The official blog is associated with www.mimaonfire.com. Author of 18 books including the Hernandez series 🔪
Loyalty Above All
There are no exceptions.
☠️#counterculture #villains #darkhumor #bloodthirsty #antihero #criminals #fiction #Hernandezseries #Canadianfiction #darkfiction #politicalthriller #Amazonbooks #Kindle #booksworthreading
Who rules the world? In the Hernandez series, it's Jorge Hernandez, bitch...
The former cartel king slowly eases his way into business, politics, and even the media.
When I started the series, I had no idea how close my fictional account was to the truth. I didn't realize at the time just how many things are run from behind the scenes. It would be naive to think that world leaders are making decisions without powerful people pulling the puppet strings. It would be equally naive to believe that the media isn't influenced, especially in light of the last few years.
For many, writing fiction is about falling into a gentle fantasy world, but for me, it's instinctual, and sometimes....often, it turns out to be reality.
It sounds like a tongue twister when you say it fast enough. A writer must write every day. When I hear those words, I wonder if it's merely another one of those things we're told we should do by people who make very blanket statements without consideration for the lifestyle of the writer or, perhaps, even proof that it makes a difference.
Now, before someone jumps down my fucking throat, I'm going to start by saying that I'm not a crazy successful writer. I don't pretend to be an expert about anything, but I've gone through phases where I wrote every day, and I've gone through phases where I didn't. I honestly saw little in the way of a difference.
Of course, having always been a writer on the side, it simply wasn't always an option. It depends a great deal on my schedule and inclination. I don't like hard and fast rules that shame those who can't follow them. Being told to write every day sits on the same unstable shelf as the one that insists you stress over your daily word count. And you don't want to get me started on that one.
I've written 18 books and (what feels like) a million blogs and I can guarantee that I never check my word count, and I don't write every day. I don't believe the creative process works very well when a writer feels pressured to perform. I also don't think it means that the work you do will necessarily be stellar if the focus is more on fixating on following this suggestion.
Chances are good that both these rules were started by a writing school teacher when there was far less on the average person's daily agenda. The world moves fast, and a part of being a writer is observing what is going on around you, something that, as it happens, does require time.
If I had to come up with my own rules for writers, it would be to open your eyes and pay attention to what is happening in the world. Are you getting a sense of how people feel? What are you hearing a lot? What's standing out to you? What are the books you're currently reading missing?
Of course, you shouldn't take five years to complete the first draft of your manuscript either. Unless you're writing a very in-depth research book, obviously, that's a different can of worms. But there has to be some reasonable middle ground. Be logical, and don't listen to the so-called experts.
You're the expert on you. If you have issues being self-motivated, maybe you have to write every day. If you have a million other things going on and can't get your head into it, don't be too hard on yourself. Maybe it's simply time to process. Unless you nurture your soul, you have nothing to give.
Shortly after publishing my first book in 2010, I had a friend who agreed to write a review, provided I gave her a free copy. To this, I was happy to oblige. At the time, I was just excited that anyone was interested in reading my book!
She later got back to me, stating she would write a review. When I asked her what she thought, she said, "I liked what I read."
Say what?
As it turns out, she didn't normally read fiction. As a favor to me, she kindly read, like, half the book.
If you're a fiction author, this is the part where you roll your eyes. I know. I did the same. I asked her why she didn't bother to read the whole book since I gifted it to her. I found it a little offensive.
As it turned out, she was offended because she had gone out of her way to read half the book. After all, she was a non-fiction girl and didn't lower herself to the silly, fiction world.
The funny part is that this book snob didn't understand that she enters a fictitious world whenever she turns on a movie or watches a television show. A story is a story. I'm sure it has more prestige if it's under the shiny lights of Hollywood, but it all started with a writer's creative side. It came from someone's imagination, with characters formed out of nothing.
It's been another great year. Stick around till the end to learn about how you can get your FREE ebook for Everybody Wants to Rule the World, but first what is my NEW book about??
A former Mexican narco transitions into Canadian life with family, politics, and business while holding tight to his ruthless, criminal ways. Meet Jorge Hernandez. 🇲🇽
Back cover synopsis:
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 ‘behaviour 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?
Just a short newsletter this month! I've been taking a break from making videos and writing blogs, but will have some new material soon. I do have a new post to share with you:
People often ask me why I bother to write books when no one reads anymore. For most writers, this question is a bit disheartening. After you've put so much time, effort, research, and thought into your book, you'd like to believe that someone appreciates your writing and finds it entertaining. But is that the case? Does anyone read anymore?
I grew up in a time when the internet wasn't a thing. I lived in a rural area, so cable television wasn't accessible. Along with that fact, my mother was a reader, and so was my best friend. We would excitedly run to the bookmobile as children, excited about all the possibilities. It's a world that kids would hate today, in a time when everyone has a device and watch programs on demand. Perhaps my childhood laid the foundation. Is it likely that if you don't become a reader while you're still young, you probably never will?
