How Dare You Write a Prequel to a Classic?

 The audacity. The nerve. For a writer to think that they could write a prequel to such a classic work of literature as Orwell's "1984".

Yet, that is exactly what I have done. And I'm proud of it. "1982: A Prequel to Orwell's 1984" is now available online.

Yes, it is a stretch for any writer to think that they could approach the depth and complexity of Orwell's dystopian masterpiece. 

With so many current references to the totalitarian concepts presented in "1984", I felt compelled to learn what parallels Orwell had seen.

My primary motivation was to answer the following question: "What were the specific steps that led from the existing pre-1984 world to the dysfunctional world of Orwell's London in April 1984?"  My curiosity about Orwell's timelines, settings, and character development led to re-reading "1984".

After researching Orwell's notes and interviews, I then asked "Why has no one written a prequel to 1984?" Any mystery holds a great attraction for the fiction writer. Answering this question for me reached the point of compulsion, a compulsion that I could not avoid. 

Though my writing experience consists of a successful fiction series and other published non-fiction work over the last twenty years, I also have the background of teaching writing and publishing classes over the last 5 years for one of the top writer's centers on the East Coast, The Muse Writers Center. This background increased my confidence to "go for the gold", in a sense. 

Forging ahead, formulating my own ideas, I was careful to not alter Orwell's premise, world or characters in any way, shape or form. Respecting another author's rights is paramount. My outline developed quickly and soon took on a life of its own. I shared my idea with my editor and two friends. All three were very supportive. I purposely kept the circle small and kept writing.  

I also purposely kept my novel shorter than "1984". I felt the prequel needed to make its case succinctly, leading naturally to the original while not trying to overpower it's larger message. 

Without a series of spoiler alerts, I can't tell you more. What I can tell you is that this novel will hold your attention and will have more connections to today's headlines than you might think. 

I hope you will read "1982: A Prequel to Orwell's 1984" in conjunction with your next reading of "1984". My novel is one timeline view of how the world of "1984" came to be. You will see the transition that society in general goes through, as totalitarianism under the label of democratic socialism creeps into our daily lives. 

NEXT POST: The Significance of the Cover Imagery in "1982: A Prequel to Orwell's 1984".