Behind the Facades

“Can I get a Cuban sandwich to go?” Chris asked.

“Sure thing, sweetie.”

She turned and called out the order for the man in the back.

The grill sizzled as the cold meat landed on the hot surface.

The nervous man rose from the booth and walked out of the diner. A bell above the door dinged as it opened and closed.

The waitress brought a paper bag over to Chris and set it down. She slid his tab next to him.

This is where I’ll share what happens before a story is finished.

Drafts. Rewrites. Beta-reader prep. Ideas that change halfway through. Scenes that almost make the book. Scenes that absolutely do not.

Sometimes I’ll show you what I’m working on. Sometimes I’ll ask what you think.

The finished story is only part of it. This is the mess behind it.

Sometimes I’ll write the scene.

You’ll decide what happens next.

I’ll post a choice, you’ll vote, and I’ll continue the story based on the option that wins—including whatever consequences come with it.

No resets. No pretending the bad decision didn’t happen.

When the first story begins, your vote matters.

And if it all goes horribly wrong?

The best psychological stories leave just enough room for doubt.

If you’ve read House Rules—or anything else I’ve written—what do you think was really happening beneath the surface?

Who or what created the house?

Post your theory here. Wild interpretations welcome.