The Cut Conversations

Not everything I write makes it into the book.  This isn't uncommon among writers, as sometimes, content needs to be cut for a wide variety of reasons; doesn't contribute to the story, doesn't fit the perspective, conversation's redundant. I keep most of this content to the side, not so much for possible reentry or reuse, but simply for my own reference.  It may not be in the book, but in my mind, it still happens.

Of late, however, I've found myself going back and writing conversations and situations that occur between the lines, conversations I never wrote the first time, yet seem important. To be frank, I'm not sure what to do with these; perhaps I'll save them and release them all as a supplement to the books.

I have to say, though, it's kinda fun. Sometimes, I don't get to have two characters interact much in a story, and this gives me a chance to work out what they think of each other. It's why One and Jeronem are friends, it's why Ben is more comfortable talking with Suzy than anyone else, it's why Teria is as accepting of Mikaen as Tirinia's bond-mate when her first instinct is to  claw the guys eyes out for being with her sister. Why didn't they make the cut?  Because I try to keep perspective limited to a few characters, namely One and Mikaen (with the occasional passage from me in there). Teria's added into the mix later, as she becomes a larger character (and to be fair, Tirinia will likely get a few later on as well, as those four characters are the main characters of the series).

I might post some of these interludes here later, but for the moment, there's just no place for them in the books proper. Perhaps one day, when the Elsewhere Universe is better known, I'll put together a special edition.  As for now, however, I'll continue writing between the gaps and hold on to my notes.

The Sunset Accord

Early on in the Elsewhere Universe books, I realized that sooner or later, I’d have to address the nature of Angels and Demons … or more bluntly, God and the Devil.  At the time, I wrote briefly about something called ‘The Sunset Accord’, and implied it was some sort of non-interference pact between the Elsewhere, the angels, and the devils. I didn’t want to only include judeo-christianity in this, so for the sake of argument, I referred to the angelic side as The Celestial Host, and the devil side ‘The Dark Horde’, implying that Gods and Goddesses viewed as ‘Good’ are part of the Host, those viewed as ‘Evil’ are part of the Horde.

The Sunset Accord, which sounds to me at least like some kind of new model Honda sports car, is actually one of the few laws the Dreamers place on themselves, and as such is an interesting notion to consider.  Breaking the law on purpose has resulted in the expulsion of the offending Dreamer, making it the most severe rule the Elsewhere has by far. After a time, however, I realized for such a rule to be in place, there must’ve been some event that prompted it; some incident where the Elsewhere was involved in the affairs of the Host and the Horde that ultimately led to the Sunset Accord.

This story is set early in the Elsewhere history. Anything as old as the battle of Good Vs. Evil could hardly be expected to notice every little group that came around.  Sooner or later, however, the deeds of the Elsewhere would start to have repercussions felt by both sides.  Since they were locked in a battle, neither able to defeat the other, some of the more militant parts of either side viewed the Elsewhere as the key to victory, and decided to take it upon themselves to secure the Elsewhere’s support.

Taking place in both the Celestial Plane and the Dark Abyss, this tale features my namesake, Alan T. Tryth, and Teach; the former in the Abyss and the latter taking the Celestials.  The ‘Heaven’ and ‘Hell’ of the Elsewhere Universe will be explored in detail in these books, as well as the nature of God and Lucifer and their relation to the Creator.

This is a story I write with some trepidation, as religions groups are often a bit scary.  As Wong once told me, “God’s fine; it’s his fan club that bothers me”. Given some rather liberal interpretations of God, Lucifer, and the afterlife, I am concerned this might be somewhat controversial.  As such, let me say right now that this is set in the Elsewhere Universe, and is likely unique to that universe; do not misconstrue what I write as some belief to the nature of such things in this universe.

Have a Nice Day, a Modern Horror Story

Okay, I just made up the last bit there; This story is just Have a Nice Day, and is one of the projects I've always felt would be successful if I'd just finish the damn thing. Featuring Christopher Roberts (who would one day go on to be Max of the Elsewhere Incorporate), this is the story of the retail megastore of the future!  Having absorbed every other local business into itself, the Sol-Mart Corporation is considered a fixture in many towns, and are often as large as shopping malls.

Enter Christopher Roberts (totally chosen for how similar it sounds to Christopher Robin); a young inventor fresh out of High School, he decides to go to work for the company, as he thinks it's a good job.  He likes helping people, after all. He will quickly learn, however, that working in retail isn't as nice as the training videos suggest.

Christopher Roberts mentality is partially based on my own experience (or arguably, my own inexperience), and along with another character who I've yet to properly name (I'm calling him mister cynical at the moment) serve as a before-after image of my retail career, hopefully behind me for good.  Christopher is young, idealistic, and eager to prove himself, while Cynical is battered, grumpy, and disillusioned after years of working for a soul-less corporation that values money far more than people. 

While there is an overarching plot, most of the story is just little tales I picked up and/or experienced throughout my own time working at various retail stores.  I poke fun at everyone; the customers, the employees, the managers, the over-the-store management, and myself most of all. That's why I feel this project would be successful; retail has touched most of our lives at this point, not necessarily in a good way.

While I explained my internal dilemma with Simply Encredible, I don't really have a reason why I haven't finished this story.  I just ... haven't been in the mood to mess with it.  Blame it on my laziness, or on the bad taste working at retail places like Wal-mart has left in my mouth, but I just don't find myself wanting to mess with this one very often.