In this blog post, I will share some insights into my creative process while writing my current work in progress, a trilogy. The decision to structure the books in the order of Mom, Daughter, and Grandma was an intriguing journey, and I hope my reflections will be beneficial to other writers and readers alike.

The Trilogy Structure: Mom, Daughter, Grandma

The initial idea for this series began with a single book titled “The Devil That Haunts Me” based on my personal experiences and childhood trauma. As the story evolved, three distinct characters emerged with compelling narratives: Julitza, the daughter dealing with her mom’s neglect, Isabella, the mom hiding from her past, and La Doña, the grandmother who sacrificed her identity for her life and lived in the Trujillo era. The realization dawned that these three women deserved their own stories, leading to the birth of the trilogy. I decided to structure the books in the order of Mom (Isabella), Daughter (Julitza), and Grandma (La Doña), providing each character their own space to grow and evolve.

The “Mother, Maiden, Crone” Theme and the Narrative

The trilogy follows the theme of “Mother, Maiden, Crone,” which I feel resonates with the narrative. Each book presents a unique genre: Isabella’s story, “Under The Flamboyant Tree,” an adult fiction with elements of magical realism; Julitza’s yet-to-be-titled story will be a YA-NA smart horror with a touch of magical realism; and La Doña’s untitled story will delve into historical fiction, women’s fiction, and magical realism. The Flamboyant Tree is a recurring symbol that anchors the narrative, serving as a silent observer of the women’s lives and aiding Isabella on her path to redemption.

Challenges and Future Plans

Writing a series presents its own set of challenges. Balancing the unique genres of each book while maintaining the integrity of the overall narrative was a daunting task. Particularly, La Doña’s story, being a historical fiction, requires extensive research. Despite these hurdles, I am excited about this journey. I look forward to delving deeper into each character and exploring the varied facets of their lives. The anticipated timeline for the series is yet to be finalized. Still, I hope you know that you can expect an unforgettable ride filled with complex characters, intriguing plotlines, and tears because it wouldn’t be a story of mine without tears. Please don’t get mad at me when your eyes are puffy and your nose draining. I cry as I write some of these scenes, so we are even.

Conclusion

Writing this trilogy has been a therapeutic process for me, helping me confront my past and channel my experiences into the narrative. The decision to structure the books in the order of Mom, Daughter, Grandma has shaped the narrative in unexpected ways, providing each character with their unique story. The journey has been challenging but rewarding, and I hope my reflections provide insight into the creative process behind writing a series. As I continue this journey, I will post updates in the #tuesdaywritingupdate series. So be on the lookout for those. I look forward to sharing more of my experiences and the series’ progress with you all. If you have any questions, drop them in the comment.