George RR Martin To Skip Saratoga Springs World Fantasy Convention

Fans of the HBO series 'Game of Thrones' hoping to meet series creator George RR Martin may have mixed emotions learning that he will be skipping the 2015 World Fantasy Convention in Saratoga Springs in November.

Sure there's disappointment from those hoping to meet the best-selling author. But does the cancellation of the appearance mean the author is nearing completion of the next novel in the Song of Ice and Fire series, 'The Winds of Winter?'

Business Insider speculates that Martin is cancelling an apperance in Saratoga because he may be nearing completion on his latest novel.

The author himself stated on his blog,

This year the convention is returning to Saratoga once again, and I was hoping to return as well. I'm not a guest of honor, and I'm not (so far as I know) getting an award; I just wanted to go.

Reluctantly, however, I've just had to scratch Saratoga off my list of 2015 appearances. For no reason having to do with the con itself. I am sure it will be terrific. It's just a matter of time.

I have too much to do. Too many things on my plate. Son of Kong foremost amongst them.

My apologies to anyone who saw Saratoga on my Appearances page and planned to go in order to see me. I won't be there. Go anyway. You'll have a great time.

HBO's Game of Thrones returns for its 5th season in April.

A Look Inside George RR Martin's World of Ice and Fire