Showing posts with label dark fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dark fiction. Show all posts

Sunday, July 30, 2023

August 2023 Update! ⛱

What's new for August 2023? I thought it would be fun to remake a couple of old videos (with more to come!) with updated views and information. 

Here's the videos: 

What are my books about? 🤔

Check out the 2018 version - Rumble
Check out the updated 2023 version - Rumble and YouTube 

We need more diversity in books 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇨🇴🇵🇭 

Check out the 2018 version - Rumble
Check out the updated 2023 version - Rumble and YouTube

And more great news! I talked to my publisher earlier this month about my next book! Coming out this fall. Stick around because there will most likely be a book giveaway!

Have a great summer and see you in the fall! 

Keep updated on social media:


Saturday, April 15, 2023

Why Jorge Hernandez isn't in the first book of his own series? ☠️

I always talk about how the Hernandez series wasn't meant to be a series, so it should be no surprise that the protagonist, Jorge Hernandez, didn't show up until the second book.

The fiery, former cartel boss takes over in the series (in the same way he takes over in most situations), and as it turns out, he has a lot to tell. Seventeen books later, he's still going strong. 

The cool thing is that the series starts with We're All Animals, a book that centers on protagonist Chase Jacobs. We're talking about a guy who's the complete opposite of Jorge Hernandez (at least, in the beginning!) so it gives the reader some contrast. It also demonstrates how a boy next door can get caught up with some sinister characters on his path. 

Jorge Hernandez may not be in the first book in his series, but he eventually comes along fast and furious. And, of course, like most things, he takes over. 




Saturday, March 4, 2023

Jorge Hernandez vs. Big Pharma 💊

One of the most prevalent themes in my Hernandez series is the ongoing battle between protagonist Jorge Hernandez and his nemesis, Big Pharma. It's a fight unlikely to end anytime soon but will only grow as tension grows with each book. 


The premise behind the Hernandez series is that Jorge was once a cartel leader in Mexico. Through a miracle, he never ended up in either prison or dead, but instead relocated to Canada to start a legit business. Once here, Jorge often is ranting how as a cartel boss, he was always running from the law, but Big Pharma is also responsible for people becoming addicts but can do so legally and have no repercussions. Also, he takes over the Canadian pot industry (House of Pot) only adds to the ongoing battle between the pharmaceutical industry and Jorge Hernandez. 

Jorge is a respectable businessman to the public, but behind the scenes, he's part of an ongoing war with Big Pharma, and things often get bloody. 

Learn more about the Hernandez series HERE.






Sunday, November 6, 2022

A different kind of crime series

Summing up my Hernandez series has never been easy. It's about criminals, but it's not the kind of criminals that will steal your car. It's about gangsters, but not the kind of gangsters that will take over an area and demand fees from local businesses. It's about a former cartel boss but not the cartel boss currently involved in illegal activities like transporting drugs. The crimes involved in my series are more vigilante justice than anything else. 

The thing is that Jorge Hernandez started in criminal activity and moved on the legal businesses in Canada. How he goes about doing so, however, often isn't so legal. His method of dealing with those who get in his way or cause issues for his family is very much in step with what he would've done in his cartel days. Things can get very bloody. 

Jorge Hernandez is all about control. He controls people and situations and intimidates those who try to go up against him. Hernandez knows this is the key to owning an empire. All the money in the world won't make people do what he wants, but fear is a powerful influence. 




Saturday, October 15, 2022

A quick preview of House of Hernandez 🎃

House of Hernandez is the 12th book in the Hernandez series. Here's a quick summary of what it's about:


When House of Hernandez hits the shelves, readers are unaware that Jorge Hernandez’s memoir is little more than a fictional fairy tale. Then again, when you are a former cartel boss with a murderous streak and a criminal history, it’s best to keep some secrets close to your heart. 

The brash businessman has bigger things to worry about as he swims in the political waters. He has his work cut out for him when trying to get the bleeding heart Alec Athas reelected, but some days his biggest challenge is keeping the Canadian prime minister alive. While evil forces attempt to push Jorge’s political puppet out of office, they have no idea who they’re going up against in this battle. How can you fight against a man with no scruples?

