Finding the Next Chapter: What Happens to George R. R. Martin’s Unpublished
George R. R. Martin's series, 'A Song of Ice and Fire' (commonly known as ASOIAF), has captivated millions of readers for years. However, the "existing contracts with publishers and Martin's personal circumstances have raised questions about the fate of his unpublished manuscripts. Here's a comprehensive look into how these works might be managed in the event of an unexpected departure from Martin.
George R. R. Martin's Literary Estate
Should George R. R. Martin pass away, his literary estate will play a crucial role in managing his works. This includes any unfinished manuscripts from the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. The estate may face several decisions regarding the handling of these manuscripts. These decisions are influenced by legal, contractual, and personal factors, but the possibilities include:
Publication without completion: The estate may choose to publish the current state of the unfinished books without any further writing or collaborating. Completion with another author: An existing collaborator or a well-known author, such as Brandon Sanderson, might be appointed to finish the books. Sanderson, known for his work on the 'Mistborn' trilogy and the completion of Robert Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' series, is often mentioned in speculation for such a role. {Preservation and archiving: The estate may opt to keep the unfinished works unpublished and archived for future reference or inspiration.The Influence of Contracts
Existing contracts with publishers are vital in determining the fate of these unfinished works. Publishers have rights to publish the series if any additional books are completed or finished by someone else. Martin's contracts may outline specific provisions for handling the manuscripts in the event of his death. Therefore, a thorough review of these documents would be necessary to understand the exact terms.
Collaborators and Future Authors
Speculation about potential collaborators or authors who might help complete the series exists. Brandon Sanderson, for example, possesses the experience and skill required for such a task, having completed the 'Wheel of Time' series after Robert Jordan's passing. However, any collaboration would ultimately depend on Martin's wishes and any agreements he has made.
Fan Reactions and Public Interest
The reaction from fans and the broader community could significantly influence decisions made by the estate. Given the immense popularity of 'A Song of Ice and Fire', there would likely be considerable interest in any unpublished material. Fans may demand that unfinished manuscripts be completed or at least provide insight into the series' future directions.
Legacy Considerations
Martin’s legacy as an author also plays a role in these decisions. If he has strong feelings about how the series should be concluded, those wishes would likely be honored. The estate might strive to align any continuation with Martin's vision and values, ensuring that the series remains true to his artistic intent.
Conclusion: A Future Bronzed
While the specifics of what happens to George R. R. Martin’s unpublished works depend on legal, contractual, and personal factors, there are multiple avenues through which these manuscripts could be handled. Whether through publication, collaboration, or preservation, the fate of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' in the event of Martin's death remains an open question. However, it is clear that the literary estate, with or without Martin's direct involvement, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the series' continued existence and legacy.