The story of Miguel 👶🏽(Updated)

There's a very tragic story behind how Miguel Hernandez got his name,  and it's a story that tells you as much about Jorge as it does his son.

Anyone who follows the series is probably familiar with how Jorge Hernandez lost his brother. He often refers to a childhood incident when his older cousin drops by with a new dirtbike. Being a rambunctious thrill-seeker as a child, Jorge automatically decides he's going to take it for a spin. While his cousin is in the house, the twelve-year-old encourages his hesitant brother to join him on the bike, and the two take off. Unfortunately, Jorge is only mildly familiar with how to drive it, and the two end up having an accident where his ten-year-old brother dies.

Broken by this loss, Jorge finds no compassion from his own family. Instead, they blame him for this reckless behavior. His father savagely beats him while his mother looks on. Not only does his family hold him responsible for Miguel's death, but Jorge also blames himself throughout his life. The relationship he has with his parents never recovers, forcing Jorge to become stronger to protect himself. This incident gives us a better idea of why he grows into the man he becomes.

Many years later, Jorge has a son and automatically knows he must name him Miguel. He talks about how looking into his son's eyes heals him. Of course, his sense of protectiveness for both his children resulted from the horrific tragedy of his childhood. His sense of loyalty and family is also very important to him because he lacked in this growing up. In a way, the Miguel story comes full circle.

OMG! I finally fit into a genre! 😝(Updated)

For all the times I complained about not wanting to be stuck in a genre, I've finally found the perfect one!

Ever since my first book, I've never been comfortable classifying any of my books into a specific category. Nothing ever quite fit. There was romance, action, suspense, murder, dark humor, and even some vampires thrown in a couple, but none of these specific genres felt right. It was as though all my books included so many things that it was difficult to categorize them properly, so I chose instead to toss everything into the 'dark fiction' category. It seemed like the most accurate, if not the ideal category.

Recently, I stumbled across the concept of counterculture, and I was immediately intrigued. What was that exactly, and why did it sound so appealing? As it turns out, counterculture tends to be a way of life that goes against social 'norms'. This demographic rejects 'conventional' society choosing instead to live by their standards. 

This grabbed my attention.

In my first two books (Fire and A Spark before the Fire), my characters reject society's values by striving to become rock stars, which in itself tends to be a very counterculture lifestyle.

In my third and fourth book, The Rock Star of Vampires and Her Name is Mariah, I tackle the underground world of vampires. You can't get much more counterculture than that, can you?

Maybe so.

In my current series, my cast of characters tends to go against pretty much all social norms. They make their own laws, follow their own rules and do so without a second thought. Murder, corruption, collusion, and torture are engrained into their lives as if they were the most natural thing. That's pretty counterculture.

My books finally have a home, and it's pretty awesome.

Writing about characters that are vastly different from you 🤫(Updated)

Different ethnicities, the opposite sex, and even vampires; is it difficult to write about characters when they are nothing like you?

The truth is that we're usually writing about characters that aren't necessarily like ourselves. Even if you write about characters of the same sex, age, or even from the same part of the world as you, they still are not you. If the character is the same as you in every way, then your book is autobiographical, not fiction. 

In my first book, Fire, I wrote about a young, blonde, white woman named Tarah. Many people seemed to draw a parallel between her and me because we had a similar physical description. However, that's where the similarities ended. Her story was vastly different from mine, meaning I had to dive deep into my imagination to connect with this protagonist. She was a musician turned rock star and had experiences I knew nothing about. Her life was vastly different from my own at that age. 

I then wrote A Spark before the Fire, which followed a teenage male character.  I feared that this was way out of my comfort zone. After all, how could I write from the voice of a male teenager? Where would I even start? When I began to write, I was surprised when the inner dialogue of a young male flowed naturally. It was very instinctual, and that's been my process as I continue to write about characters vastly different from me. 

I've since written about vampires, narcos, assassins, children, and people of various ethnicities, ages, and sexual preferences. The key is to listen for the character's voice, and it will tell you everything you have to know. 

I'd recommend anyone struggling with this to find a quiet place and time to do their writing and focus on their inner voice. Stay calm, stay centered, and start writing. If your instinct is to write about a specific character, chances are they're ready to come out and play.

