The Spark of Creation

It all began with a singular, haunting title: “The Devil That Haunts Me.” This title was born from a personal place, a raw and unfiltered corner of my mind that had long been obscured. But as stories often do, it grew, morphed, and expanded beyond the confines of a single narrative.

Unearthing the Past Through Literature and Therapy

My journey into the depths of this story was unexpectedly influenced by my personal experiences. Reading Bessel van der Kolk’s “The Body Keeps The Score” opened my eyes to the profound impact of childhood trauma. Conversations with my therapist helped unearth memories I had unconsciously tucked away for years. This process was not just therapeutic; it was revelatory, providing me with the emotional clarity I needed to enrich the characters I was developing. Julitza, my protagonist, emerged from these sessions—her story a reflection of struggle and resilience that many could empathize with.

A Story Blossoms Into a Trilogy

As I delved deeper, the narrative demanded more—more depth, more space, more voices. The tale of Julitza and her mother, Bianca—now Isabella—was just the beginning. The complexity of their relationship, entwined with hidden pasts and unspoken pain, was too immense for a single book. This revelation came to me in an unassuming way—while taking a shower. But it was so important because it revealed the true scope of this story. The plot needed to expand geographically and emotionally back to Isabella’s origins, to the root of her very being.

A New Title for a New Journey

With this expansion, it became clear that “The Devil That Haunts Me” was too narrow a frame for the expansive saga unfolding. The new title, “Under The Flamboyant Tree,” came to me as I visualized a vibrant Flamboyant tree standing resilient in the face of generational turmoil. This tree, a silent witness to the lives of the women under its shade, became a central figure in the narrative, symbolizing endurance and the everlasting bond between the past and present.

Looking Ahead

This creative evolution has been both a challenge and a joy. The process of transforming a single idea into a trilogy has taught me the importance of listening to my characters and, more importantly, to my own inner voice. As we move forward, I invite you to join me on this journey through the blog posts to come, where I will dive deeper into the characters, the shifts in genre, and the overarching themes that bind this series together.

Stay tuned for the next #tuesdaywritingupdate installment, where we’ll explore the complex journey of Isabella, a character who demanded to tell her story her way.