Greetings fellow Watchers! This past Monday, I was lucky enough to head down to Jersey City and attend the Fire & Blood release event with George R. R. Martin at the restored Lowe’s theater put on by WORD bookstores. I live-tweeted the event on the Watchers on the Wall Twitter at the time, but for my full account keep reading here!
The venue itself was amazing: the spitting image of old-timey movie theaters with the large black lettering on a white background and lights shining brightly in the cold night.
The theater seated about 1500 people at capacity, and A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones fans filled the entire place. The line to just get into the building snaked behind into alleys and down sidewalks in front of homes. Once we got inside, it was a truly magnificent sight of gold and molding that reminded me of the glory of Old Valyria.
Fitting, given the book’s contents. And, of course, that book is what we were all there for, or, more specifically, the stacks and stacks and stacks of signed copies of Fire & Blood. People were grabbing their copies and instantly flipping through the illustrations as they found seats and clutched them like precious treasure.
Inside the theater, a 16-year-old organist and a friend on drums were treating the crowd to Game of Thrones music, although a bit of a hush fell over the crowd when he began playing the Rains of Castamere and people scoped out where their nearest exits were.
On a massive screen, illustrations from the new book (and from George’s upcoming new Nightflyers edition) were rotated through. Finally, the show began as the organ rose up and author, actor, comedian and host for the night John Hodgman came out to introduce the guest of honor, George R.R. Martin, to raucous applause and cheering.
The event moved quickly with John asking George a few questions himself, then asking questions that were gathered ahead of time. Rather than the usual George signing line where fans ask George leading questions in order to winkle out secret plot details, this event asked the attendees to submit their questions via e-mail and a handful were selected. These were the six most interesting highlights in George’s answers:
1. An update on The Winds of Winter:
George acknowledged that The Winds of Winter is late, and that he has been under tremendous pressure to try to finish his next entry in the series by the end of the TV version. But that pressure has now been lifted, meaning he likely has given up on that goal and there won’t be a surprise The Winds of Winter release before this coming season. Although optimists may interpret that he is close to finishing, and that the pressure is lifted because of that. Either way, he confirmed that he is actively working on the book still, “one page at a time.” This is contrasted though with how he described writing Fire & Blood, which he said was much easier and more fun.
2. George of House Brady:
George grew up in the nearby town of Bayonne, and received a few questions on his relationship with the town he left behind and how it showed up in his novels. While at first George downplayed any connections, he eventually offered up some interesting information. He grew up poor, living in projects and going to public school but he was aware that on his mother’s side of the family there was once wealth and success. The Bradys were prosperous members of Bayonne for many years until they were crushed in the Great Depression and never recovered. Their legacy in the town though survived. Across the street from his home in the projects was a dock called Brady’s Dock named after George’s ancestors who built it to support their construction business. George even knew the fancy house his mother grew up in. He used to dream of what it would’ve been like had the Brady’s wealth and success continued, how would his life change?
This theme of fallen families is one that made it directly into A Song of Ice and Fire, George explained, in the characters Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen. With that same feeling of loss of a future, wondering about the family he never knew and their upper class lifestyles, he felt like disinherited royalty much like the two Targaryen siblings. When Dany reads about Westeros in the books she received from her wedding, or when Barristan told her stories about her brother Rhaegar, or she lands in Dragonstone and walks in her family’s home those are actually George wondering about his own family and dreaming of a better life stolen from him in the projects of Bayonne.
3. George’s Favorite Targaryen King:
One of the questions he received was who is George’s favorite Targaryen monarch of all. His answer is unsurprising given the book that was just released: Jaeherys I, the fourth King of Westeros. Jaeherys the Conciliator, as he is better known, ruled over the greatest period of peace and prosperity that the Kingdoms have ever known. But George then said he skipped over Jaeherys in his previous fictional history book, The World of Ice and Fire, because he thinks peace and prosperity are boring. As a result, in Fire & Blood there are huge sections of the book dedicated to Jaeherys and his wife Good Queen Alysanne with many plots, murders, and conflict undercutting the “peace” we’ve been told before. Whether George is experiencing some recency bias with how much he’s written about Jaeherys lately or if he really loves writing about “great” kings with an unexpected amount of conflict, he did not elaborate. But as you read about Jaeherys in Fire & Blood, it’ll be an interesting thing to keep in mind.
