When I write, I rarely work from an outline. I have a good idea what I what to say and what direction I’m heading in, but I like to journey down these roads without a map, so I can discover the secrets of the inner storyteller in much the same way as you, the reader. As a result, I have a tendency to “overwrite” and branch out into unexpected directions.
The Book of Paul evolved over a long period of time. In its early iterations there was much more of a Pulp Fiction quality to it, with many more characters involved in all kinds of mayhem. There were also many quieter, interior moments, particularly with William as he descends into Paul’s nightmare world. And for all the Fifty Shades of Grey fans, the sex scenes were longer, more graphic, kinkier — and many of them were cut altogether.
So for all you fans — here’s an exclusive look at the “DVD extras” — deleted chapters, characters and scenes (some of which will be included in the upcoming sequels and prequels), commentary on my process, the characters, the plot, the evolving series, mythological research, arcana, and all kinds of other goodies and surprises.
Enjoy — and thanks for your support!
Deleted Chapters
I’m going to kick this off with some of my favorite chapters that were deleted. The first two: Squeak! and Never Take Taxi on the FDR involve a character named Randy Gunn, a menacing East Village bartender. They’re a hoot.
Squeak!
Never Take a Taxi on the FDR