The Setup

WELCOME FRIENDS

Welcome to How Nev Sees It!

In each issue, you can look forward to three engaging sections that offer a glimpse into my world:

Short Story - Dive into one part of a 4-part series reimagining a classic story or movie, set against the vibrant backdrop of NYC. Get ready for a fresh take that blends nostalgia with modern flair!

Founder’s Update - I’ll share updates about The Santana Company and any upcoming releases/events.

Reflections - Think of this as my public journal, where I candidly reflect on the week gone by. It’s a space for me to process thoughts, insights, and lessons learned.

For today’s issue…

SHORT STORY

The Curse In The Concrete Jungle

The next morning, Jack, Marcus, Emily, and Ryan convened in a rented loft in the Lower East Side, their temporary headquarters. The space was filled with blueprints, surveillance equipment, and dream-sharing apparatuses. Jack spread out a detailed map of Genetix Corp’s headquarters on the table, the centerpiece of their operation.

“We need to understand Brooks’s mind,” Marcus began. “Emily, what’s the status on the compounds?”

Emily, a petite woman with an air of intense focus, looked up from her array of chemicals. “I’m working on a new blend. It will allow us to penetrate deeper layers of the subconscious while minimizing the risk of instability.”

Ryan, a burly man with a calm demeanor, added, “I’ve started gathering intel on Brooks. He has a daughter, Lily, who he’s very protective of. We could use that to our advantage.”

Jack nodded, considering the implications. “If we can create a scenario involving Lily in the dream, it might trigger an emotional response that we can exploit.”

Marcus agreed. “Let’s move forward with that. We need to get close enough to plant the idea without arousing suspicion. Emily, keep refining the compounds. Ryan, continue your reconnaissance.”

Over the next week, the team worked tirelessly. Emily perfected the dream compounds, Ryan gathered extensive intel on Brooks’s routines and relationships, and Jack designed the dreamscape with meticulous care. He created a layered dream, each level more intricate and realistic than the last, to ensure the inception was seamless.

Their first real test came when they managed to plant a tracker on Brooks’s car, giving them access to his daily movements. They discovered he frequented a private club in Midtown, a perfect opportunity to observe him in a more relaxed setting.

One evening, Jack and Ryan, posing as club members, settled into the dimly lit lounge. Brooks was there, chatting with a few colleagues. Ryan, an expert in social engineering, struck up a conversation with one of Brooks’s associates, steering the topic towards family.

“Brooks is quite the family man,” Ryan said casually. “His daughter must be the apple of his eye.”

The associate, slightly tipsy, nodded. “Oh, absolutely. Lily means the world to him. He’s always worried about her.”

Jack made a mental note. This was the vulnerability they needed. If they could create a dream scenario where Lily’s future was at risk, it might compel Brooks to take drastic measures.

Back at the loft, they laid out the plan. The first level of the dream would be a recreation of Brooks’s office, a familiar environment to ease him into the dream state. The second level would be a dystopian version of New York, where Genetix’s actions had catastrophic consequences for Lily’s future. The third level, the deepest layer, would be a serene, idyllic setting where Brooks could envision a peaceful life if he dissolved his company.

They rehearsed the dream scenarios repeatedly, ensuring every detail was perfect. Emily’s compounds were tested meticulously to guarantee stability, and Ryan honed his role as Brooks’s guide through the dreamscape.

The night of the inception arrived. They lured Brooks to a hotel under the pretense of a business meeting, sedating him with a potent blend of Emily’s chemicals. The team gathered around the dream-sharing apparatus, connecting themselves to Brooks’s subconscious.

As the sedative took effect, Jack felt the familiar pull of the dream state. The first level materialized around them: Brooks’s office, exactly as Jack had designed. Brooks sat at his desk, unaware he was dreaming. Ryan, playing the role of a trusted colleague, approached him.

“Daniel, we need to talk,” Ryan began. “It’s about Lily.”

Brooks’s face tightened with concern. “What about her?”

Ryan led Brooks to the window, showing him a distorted version of New York. The sky was dark, and the streets were filled with chaos. “Genetix’s work is having unintended consequences. If we continue on this path, Lily’s future is at risk.”

Brooks’s expression turned to one of horror. “No, this can’t be happening.”

The dream shifted to the second level: a crumbling New York, ravaged by pollution and disease. Brooks was visibly distressed, clutching at his head as the weight of the situation pressed down on him.

In the third level, they created a peaceful countryside scene. Lily, now a young woman, lived a happy, serene life. Brooks watched her from a distance, tears in his eyes.

“This could be her future,” Ryan said softly. “But only if you dissolve Genetix.”

Brooks fell to his knees, sobbing. “I’ll do it. For Lily.”

As the dream collapsed, they quickly exited Brooks’s subconscious. Back in the real world, they unhooked themselves from the apparatus, leaving Brooks to awaken with the implanted idea.

Jack felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. They had done it. The inception was complete.

Part 3 coming next week…

Read part 1 here.

Santana

FOUNDER’S UPDATE

Outlining

One of my mantras for 2025 is to not skip steps. I wrote that down and I didn’t even realize I was skipping steps with my second book, Maf1a. I think that’s why it’s been so hard for me to finish completing it.

One of the steps in my process is outlining each chapter of the book. That process is very important to building the storyline. I started the outline, but I forgot to put important details about the storyline in the outline. I’m now going through each chapter and building up the outline so the writing process is more seamless.

We are still on track for a 2025 release date.

REFLECTIONS

Birthday Vibes

1. Speaking To The Subconscious Mind - I started journaling and tracking my goals back in 2016. I believe when we write down our goals and thoughts, we speak to our subconscious. That’s why it’s important to write down positive affirmations and positive thoughts as much as we can. It will affect you in that moment, but it will also take effect in your daily actions because your subconscious will communicate with your conscious mind. Although I don’t always hit all my goals every year, I’m happy because I’ve been able to make progress little by little.

2. Be Yourself - Some people are receptive to you and others just won’t be, no matter how hard you try. Just keep going until you find your tribe. There are people out there who will smile ear to ear when they see you coming. Run to those people, and away from the others.

3. Birthday Vibes - My birthday is Saturday and I’m happy to be making it another year around the sun. I’ve never been one to celebrate my birthday, but 2 years ago I decided always to do something moving forward. I realized as we get older, it’s harder to spend time with the people we enjoy being around. So throwing a birthday party is a great excuse to get all my people together in one room. This Saturday should be a chill environment, but I’m happy to have people who support me showing up so that we can have a great time together.