Let's talk about my YouTube channel 📺(Updated)

In a world of glitzy, glamorous, and finely-crafted YouTube channels, mine is a bit of a clunker in comparison. But that's ok.

When I started making YouTube videos, it simply was to tell people about my books. I wanted to keep it straightforward, not get into anything fancy but use my channel as a way to connect with others. It allowed me to reach people from across the world and show them the person behind the books. The idea of editing, creating an intro, considering lighting, etc wasn't my biggest concern.

Now, I'm close to 200 videos in, and all these things still aren't important to me. What is important is showing people the real me. I speak honestly about my writing and giving viewers some information. I have considered putting more work into the channel but at the end of the day, it should be more about my writing than becoming a YouTube star. Not that I'm saying anything negative about those who make the extra effort, quite the contrary, but for me, my focus isn't the number of views and subscribers (which is good because I don't have a lot 🤣) but simply putting the information out there for those who are interested.

I enjoy doing these videos and having the opportunity to talk about my writing. I'm very fortunate to live in a time where all this is possible. 😃

Why I write books at the same pace as a tv show 🙀🔪📺(Updated)

If you pick up a book published 100 years ago, you'll immediately see a noticeable difference from a modern novel you'll read today. Perhaps it's the elaborate descriptions that were more important in a time when people had time to relax with a book and slip into a magical world. Remember this was before television, the internet, and Netflix, so people didn't have as many options for entertainment. Therefore, they appreciated these details.

Not to say that descriptions are no longer important, but today, people don't have time and want to dive right into the story. Also, readers want to participate in the process more than ever before. What I mean by that is that they like to imagine what that hot guy looks like rather than the mentally exhausting process of etching out his face according to your five-paragraph description. I'm exaggerating a bit but, if you're an avid reader, I know you've stumbled on this at some time. If a reader is overthinking something from my book, I prefer it be the plot, the crucial points or concept brought up by characters and not the specific, exact details of someone's face, the room they just walked into, or the garden behind their house. For example, when I refer to a luxurious hotel suite, I think most people have a pretty good idea of what that entails. I don't need to give too many specific details. 

It's hardly a secret that people have short attention spans. I was thinking about this article and had my attention diverted about seven times, so I'm hardly the exception to the rule. Rather than diving into this blog, I  thought about the television show I watched last night, conversations I had yesterday, and what I anticipated to happen later today.

In other words, readers appreciate a fast-paced book. It keeps them turning the pages. As a writer, it keeps me wanting to continue writing them too. I get bored if things aren't moving quickly, so I think that is a sign that my readers would too. Not to mention, that I see each book like a movie or television episode playing in my head. The trick is to keep caught up with my characters. Those bastards move fast! 😂

Are you more of a Chase Jacobs or Jorge Hernandez? 😇😈(Updated)

Are you fiery, powerful, and charming, or are salt of the earth, someone who tries to do the right thing and is dependable? Although characters, just like people, are often complex and unpredictable, they tend to have some predominant traits that outshine even during the darkest of days. In the end, we can't change who we are; or can we?

In my books, the character of Jorge Hernandez is known for being unregretfully brazen, to the point that he might be a little too much for readers at times, while dependable in his reaction. For example, the former Mexican cartel kingpin isn't going to lose without a fight, if lose at all. He's strong, savvy, and fierce. He never backs down. He's a criminal with a devious mind. He could even be called a psychopath. If nothing else, Jorge Hernandez is fearless, loyal, and powerful.

So, what about Chase Jacobs?

In fairness, we meet Chase during a particularly vulnerable period in his life. He's in a bad situation in the first book in my series, feeling insecure and powerless. In many ways, he's the complete opposite of Jorge. This also might explain why he's in admiration of the sinister devil named Hernandez. Chase is loyal, quiet, yet thoughtful. He's very in tune with what is going on around him and has sensitive with a gentle nature. Although we see this change throughout the series, at the end of the day, we know that in a tight situation, Chase can be relied on to be strong, and more importantly, balanced. 

The contrast in these characters is significant to the series but what I'm finding is what most attracts the readers stand out the most. I'm more of a Jorge Hernandez than a Chase Jacobs, but what about you? And even more importantly, who would you want to be?

Why Counterculture should be a genre 🔪(Updated)

Most people associate the word 'counterculture' with the hippie movement of the 60s and the change in previous attitudes about government, music, social norms, and of course, overall appearance. However, it's a more general term to describe people that go against the 'social norm', and if you've ever read one of my books, you're probably well aware that this accurately describes most of my characters.

I will point out that I'm hardly the first or only writer whose work could fall under this potential category. Many books, television shows, and even movies follow a counterculture of people, often criminals or other social misfits that live a completely different lifestyle from what is considered 'the norm' to the rest of us. Often they are swept under another category, such as crime, or end up with descriptions like 'quirky', which is a little easier to digest than something as broad as the counterculture. I think people associate the word with different things, so perhaps it might cause some confusion.

The reason why many counterculture characters are also criminals is that they go against social norms. This often includes the law. You might even see it to a lesser degree when characters go off the grid, pull their kids out of schools, and live with no fixed address in the middle of the woods. Although they aren't hardcore criminals shooting people, they are probably breaking laws not because they are rebels, so much as they don't acknowledge society's rules.

Although some people mightn't agree with me, I believe counterculture themes will see growth in the upcoming years. With so many crazy things going on in the world right now, I think people will become intrigued with an alternate lifestyle fantasy as a way to escape our stark reality.

