#I like to be optimistic (delusional) and think he split TWOW and is waiting until he's done with both parts to release it

[fromtheseventhhell]

I know it’s useless to speculate but I can’t stop wondering how the hell grrm is going to wrap all this up in only 2 books. it feels like there’s so much left to happen for so many characters, BEFORE we even reach the long night. like Arya’s story alone, she’ll prob be in Braavos a little longer, then go back to Westeros, reunite with Nymeria, the BWB, lady SH, her siblings, and THEN play a part in the LN. and after spending a solid 2 books just in the riverlands? like… how?? any ideas?

I'm right there with you anon, and I honestly think one of the reasons TWOW is taking so long is that George has realized that the story has once again gotten away from him. Even if TWOW was incredibly fast-paced, there's still a lot of story + characters to cover. Like you said, Arya alone has a lot of plot to get through before her story is set-up for the finale and it's the same with a lot of characters. I think George might be hesitant to split the books again after AFFC/ADWD, and he might be trying to find a way to make things work within one book. TWOW + ADOS are supposed to be about 3000~ pages altogether, but I doubt even that will be enough for how much story is left. If that is the issue, then I hope he overcomes it soon so we can get the rest of the story 😭