4. Not “The Long Night”:
A question from John was concerning the end of Game of Thrones and the upcoming prequel shows that HBO is currently developing and how much they will match up with George’s written works. George confirmed that there are five in development, with the one he’s been calling “the Long Night” currently greenlit and due to begin shooting in Ireland, although he quickly corrected himself and said that HBO has asked him not to call the show that, as it’s not the official title. He went on and described his relationship with the new showrunner Jane Goldman. He said they have met and discussed the new series and communicate regularly, and that he’s a massive fan of Jane’s, implying he has trust in her taking on the ambitious project. However, George stopped short of really answering the question of how much Goldman’s show will match George’s ancient history he’s written already and what is in his head. He went on and said that he will not be as involved in this project as he was with the early seasons of Game of Thrones. Peering between the lines, we may be getting a picture already that George’s world will not be translated point by point for the new series about the Long Night not called the Long Night, and that the content of the series maybe be more out of his hands, more like during the later seasons of Game of Thrones than during the beginning.
5. The Septon, the Maester, and the Fool:
Within Fire & Blood, different sections of the book are written or sourced by multiple characters. Some come from a Maester, others from a Septon, and others from the fool Mushroom who served in the King’s court from the reigns of Viserys I to Aegon III. George has said he set up the book this way because, as someone who enjoys learning about history, the near constant problem is which account of events you decide to trust. He used the example of the Black Dinner in Scotland, the inspiration for his own Red Wedding, which has grown in the telling over time, though the basic truth of the murder at a dinner remains the constant.
Sorting out biases and finding the true narrative among disagreeing primary sources is extremely challenging. He has recreated that in his own history book. As you read you’re supposed to question who is telling you the information contained, think about who the account was written for, and the motives behinds the men holding the pens. Martin went onto to add that when he was a child he loved learning about fantastical stories from history like George Washington chopping down the cherry tree and, even though as he grew older he learned many of those “facts” and stories were often flat-out untrue, he preferred reading those anyway. As such, in Fire & Blood and The World of Ice and Fire, there are many exaggerations that make for better stories than fact, so we as readers should be on our guard for moments when we’re presented with a simple, boring answer and an enthralling one. The enthralling one is far more likely to be untrue.
6. Fandom Toxicity:
The last “question” George received was more of a statement a fan asked to be read. The full text can be found on the Twitter page of the person who submitted it. Essentially, he apologizes to George for the bad behavior of fellow fans who take every opportunity to badger him about his rate of progress, and says we love and appreciate his efforts and the gifts his fiction is to us all. After it was read aloud, the audience gave its biggest cheer since George had walked out on stage and the man himself soaked into the positive energy in the crowd. It’s a message we should all remember.
I met many great fellow fans and, later into the night, at a nearby bar, had a blast celebrating the release of another of our favorite author’s entries into the A Song of Ice and Fire series. The book itself is available now for purchase and, as a fellow fan, I strongly suggest you pick it up. It’s worth it for the beautiful illustrations alone, which were obviously drawn with the utmost care, aside from the amazing writing content.
Now, sand the door.
But Mr. Miyagi…
Well, this is something I honestly consider buying. Only I’m not sure whether to immediately order it in English or wait for about a year for it to get translated to my native language.
Blow Out and Zorro, The Gay Blade? Sounds like a perfect night out for Renly or Oberyn š
I’ll buy it but probably not for a few weeks when I’m out Christmas shopping. It’s definitely not like a novel of ASoIaF that I have to get immediately and finish reading in a couple of days.
Jaeherys and Alysanne were my favourite rulers as well. I enjoyed reading the tiny bit of information about them in TWOIAF. I also liked how GRRM touched on the subjective nature of history. I remember getting that tone when reading through TWOIAF and how some of the accounts could be contested. Anyways, definitely plan on buying Fire & Blood as well!
Thank you for the summary! I did by it. I am looking forward to read about Jaeherys and Alysanne once I finish what I have on my plate right now, I may even take a peek in between the chapters of books Iām reading now, however it is terrible that one fun apologized for the whole ātrueā fandom. He doesnāt speak for all of us and stroking Martinās ego by sweetening most peopleās reaction is frankly a dick move. Martin is a grown person and he knows the realities and I doubt heās got a thin skin. It really pisses me off when a select no of people like that fan speaks āfor all true fansā. I guess my money and admiration of the universe he created so far is not real. And me every once in a while expressing disagreement with his Wild Cards pimping and fascination is #fakeNews. Whatever. Carry on.
