Minesweeper

[SunsetG|rl]

What if something happens and she doesn't get to finish the books? What then? ... Don't even want to think about this...

[Asphodel]

That has been bugging me for awhile. What if she is suddenly struck by lightning? Does she have a secret stash of her HP papers, so the world may know what happens to Harry and Co.

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

I imagine the publishers will pick an author to finish it. They won't leave the tale unfinished.

[SunsetG|rl]

But this way it just won't be the same... After all this is her book, her world, no one but her can decide what happenes... So if another person would write the book... Would you be satisfied with it? Like if he would say Snape is evil... I might just think that he is wrong and if she would have written the book he would be good... Or stuff like that... I mean all of these theories would remain unanswered... So let's just pray she'll be okay.

[Asphodel]

Yeah, I mean I always notice, when I read a series that was completed by another author, even if the new author is better than the original author, it just isn't the same.

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

You've got to be kidding.
Would you rather see the series left unfinished then give nto the hands of a capable author?
JK Rowling's family would still own the copyright. If another author completed the series, they would have to stick to the same plot. Have to.

No, it wouldn't be the same. But we'd all read it. And if you didn't then it would be your own fault.

[Asphodel]

Has J.K.R mapped out the plot-line in her will, or asked another author to continue the series?

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

Think of how much planning goes into an average book. JKR has been writing a series of seven. She has planned book seven from the start as well as all the others, she'll know, and there'll probably be tonnes of records in her study, as well.

[Asphodel]

Yeah, it'll just be weird with another author.

[SunsetG|rl]

Just wouldn't be the same....

[Asphodel]

Even if the author is better than J.K.R, different writing styles will emerge.

[Rory Pridinham]

Don't worry you guys - I saw an interview with JKR recently and she has a shoebox full of the plot line and papers explaining specific things of the books, plus a secret brown envelope with the ending of the series in it. I'm sure she chats enough to her husband about it that he could help finish it if she meets an untimely demise.

[Hagger 9003]

still, i remember reading somewhere this article from another author about how many writers are scared of chance events like sudden death or something... especially with such a big following. i read one of my favourite series, the nero wolfe detective series, writen by a new author, and i have to say i really didnt like it...