Issue No. 2 | A Season to Play
Updates on my horror novel, short stories, a hot sauce recipe, and a few gothic recommendations
From the Shadows
October is my favorite kind of chaos. Leaves start changing colors, haunted houses are opening, and the air finally has that little chill that makes you want to light a candle and watch scary movies. Everywhere you look, Halloween decorations are creeping up around the neighborhood, and it just feels like magic. And in our house, it brings us pure joy. Our front yard is filled with decorations, handmade by Armando.
I think as adults, we love Halloween so much because it’s nostalgic. It lets us be creative and play again. That’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot this past month—reconnecting with my inner child more often.
As I’ve gone deeper into my writing journey, I’ve noticed something. I get stuck when trying to write pure fiction, the kind of stuff that couldn’t actually happen, like the supernatural elements in my book. I’ve been having a hard time tapping into my imagination, and for a while, I couldn’t figure out why. But the truth is, I think a part of me forgot how to play.
My inner child has been tucked away in the furthest parts of my subconscious for so long. She carries a lot of trauma, so sometimes I avoid her. But when I do that, I also avoid all the wonderful things she holds like curiosity, wonder, imagination, joy in play, and a kind of authenticity that doesn’t care about the social pressures of adulthood.
This month, I’ve been trying to reconnect with her more and invite her to the forefront through writing, through small moments of play, and by letting myself create without worrying if it’s good. Because the truth is, imagination doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from curiosity.
The Monster Grows (Book Progress Update)
🩸 Progress so far: 22,380 words
🎃 Recent win: I finished the first chapter from the second POV.
🕯️ Biggest challenge: Getting back into the book after taking a two-week break to focus on a short story.
I’ve really stuck to a writing plan this past month, even though I get shiny new toy syndrome all the time. Since I’m still in the early days of my writing journey, I’m learning as I go. I love playing with new story ideas, and sometimes taking breaks from my book helps me come back to it as a better writer. The progress has been slow, but it’s still progress, and I’m proud of myself for continuing to show up.
If you were here last month, you know I promised to share more about the premise of my book. I still don’t want to give too much away since I’m only on the first draft and things can change a lot between now and the final version. But I will give you this...
Camila, an aspiring social media influencer, is invited to an exclusive event after being accepted into an organization that claims to help women discover their power and build social media and business empires of their own. Bringing her lifelong friend Izzy along, she soon realizes things are not what they seem. As reality begins to blur, Camila and Izzy are separated. Camila is forced to confront her deepest traumas, insecurities, and her toxic need for validation, while Izzy is left behind trying to uncover what is really happening. What begins as a quest for self-growth spirals into manipulation, madness, and the cost of belonging to something that demands your soul.
A Bloom of Terror
Every month, I’ll plant a little horror here. Sometimes it will be a short fiction story, other times a personal essay from my haunted garden.
The Haunted Shelf 📚🎬📺
This is where I’ll share book, movie, and show recommendations. I’d love to know what you’re reading and watching, so feel free to reply with your own favorites.
This month’s theme is Gothic horror, filled with decaying mansions, forbidden love, and the kind of beauty that hides something sinister underneath. Here are my favorite picks that capture that haunting, romantic dread.
📚 The Book – Mexican Gothic
A modern gothic masterpiece by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This book was such a fun and creative read. I loved how it captured that sense of rot hiding beneath glamour, and the writing completely pulled me in. It also reminded me that it’s okay to break the rules when it comes to writing fiction.
🎬 The Movie – Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Visually stunning and theatrical chaos in the best way. The costumes, set pieces, and performances were incredible. The cast was amazing too, including Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves. Honestly, what more could you ask for?
📺 The Show – The Haunting of Bly Manor
A ghost story wrapped in grief and love. This show is haunting in a quieter way than Hill House, but it still stays with you long after the credits roll. It starts off slow, but once you get halfway through, you’re hooked. It wrecked me emotionally and had me ugly crying at the end. It’s more than just a ghost story, it’s a tragic love story. It shows that love and memory can coexist and that moving forward doesn’t mean letting go.
From My Creative Crypt
This is my little corner for fun extras. Come take a peek in my crypt and you might find things like an exclusive first look at a photoshoot or book cover. Sometimes I’ll share a playlist, a mood board, or a quote from my book. Other times it might be gardening tips, fun recipes, or something totally unexpected.
This month’s extra is a little fiery. Armando’s homemade Yellowbird-style hot sauce has become a favorite in our house. It’s sweet, spicy, and dangerously addictive. It’s the perfect mix of heat and flavor.
The Last Whisper
Thank you for making it all the way to the end of my haunted little newsletter. If you enjoyed it, I’d love if you replied back, shared it with a friend, or just let me know what you’re reading and watching. Your support means the world to me as I start this author journey.
Before I go, here’s your reminder:
Allow yourself to play more. Pick out a costume and wear it on Halloween. Watch your favorite scary movie. Carve or paint a pumpkin. Do something just for fun.
What’s one thing you used to love as a child that you don’t do anymore? Color in coloring books? Doodle? Eat ice cream with way too much candy on it? Go do that thing. Don’t let your inner child stay tucked away as a vague memory. Grab their hand and go on an adventure.
We only get one life, so make it count. Let it be messy, fun, and full of moments that remind you you’re alive.
One last thing:
“Humans are organic. We are meant to die. It’s natural. Beautiful. And it all breaks down, and rises back up, and breaks down again. And every living thing grows out of every dying thing. We leave more life behind us to take our place... Like this moonflower. That’s where all its beauty lies, you know, in the mortality of the thing.” — The Haunting of Bly Manor
Until next time,
Christina
