Prior to completing Channeling Mark Twain, Muske-Dukes wrote a precursor novel titled The Honey-Producers, or Edelweiss, depending upon the draft. Using a chapter of this novel, Muske-Dukes produced a short story titled "Contraband," which she submitted to The New Yorker and Esquire. Although this story was ultimately rejected by both publications, it contains many key elements for the opening to Channeling Mark Twain. Both submitted copies of "Contraband" and the editors' replies are housed in Box 6, Folder 4.