The term cutting room floor is used in the film industry as a figure of speech referring to unused film footage not included in the finished film. Many of the edited scenes were kept in cases, numbered and titled just in case they were needed later. Of course with the use of computers, scenes are no longer literally snipped and spliced onto a film but the edited scenes are still saved and many times become special outtakes or bloopers for DVDs. Today, author's can do the same with throwaway scenes that have been edited from the finished book. Many put them up on their websites.
My guest, romance author Ashlyn Chase, discusses another use for throwaway scenes when starting a book, or in this case, a new series.
Sometimes in order for writers to get to know their
characters or get a feel for the overall conflict, they
write a throwaway scene…a scene usually consisting of backstory that never
makes it into the book. I haven’t done it often, but I found it helpful when
beginning this series.
One of my most colorful characters is Mother Nature—head
of the supernatural council. The council’s acronym is G.A.I.A. which stands for
Gods And Immortals Association. Because of her snarky dialog, she may seem like
an antagonist, but she’s really on the side of humans and paranormals alike. Like
many a tough taskmaster, she’s simply trying to keep unruly characters in line.
I thought you might enjoy a glimpse from the editing
floor…so to speak.
Mother Nature paced with her hands
behind her back. She whirled on Mr. Balog and narrowed her eyes.
“You’re sure he’s a vampire and
he’s opened a bar for all paranormals?”
“That’s the intel I’ve gathered.”
“Hmph. I cannot think of a
stupider idea. Can you Balog?”
“No, Ma’am.”
She balled her fists. “What have I
told you about calling me Ma’am?”
He bowed and stepped back. “My
apologies, Gaia, er, Goddess.”
“That’s right. Gaia or Goddess. I
may be older than dirt, but you don’t have to rub it in my face by calling me
Ma’am.”
“I’m sorry.”
Gaia folded her arms. “Apology
accepted. Now what are we going to do about this bar? Before the Werewolves and
Vampires have a pissing contest in front of the humans.”
“Pissing contest? Do you really
think they’d—”
“Gaaah! It’s an expression, you
dimwit. Get with the lingo of your adopted land. Do you think I brought you
over from Romania for nothing?”
“Yes, Goddess. I mean, no,
Goddess. I mean…”
She waved away his confusion. “The
paranormal beings must never reveal their supernatural status to humans. That’s
the only thing I demand of them.” She threw her hands in the air. “Are you sure
you’ve made that abundantly clear down there?”
“Yes, Gaia.”
She sighed. “Fine. Try to talk
that vampire out of his ridiculous plan.”
“Yes, Ma—I mean, Gaia.”
She narrowed her eyes at him again
and he stood stiffly, trying not to do anything to anger the powerful Goddess.
At last she seemed satisfied. “All
right. You have your orders. Now get out of my office building.”
With a wave of her hand, Balog
found himself in the elevator, moments before the doors opened onto the fake
lobby.
- As a writer: Do you write throwaway scenes to help define your characters or story?
- As a reader: Do you enjoy reading editing outtake scenes from your favorite authors?
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FLIRTING UNDER A FULL MOON
BY ASHLYN CHASE – IN STORES APRIL 2013
Never Cry Werewolf…
Brandee has been dumped in every way possible, but by text is the
last straw. That's it—she's officially done with men. Unfortunately, she's just
been told her "soul mate" is the drool-worthy hottie all her friends
call One-Night Nick.
Nick has been searching for true love for one
hundred years. After all, werewolves mate for life, and he does not want to
mess this up. As soon as he kisses Brandee, he knows she's the one. But how
will he convince a woman who knows nothing of paranormals that she's about to
be bound to a werewolf forever?
“A wonderful start to
a very lighthearted series...” —Night Owl
Reviews, 4.5 Stars, Reviewer Top Pick
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A multi-published eBook author, Ashlyn Chase
specializes in characters who reinvent themselves, having reinvented herself
numerous times. She has worked as a psychiatric nurse, and for the Red Cross,
and has a degree in behavioral sciences. She lives with her true-life hero
husband in beautiful New Hampshire. The next book in the Flirting with Fangs
Series, How to Date a Dragon, will be
in stores in September 2013. For more information, please visit Ashlyn's WEBSITE, her Facebook Page and on Twitter 