Off topic question: the last two times I commented here my comment went into moderation. I figured it was the quotes or that I responded to more than one person. Now that happened again however this one didn’t have a quote or a response to anyone. Is this normal nowdays every comment has to be moderator approved?
EDIT: LOL so this one doesn’t need moderation? Well then, I guess I should post off topic more.
Haha, whenever I read ASOIAF novels, I’m always strict on reading three chapters a day (2 chapters in AFFC as there are less of them, but being longer).
Love how the first section of the Q&A breakdown is about Winds.
SPEAKING OF WINDS, obligatory release prediction: About this time next year. Not because of silly contractual things, but editing and beginning the bulk of ADoS (which I think is further along than most people realize).
“…he apologizes to George for the bad behavior of fellow fans who take every opportunity to badger him about his rate of progress.”
Tyrion: “I’m not questioning your rate of progress. I’m denying its existence.”
Haha, if he’s addressing “fandom toxicity”, maybe he should also address the “toxicity” of his fellow “superfan” Linda Antonsson. People like her throw a bad light on ASOIAF fandom.
Happy to hear that GRRM was able to hear first-hand, the expression of real joy these fans gave him. So glad that guy was direct about the reasons why he was offering his gratitude. It must get very old for GRRM to hear only critisicm and pressure on this front.
Ten Bears,
I said in my vanished comment that that fanās apology was a Dick move. I suppose this site is scanning for Dick words. How many Dicks is required to be suspended.
Seven hells, I miss Ry and his dong jokes. I guess I should just move on. Maybe come back when site is not so biased against penises.
TormundsWoman,
It always happens that way. Your posts won’t show up, but then the one time you post that your posts aren’t posting, it shows up!
That was a lot of posts in there. Sorry š
Lord Parramandas,
I agree, but you bring her up in almost every post you make. It’s almost like you want to bring it up every chance you get.
Hmmm I would get it right away, it’s honestly been amazing so far and watching the fan community devour it makes me excited for when we get TWOW. Or maybe get the audiobook version?
He really emphasized that for Fire and Blood in his answers, had several different examples so the audience understood. It’s a much more challenging read than things like the Simarrillion where you understand that it’s just about 100% true. You should read and then question what you just read from several different angles. Honestly gives what I’ve described in the past as “dry Targaryen history” as something much more intersting with a lot of re-reads built in.
I’m excited for Jaeherys mostly for Alysanne and Barth, but from what George said he made the entire reign very very interesting and full of intrigue. Looking forwards to it too š
I will wait ;o)
John Hodgman actually faked the audience first. He lead off by asking about “the elephant in the room” leading to everyone expecting it to be about TWOW. Instead he then asked a question about what happened to the elephant Alyn Velaryon brought back from the Stepstones. George replied that Balerion ate it, and the hall erupted in laughter. After that ice breaker, he then moved onto to asking about TWOW. Very good ice breaker and breaking the tension about the question everyone there was dying to know about.
From what I understand from twitter, some physical book stores are comboing the book with a Funko Pop doll of George as well.
TormundsWoman,
About vanished comments, comments diverted into Moderation Purgatory, and comments that disappear after being rerouted to a page that says “That Page Not Found”, my hypothesis, from (frustrating) similar experiences, is that the site algorithm will frequently intercept comments with proper names; links (especially more than one), and other commenters’ screen names (especially more than one).
Also, even after a very long comment is posted, if you go back to make one tiny edit, you often get a red-font message that your comment was marked as spam – and even the original disappears.
I had one comment that took ten attempts over several days to post after vanishing into “That Page Not Found” Oblivion. It turns out that the proper noun “Dr. Lecter” was the term that offended the Algorithm Gods.
Haha I waited for a year to get and read ADWD in my native language (and AFFC only got released in my native language in 2011 as ASOIAF started to get translated to my language from 2006 onwards). I’m fluent in English but I found out that when it comes to ASOIAF, I more love to read it in my native language
So I’m reading Fire & Blood – very slowly. One of the interesting things so far is that when the Targaryens landed on Dragaonstone, the mountain was smoking. So I take it that Dragonstone is a volcano – a dormant volcano.