The beauty of a book (as opposed to watching a movie or show) is that you can fill in the blanks with your imagination. As a reader, you can take part. The handsome stranger can look however you want. The beautiful house can look how you want. You can crawl into the mind and heart of the protagonist in a way that you simply can't when watching them on a screen. There's a connection that you can't capture in the same way.
Could a former cartel boss run the government? Has it ever happened behind the scenes? And let's take this another step further; could a bloodthirsty criminal lead a country if people weren't aware of his dark side?
Most people will say no to all these questions. White-collar criminals might be another story. Politicians turned criminals is also a possibility, but most people would disagree that someone who has threatened and murdered his way to the top could potentially run the show: either from behind the scenes or at the top of the pile, as the actual president or prime minister of a country.
But then again, is it impossible?
In my Hernandez series, former cartel boss Jorge Hernandez heavily influences the government from behind the scenes while secretly wondering if he could be more productive as his country's leader. After smoothly slipping through life without getting caught, it's obvious why Hernandez automatically assumes that the other shoe will never drop, but would he be bold enough to run for prime minister of Canada?
If you research Mexican or Colombian cartels, you'll quickly realize that it's not a stretch. These powerful and savvy criminals have a lot of influence on the government and the police, but is that something that could only happen in other countries? Could it happen in Canada? The US? And I guess the more important question is, has it ever happened?
I think part of the answer lies in how you define a criminal. And even more so, where the grey area starts and where it ends.
Someone once asked me if the goal for my YouTube channel was to become a YouTube star. This question made me laugh since my subscribers and views are borderline pathetic. Even with 200 short videos, my channel never caught on fire, but I don't worry about this since it was never my goal in the first place.
So, what was my goal when I recorded that first video (since deleted) a few years ago? It was simply to get through the recording without passing out. After all, when you don't breathe for a few minutes while in a state of panic, sometimes it doesn't end well. I was terrified. Now, I could pull it off with little issue, but with experience, my confidence has grown, which was a bonus.
Now, my goal with both my YouTube and Rumble videos is to tell people about my books, answer frequently asked questions (about my Hernandez series and writing in general), and address topics that I know concern new writers. Of course, I would love to get as many eyes on my videos as possible because this is another avenue that could create attention for my books. However, a successful channel isn't my main goal.
How can you help? Check out some of my videos on either channel, share them on social media or with friends you think may be interested, and subscribe! Thank you in advance!
I need your help (and tips on how to help other authors) Blog YouTube Rumble
Thank you for all your support! See you in 2023 😘
🇨🇦Canadian author Mima (aka Michelle M. Arsenault) is known for complicated and diverse characters, dark style, and never shying away from controversial topics.
Today's blog is just a short one. I'm looking for ideas on how to get more eyes on my books and also how I can help other authors.
Now, first of all, I don't have a great deal of time. I work full-time plus write, but I do everything I can to get my books out there. I've created videos, and blogs, I'm on social media, (I will post all links at the end of this blog) and I do my best to connect with potential readers. The truth is that it's hard. It's hard to find readers when you have a niche genre that doesn't smoothly fit into a category. Also, not having a multi-million dollar publisher behind me leaves me with other challenges, but let's face it, most writers out there are in the same boat as me. Whether you are traditionally published or self-published, unless you're a best-seller that's a household name, chances are you're not making your entire income on selling books.
I want to increase attention to my books, but I want to do the same for other writers. There has to be a simple way to support each other that doesn't take much time. What about committing to sharing 5 book posts (other authors, obviously 😊) on Twitter every day? On Facebook? Are there any other ideas? I'm all ears!
Canadian author Mima (aka Michelle M. Arsenault) is known for complicated and diverse characters, dark style, and never shying away from controversial topics.
One of my biggest struggles as an independent author is not only creating an audience but finding a way to let people know that I'm out there at all. Over the years, I've tried new ways to do so, whether it be to branch out to different social media platforms, create bookmarks, contact the media, and libraries, and even create this newsletter you're now reading. Unfortunately, it often feels like an uphill struggle. If you would like to help, share a post, follow me online, like, share, subscribe, or even ask your local library to order some of my books! Everything is a help. Here are some of my social media links where you can find me:
Speaking of House of Hernandez, have you checked out the first chapter yet? 🎃.
Finally, check out the latest blogs and videos! Would you believe I still have a few more waiting to be posted? Due to a power outage after Hurricane Fiona, I've fallen a bit behind, but I hope to post more in October!
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?
Check out my latest writing blog - Start in one place and end up in another 😯
I also had some time to work on my personal blog again. I hope to get around to writing more posts in the near future. Here's what I got so far.
And of course, I have to mention the September Book Birthday🥳 The Devil is Smooth Like Honey was published on September 11, 2017.
That's about it for this month! To keep up to date, check out the following links:
Canadian author Mima (aka Michelle M. Arsenault) is known for complicated and diverse characters, dark style, and never shying away from controversial topics.
