No. 17

Today, I received my author copies — look how pretty they are!

Casa de Ánimas went through several incarnations before being published this year. At its core, it was always a story about returning home, with a psychic of sorts as the lead. For a long time, I wondered how much of my own struggles and history should color the pages. Eventually, I let go and allowed the story to become what it needed to be.

The book I started in 2014 suddenly took on a life of its own once I allowed myself to pour into it. It wasn’t easy, but I managed — and that’s how this became my 17th published novel.

I want to thank a few people. First, my cover designer, Suzanna Smith. My editor, Lily Luchesi, who always does an amazing job. And my Alpha Reader, fellow author Raine Thomas, who has been a friend since I moved back to the U.S. in 2011 — and who was also my publisher and editor when we released The Chronicles of the Interred series. My family is the real MVP for dealing with my mood swings and my refusal to cook when I’m on a deadline.

I’m also extremely grateful to G‑d for helping me get here. My ADHD and executive dysfunction often fall under the influence of impostor syndrome, and truly, by the grace of G‑d, I finished this book.

And extra thanks to you, for sticking with me and reading my work. I hope you fall in love with Cassie and Julian’s story — and that a little bit of Puerto Rico stays with you.

Here’s the playlist for Casa de Ánimas.