Why do you have to be as much a marketer as a writer? ✍️ (updated!)

If you're about to publish your first book, it's time to sharpen those marketing skills! Let people know about your book, what it's about and most important of all, why they should read it.

1. Make your front cover pop! Realistically, marketing begins with the cover. Make it eye-catching. If it grabs the reader, they're more likely to investigate further and see what the book is about, which brings me to...
2. Create a back cover teaser. Your job is to make potential readers want more! Choose spicy words and descriptions to captivate them. Authors often find this tricky. How do you sum up your book in a few words, create intrigue without telling too much? 
3. Send out a press release with a cover photo. Start with your local media, smaller newspapers, free newspapers, radio, and television stations. Send it everywhere! Not everyone will open your email, but you never know who will or if your cover will catch their eye. 
4. Change your signature at the bottom of your emails. This allows anyone you send an email to know that you're an author, the title of your book, and even add an image of the cover if you can.
5. Post on social media. This is one of the best tools in your toolbox. Social media is FREE and a great way to let people know about your new book. Be creative. Present the cover, share reviews, events, and news with your readers and friends. Have a page or account dedicated to your writing life so people can find you and learn about your book.
6. Videos are nice. Not everyone is crazy about recording videos, but I find it helps to let people learn about you, your books, and it's another way to capture attention. It also allows you to discuss your books while increasing your confidence and make you more comfortable talking about your writing in interviews and events. 
7. Ads are doable but expensive - so look for deals. You can pay next to nothing for ads, or you can pay through the nose. Be careful who you're dealing with too. There are a lot of scammy, suspicious people out there. I receive an email from sketchy companies attempting to sell me marketing packages every week. 
8. Bookmarks are the best! I have bookmarks made with all my covers on them and where to find me online. Remember, bookmarks travel, can be shared, and are just fun to give out. 

Of course, there are many other things you can do to get your book out there. Traditionally, many authors have book signings or book launches, while some might choose to speak at their local library. 

Remember that marketing is a big part of selling your book. It doesn't matter if you're the most famous author in the world or an indie author of your first book, this is an essential part of the process. If you aren't sure, research online, see what other authors are doing and check out books on the subject. Good luck! 

How do you write books so fast? 🙀(updated)

One of the most common questions I get asked is how I write my books so fast. I've been fortunate enough to average a couple of books a year for the last 2-3 years, but now that I'm working more frequently, this might change in the future. Of course, the fact that I'm currently writing a series helps too. This makes it easier to pick up where I left off, rather than creating a whole new group of characters and storylines.

I work full-time plus have a casual job, so I must plan my time carefully. Depending on my work schedule or what I have to do, I organize everything accordingly. I get up early to write (6 a.m) on my days off or when I have later shifts. Other tasks like recording videos, writing blogs, and social media have to be planned around everything as well; it's not easy, but I manage to make it happen.

I write one chapter per day. I try to avoid stopping halfway through because it's hard to get back into the same headspace if I walk away and return later. Editing takes longer and is much harder to schedule because some chapters are easier to get through than others, and of course, there are many rounds of editing before I can upload my book to the publisher. Meanwhile, when I'm finishing a book, I also have to start thinking about what I want for the back cover synopsis and, of course, the front cover image. Both involve marketing as much as creativity, so there are a lot of factors to consider. 

It's essentially up to me how much time I want to dedicate to my writing, and therefore, it's also up to me to make the best of the time I have each day. It's really about organizing your time in advance and being self-motivated. 

Do writers need a high word count per day? 💻 (updated)

I often notice authors commenting on their word count per day, and there seems to be a certain amount of self-imposed stress to meet specific targets. But should they be worried at all?

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Word count has never been a concern to me, other than whether or not I had a reasonable amount of words when I finished a book. It's not something I think about each time I sit down to write, and I certainly don't check my word count per day - ever.

