Have you ever wondered why I’m insane? Me too.
The Numbers
Here’s how my mind works:
Every book gets its own publication date, which you might find confusing. I came up with this system when I was 17 and planned pretty much my entire career in a day (big commitment). The day a book of mine is published depends on the category it falls in:
26
Miniature Novels
13
Standalones
3
Duologies
4
Poetry
8
Montse’s
12
Red-Letter
I also want to point out every number has a reason, other than the fact they all have something to do with 26 (do the math). And those books that aren’t published under this category are because they’re not related to the ⁓multiverse⁓ we got going on here.
26 – the day I was born, in case anyone forgets, and because Miniature Novels have twenty-six stories each
13 – half of 26, which, in my mind, made sense to use in the standalones
3 – the third zodiac Gemini (the twins in tarot) aka two books
4 – in numerology, four is linked with self-expression; I use poetry as a platform to show feelings in an elegiac way
8 – means overcoming; all of my personal stories are a way of defeating the hardships in my life
12 – enlightenment (special attention)
Yes, I thought too much about it.
I also want to point out every number has a reason, other than the fact they all have something to do with 26 (do the math). And those books that aren’t published under this category are because they’re not related to the ⁓multiverse⁓ we got going on here.
Please refrain from asking but you should know:
The amount of words on each novel is equal to 26 after lots of equations.
I leave an absurd amount of easter eggs hidden in plain sight.
All of the stories and characters are connected (pay attention).
Colors, numbers, and names all have hidden meanings.
If there’s a number mentioned in a story, chances are, it equals 26.
The Creative Process
My creative process is probably one of the most gruesome things I’ve ever done, and I have peeled mangoes in my lifetime. It starts with writing one or two sentences of nonsense on my phone’s Notes app and placing the title “xx” before I think of one. Then, once I get the hint-iest hint of motivation, I make a cover page for said title. The first few are just embarrassing, but I save the first three or four covers until I land on a good one.
Once that’s done, I write (arguably the most stress-inducing part).
While writing, I focus on tiny details that might seem irrelevant to the average person. This includes the meaning behind each character’s name, usually reflecting their purpose; using any set of numbers that either adds up to 26 or has some “secret” meaning within the story; making sure the final amount of words equals 26; including easter eggs of a character appearing in other stories or the title of stories being “canon” in that fictional world; and other shenanigans of the sort. By taking these all into consideration, a beautifully personal story comes to be. I think it makes the entire bit more distinctive compared to what else is out there, and it’s great for leaving easter-eggs for devoted readers.
Usually, it takes anywhere between a couple of hours to a couple of years for me to finish writing a story. I don’t have a schedule, writing based on my mood and motivation. I have an outline of the books I’ll publish and which year they’ll be published. I don’t have this set on rock in case something better comes along, but it usually means I’ll finish writing a book that’ll be published in 3 years or I’ll be finishing the final chapter a month before another one is published. It’s just something that happens.
The “I Don’t Condone Violence” Bit
One of the biggest concerns when I publish things is how controversial this will be?
My stories are intense, with lots of triggers. Not the best for becoming a “viral-worthy” book (at least not under good lighting). Even though I like to explore different genres and writing styles, I gravitate back to murder and death. Very gratifying subjects, I know. I wish I could tell you why murder is such a straightforward thing for me to write about, but I’m as lost as you are.
It’s just the way it is.
This brings me to my next point: just because I write about violent topics, it does not mean I am glorifying, romanticizing, promoting, or supporting these attitudes ever at all. I’m exploring why we react in particular ways and why we think the way we do. I see it as an insight into the mind of just about anyone and a protest against those in power who control our every move. Each story I write is underlined with rebellion and the urge to be heard — understood — in the unforgivable reality we live in. It’s my way of spreading my ideas to a wider audience, catching the attention of those who suppress opinion.
I do not write self-help books.
If anyone finds my murder plots pleasurable, I strongly urge you to go to therapy and/or a police station.
— Montse