With all the politics and usual drama aside, Jorge struggles as his crime family starts falling apart. Are the walls caving in the House of Hernandez, or had things already been slipping away without him being aware?

Read chapter one now! 




Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Quick read from Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions) 📖

In my new book Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions), I further explore the wild, criminal world that is Jorge Hernandez. If you don't know who that is, this sums him up 👇🏼

A former Mexican narco transitions into Canadian life with family, politics, and business while holding tight to his ruthless, criminal ways. Meet Jorge Hernandez.

The fact that Jorge Hernandez is contemplating ‘doing good’ in the world should be enough to send a shiver down anyone’s spine. He may be living a seemingly legit lifestyle with his family in Canada, but don’t be fooled; this former Mexican cartel boss holds a powerful grip on everything from politics to media, and he’s never beyond getting a little blood on his hands.


When his daughter Maria steps up to someday head the familia, it is with great pride that Jorge breaks down the lessons that will secure her position in life. Giving her a glimpse into his daily activities, she quickly witnesses the stark view of the criminal mastermind at work. It doesn’t matter if he’s yelling at the prime minister or making plans to take someone down; Jorge does so with a powerful and unapologetic swoop. But how much is he willing to reveal? Is he ready for his daughter to learn about his brutal, murderous side? 


In a world where trust is essential, Jorge teaches her the powerful lesson; Loyalty above all. There are no exceptions. 


Check out the first paragraph (and me bumbling through it) 👇🏼






Sunday, December 26, 2021

Loyalty Above All (There are no exceptions) ☠️

If you read the back cover description of my latest book, Loyalty Above All (There are no exceptions), you're only getting the prevalent theme in the story. Jorge Hernandez has two nemeses throughout the series; the prime minister of Canada (Alec Athas) and Big Pharma. This book is no different. 

Let's check out the synopsis before I explain what I mean.

The fact that Jorge Hernandez is contemplating ‘doing good’ in the world should be enough to send a shiver down anyone’s spine. He may be living a seemingly legit lifestyle with his family in Canada, but don’t be fooled; this former Mexican cartel boss holds a powerful grip on everything from politics to media, and he’s never beyond getting a little blood on his hands.  


When his daughter Maria steps up to someday head the familia, it is with great pride that Jorge breaks down the lessons that will secure her position in life. Giving her a glimpse into his daily activities, she quickly witnesses the stark view of the criminal mastermind at work. It doesn’t matter if he’s yelling at the prime minister or making plans to take someone down; Jorge does so with a powerful and unapologetic swoop. But how much is he willing to reveal? Is he ready for his daughter to learn about his brutal, murderous side? 


In a world where trust is essential, Jorge teaches her the powerful lesson; Loyalty above all. There are no exceptions. 


The likelihood of Jorge and Alec ever becoming best friends is highly unlikely. Jorge will always have an issue with the man who once had a relationship with his wife, even though it was probably about twenty years ago. Although he insists his frustration with the prime minister is because Canada's leader is too much of a 'pussy', deep down, we know that there's something else that incites his anger. The two men have one heated battle that takes things up a notch in this book. While behind the scenes, Jorge continues to control the Canadian prime minister. 


Jorge's long-standing battle with Big Pharma is also unlikely to end anytime soon. You have to remember that Jorge started his fortune in the cartel. In his eyes, people were getting their drugs from both him and Big Pharma however, the latter didn't have any consequences to their actions, despite both were selling drugs that people used to get high. In his view, they were legalized drug dealers. When he took over the cannabis business in Canada, his battle against the pharmaceutical industry only grew more contentious and remains ongoing. 


I like to keep as many irons in the fire as I can to keep things interesting. This book is no exception. 





Friday, September 4, 2020

What is the Hernandez series about? ☠️(Updated)


If there ever were characters that not only made it their business to color outside the lines but seemed oblivious to living any other way, it would be the group in the Hernandez series. Living by their creed of love, loyalty, and winning above all, this is a series where readers witness characters who don't let anyone stand in their way. With their unique sense of what's right and wrong, we follow them down a countercultural path that goes against the usual, 'the good guy always wins' theme. And to readers, this is refreshing.