I do think we all need a way to measure ourselves when it comes to a successful day. I like to write a chapter with each sitting (note I said 'sitting' not per day. I firmly believe that it's best to do in one shot to keep momentum or train of thought) and with that, I'm happy. I don't feel like a failure if I don't reach a certain amount of words, and in my opinion, neither should you..

The problem is that if you set your sights on a specific amount of words per day, what could end up happening is it can become your focus more than the actual writing itself. It also might end up being too wordy, and you'll have to edit a bunch out later on. Also, a lot of words don't necessarily mean it's going to be pure gold. 

The bottom line is that I don't like to see any writer put stress on themselves to meet some crazy target because it actually can make writing feel more like work than a project that they love. And if that's the case, what's the point?

Why words matter 🗣(Updated)

If you've ever been in an argument or had a misunderstanding with another person, chances are you're already aware of why words matter. We often find ourselves in situations where words should be picked carefully, especially when there's a risk of being misinterpreted.

Not to suggest that we're already great when picking our words. If you're like me, during particularly rushed or stressful times, an entire sentence can fly out of my mouth and not make any sense at all. It happens. We're human.

So, how important are words in writing?

When I create a scene, a conversation, or show what characters are doing, I am careful about picking words that establish the mood. For example, in And the Devil Will Laugh, I had help preparing the back cover because I wanted to be sure that I chose the best words that summed up my book. I wanted to show the intensity, the fierceness of the characters, and create a sense of what to expect.

...he and his loyal foot soldiers will muscle in and tear off a big chunk of it for themselves. 

This creates a pretty strong impression of the kind of characters in my book. If I had chosen instead to say that Jorge planned to 'move in and with the help of his associates, would take over,' it simply wouldn't have the same impact.

Also, keep in mind that each character has a unique dialogue. For example, Jorge Hernandez, the protagonist in my last few books, is known for often saying, "I don't got time." When he says this, it's usually a sign he's aggravated and is about 5 seconds from rushing out the door, and he wants a situation resolved now. Each of my characters has unique dialogue patterns and expressions.

With dialogue, it's also important to remember that it can vary according to a character's education, age, ethnicity, experiences, and even attitudes.

Words do matter. Pick yours carefully.

Start your book with a bang! The importance of chapter one 🤩(Updated)

Chapter one is your chance to grab readers by the throat and make them want more!

We see it all the time in television show pilots. It's up to that original episode to captivate its audience and make them come back for another week. Something has to shake things up to create an interest with the viewer, and books are no different. 

So what do people want to see? It depends. Some people are drawn in by action, adventure, drama, violence, and sex. Others might be intrigued by characters, unexpected events, or perhaps the protagonist is going through something that connects with the audience. The main point is that the start of anything, whether it be a movie, book, or television show, must make the reader or viewer want more.

I always say that chapter one should start in the middle of something relevant to the rest of the story. And the Devil Will Laugh begins with the protagonist and his associate are visiting the (soon to be) editor of a newspaper. Their goal is to sway him to write articles in favor of himself and the political candidate he is backing. Meanwhile across town, the protagonist's wife is murdering the current editor, who didn't go with his wishes. This ties in with the rest of the book because violence and media manipulation are a huge part of the story. Also, this is in the middle of an action. I didn't start chapter one with the characters discussing their plan to bully the media or the protagonist having breakfast before leaving the house. I jump right into the action.  

Catching a reader's attention is very important. With so many other books, the Internet, and of course, Netflix as ways to be entertained, readers can easily pass up on your novel and move on to something else. Instead, give them a reason to not put your book down.

How Do I Start my Book? 📚 (Updated)

I will admit that there is a lot of time and effort involved in writing a book. However once broken down into small, manageable tasks, it isn't so bad. Of course, it also has to be something you enjoy, or you'll be stuck with writer's block, find excuses not to work on it, or probably toss it aside altogether.

So let's begin!

