Let's talk about Marco Rodel Cruz - the hacker 🖥(Updated)

In certain circles, Marco Rodel Cruz is simply the 'IT guy' however in this series, it would be much more accurate to call him the hacker. While most of the other characters commit brutal crimes to maintain their power and control, Marco is working tirelessly in the background to ensure their victory. His expertise includes hacking security cameras (and deactivating them when needed), hacking emails, accounts, and of course, breaking into various company and organization systems. He literally can do anything IT, and he does. 

Jorge Hernandez met Marco while staying at a hotel where the Filipino worked. Impressed with his professionalism, he instinctively took the immigrant under his wing. Learning that Marco was an IT specialist before moving to Canada, Jorge did a little digging to discover that his abilities went well beyond creating a website and solving minor IT problems. However, it was Marco's assurance of confidentiality that was considered his most valuable trait. Keeping quiet is a big part of this dark world.

Marco is a likable guy. Often described as having a smile on his face, he's an interesting contrast to the more sinister characters. After all, he mightn't carry a gun to the potential crime scene, but he clears the path for the others. Perhaps this makes Marco the most lethal one in the group.

What is the Hernandez series about? ☠️(Updated)

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

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

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

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

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

How characters affect each other 🤝(Updated)

Much like real life, fictional characters affect each other in many different ways. The reader must see the contrast and dynamics of various relationships within the story. Again, like with reality, everyone brings out various qualities in each other. Sometimes good and sometimes bad. That's what makes things fun.

In my Hernandez series, we can see the relationships between characters and how they evolve or change throughout the story. For example, the protagonist, Jorge Hernandez, has a powerful effect on others. He brings out everything from fear to admiration, and loyalty, depending on the character he's dealing with and the specific situation. We can sense the strength in his personality and how people react in turn. For example, some characters try to impress him, while someone like his teenage daughter instead might challenge him. His reaction to each also tells us a little more about who he is and his values. That's the beauty of character interaction; it allows us to see what pushes their buttons and what brings out both their best and worst traits.

One thing to keep in mind is that these connections change over time. Characters grow, some fade from the story, and others devolve. This is much like the people in our lives. It's interesting to see how each plays off the other, creating fascinating plot twists and subplots.

The most important thing is to bring out the 'human' in characters, and really, is there anything more human than our relationships and interreactions with one another? 

Stay in touch with your characters ☎️(Updated)

Sometimes it's a good idea to take a moment to get in touch with your characters to get back up to speed. This could be for several reasons, including if you had to take a break from writing for some time or maybe you're feeling a little disconnected from your characters. Let's face it, life can interrupt the little fantasy world you've created, and it's sometimes difficult to get back on track.

So what do you do?

I write notes about each character and consider what's going on with them during different points in the story. What are they feeling? Do they have an issue that's been on their mind? How are they getting along with other characters? What are their fears or worries? What have they done recently or plan to do in the future? 

Catching up with your characters is similar to catching up with old friends. You want to get a sense of where their headspace is or what's going on in their lives. However, just like everyday people, some characters are more forthcoming than others. You may hit a few walls at times, and if that's the case, you have no choice but to accept it. 

Remember that your characters are the blood in the veins of a story. Regardless of how great the concept unless the characters are relatable, likable, and compelling, the reader might lose interest. For that reason, staying in touch with your characters is an important element in the writing experience. 

Should you put touchy subjects in your books? 😬(Updated)

These days I feel like any subject that is even the slightest bit contentious will get someone's back up, but it hasn't stopped me from bringing up some pretty controversial topics in my books. Why is that? Is it necessary to occasionally shake the controversy tree to see what falls out? 

Well, I certainly think so.

The beauty of books (both fiction and nonfiction) is that they present unique ideas that challenge readers. It allows us to view the world from a different perspective. It may not be one we agree with, but agreeing with the characters or the writer isn't the point. The point is to open your mind and understand one another while hopefully being challenged and entertained. 

I started to write as a teenager. I specifically remember that my goal was to make people understand and have compassion for one another. It was a more innocent time, so that was pretty reasonable. I now feel like people are becoming less open, less empathetic, and less interested in views that don't align with their own. It's a sad state when you consider the many issues in the world today. If no one bends and no one listens,  then we are essentially battling each other all the time. 

I continue to bring up contentious subjects in my writing because I think that's one of the reasons why I do what I do. I think my readers are intelligent and want something to think about long after they've finished the last chapter because a good book lingers. 

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

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

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

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

Why do I choose to be an indie author? 🤩 (updated)

Contrary to what some people might think, independent artists aren't necessarily the spinster aunt who never could find someone to marry her, but the independent woman who preferred the road less traveled. In other words, indie artists - whether it be writers, musicians, filmmakers - aren't doing so out of desperation but out of self-preservation. They play by their own rules.

The problem with following the traditional route in publishing is that it requires getting an agent (which takes a lot of time) and then allowing their agent to help them find a publisher (also takes time). While this isn't a terrible idea, it's probably not going to happen overnight. As a writer, you have to consider your values, what you want, and follow your instincts. For me, that means having the freedom to write whatever I wanted with no boundaries or disputes on content. I don't want someone telling me to make changes to fit current industry standards. I also don't want to change my book to make it more of a commercial success. As an artist, I want to unleash my vision into the world without feeling any restrictions or censorship. Call me a rebel. 

I know it's not for everyone. A lot of writers have different values and motivations than mine, and that's fine. We're all unique, and who's to say that one day, mine won't change. However, at this time, expressing myself and coloring outside the lines is my priority.

Being an indie author automatically makes you a harder sell. People have a lot of preconceived notions about independent artists as a whole. It's easier to grab the latest best-seller off the rack than take a chance on someone unknown. I mean, you know what you're getting, right? Then again, is that always a good thing?