The new release day is set!

I believe no writer in the world hasn’t struggled, the period before the publishing of her novel.

I am one of those.

Particularly the publishing of this book was something Destiny opposed strongly. Now, at two weeks to the release day, also Karma is looking more kindly upon me, and I can finally see the deadline approaching.

This has been a roller coaster in many ways. Firstly because of paranormal suspense is a new genre.

With this novel, I wanted to bring to life something about my journeys in Africa.

During one of my latest trips through Benin and Togo, I visited sites where voodoo is the third religion practiced. This inspired me to explore something that goes beyond the general understanding.

Africa, together with India is one of the most diverse continents on Earth, culturally, ethnically, linguistically, and from the beliefs’ point of view. Tribal religions are so different and complex that I needed to use a literary license to describe facts and customs.

The paranormal/supernatural factor helped a lot in this quest, although research was something necessary, that couldn’t be discarded.

The first obstacle I encountered was me.

Doubts gripped me, despite I was drafting something that excited me. Writing a new genre was a leap into the unknown.

I feared, and I will fear for the rest of my life.

I’ve sent the manuscript to my editor, trembling as I waited for her comments, fearing a suggestion to start something different.

Yet, as she seemed to be engaged by the story, a big stone fell from my heart, and confidence returned to brighten my sky.

Then, the second obstacle: the cover art.

The creative process started with a mask and a map. From there, I produced more than twelve covers. Creating, discarding, taking back, and combining until I reached the final one.

Totally, it took two months when I had to focus all my energies on the creatives. It has been painful, to say the least.

I haven’t written anything new or done anything else unrelated to this issue.

My husband patiently helped me, when I understand, I am a difficult person to work with, particularly when I am creating.

Also, the planned release day was something going wrong. In the beginning, it was supposed to be released on Christmas day.

Hmm… Nope!

The next scheduled publishing day was for Valentine… Nope too.

Now, I have finally everything (or almost) ready.

The blurb is done, the cover art ready, the editing is fine, and going through beta readers and my second reading.

Everything seems okay and mark the date, as the 17.3 the release is scheduled, and I can’t see the time.

Wish you all a great weekend!