Memo to Mr. Martin (and Mr. Jordan, too):
While I am anticipating the next books in A Song of Ice and Fire and The Wheel of Time, it's frustrating that the number of books in these series grew beyond what was originally stated, i.e. Wheel of Time was originally slated to be 6 or 7 books, IIRC. As it now stands, WoT looks to end after 12 books, with the volume succeeding Knife of Dreams.
Please understand that I have an enormous amount of respect for anyone who undertakes the writing of a novel - especially a fantasy novel. Creating your own world, the races, the kingdoms, the cultures, and doing it in a way that resonates with the reader and keeps them enthralled with your story is extremely difficult (I'm still struggling creating my world!).
I don't for a second believe all the claims that Mr. Jordan is dragging the series out in order to make more money. I don't think Mr. Martin is doing it either. I think that they found themselves with more story and plot lines than they initially thought they had. But I can't help but feel that if these two gentlemen had utilized an outline in the planning stages of their respective series, things might have gone more smoothly.
Looking forward (eagerly) to Knife of Dreams, A Feast of Crows, and A Dance with Dragons.
P.S. Anyone got a line on what the final volume of The Wheel of Time will be called? Just curious.
