When I first started writing The Ordinary Bruja, I envisioned it as a novella—a short, atmospheric story exploring identity, family, and the unseen forces that shape us. But as I dove deeper into the narrative and kicked out the first draft of the newly expanded script, it became clear: this story was always meant to be a full-length novel. The characters demanded more space to breathe, the themes more room to unravel, and the world more time to reveal its secrets.
But that’s not all.
This is only the first draft. And anyone who’s ever written a story knows the real magic happens in the rewriting process. There’s still plenty of work to do, and one of my primary focuses in the next draft will be honing Josefina’s voice.
The Evolution of Josefina’s Voice
Josefina, Marisol’s mother, is a crucial presence in the story—despite the fact that she has passed away before the book begins. Her voice weaves through the narrative like a whisper through the trees, guiding Marisol as she unravels the mystery of her family’s curse. In the initial draft, Josefina came across as stern and rigid, unaware of the damage her views had caused her daughter. But as I wrote, something didn’t sit right.
That wasn’t Josefina.
In the quiet spaces between scenes, I realized Josefina’s voice should carry the weight of remorse and regret. She has spent her time in the afterlife witnessing the ripple effects of her past decisions, understanding the hurt she unintentionally passed down. And yet, she isn’t just a voice of guilt. Josefina also carries a sense of hope—hope that Marisol can break the curse, that she can be the one to untangle the threads of generational pain.
This shift changes everything. A character’s voice isn’t just about what they say, but how they say it. Josefina needs to sound like a mother who has learned too late what she should have done differently but who is rooting for her daughter with every spectral breath.
Character Voices: The Heartbeat of the Story
One of my favorite parts of writing The Ordinary Bruja is exploring the distinct voices of each character. Every voice adds to Marisol’s depth and the world’s authenticity. Belén Espinal, Marisol’s grandmother, has a voice that feels like a Dominican lullaby—soft yet strong, filled with nature imagery and ancestral wisdom. Josefina’s voice, on the other hand, will carry the emotional tension of regret and the maternal instinct to protect her daughter, even from the other side.
The way these voices intersect will shape Marisol’s journey as she wrestles with the weight of the family curse, her cultural identity, and the realization that seeing beyond the surface isn’t always a gift—it can also be a burden.
The Writing Journey: A One-Woman Show
If you’ve been following my writing journey, you know it’s just me over here—a one-woman shop juggling storytelling, publishing, marketing, podcasting, and, well…life. So, if I don’t hit a deadline here or there, give me a little grace. The process might take time, but I promise it will be worth the wait.
As The Ordinary Bruja continues to bloom from a novella into a full-length novel, I’ll keep sharing these behind-the-scenes insights with you. The characters are growing, the magic is deepening, and I can’t wait to see how this story transforms in the next draft.
Stay tuned, and thanks for being part of this magical journey.
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