Looking at the world maps, it seems there was a volcano at Valyria, and I’m wondering if there was one in the place they call the Shadow Lands that probably erupted some time in the past. I say that because both areas – Valyria and Shadow Lands – are charred and blackened on the map. Another interesting similarity is that both regions have a lake with water coloured red. What side-effect of volcanic eruption could cause lakes to turn red?
Back on Westeros, there are those peculiar hot springs, like the one where Ygritte and Jon bathed inside a cave. From the books, Winterfell has hot water piped through it’s walls and there was talk of a volcanic eruption at Hardhome. What do volcanoes have to do with anything…I don’t think the word has ever been spoken in the show. They say “The Doom”. They describe cataclysmic events. They talk about obsidian, but nobody says “volcano”. What else could wipe out an entire civilization?
Another thing about volcanos is that if they erupt violently, the ash goes into the atmosphere to block out sunlight and alter climate. I suppose if a volcano erupts continuously, the world would get very dark and cold.
Meh…not really in a rush to buy this one. There is nothing really new here that hasn’t been covered pretty thoroughly by “A World Of Ice And Fire” . Even “A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms” …the most I could muster was to buy was an e-book…which is languishing on my e-reader…as it’s low reading priority.
The fact that this is only Volume One of “Fire And Blood” doesn’t make it any more appealing. I can barely imagine reading this one, let alone a second volume.
So it turns out that the elephant in the room is “The Winds Of Winter” …an almost eight years old elephant…
Iām thinking Iāll listen to the audiobook; surely thereāll be one…the preview excerpts were enjoyable.
If he had averaged writing just one page a day since ADwD released he’d have enough pages to equal roughly the first 3 1/2 books combined. It’s been 2,689 days since his last ASoIaF release! We could add on quite a few weeks probably from the time he finished that one and its release as well. While he may get tired of being asked and fans get tired of fans commenting about it, it IS a long ass time to keep his readers waiting. R. Jordan was pumping out TWoT novels routinely between one and two years and they were usually about the same length as ASoIaF volumes.
Anon,
Yes … think about “the year without summer” in 1812, eruption of Tambora, Indonesia…
To correct: 1815!
cos alpha,
…thanks. Gonna check that out.
cos alpha,
That’s from the Daily Mail where they talk about lakes turning blood red from algal bloom because of underwater volcanic eruptions. In that article, there’s a nifty picture of a blood-red lake.
Tambora eruption caused what Wiki calls a ‘Volcanic Winter event’. That volcano erupted in what is now Indonesia, yet it changed climate in N. America, Europe and Asia!
So, when George implies that Aegon went to prepare Westeros for the ‘threat’ (gotta watch again to see what his exact wording is), does he mean a volcanic threat? Aside from his daughter’s visions, there might have been earthquakes. Like a wise man, he packed his shit up and moved the hell off the continent!
Then I had this nutty idea that what if the Walkers themselves are running away from something? Sort of like the Freefolk were running away from the Walkers. Everyone agrees that the Walkers are a threat, but what if there is an even greater threat than that, which can kill them all! But, I’m kinda’ venturing into tinfoil territory.
…And another thing.
Mirri’s words to Dany about when Drogo would return to her sounds like New-Age gobbledygook, but I think the only thing that could cause a mountain to blow in the wind like leaves is something cataclysmic like volcanic eruption… I don’t know if it could change the orbit of a planet, though. Because a planet’s orbit would have to change for the sun to rise from the opposite direction.
TormundsWoman,
TDub!
Respectfully,
May I ask why you think it was a dick move for that fan to take the opportunity to… Show some appreciation?
Donāt get me wrong. I understand why many fans are upset. But, for one fan to take an alternative approach, and instead focus on appreciation, gratitude, and respect for the man we all have to thank for this world and these stories- surely that is not an act worthy of scorn? Resentment? Oh, the horror?
I donāt get it. I donāt think the fan has sold out anyone. Why is that a dick move?
Lord Parramandas,
Why do you want to read it in your native language? My native language is Dutch, but I read everything that is written in English, in English. I hate it that they translate all those names in Dutch. I don’t know about A Song of Ice and Fire in Dutch since I never saw the Dutch versions, but the names in Harry Potter are terrible in Dutch. Same for Lord of the Rings. Even a title like “The Red Wedding, doesn’t sound good in Dutch. Everything Sandor Clegane says ,can never sound right in Dutch, I don’t even want to imagine it. What is your native language?
