A Fast Will For Writers

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You hear things sometimes that make you think about the unthinkable. Recently a writer I’m pen pals with sent along a harrowing account of a fellow author who passed away unexpectedly. His estranged sister wound up with his intellectual property and derailed his legacy. Straight to the dumpster. This happens. Impossible as it is to believe.

This weighed on me. Now, many, many people have repeatedly insinuated, and even forcefully declared, that I am in grave need of protection in this regard. It seems important for the first time, too. This is the year that I’ve finally crossed an invisible line and generated a large body of material worth protecting. Other people are involved now, with more coming on board all the time, and they all know my story. So! Here is a link to a great PDF generated by none other than Neil Gaiman, who is on a crusade to protect authors from troubled backgrounds. I’ve just done mine. All of my writing, art, music, every last bit of my intellectual property, in case you’re wondering, goes to my sweetheart Sylvia Mann in the event of my untimely demise. Nicest gal in the world, loves everyone, heart of gold, seriously smart, extremely wise. The worlds I’ve created are safe, as are the people who work there and dream alongside me, and I tell you what! I feel lighter. Cleaner. Free. You might, too. Do it, fellow creatives. It’s one less thing to worry about.

Type this document, date it, and then sign it in front of at least two witnesses (I used three and included their addresses) who are not family or named in the Will, and then have the witnesses sign in front of you and the other witnesses. It makes for a strange kind of party! Then, send a copy to your agent and make sure they read it and file it. He or she might make a fine executor, but discuss it first. Make sure this document isn’t a secret, too. Do like I’ve just done, and blog the news of it, for instance.

Good luck!

http://www.neilgaiman.com/journal/SIMPLEWILL.pdf