Your tenth-grade creative writing teacher probably told you to outline everything before you start writing, but I disagree. For me, this would never work. There has to be a certain amount of spontaneity involved to keep things fresh and exciting. If you can easily plot out the chapters and figure out the ending before getting past chapter one, chances are your reader will too. Remember, readers are very savvy and automatically try to figure things out as soon as they pick up a book. If you have no idea what's going to happen until you're typing it, chances are they will be just as surprised.

Not to say you shouldn't jot down ideas, but I wouldn't bother organizing right away. You can picture specific scenes, conversations, events and know they will fit in somewhere; you don't have to know just where yet. You should follow the natural flow of the story and consider the characters. How will each action affect them? What is their unique path or struggle? How does it fit in with the rest of the story?

Of course, I'm talking about fiction, but what about non-fiction? Are the rules the same?

I'd probably have an outline for something that falls under the non-fiction category but with room to breathe. You want to see how the book flows and which angle it takes. Make sure it is factual, and be ready to list any sources you might be using. Remember, you don't want to get sued.

Regardless of what you write, the first draft should be fun. Editing is another story. Let's not go there today. ☺️

Switch away from the protagonist?? Don't mind if I do! 😃 (Updated)

There's a little something I like doing at least once in most of my books. I like switching away from the protagonist. So essentially, I have another secondary character take over the story for one chapter, usually around the middle of the book, to give the reader another perspective. It also allows me to shake things up a bit. It adds another layer to the book.

The beauty of it is that you can have a better overall view of the protagonist. For example, if your protagonist has a specific point of view about themselves, you might swing around to another character who draws a different picture. It gives the reader food for thought. Maybe the impression that the protagonist has given isn't accurate. Then again, it might change your opinion of the secondary character as well, since you will be seeing them up close and personal.

I do this with almost every one of my books and find that it gives me a different perspective. Sometimes the only way to understand where a secondary character is coming from is to climb inside of their mind. It's fascinating.

It's all about energy! ⚡️ (Updated)

How important is the balance of energy between characters in a book?

Some characters have a high energy level, and others are more low energy. The key is to have the right mix to balance everything out. 

Some characters have a high energy level, and others are more low energy. The key is to have the right mix to balance everything out. I learned this lesson after writing my first book, Fire, in 2009. The story was about a rock band in the 90s, and I immediately recognized the power difference between characters. The protagonist Tarah appeared to be alone against two other band members. A fourth band member wouldn't get involved in the dispute. In comes a fifth character that automatically jumps on Tarah's side and causes a more even playing field within the book. With this, the energy level changed for the protagonist. She had more power, which enhanced her character and the feel of the book. 

Another example would be the couple in my Hernandez series. Married couple Jorge and Paige Hernandez are very similar in some ways, yet vastly different in others. Personality-wise, they are worlds apart. Jorge is loud, blunt, abrupt, and aggressive. Paige is quiet, soft, calm, and fair. The two balance each other out in many ways, which work in their various scenes together.

When you think about it, real life isn't so different. There is always an energy dynamic.

Passion and Writing 😍 (Updated)

Why are we drawn to explosive arguments, passionate scenes, and violence in books and on the big screen? Why do we love a bar fight or a good old bitch slap on our favorite series? What is it about passion in books and on the screen that excites an audience?

We love it because it's in our nature. Something is exciting about people who are passionate about love or anger. We love a character that isn't afraid to show their emotions. This is because we're often encouraged to hide our feelings, especially those that make other people uncomfortable. So watching others express themselves gives us a bit of satisfaction.

Human nature is fascinating. As much as we hate it when a fight breaks out in the middle of a wedding or during a family event, don't we also kind of move a little closer to the action? It's because we get a little jolt of energy watching people when they show such intense emotions. Why do you think dramas and thrillers are such popular genres?

A great example would be watching a hockey game, and your team is losing. You're kind of discouraged, and suddenly, a fight breaks out! Someone on your team is giving it to an opponent; doesn't this pique your interest? This is because even though your team is losing the game, at least you see that they are passionate about it. And there's something about it that makes you feel a little bit better. 

