Writing for yourself first!

Years ago, I once heard someone say that every writer should 'Write for themselves first, and worry about the world secondary'. While such a comment can be viewed as inflammatory to some, I can totally see where they were coming from. It's a direction that I, myself, often take with regards to my own creations. I mean, when I take into consideration that the reason I started writing is because most of the writers the contemporary world considered as 'Talented' or 'Groundbreaking' were so tawdry I couldn't bring myself to finish any of their works, it makes perfect sense.
That being said, I consider true horror an art. An art that hasn't been given the same amount of distinction it deserves. An art that shouldn't be diluted with anything not in it's nature. Graphic violence should be included almost as an afterthought, as well as blatant deviance in all of its forms. Namely, the hush and hidden realities of human nature should be shown in every light that showcases it's savagery. And that, most of all, is why I write horror: Human Beings are the truest of all monsters and nothing stays more true to that aspect than the genre of horror. Nothing gives that fact more credence.
In truth, I've become so selective with what I choose to entertain myself nowadays, lots of things I would find shocking in my youth hardly grasp my attention today. So, writing to please my own macabre indulgences has become more of a necessity than mere choice!

Continuing on with 'Bruja'

I've been keeping myself busy working on my new Novella "Bruja: The Origins of Marta Salazar". As with all of my works, the direction of the story has been a complete mystery to me since I first put my pen to paper. Yet, as with all of them, the direction of the story has been nothing less than inspirational. Of course, there's always what seems like minor setbacks. For instance, I had a terrible case of writer's block during the first two months so far. But, the more I prod along, the easier it has been for me to piece together each aspect of this particular tale. I believe I'm going to section this story into three parts. So far, the first piece deals with Marta's introduction to the Occult and to her introduction with the demon E'ferries. As far as the second part goes, I've yet to wonder....

 

2020 and already new ideas in the making!

Happy New Year to All!! While 2019 was certainly a very busy year, it was by no means a bad one and that being said, I am happy to say that I've been working on the concept of a new Novella. This new tale deals with a character who has had parts in my second Novella 'Further Passage' and my most recent screenplay 'Infernal Covenant'. Of course, I'm talking about Marta Salazar and, ironically enough, the new project is titled 'Bruja' just for her. While I've shown several aspects of Marta's character with the aforementioned tales, this story is quite different because not only does she become the main protagonist, but we explore her origins as well. Marta is unique because she started out as a simple yet malicious secondary character in 'Further Passage' and had only a slightly bit larger part in the screenplay. Taking her to the length of main character status is quite the transformation, and it makes me wonder if I will be able to create similar characters along the way!

2019 in Retrospect

I must say, 2019 was a VERY busy year for me. I completed my sixth novel at the beginning of the year and spent a great deal of energy in both school and menial work. One thing we all notice when such years happen upon us is that time is extraordinarily fleeting. This year was almost one gigantic blur. But, I still made time to enjoy the finer things in life. Namely: Food, Wine, and, of course, writing. At my age I can honestly say that I now understand how years can literally 'fly by'.
My screenplay, also a first, was another aspect of this year that was, for the most part, extremely unexpected. Yet, it was quite another reminder that in the grand throes of life, we must carve a way that separates us from the mundane. So, while 2019 could be tedious and repetitive at times, it seemed very productive and those are the years that benefit us most!

Finally Finished First Screenplay

Exaltation's supreme! I have finally finished my first screenplay and I must say, it was marvelous! Like all the rest of my works, the theme of the story was a process in the making. Truly, I really couldn't predict creating one scene from another. While creation is usually a slow and tedious process, and this story was no exception, the process as a whole was every bit as rewarding as it has ever been. Now, I have a screenplay to go with the rest of my creations which include: 33 short stories, 3 novellas, 6 novels, 3 published books, and a plethora of twisted , dark poetry.
And again, after each and every creative process has been completed, a vital question remains. The same inquiry that has been asked by myself so many times now, it's almost second nature. 'What Happens Now?' How do I press my passions further? And, like so many times before, as of now I really cannot say.

 

Happy Halloween 2019

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Even if it's roots are inherently Celtic (and I'm Hellenistic Pagan), there really is no other holiday quite like Halloween. Being somewhat of a recluse, I tend to enjoy the day watching true crime documentaries and horror films(of course!). If I do get out, I actually enjoy strolling through graveyards or going to themed settings, like for Dia dos los Muertos(The Mexican Day of the Dead). As for the usual commercialism that's apparent everywhere, I tend to simply ignore it. My screenplay is almost finished and if I had to estimate, I'd say it will be complete within a months' time. And after that, as usual, who knows where the journey of life will take me?
Happy Halloween to all, and may flights of devils see you to your way!!

Must have Serenity

Anyone who has ever been a part of the creative process would probably agree that serenity and peace of mind are extremely important. While its true that no one can control the dictations of life itself, I believe it to be impossible to complete, or even attempt, anything in a chaotic environment. With that in mind, I have a tendency to keep the rest of the world at an arms length while I'm engaged in any sort of project. I also find myself to be a bit of a control freak in regards to my own life. Because time is the most precious resource any of us have in life, I never take the concept of it for granted and I never want to waste it on endeavors that I consider needless.
So, anything that benefits my own serenity during any of my various processes are always appreciated.