AURIA CORTES

My writing is coming along. I like the new direction I’m taking. Actually, “like” isn’t a strong enough word. I LOVE the new direction. However, I have a sneaky suspicion those who have read parts of the novel so far will wonder aloud why I decided to make the change. The best answer I can come up with is because “it feels right.” I’m crossing my fingers that it will “read right.”

Click HERE to read more about The Devil’s Playground.

I’m writing out of sequence. This is a move I’m regretting. The book is unorganized. I’m not referring to the writing itself, but the scenes aren’t in order. So when I begin to edit I’m going to have a hell of a time putting the book together.  

From now on I’m going to write in sequence. By the time I finished writing that sentence, I changed my mind. Back to square one.

I have one subplot that I like very much. I enjoy how the characters are developing. Unlike my MC, I have full reign on these particular characters.  The other subplot is underdeveloped because what the character gains in the end is intangible. Since it’s intangible, I’m telling instead of showing. That makes for a boring read. I realize that I’m telling because I’m not respecting readers to “get it.” So I lay it out - 

I’m getting anxious writing about the second subplot. So I’m going to stop writing about it in midstream and move on to my next thought. Maybe I shouldn’t move on. Maybe I should work through the anxiety. Perhaps I’ll have a break through. Running away isn’t going to make the subplot go away. Why do I insist on running? It’s time to face this issue head on. Breathe. Breathe. Just work through it. Okay here it goes.  

I spell out all the – 

Nah, forget it. I’m not ready to meet this issue head on. I’m outta here.

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.

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.