Sister Kisser,
Because he has no right to speak for anyone but himself, nor to “apologise” on behalf of others.
Anon,
Valyria didn’t have a volcano. It had 14 nicknamed “The Fourteen Flames”. And they all erupted at the same time because (as Barth says) the spells the valyrians used to control them failed.
14 volcanoes eruptions at the same time, with the force of Krakatoa. Well… You get the picture.
Tell me ā why should I buy a first book of another GRRM series, when we know he will abandon this series as well, like he did with ASOIAF?ļ»æ
Ten Bears,
What you are describing is a Spam filter. It protects people from spam. That’s a good thing. So yeah if your post is full of links or is extremely long/full of paragraphs it probably will get flagged as spam. That’s how Akismet works. The best thing to do is contact us. That usually solves the problem pretty quickly.
I notice I read everything in way more detail when reading in my own language. When it comes to Harry Potter, yes, I prefer it in its original form as well because of name translations which are over-the-top for me. But I noticed that ASOIAF works a lot better for me when reading it in my native language. I’m from Slovenia btw.
Sue the Fury,
Thanks!
So I guess that means the comment is still alive, but in your site’s “spam folder.”
Rizwan,
Each person can do with its money what they please. I for example won’t be buying the book. Many here will buy it. To each their own.
Grandmaester Flash,
Respectfully, do you āhave the rightā to speak for Tormunds Woman?
Evidently you do!
Do you see what I mean?
Sister Kisser,
I was speaking for myself. No doubt Tormund’s Woman will be along to speak for herself too.
I thought this was a place for general discussion. I didn’t realise you intended it to be a private conversation.
Sister Kisser,
The dick move (in my own opinion — if I put words in TW’s mouth I’ll never hear the end of it) is the segregation of “true fans” (or TruFen to the absolutely moronic genre readers) from those that express their displeasure, thus making them unfans or whatever. I believe GM’s White Knighter of the Twitterverse overstates how much GM actually encounters as comments on his NAB are often screened by an assistant and if he actually reads the comments on his Twitter account (which is more a marketing platform than a line of communication with readers) I will eat a dead cat. Further, posting “You suck” or “Finish the book” on social media does not constitute harassment.
Gadzooks! I’ve been moderated. Restore my post in a nonce lest you experience a whining such as the world has never seen.
lol Nevermind.
Cumsprite,
Made me laugh aloud! Ha!
Grandmaester Flash,
I just found it ironic that you should speak for someone else with the exact words ābecause he had no right to speak for anyone other than himselfā.
And yes, I have āknownā TW here for a looong time- she is more than capable of speaking for herself, and I had indeed replied directly to her.
General discussion now. I suppose one could look at the fanās comment to GRRM in one of two ways. I see why someone could feel slighted, or betrayed, by his comment. I choose to see it as a positive show of appreciation, and it seems there was a similar response by the theater full of fans.
I didn’t “speak for someone else”. I thought I had made that clear.
Stay on topic, guys. Or at least don’t fight interminably between yourselves.
Luka Nieto,
I’ve done nothing wrong. I made an on-topic comment and was unfairly attacked for it.
TW, you are this thread’s star! You better get in here and strike while the iron is hot. Regarding Ry, after the death of Burt Reynolds he joined a monastery and is seeking peace for his troubled soul.
Cumsprite,
O M G! Must you forever stir the pot?! And then you clutch your pearls when rightfully I call you firestarter.
I have already answered Sister Kisser, question before he even asked the question! Except he probably didn’t read it upthread as my comment was at the time vanished. Let me post the link so you can see it, when eventually this comment will come out of moderation. If it will ever do that considering how many posts I’m linking… TormundsWoman,
I’m sorry SK for taking so long, it’s the holiday and I wasn’t planning to post again for a bit here, considering the Dick moderation (obvi, sometimes it’s better if my first typing impulses don’t see the light of day š” ). Besides, it looks like you already figured out why, even though we have different takes on it, regardless of the status of my original post.
Cumsprite,
Lol I can’t tell you how hard I’m still laughing at your silly comment! And the fact you WERE moderated!
Bet you thought I was exaggerated when I said my comment vanished.
