The written and spoken word are both addressed in this section of Future Safe. Although language is central to the theatrical experience, composers, designers and choreographers working in the theater are encouraged to also consult the sections of Future Safe that relate specifically to their discipline.

As with all artists, you may want to draw a will establishing how your literary works will be disposed of and who will be responsible for dealing with your work. This person may be formally identified as your literary trustee or act informally as an advisor. This person may be an agent, an editor, another writer or a friend you instruct about how to keep your work in the public eye. But whoever you choose, try to make sure that he or she has the ability and time to maintain your career rather than simply store your manuscripts.

No matter what decisions you make, it is important to plan while you are well. In this way, you will have time to assemble a full inventory of your work and other papers. This inventory will make your work and your intentions much easier for your representatives to handle.

Literary ArchivesAside from an appropriate representative, it is wise to find a long-term home for your work. An archive is one such place. A range of libraries and archives (most associated with major universities) are interested in accepting manuscripts from writers with AIDS. (See Archives section of resource listings below.) You may wish to contact the institutions that you think are most appropriate for your work. Placement in archives gives your work a permanent, well- cared for home, but should also be supplemented with a person who will actively represent your writing.

GrantsThe only organization that now distributes grants to writers with AIDS is the PEN American Center. These are small emergency grants.

You should be aware that most of these programs (archives, advisory programs and grants) will take into consideration whether you are a "professional" writer. That will usually mean that you have had your work published somewherefrom a small journal to a major publisher. Another way to define professional is whether you have made an attempt at a career in writing rather than writing for your own enjoyment.