'Game of Thrones' author blogs that he missed book deadline

July 14, 2011. George R.R. Martin attends a book signing for "A Dance with Dragons" at Barnes & Noble in New York. (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – Winter is not coming.

"Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin says he missed a Dec. 31 deadline to finish "The Winds of Winter," the latest book in his fantasy series. That means the HBO season based on that sixth novel will start airing in April, while he's still writing.

The words "you won't like it" appeared Saturday on Martin's blog, reporting the missed deadline.

Martin says he wanted to say he's delivered "The Winds of Winter" for publication, but estimates it'll take months more if all goes well.

Martin apologized to fans eagerly awaiting the next installment of the series in which characters warn of impending doom with the phrase, "Winter is coming." And he says he's been working with HBO to ensure the series reflects the as-yet-unfinished book.