The next instalment in the seven-part A Song Of Ice And Fire series – which inspired the Game of Thrones TV series – has been anticipated by fans ever since its predecessor, A Dance with Dragons, came out way back in 2011. Martin has implied in recent months that The Winds of Winter is now his top priority. And after he shared a new, official author’s headshot to his Twitter feed earlier this week, many are wondering if he’s finally gearing up to release the tome.
Sharing the image, he wrote simply: “New official headshot. #glowup.”
Some fans in the replies instantly wondered if it’s related to The Winds of Winter.
One wrote: “Its the perfect headshot for an upcoming book, my guy! Keep up the good work!”
On Reddit, too, some wondered if this headshot had been taken in anticipation of a new novel to promote.
“Now I know he doesn’t necessarily run his own twitter account, but this isn’t the kind of thing they regularly post on there,” user LemmieBee wrote, in a post that has been 93% Upvoted.
“Could this mean he’s getting ready to market his new book, or that he’ll go touring around one last time for the show since it’s coming to an end?
“Am I just crazy for seeing anything more in this than what it really is?
“I know he’s said that when he finishes TWOW there won’t be any tricks or special things he’ll do, he’ll straight up write about it on his blog. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be nearing completion and is getting ready for tour.”
In a recent blog post, George RR Martin set tongues wagging when he revealed he was too busy writing to help promote the new graphic novel adaptation of Starport, which is based on one of his unproduced TV pilots.
Game of Thrones, the TV series, returns for its final season next month. Could Martin announce The Winds of Winter as the show concludes?
Whatever the case, there remains no official news for the time being.
Game of Thrones returns on April 14.