Dialogue that pops! 😉 (Updated)

The sure sign of great dialogue is when readers recite lines from your books! It's the ultimate compliment. 

We've all had friends quoting characters from their favorite television shows and movies. Some lines are almost as legendary as the programs themselves, and yet, some people aren't aware of what's involved in writing great dialogue. There are a few things to be considered.

1. Keep it fresh. We don't need to hear the same lines already overused in television, books, and movies. The only exception is when it's being used on purpose to be ironic. For example, in The Devil May Lie, there's a point when Jorge Hernandez, a bloodthirsty criminal, quotes a line from I Love Lucy that greatly contradicts the lighthearted comedy from the '50s. I think he might even have a gun to someone's head when he uses the line, "Lucy, you got some splainin' to do."

2. Keep it interesting. Let's bypass the same boring conversations you'd have with your great aunt at a wedding. Avoid talking about the weather (unless it's relevant) and the "hi, how are you?" dialogue, if at all possible. I only use something like this if purposely trying to show awkwardness in a conversation. People are bored enough in real-life conversations, so keep your character's dialogue engaging. 

3. Don't ramble. I'm the queen on rambling (which you'll know if you ever watched my YouTube channel 😝) but when it comes to characters, make them get right to the point. Don't beat around the bush. Storylines are limited to a certain amount of many pages. Your job is to get everything packed in tight like a suitcase about to be weighed at the airport. Don't bring boring shoes you don't need.

4. Remember each character has a dialogue pattern. Your best friend or crazy aunt uses specific words, speaks distinctively, and responds predictably. For example, I once worked with a girl who never went to the bathroom, but the facilities' Some people mispronounce words while others use slang terms or swear when they speak. Depending on where they live, their status, and their first language, you might expect vastly different dialogue patterns. Someone who grew up in the UK, for example, may use a word that has a vastly different meaning in North America. A middle-aged woman who works in an office setting may speak differently than a 20-year-old man who works in a garage. Many of my characters are from Latino countries, so it's not uncommon for a little Spanish to get mixed into their conversations.

5. Don't overthink conversations. In real life, if you overthink a conversation, it tends to sound too stiff. The same goes for characters. Stay balanced and go with the flow when writing dialogue. See where it takes you. Sometimes, it might move the story in an unexpected direction, and as I always say, if you don't expect things to go a certain way, neither does the reader!
In the end, you want sharp dialogue that's dramatic and honest. Make the conversation pop!

Why is the first paragraph so important? 🤓(Updated)

They always say how important it is to make a solid first impression. When you think of today's world where everything is fast-paced, and people are much too rushed to give much of anything a second try, it's more important than ever to capture a reader quickly; but how do you do that?

The obvious answer is to have an engaging first chapter. It doesn't have to be perfect. It also doesn't mean it has to be over the top or gimmicky. It means that you want the reader to get a sense of what they're getting themselves into! What is the theme of this book? What is the genre?

As a writer, the first paragraph is like meeting someone new for the first time. If you want to make a good impression, you'll probably throw on some makeup, hopefully, some clean clothes, and put a little extra attention on your hair. With books, it's really about pulling someone in and showing them a glimpse into your character's world.

For example, in my 11th book, The Devil May Lie, I talk about the significance of power in our world. What does it mean? Why do people want it? I talk about how it starts when we're children on the playground and ends in our death. I also say we lust after it as if it were the flesh of a lover. I use specific words that are powerful like, bold, passionate, addictive, crave, roaring. These words give readers a sense of what is to come. If I were writing something with a romantic theme, I would probably choose powerful words associated with passion. If my book had more of a family theme, I might use gentle words that give the impression of a soft place to fall, such as comfort and warmth.

Another thing I want to note is that I often connect the first paragraph in chapter one with the first paragraph in the final chapter (in my case, chapter 50). So once again, in The Devil May Lie, I talk about power in the last chapter. This is important because we're revisiting the place we started to see where we are on the same topic. In this last paragraph, I ask the question; When do we have enough power? When do we cross the line? Who wins when there's nothing left to take? I hope that after having read the entire book, this gives you something to ponder.

