Introduction

Hey there, fellow book lovers and thrill-seekers! 🌟 I’ve got some exciting news to share that’s got me dancing around my writing desk. After what feels like a marathon of dedication, late nights, and countless cups of coffee, I’ve finally completed the self-edits for Act One (chapters 1-7) of my upcoming paranormal Dominican horror, “The Devil That Haunts Me.” As the fall of 2024 inches closer, so does the thrilling moment of publication. And let me tell you, these edits were a journey of transformation – not just for the manuscript but for me as well!

The Journey of Self-Editing

Embarking on the self-editing journey was like diving into a deep, mystical sea: each chapter, a wave of creativity and challenge. Revisiting the first seven chapters was a whirlwind of emotions and insights. I dove back into the narrative, armed with the wisdom from Allison K. Williams’ “Seven Drafts” book, which became my compass in identifying and honing the problem areas. This was no ordinary edit; it was a meticulous crafting process, reshaping and refining the story that’s so dear to my heart.

If you want to see how it all started before the self-edit, go here

Character and Story Development

The evolution of the characters in “The Devil That Haunts Me” was a revelation in itself. Initially, I noticed something intriguing yet challenging – many of my characters sounded too similar as if they shared a single voice. This realization sparked a deep dive into their dialogues, where I meticulously differentiated each character’s voice, ensuring they resonated uniquely and authentically.

This task wasn’t just about changing words; it was about breathing life into each character, making them stand out with their idiosyncrasies and mannerisms. I found myself reading and acting out the dialogues aloud, a practice that transformed the written words into living conversations. During these moments, the dialogues shed their ‘in the nose’ quality, blossoming into natural, fluid exchanges that felt real and grounded.

Just like the transformation from soft to firm tofu, this process gave each character a distinct texture and resilience. They now stand proudly in the story, each with their own voice, enriching the narrative with their depth and individuality.

The Art of Suspense and Engagement

One of the most exhilarating parts of this rewrite was weaving a tapestry of suspense that grips the reader from the get-go. “The Devil That Haunts Me” is crafted to be a weird ride, a familiar yet unpredictable journey. You think you know what you’re getting into, but trust me, you really don’t. As the story unfolds, it does so slowly and deliberately, allowing the suspense to build, layer by layer, until it’s almost palpable.

The beauty of this narrative lies in its gradual revelation, where each chapter peels back a layer of mystery, drawing the reader deeper into the world of paranormal wonders and Dominican lore. It’s a story that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning what’s real and what lurks in the shadows of imagination.

Visualizing the Story: Book Cover Designs

A book is often judged by its cover, and for “The Devil That Haunts Me,” I wanted the cover to be as captivating as the story itself. That’s why I’ve been experimenting with various book cover designs, each a visual representation of the novel’s essence. These designs are more than just images; they’re gateways into the world I’ve created. You can take a peek at these drafts here, where I’ve been playing with elements of horror, mystery, and Dominican culture to capture the novel’s soul.

These drafts are not just for fun; they’re a crucial step in my journey toward working with a professional book cover artist. By understanding the essence of my book, I aim to collaborate effectively to create a cover that’s visually stunning and true to the story’s heart.

Diablo Cojuelos and Repressed Trauma

But before you dive into the first seven chapters, let me prep you. In The Devil That Haunts Me, I use a popular figure in the Dominican Carnaval to represent repressed trauma. I talk about a very scary experience I had with Diablo Cojuelo and how that inspired me to use it while drafting this novel. Click here to read about this experience and its ties to the novel.

Download and Review

Now you are ready! So for the moment, you’ve all been waiting for! The first seven chapters of “The Devil That Haunts Me” are available for download on my website. Dive into the world I’ve created and get a taste of the thrilling journey that awaits. Your feedback is invaluable, and I would be thrilled if you could sign up to read and review an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) once the book is complete. Your insights will help shape the final version of the book and bring it closer to perfection. Download the chapters here and join me on this exciting journey!

Conclusion

Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to share “The Devil That Haunts Me” with you this fall. Let’s embark on this spine-tingling adventure together!

See you in the shadows,

Love

Joa