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.

Thomas Schrade and the City of Dreams

Originally titled 'Rain', this was my Nanowrimo project in 2009 ... or perhaps 2008.  It's been awhile.  It was written in response to a challenge by Narrator Number Two; write a book in a different genre with no connection to the Elsewhere Universe.  I decided to make it a horror title, though I feel it became more of a thriller.

The story was heavily inspired by the somewhat lackluster horror game, Silent Hill: Homecoming.  The main twist of the book is something I came up with while playing, thinking that it was the twist of that game.  Sadly, my twist was far better than the one in the game, though not nearly as disappointing as Konami killing Silent Hills.  Seriously, what the hell?  You finally make a demo that is legitimately scary, hinting at a game that would actually make me want to buy a PS4, and you cancel it in favor of another Metal Gear Solid game?  Ugh.  

Sorry; I got a little off-track there.  Anyway, the basic idea is that the city of Dreams is slowly flooding, and the hero, a detective originally from Dreams, is having to continue toward the center of the city, avoiding the strange creatures prowling the streets while searching for a missing girl. I created the monsters around a theme I can't think of a way to explain without giving away spoilers.  This story does exist in the Elsewhere Universe as a comic book series.

I don't have much to say about this one; it was finished and in need of editing, but it was complete. You'll notice I used the past-tense; unfortunately, I accidentally deleted this story a few weeks back, thinking it was in a different folder. yep, 50,000 words all gone because I didn't organize well.  I do want to go back and write this again, however, and it could conceivably turn into a series of one-off stories centered around the town.