Very few read these blog posts that aren't linked to an email blast. I'm not sure why I write them except for the fact I enjoy writing about writing.
As I move forward in the punk timeline, rewrting and adding new material, this thing is getting longer, and longer. I mentioned previously that I have 100 unpublished chapters. That was a low-ball estimate. It's no longer accurate.
I'm having so much fun creating new characters, fresh adventures, and new anxiety for Joe. I'm adding chapters. I originally said Adventures In Anxiety would land near 60 chapters. Now it's at 70.
How much new writing has been added? Chapter 70 in Anxiety is at the same point in the timeline that chapter 30 was in Lit Punks. This is no longer a 50/50 book of old and new. It's near 60/40 and each chapter moves that number in favor of new material. When you factor in the tens of thousands of words I've cut from Lit Punks, this is not the same story.
I'm proud of this rewrite. I'm most pleased that I've found the ability to slash and burn. It is so hard for me to delete writing I like. I'm now taking pleasure in trashing old scenes and chapters and replacing them with better writing.
I've tagged Adventures In Anxiety, the never-ending story, because I never have a shortage of ideas for Joe. It's really a tag for all my punk writing. I wrote a scene three weeks ago, chapter 59, that I was so thrilled with it sent me on another tangent, adding an entire chapter of material spread over a four parts. This is how my story becomes insanely long.
--- BUSINESS WRITING ---
In reading and re-reading the old Lit Punks, so many errors and poor decisions suddenly appeared obvious to me. There was too much of the same. For a considerable stretch, there was one storyline, the affair, and it went on too long. This is where bringing the Venice characters to the fore and introducing new Theroux family stories helps AA. I have also expanded on the business writing.
What will Joe do after his music career is over? The song is not over. He will always be in music. As Joe's world touring days come to a close, he must reinvent himself for the next phase of his life. Making Guerilla Records a stronger company by recruiting new talent and finding creative ways to grow his company is a big part of the later chapters.
I have birthed new musician characters and bands for Joe to help reach the top, or as far as they can go. Joe forms a two new business partnerships that will provide him with exciting opportunities and the resources to achieve his goals. An old nemesis will resurface.
--- THE NEXT BOOK ---
I added a new wrinkle late in AA that will carry forward into the next book that I actually told a friend was a brilliant idea. I rarely pat myself on the back that hard. It seems whenever I need material to add drama, conflict, or romance, I can conjure new indignities or love interests to keep the story moving.
When Adventures In Anxiety reaches the final chapter, it will be chapter #178 in the punk universe timeline. I'm currently working on #13 in the next book, #191 overall. That book will blow past the 200 chapter mark... and I have so much more.
There will be remnants of Lit Punks writing early in the next book. This week, I reached a milestone, the end of the old story. The 2025 rewrite is complete. It took seven months. What I'm writing today is 100% new. I have used all the old material I deemed suitable. While the outcome is basically the same, I have dramatically changed how Joe and Tina get there.
The number of sex scenes late in Lit Punks was excessive. I've eliminated a handful, but also saved some, like the Glory Hole, that no longer fit in AA but will find a home in a future book. I really like that sexy side story that leaves Joe guessing, 'Did she really do that or is T messing with me?'
At the rate of four published chapters per week, Adventures in Anxiety will finish in September. I might sneak in an occasional Friday bonus chapter to move things along. After AA, it's 80% new writing. By chapter 12, it's 100%.
--- FIRST DRAFT WRITING ---
Writing is a painstakingly slow process. So much of this new material is near-first-draft writing. I'm astonished by how much better I am at producing solid scenes on my first attempt. I did not say finished. I still polish them, correct and make minor changes.
I always say the first draft of a story is never the best version, and I believe this. These new chapters are as close to a first draft as you'll ever see.
If I keep writing this, I'll just keep rambling. I should stop.