When It’s Time to Let a Story Become Something Else

I’d like to share something that I think many fellow writers may find useful: When is it time to rework a story for a different audience?

Years ago, I started developing a pilot called Subway Ride. The easiest way to describe it was Lost meets The Walking Dead. Along the way, I received valuable feedback, secured two shopping agreements, and had many meetings with producers.

And yet, ultimately, none of them went anywhere.

That’s the frustrating “almost there” part of this business, and I’m sure many of you can relate.

I knew I had a good story on my hands. What became increasingly frustrating was the possibility that I might never actually reach an audience with it. More than anything, I wanted people to experience the world I had created.

So I went back to my computer and turned Subway Ride into a short story.

At least, that was the plan.

The number of characters and the scope of the story kept pushing me to expand it. The short story grew until Subway Ride became a 127-page novella—and one I was very proud of.

On October 13, I released Subway Ride on Amazon as my third published book.

Of course, I’d love for you to read it. But I also wanted to share the experience because perhaps it will inspire another screenwriter sitting on a story they love to consider turning that screenplay into a short story, novella, or even a novel.

A good story doesn’t have to remain on your computer, where only a handful of people here and there ever get to experience it.

Put it into the world.

You may be surprised by where it takes you.