Well, J.R.R. Tolkien took 17 years to complete The Fellowship of the Ring after he finished writing The Hobbit, whereas C.S. Lewis only took six years to publish each of the Narnia books (he published a new book each year between 1950 and 1956).
One other that I know of (but unfortunately have never read) is No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod, which was 13 years in the making.
When I saw this topic, I was going to come in and say George R. R. Martin
"Often, the best way to improve is swallowing your ego and realizing you're a terrible writer in all aspects of writing, then working to improve it." -R.U.
He was such a slow writer, he died in progress of writing the books and his wife/editor brought along another writer to finish the series. Books started getting published in '90 and only wrapped up last year.
A writer is a world trapped in a person— Victor Hugo
Ink is blood. Paper is bandages. The wounded press books to their heart to know they're not alone.
George R.R. Martin and Steven King are now officially opposites.
It should be taught in preschool.
"Often, the best way to improve is swallowing your ego and realizing you're a terrible writer in all aspects of writing, then working to improve it." -R.U.