Oh, F&B kicks ass for at least 15% that I have read. It’s pretty cool for a fake history book. I loved some parallels that can be drawn between Maegor and Cersei. Best bit so far was Dorne and the Yellow Toad. My God, I always get goose bumps when she has the exchange with Rhaenys “This is Dorne, you are not wanted here. Return at your peril.” Fuck yeah, Dorne FTW.
Everyone needs to knock it the hell off or you’re all going on post-restriction for a week. You’re adults, act like it.
TormundsWoman,
There you are! I have missed you buckets and boatloads, dear boysenberry. Concerning F&B: early reports are that it consists of a bunch of already published material. Specifically, Aegon’s conquest being lifted word for word from TWOIAF and several other stories repackaged. Mayhaps he added more neeps, nuncles and MAYHAPSses to provide some of that medieval flavouourur to those retreads. Who can blame him? Lots of people are going to buy it, and most of them will enjoy it. It just drives this poor sprite to madness to see good people being taking for a ride by a cynical, greedy so-and-so like The Mountain that Bides.
TormundsWoman,
Hey TW. I had not read your comment when I posted (moderation purgatory) otherwise…. I would not have asked you. You did make yourself clear š
Also- I didn’t know that fan said anything about all “us true fans” or whatever. THAT is indeed quite dickish. I don’t have a problem with the guy apologizing for angry fans and showing some support, but to suggest they are not true fans is absolutely not cool and I would not have supported that had I known what all was said.
Also- Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful you’re still here.
Grandmaester Flash,
You call that an attack? An unfair attack?
I was in an apple store the other day getting a new battery for my phone, following instructions I had received at the same store in person the night before. I was trying to drop off the phone and have this done while I coached my kids soccer game. The 20 something hipster working there at check-in had nothing but bad news for me… “we can’t do that” “it’s not possible” That kind of thing. When I asked for a manager who could actually help me find a solution, he smirked and looked back down at his ipad. I felt the need to clarify that this was because he was “kindof being a jerk about it”
He looked at me and said FOUR times “don’t call me names”. I could not help but laugh in his face. I said “you were being a jerk, you see the difference?”
Long story short. The manager got me hooked up, and everyone else I worked with there was very helpful and interested in finding solutions, not problems.
I realized that was my first time dealing with a snowflake of a millennial, and that he actually pulled the bullying card on me. In my day (which wasn’t SO long ago) I would never, ever, have said “don’t call me names”. I may have had some other words…
Grandmaester, I assure you. That was not an attack. I am sorry you feel that way.
Cumsprite,
Iām sure I knew he had old material incorporated, as he already said it like a million times. However, to my great relief I gave up on and forgot Twoiaf which I have bought as you know, even though I knew Elio & Linda had a large hand in it. Sure they say not nowadays when it is criticized, but I remember different before it was published.
Regardless, I do enjoy F&B. Trust me, Iāve read some dry real historical accounts. And I think I know what boring sounds like. These are not it for me. Lemme get to the new stuff he added that I havenāt yet read and will tell you if I still think itās good fake history. š¤ because I know Iād be happy to report it is still awesome for a fake universe and youāll be happy to know I havenāt āwastedā my money!
PS. Missed you too little scoundrel š, even though my sneaky feeling is weāve not been quite so estranged lately. (But you know how paranoid I am so take that with a little grain of salt!)
So lemme see – instead of two unfinished works, he now has two to (not) worry about.
Booyaah! Go suck on that, Rothfuss!!
flintstonewielder,
He still hasnĀ“t reached Kentaro Miura level.
I collected my pre-ordered copy of ‘Fire And Blood’ today. It was advertised at half-price if pre-ordered – Ā£12.50 instead of Ā£25.00, so that seemed like a wise decision.
On entering W.H. Smith I was confronted with a pile of the books with the price marked at ….. Ā£12.00 ! I made a minor fuss and got the 50p back. š
Canny marketing though.
Grandmaester Flash,
How are you liking fire and blood?
LOL I must admit when I saw that title above the cinema I did wonder about the venue!
Hi,
at the beginning of the interview (ca 10:30 into it), Martin says “A one point I was having a huge pressure on myself to try to keep ahead of the show, and I failed, and when I recognized that I had lost that battle… “ I interpret it as just his old wish to finish Winds before the story in the series catches up. But here in “1. An update on The Winds of Winter:” it says “he has been under tremendous pressure to try to finish his next entry in the series by the end of the TV version.” That’s something different, isn’t it? Or did Martin return to the topic once more in the interview? Thanks!