 

The first paragraph should give readers an impression of what they can expect. Of course, you have to remember that just as with a relationship, you must work hard to keep the reader interested throughout the book and to live up to that first impression.

Why my characters aren't shooting as many people 😱(Updated)

Here's a spoiler alert 🚨- if you haven't already read my books, you should know that there's usually a body count. 😲I'm attempting to get away from having my characters using guns, but does that mean my books are becoming less violent, and why am I making these changes?

First of all, I'm tired of guns. Between mass shootings, the vast amount of television shows using them (more shows than not, I'm guessing), and of course video games, I thought maybe we could use a bit of a break from guns.

Does that mean my books are less violent? No. I'm trying to find more creative ways for my characters to either get revenge, attack or hurt their adversaries without using a revolver. This isn't to say the gang in my series has tossed their guns aside, quite the contrary. I feel that they're used so often in movies, television, and books that perhaps it's time to find more interesting methods rather than relying on the easiest, most thoughtless, and overused options in fiction.

In many ways, we're desensitized by guns. When a character pulls out a gun in your favorite piece of fiction or Netflix show, we hardly blink an eye because it's the norm. Sadly, it doesn't pack the same punch as it should, and in turn, this doesn't keep readers or viewers on high alert. You know what keeps viewers on high alert? A machete. An ax. A chainsaw. One must be creative.

I also believe there is a certain amount of passion when a character attacks his or her victims with a more barbaric weapon. In reality, guns are somewhat lazy, when you think about it.

If you're one of my readers, don't expect things to calm down and you won't suddenly find my books in a Christian book store but you might find a few other surprises. 😏

Let's talk about the conspiracy theories in my books 😱(Updated)

My readers know to expect a few conspiracy theories in my books, but how did it get started, and why do I do it?

One of my strongest motivations as a writer has always been to make people think. I know other authors are content to entertain, warm hearts, and create hope with their readers. So in many ways, I guess I do the complete opposite. Where other books might be a soft place to fall at the end of the day, I prefer to introduce topics that make my readers think, wonder, and consider.

This is not to say that any conspiracy theories brought up in my books are right or wrong. In most cases, they work well with the story and cause a little more intrigue, leaving the reader some food for thought. I think it adds an element of excitement to the book. Also, it gets the reader more involved in the story. And if a reader feels more involved in the story, it helps to make them feel more connected with the characters, and really, isn't this what it's all about?

In the end, I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. But in a world where we're conditioned to feel certain ways about specific topics, I think it's kind of neat to shake things up.

Do your books have social commentary? 🧐 (Updated)

The world is a hot mess now, so if there ever were a time for social commentary in the arts, this would be it!

I've always been a fan of social commentary in books, movies, television, and music. In fact, for me, it's a significant part of the writing process. I love the idea of planting a few seeds for readers to ponder. I don't do this to influence anyone's opinion but to give them some food for thought. We often get locked in our beliefs and stubbornly refuse to see the other side, but can we make a fair assessment if we don't? 

When it comes to the arts, books, movies, and television are sometimes a more tangible way to process information. News stories and documentaries are often slanted, possibly more with the concern of capturing ratings. However, fiction shows the emotional side of some dicey subjects. The human being behind societal problems has a face. As they say, before you judge, walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Books, movies, and television allow you to do so.

With that in mind, there are various topics and questions that writers will bring to light for the reader's consideration. For example, in my book The Devil May Lie, Paige Noël-Hernandez worries about her appearance after having a baby. She mentions a recent magazine article that suggests women 'of a certain age' have to work twice as hard to slip back into those favorite pair of jeans after giving birth. Her husband Jorge is quick to ask if this specific article comes before a page of ads for weight loss products. Of course, we know that advertisers target their audience and, in some cases, instigate insecurities to make potential customers for their products. Welcome to the world of consumerism!

As a writer, I want to encourage critical thinking. Ideally, I would love to believe that my books are read with an open mind and heart, that sometimes their ideas are challenged, or perhaps readers are relating to specific events in the book. I hope that the characters stay with them long after finishing the book and maybe even inspired them. I want to believe that my books shake things up a bit, whether it be the reader's imagination or how they see themselves and the world. 

