California-based author PM Zelaya is gearing up for the release of her second novel, Unravel, on November 12, 2024. This follow-up to her debut book, Unconditional, continues the story of Ciara Perkins, a young woman navigating life’s complexities—touching on topics like family dynamics, interracial relationships, and the deep impact of unresolved trauma.
Unravel brings readers deeper into Ciara’s world as she wrestles with her past and strives for self-discovery. Zelaya’s writing reflects her own experiences with personal loss, resilience, and redemption. “I’ve poured a lot of myself into this series. Writing these characters helped me process things I hadn’t been able to face before,” Zelaya shares.
The emotional weight behind the book isn’t surprising considering Zelaya’s own journey to becoming an author. Originally from Orange County and now living in California’s Inland Empire, Zelaya studied Clinical Mental Health at Redlands University. Although her professors praised her writing, she didn’t always feel confident. “In grad school, my professors encouraged me to submit my papers to journals, but I was always comparing myself to others, especially my sister. It took a long time for me to feel like my writing was good enough.”
Despite those doubts, Zelaya’s love for writing never faded. She developed the concept for Unconditional over 20 years ago, but it wasn’t until a decade later—during a period when her husband was away for work—that she managed to write both books in just two months.
“I wrote both Unconditional and Unravel while my husband was training for work,” she says. “But then life happened. We lost three children and went through a difficult pregnancy with our son. Writing took a backseat to everything we were going through.”
It wasn’t until Zelaya contracted COVID-19 in 2020 and nearly lost her life that she felt the urge to finish what she had started. “I was in the hospital, recovering from COVID, and I had this moment of clarity. I realized I had been holding back, letting fear get in the way of releasing my books. I told myself, ‘If God gave me this talent, I need to use it.’”
The Story Behind Unravel
Unravel, like its predecessor, dives into real-life issues that many readers will find relatable. Ciara’s journey deals with self-identity, familial expectations, and the shadow of trauma. Zelaya explains, “Ciara’s story is about confronting those parts of yourself you’ve buried deep down—the things you’ve been too afraid to face. In Unravel, Ciara has to come to terms with her past and heal from it. It’s raw, but it’s also hopeful.”
The themes in Unravel mirror some of Zelaya’s personal challenges. After losing three children, enduring a difficult pregnancy, and nearly dying from COVID, she knows what it’s like to feel broken but also what it means to rebuild.
“I think a lot of people will see themselves in Ciara,” Zelaya says. “I wrote her character to be relatable, especially for women who are trying to find their place in the world and dealing with silent battles. We all have moments where we question ourselves, and Ciara’s story is really about finding that inner strength to move forward.”
While Unravel explores difficult topics like sexual abuse and trauma, Zelaya’s writing style is engaging and approachable. Her goal is to make the reader feel connected to the characters, offering a sense of hope and healing along the way. “As serious as the themes are, I didn’t want the book to feel heavy. There’s a balance between the emotional moments and the lighthearted ones. I wanted to show that even in the darkest moments, there’s always hope.”
What’s Next for PM Zelaya?
With the release of Unravel on the horizon, PM Zelaya is already thinking about what’s next. Her dream is to see her two-part series adapted into a film, with a specific vision for one character in particular—Ciara’s mother.
“I’ve always envisioned Angela Bassett playing Ciara’s mom,” Zelaya says. “There’s just something about her strength and grace that I can see in the character. I remember writing those scenes and thinking of her in Waiting to Exhale. She’s someone who embodies everything I see in that role.”
Though the leap from novelist to screenwriter may seem daunting, Zelaya is determined. “I feel like these characters deserve to come to life on screen. Writing has always been the easy part for me, but now I’m excited about exploring the world of film.”
What Readers Can Expect
Fans of Unconditional can expect more of the same fast-paced, emotional storytelling that hooked them from the start. One early reader of Unconditional said, “Ciara’s journey is one that feels so real. You get invested in her life, her struggles, and her hope. I can’t wait to see where her story goes in Unravel.”
Zelaya’s writing has struck a chord with readers who appreciate the way she blends personal growth with romance and drama. “Unconditional stayed with me long after I finished it,” another reader shared. “I can see myself in Ciara—the way she struggles with her identity, the way she navigates relationships. It’s real, and it’s raw.”
As Zelaya prepares to release Unravel, she’s filled with gratitude for the journey she’s been on. “It’s been a long time coming,” she says. “I’ve gone through so much, and these books have helped me heal. I hope they’ll do the same for others.”
For readers who have yet to dive into Ciara’s world, Unconditional is available now on Amazon, and Unravel will be released on November 12, 2024. To stay updated on her work, follow PM Zelaya on Instagram at @unconditional_by_pmzelaya.
