The Winds of Winter has been teasing fans for years, but George R.R. Martin has recently offered up a glimmer of hope for fans.

According to Watchers on the Wall Martin responded to a fan in the comment section of his Not A Blog and mentioned that he thinks the sixth A Song of Ice and Fire installment will be completed this year, almost exactly a year after he disappointed fans with the book’s stalled progress. In his response Martin also poked fun at his lengthy writing process.

“You really think statements like that would make a difference? Ah, you sweet summer child. I have years of experience with this that tells me otherwise. But okay, I will try it your way,” Martin wrote. “Not done yet, but I’ve made progress. But not as much as I hoped a year ago, when I thought to be done by now. I think it will be out this year. (But hey, I thought the same thing last year)”.

This news is great for fans, as a new book from Martin may help soften the blow of a seven episode season of Game of Thrones to air this summer. Though there is no news of season 7’s exact premiere date yet, there was some recent season 7 news with the casting of MMA fighter Conor McGregor in an undisclosed role. Game of Thrones also had an awards presence at the Golden Globes just last week, though came away with no awards and losing out on Best Drama to Netflix’s The Crown.

The highly anticipated seventh season of HBO’s Game of Thrones will premiere this summer.