Something of a morbid topic

Happy Fourth of July to our U.S. authors and readers! This blog is not at all about the holiday, though. Instead, it's about something a bit morbid: wills. Specifically, wills and literary estates. Author Neil Gaiman has a wonderful post (nearly three years old, actually) that explains all about what happens when an author doesn't leave behind a will outlining his or her desires for his/her writing. Rather than rewrite it, here's the link to Mr. Gaiman's post: http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2006/10/important-and-pass-it-on.html. It even has a sample of a will for authors.

We certainly hope none of our authors find themselves in a position of needing such a will any time soon, but it IS incredibly important to have one. Even if you've only published a few things, go ahead and make out one of these literary wills (or speak with your lawyer about it). Make certain your writing is handled as you'd like it to be after you're gone.