George RR Martin
George RR Martin, author of the "Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series that is the basis of the television series "Game of Thrones," gestures during his masterclass at the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) in Neuchatel, July 10, 2014. Reuters/Denis Balibouse

George RR Martin is serious about finishing “Winds of Winter” as quickly as possible. The author has refused to write episodes for any of the “Game of Thrones” spin-off TV series and other shows he is a part of. The author also teased a picture showing the destruction of Valyria, but this may not be part of the upcoming book.

In a recent blog post, Martin confirmed that he is one of the executive producers of “Who Fears Death,” a new HBO show based on Nnedi Okorafor's novel. The author explained that he is just one of the team members for the project and is not a showrunner. He also confirmed that he will not be writing episodes for this show.

Martin also announced that he may not be taking up writing assignments for TV series, which include the new “Game of Thrones” shows being developed by HBO. The author stopped writing for the popular David Benioff and D.B. Weiss show a long time ago to focus his energies on “A Song of Ice and Fire.”

There is still no word on how much work is still left in the book. Martin also did not announce a final date of completion.

Meanwhile, the writer shared a picture of the destruction of Valyria in another blog post. One of the most powerful cities in the fantasy world was destroyed by a cataclysmic event in just one hour.

Details about how Valyria was destroyed may be revealed in “Winds of Winter.” The plot of the book is expected to focus on another extinction level event: the invasion of the White Walkers. Secrets from the city once ruled by dragonlords may be useful in the fight against the Night’s King. The Valyrian steel has already proven its devastating effect on the Others. There may be more such treasures and magical items from the doomed city that can be used.