Animals and Devils 🐺😈(Updated)

If you're familiar with my series, you probably already know that the books have an animal and devil theme in the titles. But why is that?

As I said in previous videos, this became the series that wasn't meant to be a series. It started with a book called We're All Animals in 2016 and took off with the follow-up, Always be a Wolf, a few months later. This portion of the series follows protagonist Chase Jacobs, a naive, small-town boy who tends to try to do the right thing.

And that's when things take a bit of a turn.

In the fall of 2017, the devil-themed titles start appropriately with the blood-thirsty thug Jorge Hernandez as the protagonist. The Devil is Smooth Like Honey followed the life of the Mexican narco who's about to take over the legalized pot industry in Canada. While Chase was very much the boy-next-door, Jorge is the complete opposite, demonstrating the vast differences in characters. Having Chase as an employee, both men tend to have an influence on one another as the series continues with A Devil Named Hernandez and And the Devil Will Laugh. (Since this blog was posted, there are MORE books with animals and devils in the title. Go HERE to learn more.) 

I've always said that I love character contrasts in books and feel that extremes have a way of balancing each other out. I'm curious where this will go in the future because I predict a shift in both of these characters in my next book. Will Jorge bring out the bad in Chase and Chase bring out the good in Jorge, or are certain aspects in their DNA to stay? What do you think?

The loyalty factor 👊🏼 (Updated)

One of the aspects that I think people find most appealing about my current series is the loyalty factor. Actually, as the writer, this is one of the aspects that I also like the best. There's something to be said about a group of people who can trust each other, literally, with their life. We find comfort when watching or reading about these relationships because loyalty is a trait we respect. 

In today's society, many people don't necessarily feel that they have loyalty in their lives. If we're lucky, we might have a small group of people that we would even put in that category, and even then, many of us have also fallen into the 'blind faith' scenario, only to find ourselves shocked when someone lets us down. We've seen disappointment in relationships, friendships, employers, and family, to name a few. To a point, loyalty might not only be a hot commodity, but it might also feel like a rare one, making it even more precious.

When I think about shows that have been popular over the years, I notice that characters' loyalty to one another has been prevalent. It doesn't matter if it's friends living together or a group of gangster/mobster characters; the basis of their relationship is often loyalty, whether the protagonist is dealing with a broken heart or a broken body. It doesn't matter if these relationships are dysfunctional most of the time; what matters is that when needed, these people show up for one another.

It takes time to demonstrate loyalty. The beauty of writing a series is that I have the opportunity to create and show the strength of these relationships through time, as it continues from book to book. Interestingly, real life is not that different, except it runs over years. 

Why do we love the anti-hero? 🔪 (Updated)

Oh, those bad boys and girls! Don't we love them?

There's just something about the rebellion and going against the grain character that we love. Perhaps it is the fact that these characters sometimes do what we wish we could in real life? Is it because we get a small thrill about 'sticking it to the man'? Is there something attractive or sexy about the character that thumbs their nose at the world? What is the draw to this kind of character?

As children, most of us learned that there were 'good' and 'bad' guys in life. The 'good guys' could be trusted. The 'bad guys' should be avoided. It was overly simplified. Bad guys always had mustaches and looked shady, while good guys wore a suit or a 'respectable' uniform (and I don't mean the one from when you flipped burgers in college).

If life teaches us anything, it's that the lines in the sand aren't always so clear. Maybe the religious figure from your youth turned out to be a pedophile, or you witnessed a cop beat the crap out of an innocent citizen. Whatever it was, you may now have a slight aversion to what you once viewed as the 'good guy' and find yourself slightly intrigued by the 'bad guy', therefore making you drawn to characters who don't exactly play by the rules.

Of course, I could be overanalyzing. Maybe we just like watching bombs blowing up everywhere and some devilish character pushing the button. What do you think? Why do you love the antihero (assuming you do)? Maybe the answer might surprise you.