BOO!! Let's talk about Ghostwriters! 👻 (Updated)

At one time, I thought a ghostwriter was someone assisting a less experienced person in authoring a book. For example, maybe a celebrity or public figure wanted to write an autobiography and needed help putting it together. Of course, I also didn't give the topic a lot of thought one way or another. It was no big deal.

And then - get this - I spoke to someone who told me that it was common for famous writers to have someone else do the work. He specified romance novelists, but I got the impression that it didn't start and stop there. I believe some pretty famous authors also use ghostwriters.

Why do I care?

Well, like most of us, I don't respect anyone who allows another person to do the work and then take the credit themselves. That's not cool. Furthermore, if I buy your book, I want YOUR book. I don't want a book with your smiling face on the back cover and someone else's words on the pages. Isn't that kind of like buying a knockoff purse? Sure, it might say Louis Vuitton bag, but if you paid $20 to a guy selling purses in the back of his van, you're purchasing a counterfeit purse. Except, of course, ghostwriting is legal. Also, you're going to pay the same price for the book authored by the ghostwriter as you would if you bought the same book authored by...well, the person it's supposed to be authored by in the first place.

Some argue that writers run out of ideas, don't have the time to write, etc, and I have to tell you, I have no compassion. I work and squeeze in writing, social media, and all marketing for my book in my spare time, so you aren't going to get any sympathy here. Furthermore, when did an author's name merely become a trademark rather than something that represents integrity?

And what about the ghostwriters? I realize they're getting paid, but if they write a best-selling book with someone else's name on it, why aren't they also getting the credit? I sincerely doubt the super famous author will publicly acknowledge that someone else did the work for them, nor give them credit for their 'brand' becoming more successful as a result. However, I could be wrong. And hey, maybe I don't fully understand the situation. Maybe there's more to it than I know. 

What do you think? How do you feel about ghostwriters? Does it matter? Would you feel differently about your favorite writer if you learned that they had someone else write their books?

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.

The Curse of Chapter Two! ✌🏼(Updated)

For some reason, I often have issues writing chapter two. I guess it's because there is so much drama in chapter one that it seems to kind of fall flat in comparison. Also, I'm responsible for setting up the story and introducing the characters in the first couple of chapters, and in the second chapter, I have to find a way to finish pulling it all together. 

At least, that's what I try to tell myself.

In honesty, since recording this specific YouTube video talking about the issue, I've been going out of my way to make chapter two as dynamic as the first chapter. But for some reason, I still find it hard to get on track, very much in the same way as I have difficulty getting on track before my first cup of coffee. Or maybe my second cup of coffee. It's just an awkward chapter for me, but maybe it's a personal thing. 

Is there a curse of chapter two? Maybe it's simply just a challenge. 

What do I learn from characters? 🤨 (Updated)

What do we learn from characters, and how does this connect with our own lives? Do I always agree with my character's decisions? Why is it important to follow along on their journey with no judgment?

Characters can teach us a lot about life. As with life, sometimes you have to let go of the wheel and let the characters take over and see where it takes you. In everyday life, it's usually a lot easier if we do the same. Not to say that you should be lying around on your couch waiting for an opportunity to come to the door, but sometimes it is better to be less controlling about your day. We often have a 'to do' list that is unreasonably long and then get discouraged when we can't check everything off. To a degree, you could say the same about characters and plots. You can't force them ahead but let them move at their speed. 

Having said that, my books tend to move very fast. Of course, they don't always go in the direction I expect. But if a character surprises me, that means that my reader will most likely be surprised too. And isn't that we all kind of want?

Characters, Characters, Characters! Why we love Awesome Characters! 😇😈 (Updated)

Is there a character that you love? It doesn't matter if it's on television or in your favorite book; is there someone that stands out and is exciting to read about or watch? Why is character development so important??

If there's one thing that stands out to me in a great book or television show, it is specific characters. In my mind, these personalities (or lack thereof...) can make or break a show. You can have awesome plot twists and terrific writing, but if you don't have characters that people connect with, it things can fall flat.

