Would Kelsey L. Hayes Finish A Song of Ice and Fire?

The question of whether Kelsey L. Hayes, a fellow member of the Quora community and a known Quora reviewer of A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF), would be an appropriate candidate to complete the series has divided fans. Here's why signing a petition to have her take over this beloved series is a no-go.

A Speculative Scenario: Dany Goes “Mad” on King's Landing

Imagine the grand vision that George R. R. Martin (GRRM) has for his A Song of Ice and Fire series, with its intricate timelines and complex characters. The idea of someone without the author’s credentials and credentials attempting to complete this masterpiece is as unthinkable as Daenerys Targaryen’s emotional meltdown in King’s Landing ('A Song of Fire and Blood'), which is often depicted as a tragic yet irrevocable turn of events. The literary disaster that would ensue can be visualized as a poorly written and disjointed narrative that fails to capture the essence of the original series.

Qualifications Matter

Writing a book is a highly specialized craft that demands exceptional literary skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of the genre. Kelsey L. Hayes, a Quora reviewer, may be an adept critic and analyzer of great literary works, but this does not automatically qualify her to become their author. The skills required to critique and write a complex narrative are fundamentally different and cannot be assumed to overlap without proper experience and talent.

Continuity and Authorship

It is quite appropriate to consider the small group of continuity staff that GRRM employs. These individuals maintain the timeline and continuity of the storylines, working closely with the author. They would be the most capable of handling the completion of the series. However, the final decision should involve a professional author with a proven track record of high-quality writing, not merely a Quora reviewer. This person would need to be able to develop characters, advance the plot, and maintain the narrative integrity of the series.

Overpraising Kelsey L. Hayes

Has Kelsey L. Hayes overstepped the bounds of public recognition? While she has contributed extensively to discussions and theories on ASOIAF, her significant presence on platforms such as Quora has led to her becoming one of the most recognized figures among fans. A Quora user with a vast number of upvotes can indeed gather a considerable following, but this does not imply the same level of literary achievement or authorial talent as a published novelist who has won prestigious literary awards like the Hugo or Nebula. While her contributions should be valued, they should not overshadow the need for professional authorship in the continuation of the series.

Fantasy Expertise and Professionalism

The theories posted on Quora are valuable for sparking discussions and adding depth to the literary analysis of ASOIAF. Kelsey L. Hayes may have been instrumental in making the ASOIAF Quora community a hub for information and debates. However, her role as a Quora reviewer is distinct from that of a professional author. The expertise needed to critique and analyze the work of others is different from the craft of writing novels. Compare this to the analogy of Shakespeare's experts being able to critique his work but not necessarily replicate his genius. The same principle applies to Kelsey L. Hayes and other contributors to Quora. Their critiques are valuable, but their writing capabilities alone do not justify them taking over a series that spans multiple books and decades of planning.

George R. R. Martin’s Health and Work

Finally, let's address the misconception that George R. R. Martin is in imminent danger. Despite the speculative rumors and memes circulating on the internet, GRRM’s health and work on the series are mostly reported to be stable. He continues to work on the series and is expected to finish the next book soon. These reports suggest that any fears about the continuation of the ASOIAF series are unfounded. It is important to avoid gory speculation and to respect the author's privacy and professional ambitions.

Conclusion

The idea of Kelsey L. Hayes taking over the A Song of Ice and Fire series without the necessary credentials and authorial skills is not only impractical but potentially disastrous for the continuation of the beloved series. The continuation of this masterpiece should rest in the hands of a professional author who has demonstrated a high level of literary skill and creativity, not a Quora reviewer whose contributions, while valuable, do not imply the ability to create an entire narrative world.

Who Better Than The Author Themselves?

While the early contributions of Kelsey L. Hayes were instrumental in making the ASOIAF Quora community a vibrant space for discussion, the continuation of such a complex and beloved series requires a level of literary expertise that only a published novelist with a strong track record in the industry can provide.

Related Terms

A Song of Ice and Fire Kelsey L. Hayes George R. R. Martin