From Personal Struggles to Page: Unveiling My Novella, Midnight Chase

“There was a time when I thought surviving was the same as suffering. Now, I understood that surviving was a rebellion, a way of telling the darkness it didn’t win.” ~ Daniella Torres, Midnight Chase

Writing Midnight Chase has been a deeply personal journey. It’s more than just my fourth WIP and first novella. It’s a psychological horror story interwoven with surrealism, reflecting my own experiences with emotional abuse, loss, and self-discovery. Through the fictional lens of my protagonist, Daniella Torres, I explore the aftermath of a toxic relationship, the grief of losing a beloved pet, and the struggles of addiction. This book is not only a work of fiction; it is a reflection of pain, healing, and catharsis.

The Inspiration Behind Midnight Chase

At its core, Midnight Chase is rooted in real, personal experiences. It’s a story shaped by my own journey through trauma, emotional abuse, and heartbreak. I’d been open about my past relationship: the manipulation, the control, and the slow unraveling of my sense of self. Daniella’s struggles mirror that experience, not just in the wounds inflicted by someone else, but in the process of reclaiming her identity and strength.

Grief is another major theme. My family and I lost our first dog, Myla, when she was ten years old. She had cancer, and we had to make the heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep. That moment, sitting in the veterinarian’s office and knowing there was nothing more we could do, has stayed with me. My ex-fiancé didn’t understand the depth of that grief, and that lack of empathy only deepened the pain.

Although I haven’t personally struggled with alcohol addiction, I have faced the temptation to use it as an escape. Daniella’s battle with addiction in Midnight Chase is a reflection of that internal conflict—the desire to numb the pain versus the fight to stay in control. Writing this novella became my way of processing all of these emotions, allowing me to gain clarity and perspective. It reminded me that strength isn’t about avoiding the pain but about facing it head-on, which I’m learning to do.

Themes and Messages

Beyond its horror elements, Midnight Chase carries themes that resonate deeply with me:

Overcoming adversity – No matter how dark things seem, there is always a way forward.Finding hope and resilience – Even in our lowest moments, we have the power to rise again.The importance of self-care and mental health – Healing is a process, and seeking support is not a weakness but a strength.Breaking free from the past – Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting; it means choosing to move forward without allowing the past to define you.

My hope is that readers who have experienced toxic relationships, loss, and/or personal struggles will find a piece of themselves in this story. That it reminds them they are not alone, and that survival is not just about enduring—it’s about reclaiming your power.

The Writing Process

Writing Midnight Chase was both cathartic and emotionally demanding. One of the most challenging scenes to write was Daniella’s visit to the veterinarian’s office—the moment she learns there is nothing more that can be done for her dog. It mirrors my own experience with Myla, and reliving that pain while writing required me to take several breaks before I could continue.

Music played a huge role in my writing process. Sia’s Colour the Small One album was one of my biggest inspirations. I had listened to it before, but after my breakup, the songs hit differently. They became a soundtrack to my healing process, and in many ways, to Daniella’s journey as well.

Interestingly, I never really experienced writer’s block while working on this novella. There was so much I wanted—needed—to pour into this story. The real challenge was stepping away when the memories became too overwhelming. But through that, I learned that writing was not just an escape; it was a way of reclaiming my own narrative.

A Note to Readers

Midnight Chase is deeply personal, but I know I’m not the only one who has faced these struggles. If you have ever endured emotional abuse, suffered the loss of a beloved pet or loved one, or felt like you were drowning in the weight of your past, I hope this story speaks to you. I hope it reminds you that survival is not just about getting through the pain but about standing up and declaring that the darkness did not win.

I would love to hear your stories, your experiences with resilience, healing, and finding hope. We all have battles, but we don’t have to fight them alone. I’m not alone and neither are you, dear reader ♡

Stay Connected

If you’d like to follow my writing journey, stay updated on Midnight Chase, or simply connect with me, I invite you to follow along on my Instagram and Threads accounts. Let’s navigate this journey of storytelling, healing, and self-discovery together.

Thank you for being here. Your support means more than you know ♡