The Evolution of Jorge Hernandez ☠️(Updated)

When readers were introduced to Jorge Hernandez at the end of Always be a Wolf, it seemed highly unlikely that the former cartel king was about to change. As the writer, I had no idea what was around the corner so imagine my surprise when I saw my ruthless criminal begin to show a more vulnerable, human side.

The reality is that whether we're talking about real life or the characters in a book, television, or movie, you have to consider that circumstances impact how we grow. Who's in our lives? What do they need? What is the situation with our health? Finances? There are so many things that can change who you are, but it comes down to what matters to you and your overall morals.

In this book, we learn that Jorge Hernandez is the sole parent to his daughter, Maria. This appears to be a recent change that is already starting to shift his priorities. Add in a fast-moving romance with assassin Paige Noël, and suddenly the criminal playboy has a full-time family. Although somewhat sexist early on, Jorge is forced to view women differently as the story moves forward. Later in the series, he switches gears to talk about how powerful women are and how he admires their unique traits. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that Jorge is a man who's all but escaped the cartel. He still has his connections but, for the most part, is more or less out. This is extremely rare. Most people involved in the cartel lifestyle either go to prison or end up dead. Having survived and come out on the other side, he begins to recognize that he has a chance to change his life. This is powerful.

Of course, like most of us, illness or recognizing the fragility of life tends to creep in with age. Jorge has had some health scares along the way that made him realize that it might not be a vengeful enemy that takes him out but his own body. This along with losing people close to him, causes Jorge to take a step back and reconsider how he wants to spend the second half of his life since the first half was full of brutality and danger.

Characters would be unrealistic if we didn't see them evolve through time because it's not natural. However, I will say I do appreciate the journey and, even more so, the surprises.

Writing blocks and roadblocks 🚧(Updated)

Writer's blocks are a lot like roadblocks in that you find yourself suddenly stuck in the middle of nowhere, and you can't get out. The problem is in both cases, the more you focus on the fact that you're 'stuck', the more frustrated you get, which in turn makes the whole ordeal even more frustrating. And if you're a writer, that's when you stare at a blank page and contemplate banging your head against the wall until an idea pops out.

Of course, you should never bang your head against the wall. You got precious stuff going on in there, and you might damage it. There are other, more productive ways to get past the block if you want to make any progress.

The first is to calm the fuck down. The more angry and anxious you are (this applies to most problems) the worse everything will seem. As humans, we tend to get wrapped up in our minds, and suddenly we're falling down the rabbit hole of craziness. You can't do that. The more you think about how you're not accomplishing anything, the more you'll not accomplish anything.

The second thing you need to do is get back to your center. What is your center? It's the place where you feel balanced. Some people get there by exercising while others meditate. Some people might do it by staring out the window at nature (if you happen to have any nature out your window) while others might do it by playing a video game or reading a book. The key is to distract your mind from the craziness. Maybe you're overtired and need to take a nap. Everyone is different. 

I need to have headphones on when I write. I listen to music that tends to be calming (nothing with lyrics) and try not to think about anything else going on that day. It's better if I don't have time restraints too, so I'm not looking at the clock trying to rush like a maniac. The key is to be relaxed and really to listen to your inner voice. The creative world is very mysterious, which is why artists tend to be so infatuated with the entire process. We don't know where those words, characters, or creations come from; they just arrive. Your job is to open the door so that they can get in. 

Why I will never look at some songs the same way again 😱(Updated)

The title is so dramatic, and yet, the truth is that most of us have a powerful connection with music. This is common with authors since many have a specific song that they listen to when envisioning a scene. It also might be connected to certain characters, especially the protagonist.

For me, there's a list of songs that I automatically associate with pivotal scenes, powerful characters, and of course, a whole lot of violence. I'm going to share a couple of examples with you.

One song that stands out to me is Masters of Puppets by Metallica. If you haven't heard of it, the best description for it is powerful. I automatically associate the song with my series protagonist, Jorge Hernandez. More specifically, in the book The Devil May Lie. This character is bold, daring, and confident in a way that almost borderlines on sociopathic.  

Ahh...but I didn't say he was crazy. If anything, he tends to have tunnel vision and doesn't notice or listen to the naysayers on either side. If he does, Hernandez is dismissive. Unlike most people, this is a character that sees the big picture. He has distinct ideas about how the world works and doesn't let insecurities, fears, or inadequacies slow him down. Masters of Puppets is a song that embodies this character in a way that will never allow me to see it the same way again.

Another song that embodies a character would be Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne. There's a certain unhinged, erratic sense to it that perfectly captures Diego Silva, a secondary character in my series. I started Always be a Wolf with Diego flying down the road in a new sports car with a terrified Chase in the passenger seat. Diego finds the entire experience thrilling - from the fast car to scaring the crap out of his friend - which gives you a strong sense of who this character is and what drives him. 

There's also a power behind this song which also captures Diego. It doesn't matter that he's a secondary character because he's no shrinking violet. There's a strong sense that if Jorge Hernandez were to step back or leave the series, Diego would take over. Meanwhile, it's clear that he's learning from the master and looks up to him. There's a reason why Hernandez refers to Silva as his 'hermano' (brother) that shows the power of this relationship.

Music will always be an inspiration to me. Characters, scenes, and strong emotions are born from it, and the result is always a surprise.