auria “Hussein” cortes

The Devil’s Playground takes place in Puerto Rico. The main character, Mija, explores the island, her family heritage, and the basis of a murder that occurred years before she was born.

A few days ago, I received a package from mami that contained a religious CD featuring my uncle and aunt (the cover on the left is of the CD. My aunt and uncle are identified in red text).

When I saw the CD cover, I cried. It was great to see members of my family holding instruments and even a greater joy listening to them sing. One of the characters in my book sings and plays guitar. That is what he is known for in el barrio.

Composing the lyrics and the music for the book has proven to be a challenge because although I play guitar, it is difficult for me to capture the essence of Puerto Rico. Perhaps the reason is because I haven’t visited PR in over ten years. It seems like a visit is long overdue.

To hear a taste of El Matutino Esta Bueno, the first track on the CD, click on the following link:  

Btw, the translation for the song is either The Morning is Good or This Morning is Good. If someone can provide a better translation, please do so in the comment section.

Also, if you don’t speak Spanish please don’t let that deter you from listening. The music accompanying the lyrics are authentic to the Island, giving you a taste of another culture.

During the month of November I participated in Nanowrimo. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Nanowrimo it is a contest where participants are challenged to write a 50,000-word novel within thirty days. Those who reach the word count receive a certificate of participation.

When November 1^st rolled around, I began the novel sans title and storyline. All I knew was how the first scene would unfold. By the third day of writing the title came to me (30 Days to Justice) and the plot was unfolding nicely.  

Before the month was over, I reached the goal of 50K. I was amazed that I was able to write so many words in less than thirty days. With The Devil’s Playground, I’ve only written 4,281 words since August. The average novel is 90,000 words. I have a long way to go. 

 For the next three months, I’m committing to write 5,000 words per week towards The Devil’s Playground. The first draft is set to be complete on March 31, 2008.

Every Monday, I will provide a word count so all of you can take note of my progress. Back in 1999, Caroll O’Connor of Archie Bunker fame, wrote a book called I’m Outta Here. In it, he made a point that has stayed with me for all these years. O’Connor theorized that the reason most people don’t achieve their goals is because when they hit an obstacle or something else seems easier to accomplish they change their goals midstream (I’m paraphrasing).

 That’s exactly what I have been doing. I’ve had The Devil’s Playground formulating in my mind since I was fourteen years old. At the age of 21, I sat down to write the book, but didn’t write a word because the blank page paralyzed me. Instead of working through it, I moved on to something less labor intensive…like going to the movies with my friends.

4281 / 90000 words. 5% done!

Sometimes I weave in a storyline for a character and question whether it’s believable. I ask myself, will the audience buy into this?

After reviewing the video above, I’ve come to the conclusion that when a character is well developed or a plot solidly written readers will buy into almost anything. In fact, when entertained they will gladly go along for the ride. 

The protagonist in my book, The Devil’s Playground (working title), is the same age as Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. A few weeks ago, I watched the movie and I’m rereading the book. My hope is to capture the same innocence and curiosity Harper Lee was able to in Scout.

When writing, I do so simply. I avoid complicated language so readers won’t be taken out of the story by having to reread a sentence more than once. Writing simply takes a lot of time. One would think that it would be the opposite.

  I have found that writing simply is the same as applying makeup and appearing as you though you don’t have any paint on your face at all. It’s an art.

As I continue putting pen to paper, I encourage you to watch To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s a Sunday. Relax and enjoy a classic.

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I wrote a scene for my book, The Devil’s Playground (working title), and sent it off to a dear friend of mine. In my email, I criticized my writing and asked for his opinion. He promptly responded with, “I disagree with your assessment that its inclusion seems forced. I think you worked it in there just fine.”

I should have been elated, right? Well, I wasn’t. The reason? I was looking for an excuse to procrastinate – to call it a day – and enjoy a ReeseSticks Wafer Bar. Have you ever tried one? They are light, airy wafers filled with peanut butter and covered in chocolate.  

Now, doesn’t that sound like a more enjoyable activity than sitting in front of a computer while your inner critic creeps in and whispers putdowns in your subconscious?  

In my email response to my friend I wrote, “really? i have to stop being so hard on myself. thanks for your input.”  

Convinced that the scene doesn’t work (despite my friend’s opinion that it does and my proclamation to take it easy on myself) I continued writing half-heartedly.

While struggling with ways I can completely change the piece, I receive another email from my friend that read, “heh heh heh - you said hard on.” 

At that moment it occurred to me that I shouldn’t take myself or my writing so seriously. Sometimes it takes a friend with kindergarten humor to help you get out of your rut (whatever that may be) so you can move on to the next scene.