I always like checking out the deleted scenes when I rent DVDs. They’re like a little world unto themselves, not quite fitting into the world of the film, but worth too much to leave on the cutting room floor. I like to think about the choices directors (and all the people with power over directors) make.
I also know that, when I write a novel, I cut more than I keep. Most of what I cut deserves to be lost. Everyone has bad days. The same goes for me when I’m writing.
There’s also stuff that I like, but it gets cut anyway. Usually these cuts come down to plot or pacing issues. Usually, I save these excised chapters and do nothing with them.
Recently, a buddy of mine named Kevin Dunn read Madhouse Fog. He also read the Razorcake column where I talk about writing Madhouse Fog. In the column, I mention one of these excised chapters. Kevin asked if he could read it. I thought, why not?
And, if Kevin gets to read it, why not let everyone?
So below is a PDF of the original chapter 19. At the last minute, my editor at Manic D Press asked me to cut this chapter. She felt that it was too long and it deviated from the plot of the book. I could see her point. I’d inserted this chapter and taken it out a few times while working on the book. I, myself, wasn’t sure that it belonged. So, when Jennifer asked me to cut it, I agreed.
Still, I think it’s kinda cool. You can check it out for yourself by clicking the link below:
Sean Carswell 