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.

A Cut Thread

My ability to write has always been rather fluid in nature. When I have a good grasp of the story thread I want to tell, I can just hold on and follow it, and the words will just come to me.  It can feel a little spooky at first; sometimes, I wonder if I’m truly writing, or just recording an alternate reality I can just barely sense (which, if I’ve ever roped you into a conversation about the Unending Cycle of Creation, you will no doubt recognize as a key component of that belief). 

Sometimes, however, I'll come to a near or complete halt. Progress through the chapter will be slow and not very satisfying; like a nice sandwich that you microwave and eat, only to discover it's still stone cold in the middle. Sorry; I haven't had breakfast yet ... but you know what I mean.  In my experience, however, this isn't actually writer's block, but a sign that I didn't properly follow the story.  I wandered off and got lost in some possible thread that I subconsciously realize will ultimately go nowhere or just won't work. 

When facing this situation, I've discovered only one effective method of dealing with it; deleting the entire chapter and starting again.  Yes, even if I like part of the chapter.  Yes, even if it took days to write the chapter.  A dead story thread isn't going to please anybody; the reader or the writer, so I just suck it up and delete the chapter, two chapters if it's a particularly brutal situation ... and you know what?  I have always found the new chapter to be better.  I'm not saying it'll work for everyone, but hey; give it a try if you're stuck.