Winter." This becomes especially true for fans who like knowing what happens to the HBO series "Game of Thrones" before new episodes air.

"Game of Thrones" has always corresponded with its book counterpart, e.g. season 1 follows the plot of book 1, season 2 follows book 2, and so on and so forth. With season 6 coming out in April and book 6 having no release date pinned yet, some readers-slash-viewers are already panicking.

Author George R.R. Martin, however, offered an explanation about the delay. He says it's not so much writer's block but distractions. The popularity of the books and the show based on them have resulted to numerous interviews and travel tours.

"I don't write when I travel. I don't write in hotel rooms. I don't write on airplanes. I really have to be in my own house undisturbed to write. Through most of my life no body did bother me, but now everyone bothers me every day. I have assistants and minions whose main job is to make sure people don't bother me so I can actually get writing done," according to an interview with the author on Uproxx.

This is why GRRM has also begged off writing an episode for "GoT" season 6. But if rumours from Parent Herald are to be believed, the wait for "The Winds of Winter" is not too far off.

While it won't be published in time for the premiere of the sixth season, it might be released in the middle of the upcoming season. The online publication says the latest book will be out midseason, which is some time between episodes 5 and 6 expected in May.

More news on the release date of "The Winds of Winter" when it becomes available. "Game of Thrones" season 6 premieres on HBO this April 2016.