A Game of Thrones Again (Again)

I've been into series books lately. So, since I'm in to series, I went back to a series I've read several times. Game of Thrones . . . or more correctly . . . The Song of Ice and Fire.

I've read this several times. I read A Game of Thrones when it first came out. Then when A Storm of Swords came out I read Game of Thrones again, then read Storm of Swords. When Clash of Kings came out, I read Game of Thrones, then Storm of Swords, then Clash of Kings. See the pattern?

I've read this dang series multiple on multiple times. Well, I'm hoping that this time, when I get to A Dance with Dragons and finish it, several months from now, maybe a year, then The Winds of Winter will be out. 

Based on past experience, I may be a bit early even if it takes me two years to finish A Dance with Dragons. 

I used to be a defender of George R.R. Martin and talk about how long it takes to write books. I get it, it takes a long time to write novels, and especially really great novels like these. These that are engrossing and interesting, and they make you want to read the next immediately. 

BUT . . .

(big but) . . . almost 13 years? That's too long. That's just ridiculous. Look at the time it took to complete these suckers . . .

• A Game of Thrones (1996)
• A Clash of Kings (1998)
• A Storm of Swords (2000)
• A Feast for Crows (2005)
• A Dance with Dragons (2011)
• The Winds of Winter (forthcoming)

The challenge I have . . . is that I'm not a full time writer. I'm sure writing doesn't get much easier if you're full timing it, but I have to work around a job, a PhD and lots of other hoi polloi. If I was a full time writer, I betcha I'd finish Sunset Perfect. I know I started working on that six years or so ago. BUT, in the mean time I've (just about) gotten a PhD and I've held down a job. 

Regardless, I'm into series. I just finished A Game of Thrones. I'm onto the next when it comes back around in the rotation of other series I'm reading.