Neil Gaiman Recommends that Writers Have Wills

Neil Gaiman is “a British author of numerous science fiction and fantasy works, including many graphic novels.”

Mr. Gaiman addressed the issue of wills in his on-line journal on October 30, 2006 as follows:

There are writers who blithely explain to the world that they didn’t make a will because they don’t mind who gets their jeans and old guitar when they die but who would have conniptions if they realised how much aggravation their books or articles or poems or songs would cause their loved ones (or editors, anthologists or fans) after their death…

Writers put off making wills (well, human beings put off making wills, and most writers are probably human beings). Some of us think it’s self-aggrandising or foolish to pretend that anyone would be interested in their books or creations after they’re dead. Others secretly believe we’re going to live forever and that making a will would mean letting Death in a crack.

Others make wills, but don’t think to take into account what happens to our literary estate as a separate thing from the disposition of our second-best beds, which means unqualified or uninterested relatives can find themselves in control of everything the author’s written. Some of us are just cheap.

Mr. Gaiman then provides a link to a will form addressing the needs of writers and provides basic will execution instructions.  Of course, writers, just like everyone, would be better served by consulting an attorney who specializes in estate planning to get a customized will as well as all of the other documents needed for a complete estate plan.

Special thanks to Raymond Sheffield who brought this Mr. Gaiman’s journal to my attention.