Well sounds like GRRM is finally ready to buckle down and get Winds of Winter down before season 6 of GOT. I like how he is talking in this interview compared to the ones in the past. I fully get he wanted to relish in the fame he earned from the books a bit. I like though how he is cutting back interviews and apperances. Also him not writing an episode for GOT in season 6 is good news IMO. I just hope he gets this series done in 7 books. You guys think the last book will take as long as the ones before? I just would think he would know how he wants it to end and not putting in so much fluff while advancing other character plot lines wouldn't take as long to write.
Here is the article I read today. GRRM on Winds of Winter.
I was thinking along the same lines as you when it comes to writing the last book. On the surface, it seems like the last book would be an easier task. But, if you think about it, it might actually be tough to tie up all the loose ends while still making an enjoyable story. I could see him having a difficult time making everything fit together. Suddenly, you have to shift gears and go from writing an interesting, entertaining story to writing a story that ties up all of the loose ends you have created while still keeping it interesting/entertaining. Hopefully he has started the process of tying up all of the loose ends with TWOW. Otherwise, I could totally see him starting to write Book 7 and realizing that he can't possibly fit everything into 1 book. IMO, he already has at least 2 books worth of storylines to resolve.