What are my books about? 🤔 (Updated)

One of the most common questions I get asked is what my books are about, and I always struggle to answer. That's because it's difficult to accurately sum up all my books in a few short sentences. But, here goes.

My books tend to be counterculture, dark fiction. I cover controversial topics such as Big Pharma, political corruption, collusion, propaganda, and I'm just getting warmed up! I want to give readers something to think about along with being entertained.

I make a point of having my books move along quickly. Many novels tend to be slow and steady, but I feel like people want to be grabbed by the throat and pulled right into the story. People are used to watching fast-paced television shows with a lot of drama, complex characters, and non-stop action, so in my mind, books must compete. When I'm writing my books, I see them like a television show running in my head, so I write them accordingly. I believe that is where books are going in the future.

My books root for the underdog, the bad guy, or the ostracized. We can't all write about superheroes and superhumans. 

So what do I write about? I like to think I write about cool topics; vampires, rock stars, gangsters, all the sexy areas the top television shows centre on. We love the antihero these days much more than we love the boy next door. We love characters that jump off the page, that are full of passion and excitement. And why should we settle for anything less? 

My books are for people who like to be challenged and love action. I can tell you one thing for sure; I don't write books that your grandmother's going to be reading. 🤭

What's the best order to read my books? 📚 (Updated)

People often ask in what order they should read my books. Although I think most are standalone, I will break things down for those who might be checking them out for the first time. ☺️Here goes....

The Rock Star series:

Fire (2010)
A Spark before the Fire (2012)

The Vampire series:

The Rock Star of Vampires (2014)
Her Name is Mariah (2015)









Different Shades of the Same Color (2016)



The Hernandez series:

We're All Animals (2016)
Always be a Wolf (2017)
The Devil is Smooth Like Honey (2017)
A Devil Named Hernandez (2018)
And the Devil Will Laugh (2018)

The Devil May Lie (2019)

The Devil and His Legacy (2019)

She Was His Angel (2020)

We're All Criminals (2020)

Psychopaths Rule the World (2021)

Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions)  (2021)

You'll notice that Different Shades of the Same Color stands alone. There is a minor connection to my current (Hernandez) series. One of the characters from the Hernandez series was mentioned in a couple of chapters, but that's about it. It's a weird book that doesn't have a place on the list.

I always encourage people to go online to learn about each book, read a chapter and see which one speaks to them. My writing is dark fiction, including graphic sex, violence, and inner conflicts. Oh, and there's some dark comedy in there too. 😉

Why did I start writing? 🤨 (Updated)

One of the most common questions people ask me is why I started writing. After all, I was in college studying business in 2008 when I suddenly dropped out to pursue my dream. It was the road less traveled, and to some, it probably seemed stupid to return to a dead-end job while I wrote my first book but to me, it was what I had to do.

There are a few reasons why writing quickly became my passion.

1.  I wasn't finding the kind of books I wanted to read, so I wrote them. Not to suggest there's nothing out there that I enjoy reading, but it was more to the point that there was just something missing.
2. I wanted people to see another point of view. Let's explore the other side of things. For example, in my first book Fire, I talk about a rock band's rise to fame and the unexpected and negative sides of being famous. In my vampire books, I question whether these mystical creatures of fantasy are actually everyday people who happen have some fascinating strengths. And in my Hernandez series, I show that there are many blurred lines when it comes to the good and bad guys. 
3. I wanted to make people think. Political corruption, collusion, racism, Big Pharma, celebrity, untrustworthy corporations....you will see many topics and issues brought up in my books, even if it's merely a passing comment by a character. My goal is to make people think and look at things from a character's perspective. Nothing is ever black or white.
4. To discover a magical world. Sometimes I'm shocked by what my characters do. I'm always fascinated by where the story will take me, and just like many of my readers, I can't wait to see what they will do next!

And The Devil Will Laugh 😈 (Updated)

The latest book in the Hernandez series! 😈😈😈Check out And The Devil Will Laugh! 

Jorge Hernandez is a driven man. What he sets his mind on Jorge goes after relentlessly and doesn't care if he leaves his adversaries in body bags or lying in pools of blood.

