Also @ Tono Makt:RonHiler said:Nope. He's said many times that the series dies with him. He will not allow another author to finish it. Which is a total dick move, but it's his IP.Seracen said:Pretty sure he addressed this. I believe he discussed at length with the show creators the major beats of future books. I also believe he has prepared notes for a ghost author, should one be required after he passes (much like Sanderson for Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series).
Now, I think you are correct in that D&D know some details on how it goes. So if nothing else, at least we will get the screen adaptation (if you adapt from a book that doesn't exist, is it still an adaptation?)
First, if he wishes the story to die with him, I see it as having less regard for his fans, but it's his prerogative. I can understand not wanting another artist to touch my work. However, if I'm facing death, I can understand a need to complete the darn thing.
Still, Ron has the right of it. In a Q&A (I'll have to find the YT link), GRRM said that it was a very real possibility, so he made sure to tell the show creators all the major plot beats. As such, even if the books never get made, the TV series should be able to finish the story. If this happens, I think it'll be an interesting reversal, as things don't usually pan out this way. Then again, anime create original deviations from the source manga all the time.
Furthermore, even if it goes down that way, I can see GRRM's estate eventually co-signing a book adaptation of the TV series. If no approval is given, it will likely go ahead under another publication. It's possible, like what is happening with the Marvel properties. Nor would it be the first time it happened to a book series. Piers Anthony's "Incarnations of Immortality" series begins under one publisher, and ends with another. Same characters, same continuity, same story...different publication.