A former Mexican narco transitions into Canadian life with family, politics, and business while holding tight to his ruthless, criminal ways. Meet Jorge Hernandez.

Except for the first two books, the series centers around the protagonist Jorge Hernandez. With his combination of daily life problems, (not to mention, his unique way of solving them) and enemies coming out of the woodwork, Hernandez shows the strength and resilience that is alluring to the reader. Somewhat of an anti-hero, this villain reveals the darker side of society, one where corruption, collusion, and conspiracy are often the name of the game.

As the CEO of Our House of Pot, Jorge gives the impression of an immigrant that came to Canada to strive while at the same time demonstrating how public image and reality are often a million miles apart. 

This is a series for people who enjoy being entertained while being open to the other side of many situations. And often, it's a side that asks as many questions as it gives explanations. But isn't that what any good series does?


Friday, July 31, 2020

Why my characters color outside of the lines 🎨 (Updated)

We live in a world where many prefer we all obediently follow the rules without causing a fuss, but when it comes to my unruly characters, the likelihood of this happening is slim at best. I would even say that coloring outside the lines is their goal rather than an exception.

In the writing world, publishers prefer that artists produce a 'sure thing'. In other words, something that's guaranteed to sell while taking minimum risks. Risks, of course, would be coloring outside the lines and producing work that may not necessarily connect with or be approved of by the majority of its potential audience. That's why we have so many lukewarm, barely funny 'comedy' shows on television now. That's why so many books vaguely remind you of something you already read. That's why so many people complain that modern music all 'sounds the same. It's safe. 

Then you get writers like me who don't conform to the rules. I've described my characters as counterculture, therefore not going with the usual social 'norm'.  As my character, Diego Silva always says, "In a world full of sheep, always be a wolf". This is the kind of idealogy that makes my characters stand out and hopefully makes them as fun and interesting to read about as they are to write.



Friday, July 17, 2020

Why we love the softer side of a gangster character 💀(Updated)

Throughout the Hernandez series, readers are often surprised to see the softer side of the protagonist, Jorge Hernandez. Usually abrupt, in control, and dangerous, it's a surprise to see his vulnerabilities. This especially comes to light when dealing with either his children or wife, Paige. Something is appealing about the unexpected balance of his character.

In general, I think people enjoy discovering the unexpected when it comes to characters. There's something about getting past the mask, the bullshit, to learn who someone really is that is fascinating in both the real and fictitious world. I believe it's human nature to want to understand what makes people tick. Also, to see what we all have in common despite our backgrounds and status in the world.

I have said in the past that I normally don't write a love story. I guess it's perhaps my cynicism that makes me hesitant. However, I find the relationship between Jorge and Paige fascinating and adds an extra element to the series. I think the unlikelihood of two people who don't fit in well with the rest of the world meeting each other is somewhat inspiring. Throw in a couple of children, and the protagonist is forced to not always be in control, and as the reader, you get to see him unravel.

And there's something about seeing someone unravel that makes us see humanity. Which, I believe, is what we're often looking for in the first place.


Saturday, February 15, 2020

Why do (my) criminals always win? 😏(updated)

Generally speaking, most of the books you'll read that involve criminals will have the same conclusion: the 'bad guy' gets caught and we all live happily ever after in knowing that good prevails over evil. We see it in movies, on television, and in real life...

Wait. Is that true? Do we see it in real life?

In actuality, we don't always see the 'bad guys' getting captured in the real world. Other times, we see them get caught only to either get away with or barely get punished for their crimes. So why do so many books, movies, and television series center on criminals getting caught and punished?

The answer is that we seek the comfort that the story tells. Many people feel better when things end in a way that they think they should. So, in other words, not only does the criminal gets caught, but the girl gets the guy, and the sick person recovers, and everyone lives happily ever after.

