I am distracted: RR Martin on why he hasn't finished GOT book

London: George RR Martin has explained why he's taking so long to finish his latest "Game of Thrones" book, saying he is 'distracted'.

The author spoke about the wait for The Winds of Winterin a recent panel, saying that the popularity of the TV series has caused a few setbacks in the writing process, reported Digital Spy.

"Writer's block isn't to blame here, it's distraction. In recent years, all of the work I've been doing creates problems because it creates distraction. Because the books and the show are so popular, I have interviews to do constantly. I have travel plans, constantly," he said. 

"It's like suddenly I get invited to travel to South Africa or Dubai, and who's passing up a free trip to Dubai? I don't write when I travel. I don't write in hotel rooms. I don't write on airplanes." Martin went on to say: "I really have to be in my own house undisturbed to write. Through most of my life nobody did bother me, but now everyone bothers me every day. 

"I have assistants and minions whose main job is to make sure people don't bother me so I can actually get writing done."

Meanwhile, the author has admitted that he never expected the TV series to catch up so quickly to the books it is based on. "Game of Thrones" returns in the spring to HBO in the US and Sky Atlantic in the UK.