'The Winds of Winter' release date, plot news: George R.R. Martin's projects further delaying 'The Winds of Winter'

"A Song of Ice and Fire" author George R.R. Martin has not said much about the upcoming installment in the fantasy novel series "The Winds of Winter," aside from it being a work in progress.

"The Winds of Winter" release still up in the air Reuters/Robert Galbraith

Fans are going in blind when HBO's adaptation of Martin's books, "Game of Thrones," returns for its seventh season. Fans have been clamoring for new information, but it seems like Martin is not yet ready to unveil the next installment of "A Song of Ice and Fire."

Reports say that Martin is juggling a number of projects, which are most likely prolonging the progress of his writing. He recently launched Stagecoach Foundation, an organization that will provide aspiring filmmakers or actors with opportunities to go big in the film industry.

The author-turned-philanthropist is also in talks with HBO, reports say, for a new series. Martin once admitted that the material of "Game of Thrones" is so rich that he could provide more content for the unexplored worlds in the series, as well as the untold past of the kingdoms.

Martin has yet to announce the release date of "The Winds of Winter." When the author is ready to do so, he will most likely make the announcement on his Live Journal.

Despite being badgered by fans about "The Winds of Winter," Martin still manages to make entries on his Live Journal. Recently, he expressed his thoughts on United Airlines' inhumane stunt, wherein they beat and forcibly dragged a passenger who refused to give up his seat.

Martin often responds to his Live Journal readers. And he rarely entertains questions about the "The Winds of Winter."

The hotly anticipated "The Winds of Winter" was initially slated to launch in 2016, but has been pushed back since. And while countless release date rumors have been circulating, it would be best if fans take the unofficial claims with a grain of salt.

More updates on "The Winds of Winter" should arrive soon. 

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