It can be a little insulting to the average audience's intelligence to give every story a fairy tale ending. If you don't believe me, ask a few people what they think of some of the cute and cuddly Christmas movies we're walloped with every December and watch at least half of them roll their eyes. People want to be challenged, surprised, and sometimes, to nod their heads and say, 'I wonder if that does happen?'

In my series, the criminals get away with their crimes. They take many preventative measures, own the right politicians, and manipulate the media. But will they eventually get caught?

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Good-bye 2019!! 🥳 Year end in review! 🥂



Wow!! It's the end of the year and I have so much to tell you! 🤩

First of all, I want to thank everyone for all their support this year. All those likes, shares and retweets on social media never go unnoticed. Thanks for the book reviews, watching my videos and of course, buying and reading my books! 📚


We have lots to celebrate, so let's get this party started! 🎉

Let's start with the books I published in 2019:    


The Devil May Lie
The Devil and His Legacy

Both books are part of my Hernandez series.
 

Media 📺

P.E.I Writer Releases 11th Book – Journal-Pioneer, May 2019

P.E.I Writer Releases 11th Book – The Guardian, May 2019

The Devil May Lie – The Buzz PEI, May 2019

Mima  – C.E. Flores – March 2019



I recorded a lot of Youtube videos and wrote tons of blogs this year. Here's the complete list in case you missed anything 👇🏼

Let's talk about the media guy Tom Makerson 📰Dec 29

     Video
     Blog
 

What is the crazy concept behind my series? 😱Dec 20

     Video
     Blog
 

A blurb from The Devil and His Legacy 📖Dec 15

     Video
     Blog
     

Who's the Greek God? Let's talk Alec Athas 🇬🇷Dec 9

     Video
     Blog

Why do you need a sharp book cover? 😉Dec 2

     Video
     Blog
 

How strong characters make us stronger 💪🏼Nov 27

     Video
     Blog
 

Should you read your own books? 😳Nov 21

     Video
     Blog

The Devil and His Legacy 🦁Nov 11

     Video
     Blog
 

The story of Miguel 👶🏽 Nov 5

     Video
     Blog

Do you have a side gig? 🤫 Oct 4

     Video
     Blog

Does my series normalize violence? Sept 26

     Video
     Blog

OMG! I finally fit into a genre! 😝Sept 14

     Video
     Blog

Why I do my research backwards 😯Aug 31

     Video
     Blog

Why it's important for art to hold a mirror up to society 🎭Aug 22

     Video
     Blog

Writing about characters that are vastly different from you 🤫 Aug 12

      Video
      Blog
 

Dialogue that pops! 😉Aug 3

     Video
     Blog 
 

The super crazy last chapter 😜July 19

      Video
      Blog
 

Choosing the right words 🤓July 16

      Video
      Blog

Writing a pilot episode based on my book series July 11

     Video
     Blog
 

Why do you always write about criminals? 🔪 July 4

      Video
      Blog 
 

Why is the first paragraph so important? 🤓 June 29

      Video
      Blog
 

Why my characters aren't shooting as many people June 16

     Video
     Blog
 

Let's talk about the conspiracy theories in my books 😱June 2

      Video
      Blog
 

Moment of pause May 10

     Video
     Blog 
 

Plant the seed 🌱 May 3

      Video
      Blog
 

Can you learn from authors you don't like? 🧐 April 26

      Video
      Blog
 

Songs that inspired The Devil May Lie, April 19

      Video
      Blog
 

Do your books have social commentary? 🧐 April 12

      Video
      Blog
 

The Devil May Lie - Let's talk about a pivotal moment in the book 😱 April 2

      Video
      Blog
 

Does everyone have a creative side? 🎨 March 28

      Video
      Blog
 

The Devil May Lie - book 6 in the Hernandez crime family series 😈 March 17

      Video
      Blog
 

Does a weak moment make a weak character? Feb 27

      Video
      Blog 
 

Animals and Devils 🐺😈 Feb 8

     Video
     Blog 
 

Should characters ever be based on people you know? 🤔 Feb 1

     Video
     Blog
 

Let's talk about Paige Noël-Hernandez 🧘🏼‍♀️ Jan 25

      Video
      Blog 
 

The loyalty factor 👊🏼 Jan 18

      Video
      Blog
 

Let's talk about Jolene Silva 👄 Jan 11

     Video
     Blog 
 

Do fairy tale endings really exist? Jan 4

     Video
     Blog



Wow! Almost 40 videos and two books this year. No wonder I'm exhausted. 🥱


Thanks again for all your support. I wish you all the best in 2020!

