Do we live in a fictional world? 🌏

I recently heard a man suggest that we now live in a fictional world. He pointed out specific examples to demonstrate why life currently feels like a bizarre novel, whether it be due to political events, social trends, or general societal changes. And I have to say that I agree.

I published my 18th book in the fall of 2023, and unlike previous times, I didn't jump into a new project. I had no interest in writing at all. I thought the phase would end, but instead, I continued to dig my heels in more, resistant to embark on a new project. 

And here I am. 

After I heard this intriguing thought regarding the current state of our world, I began to realize that my apprehension may lie with my unexpected headspace. As it turns out, I'm not alone. Many people feel grounded in their artistic endeavors, as I have been realizing. We're in a strange stage in the world right now. It's unsettling more than it is inspiring.

Have you noticed it? 

My characters display 'toxic masculinity' for some readers (and I don't care)

I first heard the term 'toxic masculinity' years ago and thought it was interesting. I read a book on the topic. I considered that maybe there were some legitimate points.

All this was while I also considered how so many men were not very manly anymore. That's not to say that men, in my opinion, should be crass cavemen either. However, I had left a city where many of the men I encountered were kind of soft and sensitive in an awkward way. Was there too much estrogen in the water? I had to wonder.

Fast forward a few years, and I discovered that all the books I was writing, the movies and television shows I was watching, and the men I generally was intrigued by would fall under the category of 'toxic masculinity'. I now see it as a woke term meant to shame men for...well, being men. 

I'll never forget the time that a woman ripped into me on Facebook, saying I was a misogynist. She felt that I hated other women. I missed the memo where I was supposed to hate men. You see if I said anything against another woman, I was a terrible person, but if I said something against a man, I was probably stating a fact. At least, that's the impression she gave me in her comments.

But let's get back to my books. If you've read any of the books in my Hernandez series, you already know that a lot of testosterone is flowing through the chapters. You'll find aggression, bullying, violence, and all the things that tend to ruffle the feathers of those who'd prefer to see men being weak.

So, if you like male characters who are more likely to punch someone in the face than to shed a tear, you might want to check out my series. You might find some alpha dogs there.

And if you prefer gentle and sensitive men, go watch a Hallmark movie.

Do we need an author's POV in biographies? 😕

For the second time in recent months, I've discovered a biography that gave me more than I wanted. By that, I mean the author's opinion.

Biographies are essentially an author (usually well-known) telling someone else's story. For example, if I were to tell YOUR story in a book, I'd be your biographer. I would do my best to tell your story from your point of view, attempting to make potential readers understand you and your life experiences. I'm not here to judge, and I'm not here to slide my personal opinions into the book. 

I've recently discovered that authors of biographies feel entitled to wedge their opinions on what their subjects have done or said, especially on their political beliefs. Not that this is too surprising. We increasingly see this in journalism, where it's obvious if the network and specific media talking head is on the right, left, or somewhere in between. (and they're never in between) Why would books be any different?

If one was a conspiracy theorist, one might wonder if this is another form of propaganda. For example, subject Mr. Whoeverthefuck is right-leaning; and this is why he's wrong. (I did see this in one book) Another example would be knocking the subject because they aren't woke enough, letting the reader know, 'This person may be someone you admire since you're reading this book, but here's why they're wrong'. 

It's distasteful. I could care less what the author of a biography thinks about anything. I don't care if you're writing about a psychopath murderer or the nun at the local convent. I want to hear their story. The author letting me know their opinion not only screams their self-importance, but makes me suspicious if I'm even getting an unbiased account. How much can I trust an author who attempts to ram their own opinion down my throat? 

It's not a good look for authors. In fact, for me, it's right up there with famous authors who use ghostwriters and take the credit. It's despicable. 

Everybody Wants to Rule the World coming soon!

You don't have to read the entire series to enjoy my latest book, Everybody Wants to Rule the World. To learn more about my books, check HERE.

 Here's a quick summary:   

Jorge Hernandez may be the king of gangsters, but lately, he’s been the king of lazy. The former Mexican cartel boss starts to change his mind when a blue-haired freak slashes his tires, calling him a climate criminal. He finally breaks out of hibernation when rumors of a new medication said to be for children with ‘behavior issues’ is about to become mandatory for all school-aged children. Jorge suspects that the drug is more about making kids compliant and easily controlled, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Who is at the top of the pile of degenerates that are pushing this agenda? Is it just Big Pharma trying to make their next billion, or is it something much more sinister behind this latest plot? Jorge and his gang intend to find out.

One thing is for sure. If you go woke, you go broke with Jorge Hernandez. Just not in the way you might think.

Politicians. 

Celebrities. 

Narcissists. 

Psychopaths. 

Everybody Wants to rule the world, but will you let them?