We like variety, diverse and dynamic characters. As I've said before, we love personalities that jump off the page because they seem realistic and charismatic. They're the people you want to learn more about with every chapter or, in the case of a television show, each episode.

Characters should grow, especially in a series. Just like everyday people, it seems a bit unusual to not see growth or, at the very least, a change in opinion over time. As you learn about the characters, they're often learning about themselves. Even more interestingly, the characters you're drawn to might also be telling you something about yourself.

It's All About Perception 🤔 (Updated)

We all have our unique perceptions. Two people can look at the same picture, watch a movie or read a book and interpret it differently and that's ok. We all judge things according to our individual experiences and opinions. For example, someone who's had a violent past may cringe if watching a movie filled with bloodshed, while someone else might love the same film.

For that reason, I don't think authors should be offended when people don't like their writing. It doesn't matter if you're a bestseller or a new author, there will be people who connect with your work and others who aren't interested. It depends on your topic choice, your writing style, and what captures the reader. And that's ok. You don't have to be for everyone.

It's just a matter of perception.

I've also had people read my books and interpret them very differently than how I had intended. I've had readers miss crucial points and others who didn't like certain characters. Of course, on the flip side, I've had readers that understood and connected with the plot, noticed things that even I had overlooked, and had a fascination with specific characters.

Unfortunately, many writers spend too much time focusing on the negative and unpleasant rather than the positive. I guess that's human nature. We zero in on the criticisms, and to a point, that's a good thing because it's sometimes a learning curve or a lesson for us. Other times it's irrelevant and not something we should spend any time overthinking.

Why Editing Almost Made me Quit Writing 😩 (Updated)

Most writers go through a phase where they want to quit writing. There are numerous reasons they are discouraged, especially when you are first starting. For me, editing was the fly in my ointment. 

With my first book, I hired a professional editor. I paid a lot of money to have my work fine-tuned and, I thought, perfected. How did that work out? 

I had readers complain about the errors and grammar. 

With my second book, rather than hire a professional editor, I had a few people with a good eye for grammar to edit my manuscript. One of these people complained that my first book had many 'distracting' errors, so I thought this would be the perfect person to help. How did that go?

People complained about the errors and grammar.

By this point, I wanted to quit writing. I tried the two logical ways to resolve this issue only to get shit on regardless, so I was hesitant to try again.

Did I mention that my most vocal critics were other writers?

At any rate, I feel I've since worked out the kinks. I decided not to let these criticisms hold me back from doing what I love. It's been a learning curve, and 16 books later, I think I have a grasp on things. 

Here are a few suggestions for other writers who struggle with editing:

1. Check grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. I recommend using something like Grammarly, and I've also used Polishmywriting.com. Sometimes these sites catch things you might miss. 
2. Check for any unnecessary words. For example, I tend to overuse the word 'just'. So I go through my manuscript to see when I can delete it. There are many other words like 'really', and I think 'always' is another. I would do a Google search to see what other overused or unnecessary words you can cut out. 
3. Do things make sense? Do your character's reaction fit their personality? Is that a normal reaction? I once read a well-known book where a character couldn't perform an important task due to illness and had her (clearly) less mature and inexperienced friend take it on. Who does that? Most people would either look for a better alternative or drag themselves from their deathbed. 
4. Do things line up? Did your character schedule a party for next week, and suddenly it's taking place a month later? Did she leave the house wearing a red dress and come home to remove a black one? Is she blonde in chapter one and suddenly a brunette in chapter two? These errors are easy to make, especially when you have a lot going on in your manuscript and many characters.
5. Not only do you need to worry about typos for words, but what about people, places, etc.? Your character may live in 'Lonemon apartment buildings' in chapter three, then 'Lomemon apartment buildings' in chapter twenty. It's easy to make this kind of mistake. I have a 'Maria' in my books but have checked through the final manuscript for 'Marie' just in case. It's easy to miss this sort of error; and even easier to do so when typing fast.
6. It doesn't hurt to fact-check if you aren't 100% sure of something. I have some Spanish in my books, so I often research to confirm that I have the correct spelling and meaning. Sometimes I will check other things I'm iffy on; for example, is it 'toe the line' or 'tow the line' 
7. Always have help. If you can't afford a super expensive editor, find some reliable friends and family members with a good eye. They may catch things you've missed along the way. 
8. You're not perfect, and chances are, some errors will still slip through. Don't hate yourself for it, and certainly don't quit writing if it's your passion. No one is perfect. Not even other writers (or your critics)

