QUOTE (illinilaw08 @ Apr 4, 2012 -> 09:57 AM)
Short of the 3rd, 4th and 5th books being turned into multiple seasons (possible given the length of the books), there is no way in hell that Martin finishes 6 and 7 before HBO catches up (it took something like 7 years for Martin to finish the fifth book). According to Wikipedia, Martin said the 6th book is 200 pages in and should be ready in TWO OR THREE YEARS. Given that timeframe, 6 will be finished when the 4th or 5th seasons are airing on HBO.
You don't HAVE to do one season per year. Curb is totally different but he does a season every two years, or something close to it.