He's ruthless and determined to stake a claim on the Canadian legal marijuana industry. Government operated or privately owned, he and his loyal foot-soldiers will muscle in and tear off a big chunk of it for themselves.

His sinister ambitions aren't limited to the pot business. He's also got dreams of making a splash in the political realm.

Unfortunately, if you're rattling a few cages, some very unsavory characters will take notice.

But Jorge is more than a match for whoever takes him on - whether it be muck-raking journalists or political opponents who want to challenge the candidate he bought and paid for. Those who oppose him quickly learn he makes a formidable enemy.

Politicians, police, or white supremacists, nothing stands in his way because Jorge Hernandez always wins.

The angels may sing in heaven, but here on earth, the devil will laugh. 

Watch Mima talk about this book.

And learn about some of the topics brought up in this book.

The Series that Wasn't Meant to be a Series 🤭 (Updated)

When I published the book We're All Animals in 2016, I didn't anticipate that it would turn into a series. Now, over 10 books later, it's taken on a life of its own. Check out the first few books in the series, and click HERE for the entire list!

It started with a broken heart, and it took no time for Chase Jacobs' world to spin out of control. An unwanted pregnancy allows his mother and obsessive future bride to manipulate and control his life, turning him bitter and resentful. His destiny becomes a dark road to misery and whenever he tries to take the wheel, temptation only leads him further astray.

When a provocative and sinister side of life introduces itself, Chase discovers an animal is lurking inside each of us: a powerful creature that wants to take over. But will he let it win?

Check out the YouTube video here.

The second book in the series is Always be a Wolf, published in April 2017. 

In the gripping sequel to We're All Animals, Chase Jacobs moves to Toronto with his Colombian bosses, Diego, and Jolene Silva, where they expand their elite sex party business. The underground's best-kept secret is going legit, but just as Chase starts a brand new life, tragedy strikes.

The heartbreaking lessons ahead of him are the most difficult he's ever had to face, and Chase must rely on his new family to help him through. But will his blind faith in Diego and Jolene prove to be a mistake, and has he underestimated just how far they are willing to go to prove their loyalty?

He learns there are times when passion and anger cause you to throw away the rule book even in the face of deadly consequences. He learns that words have a great deal of power but not as much power as silence. But most of all, Chase learns that in a world full of sheep, one should always be a wolf.

Check out the YouTube video here.

The third book in this series was published in the fall of 2017 and is called The Devil is Smooth like Honey. 

El narco. A monster. Un diablo. Jorge Hernandez had been called many things, and it always made him laugh. If there was one word that could be used to describe him, it would be untouchable. Corrupt politicians combined with his charming disposition had contributed to Jorge’s success, but it was often the underlying threats behind his handsome smile that sealed the deal. He was unstoppable.

In Paige Noël, he had met his match. She was a woman as dangerous and sadistic as she was soft and gentle. The last thing he expected was to propose after an explosive first meeting, but the intense fire between them was as addictive as the thrill of violence and power.

When some of his personal enemies turn up dead, Jorge shuffles his daughter into a Canadian school, deciding that things are getting a little too hot in Mexico; but does life ever slow down in this dark underground world?

The devil is smooth like honey, but is heaven ever far away?

Check out the CBC interview here.

Check out the YouTube video here.


The fourth book is A Devil Named Hernandez


In the thrilling sequel to The Devil Is Smooth like Honey, Jorge Hernandez is muscling in on the Canadian marijuana industry, unleashing the same savagery that made him a big player in the Mexican drug cartel. Whether it's controlling politicians and government officials or using intimidation and violence to get what he wants, few people dare stand in his way. Although he takes on his enemies with deceptive ease, it only takes a single threat to his family to bring out the demon inside of him. Fueled by blinding rage, he attacks with relentless brutality, showing no remorse and offering no mercy. In a world tainted by racism, corruption, and greed, he proves once again there is a devil, and his name is Jorge Hernandez.


In this eye-opening look into the life of the silver-tongued Mexican fox, you find yourself rooting for society's underbelly, as sex, drugs, and death intermix with family, love, and friendship (Amazon review).


Check out the CBC interview here

To learn more about my writing, please go to www.mimaonfire.com or check out my YouTube channel!