Mima





















Friday, December 20, 2019

What is the crazy concept behind my series? 😱(Updated)

Murder, blackmail, and conspiracy theories are frequent themes in my books, but why?

I'm going to tell you right from the get-go that my motivation as a writer has always been to make people think. That's not to say that ideas that spring up in my books are always cute and cuddly; I do like stirring up the question 'what if' in the back of people's minds.

One of the comments that my character Diego often says in my book series, is that in a world full of sheep, always be a wolf. Of course, this suggests that they believe people to be mindless followers. They constantly point out situations where people simply aren't paying attention to the world around them. Not to suggest that this theory is true, but we certainly can't deny that many people are overwhelmed with life and aren't always paying attention to trends in the news. In reality, the better way to explain it would be 'in a world full of information overload, many people don't have time to take it all in.

I enjoy challenging my readers and making them consider various topics. Whether I'm showing an example of racism, bringing up a conspiracy theory or some other 'what if' scenario, or simply reflecting something we're witnessing in the news, I love the idea of a reader rolling new concepts or ideas through their mind. It isn't that I want to make everyone paranoid but simply more aware.

Have you ever watched a movie, television series, or read a book that made you stop and consider something you hadn't thought about before? If so, that writer has done their job.


Sunday, December 15, 2019

A blurb from The Devil and His Legacy 📖(Updated)

All of my books have a theme. This is something that I usually touch on in the first paragraph so that readers have a sense of where the protagonist is in life. It could be a struggle or simply their mindset that will follow the character throughout the book. As pointed out in the title, the theme for my latest in the Hernandez series is (obviously) legacy. 


I already knew the theme for my latest book while still writing my last one, The Devil May Lie. A prominent character is murdered in it, and for that reason, Jorge Hernandez starts to question his legacy. He wonders what he will leave behind. How will people see him? How will he be remembered? From this, The Devil and His Legacy was born.

The first paragraph talks about where Jorge Hernandez starts with the concept of legacy, while the first paragraph of the last chapter shows where he ends up on the topic. My goal is to show character growth as a result of his experiences throughout the story. You can learn more by checking out the video below👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼and I promise, there are no spoiler alerts! 🤔 🤔


Monday, November 11, 2019

The Devil and His Legacy 🦁(Updated)

If you enjoy reading about criminals, corruption, and collusion with some murder and mayhem thrown in, you might want to pick up The Devil and His Legacy, the 7th book in the Hernandez series. If you haven't met Jorge Hernandez yet, be prepared for his unapologetically brutal tactics that have both ended and ruined lives. Here's the official explanation for the series:

A former Mexican narco transitions into Canadian life with family, politics, and business while holding tight to his ruthless, criminal ways. Meet Jorge Hernandez.

This series includes:  

We're All Animals
Always be a Wolf
The Devil is Smooth Like Honey
A Devil Named Hernandez
And the Devil Will Laugh
The Devil Will lie 
The Devil and His Legacy

Here's a quick synopsis of the latest book:


The Devil and His Legacy


In the six months since the murder of his trusted comrade, Jorge Hernandez is left questioning his own legacy. While many will remember him as a loving father, loyal husband, and the aggressive businessman who took over the Canadian pot industry, others will forever see him as the predatory, blood-thirsty criminal that tore apart his enemies without a second thought.

In the seventh book in the Hernandez series, Jorge continues to force his ruthless justice on those who slink from the shadows. Whether it be a ghost from the past that should’ve stayed dead or the insidious threats to the same government he controls, no one can stop The Devil.

In the world of Jorge Hernandez, the timid will become powerful, the enemy will repent and nothing stands in the way of The Devil and his Legacy.