Early in 2016, George R.R. Martin bluntly told fans that his highly-anticipated sixth Song of Ice and Fire novel, The Winds of Winter, is "not finished" -- meaning that for the first time this year, HBO's TV adaptation Game of Thrones may spoil what's going to happen in the books.
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In the past, Martin has been nothing if not a perfect target for the passionate and borderline aggressive fervor of fans. Even so, his LiveJournal post about The Winds of Winter has been met largely with empathy from readers. Whoever gave Game of Thrones fans a reputation for clawing at a creator until he folds may have completely misunderstood this fandom.
No one is more surprised to see such supportive responses than Martin himself.
"The outpouring of support in response to my post on THE WINDS OF WINTER has been astonishing," the author wrote on his blog in a followup to his first post. He thanked the fans, noting that he still had many comments to filter through on his original Winds of Winter post.
"I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all the kind words and good wishes," he added.
You're welcome, George. Now get writing!