Other Original Ideas for Life for the Living

Life for the Living had been shambling around in my brain for a while. As a byproduct, I imagined several things that didn’t make it into the book. Last post touched on some of those things and this one adds some more!

Signing

Andre and Kala were originally going to use sign language (ASL) frequently to communicate with each other as a quirk. However, it seemed hard to write into the book. While their dialogue could have technically been conveyed in ASL, it just didn’t feel like it would be faithful to ASL which has a distinct grammar and syntax. And pretty much the entire reason I imagined them using sign language was so that Kala would recognize Andre, even when blind in the river. I realized that it wasn’t necessary at all – someone grabbing you and not immediately tearing into your throat is probably not a zombie.

Kids

This is a simple one! Originally Q and Kala had two kids, but I changed it to one. Why? Because I didn’t want to create a second character if I didn’t have to, of course! Really the kids would have only served one purpose plot-wise, so making two would have been unnecessary work. That kinda just seems like life advice in general.

Just kidding.

But not really. (Unless I end up having a second kid.)

Caves

What is more claustrophobic, sense-obliterating, and terrifying than a cave? Nothing. Oh wait, maybe diving into a freezing river with no light and warped sound, and going numb from the cold and lack of oxygen…

Yes, I originally had a cave scene after the scuba scene as a side mission when they’re on the compound. Then I realized that I had pretty much already written a zombie encounter with all the horrors a cave might have. As I write this post, I’m actually still revising the book, so I might end up adding this in, but it will definitely be much different if I do. But if I don’t, then yeah, a cave scene would be redundant.

Guns

Originally, Andre and Kala scavenged guns as they traveled across America. By the time they arrive at the compound, they have an entire cart full of guns and ammo. Pretty sweet, right? It would also be a huge pain. Think of the weight which would be in addition to all their normal supplies needed for survival. Still, I know what you’re thinking. Who cares if it’s heavy, they’re trying to survive zombies!

Like everything listed above, I had a purpose for the guns. They were basically going to be traded in order to gain entrance into the compound. However, as the story evolved, I came up with a far more sinister reason they’re given free entry into the compound…