Do we judge people by what they read? 👩🏼‍⚖️ (Updated)

Let's be fair. We all judge others. Whether it be other people's life choices, taste in music, or clothing, we all judge from time to time. It's none of our business, but it doesn't stop us from occasionally turning up our noses when noting other people's decisions. 

Books, as it turns out, are no different. This was something I discovered while in my 20s when a date dropped by my apartment to see a book lying around and immediately mocked me for reading fiction. I wonder what he would think if he knew I now wrote it. He immediately turned his elitist nose up, attempting to shame my decision to enjoy a VC Andrews book because it was merely 'fluff'. He didn't make my Christmas card list that year. 

The point is that some people judge others by what they read, and I'm sure, also by what they write. I've had people giggle that I wrote a couple of vampire books but sit up a bit straighter when I describe my recent series of blood-thirsty gangsters. I guess criminals and murder are taken more seriously than vampires. 

When I put the question out (with this original YouTube video 👇🏼) whether people judged what others read, I got a very candid yes in reply. What do you think? 

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!

How do I get ideas for my books? 💭 (Updated)

I cover a lot of topics in my books. It's never just one specific area that I focus on, but you can find a whole assortment of thoughts, ideas, struggles, and conversations that contribute to each novel. Sometimes within one chapter. 😄

People often ask me where I get these ideas. It's kind of a complicated question to answer. I find inspiration from different areas, including everyday life, what I see on the news, documentaries, books, and even comments people have made at some point in my life. There is a whole swirl of crazy activity in my brain, and I'm never quite sure how it will land on the page but somehow it always comes together.

I guess it's what stands out to me. If a topic or comment is grabbing my attention, I will work with it. If something is on my mind, it might land on the pages of a book. It's usually not based on my life, but more likely something I've noticed. 

Plots come to me all the time. Usually when I'm working out (especially when listening to music) is when I get my strongest ideas. I will often visualize a scene and rush to jot down notes. It may not make sense at the time, but it will when I sit down to write it.

Speaking of characters, they take the wheel when it comes to storylines. Each has its district personalities, experiences, and issues that float to the surface, which is something else you must always keep in mind. After all, where would we be without characters?

It can be a magical experience.

How music has become my co-writer 🎼 (Updated)

I often talk about how each of my books has a 'soundtrack' that inspired me during the writing process. These aren't songs that I select but more like the other way around. I often wonder why specific music grabs me during the writing process and won't let go until the book is finished. Not that I don't like or listen to these songs after that point, but they are no longer in the forefront of my mind.

It started with my first book, Fire. Of course, it made sense since that music was prevalent since the book was about the music industry. However, this pattern continued. One example is with We're All Animals. While writing this book, I couldn't get Pink Floyd's music out of my head. The funny part was that I hadn't been a big fan until that point. Suddenly, I was listening to their music non-stop. It was a powerful force while writing the first book in the Hernandez series. 

It's actually to the point where hearing certain songs will automatically make me think of the chapter in one of my books that it inspired. I guess it's no different than how most people connect certain music to periods of their lives, memorable moments, or an emotion. Except, of course, those are real things and not made-up people in a story. 😊

The fascinating thing about the process is that the topic of a song is often different from the scene I see in my imagination. For example, a song could sound very seductive but inspire a murder scene in my book or....well, vice versa. 🙄 It happens. There's something about certain songs that has the power to pull a story from a dark place in my mind. I'm not sure what causes it, but it works for me.