

Writing Excuses 4.33: Trunk Novels
Aug 23, 2010
Have you ever wondered what to do with those unfinished novels gathering dust? The conversation dives into the revival of trunk novels and how past writings can transform into compelling new stories. Personal anecdotes bring to life the joy and challenges of repurposing old ideas. They also discuss the emotional hurdles of discarding beloved elements that no longer fit. Plus, they share humorous writing prompts to spark creativity. It's all about embracing your creative journey and navigating the risks and rewards of reworking your past!
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Brandon's Mistborn Rewrite Story
- Brandon Sanderson rewrote his old novels Mistborn and Final Empire because the original versions were unsuccessful despite good ideas.
- He combined the best ideas from both and created the well-known Mistborn series loved by readers.
Use Your Best Ideas Now
- Use every good idea you have without holding back; fresh ideas come regularly.
- Try to include your most exciting elements in the first book rather than saving them for sequels.
Dishwasher Ghost Story Recycled
- Howard Tayler reused a funny ghost story idea from a dishwasher noise in his webcomic Schlock Mercenary.
- Readers still debate if it was a ghost or just a plumbing issue, showing lasting engagement with recycled elements.