My novel The Portal takes its inspiration from the idea of the multiverse, in which there are an infinite number of alternative universes, each slightly different from one another. In the sequel to this novel, my second draft is starting to feel like its own alternative universe. I’m 12,000 words in, and it’s becoming a strange near-replica of the first draft. Characters are slightly different; motivations are slightly changed; plot elements are slightly rearranged. It’s frustrating that I have to throw away so much work, but it’s also kind of interesting. Where is our hero going to end up in this draft? Maybe there should be an endless series of drafts, each one heading in a different direction. No need to end up in either Oakland or Aukland–the journey is what matters.
