Protagonist switch....what does that mean? 🤔

One of my favorite things about writing is switching up the protagonist. So, what does that mean, exactly?

As you know, most books have a protagonist. Sometimes it is more than one character, but most times, there is one main character that the reader follows throughout their journey together. The great thing about this is that you can get an in-depth, personal understanding of that character. The not-so-good side is that you only get that character's perspective; therefore, it may need to be more accurate. Occasionally jumping to another protagonist allows you a broader view of the story. Think of it like talking to two friends about an argument they had as opposed to just one of them. One person may only mention some aspects of the argument, giving you a limited view of the scenario. Hearing both sides allows you to see both perspectives, allowing you a much greater understanding.

To have a better understanding, check out this video. 

Everything an author does (other than write the book) 📚

People always seem surprised when I tell them there's much more to being an author than just writing books. Of course, it's like most things in life. We only see one aspect of it rather than the full circle. I look at many professions and only have an idea of what takes place on their average day. 

What makes being an artist unique is that many (especially indie artists) probably have a job on top of their art. It's a challenge, but most of us find a way to make it work. 

My average day consists of preparing social media, contacting libraries to tell them about my latest book, keeping up with my website, and sometimes jotting down new ideas for my next book. I would say writing, in some aspects, takes up a portion of most of my days. If a book is recently published, it takes much more of my day than times like this, where my latest book was published months ago. 

For more ideas, check out this video.

Helping other authors 📇

As an independent author, I enjoy helping my community. It can be an uphill battle without the support of a traditional, larger publisher. You want to share your book with the world but must compete with best-selling authors, celebrity memoirs, and the internet. Despite your best efforts, it's often a challenge to get your book into a potential reader's hands. 

Trust me, I know.

Although I'm on various social media and try to post regularly on most, I prefer X (Twitter) because it tends to be the stomping ground for most authors. It's so easy to share other authors' books on my page. They often do the same for me too. It allows you to find a whole new set of eyes that might want the exact book you wrote. It's so simple to do, so why not?

I sometimes also purchase other indie authors' books and donate them to my local library. It's another easiest thing to do that helps an author's sales, while giving them a new, potential audience. 

Of course, there are many ways you can promote your book, such as creating and giving out bookmarks, having events at your local library or bookstore, or making videos like I do and hope someone watches. 😉 (hint hint)

June 2024 newsletter ☀️

Summer days are ahead! Do you have your summer reading yet?? 

I recently recorded a few NEW videos and plan to upload them in the upcoming weeks. Check out a couple where I talk about my earlier books 👇🏼

My first two books - Fire and A Spark Before the Fire
      Rumble/ YouTube/ Blog

My Vampire books - The Rock Star of Vampires and Her Name is Mariah
      Rumble/ YouTube/ Blog 

Learn more about all my videos HERE. 

There will be more to come throughout the summer. If you have a topic you'd like me to address (or an old topic you'd like me update) please reply to this email and let me know.

Have a wonderful June!! Thanks for the support. 

Mima 🏖

I have videos. Lots and lots of videos 🎬

Tired of corporate fiction that seems like the same book you read ten times already? Are you interested in learning about an indie author who colors outside the lines? 

I have over 200 videos about my writing and books. Each video is usually under 5 minutes long, and many explain what you'll find in my books, why I write these specific stories, and why you might be interested. I also cover many writing questions that people have asked me over the years, never claiming to be an expert on anything, I attempt to tackle them to the best of my ability.

My original channel was on YouTube. You can click HERE to see all the videos.

I later added everything to Rumble. You can click HERE to see all the videos.

If you find value in these videos and wish to keep up to date, I'd love for you to subscribe to my channel. If you enjoy what you watch, please leave a comment or 'like' the video. This helps to boost my attention on the channel and as you can see, I have a limited audience so I can use all the help I can get. 😬

Thanks so much!

My vampire books - The Rock Star of Vampires and Her Name is Mariah

Before I started my Hernandez series, I dabbled in the world of vampires. The result of which, was two books that coincide with each other. Learn about them here and jump on Amazon to read a FREE sample. 

The Rock Star of Vampires 

Did Hollywood get it wrong?

A year after transforming into a mortal vampire, Ava Lilith continues to have a lackluster life. The new dietary requirements and the intensifying of her senses aside she continues to face unhappiness rather than the glamorous and provocative lifestyle that television and movies would suggest.

She then learns of an underground society of immortal vampires, led by the mysterious rock star of vampires. Cloaked in shadow, this Immortal sect controls the major powers of the world - from business and finance to science and politics - all manipulated for personal gain and to keep their existence concealed.

Ava finds herself drawn to this secret world where she can live forever and pursue all her dreams. But what will she lose, to gain immortality?

Her Name is Mariah

Mariah Nichols was adaptable. She lived through her parent's bitter divorce, a childhood of neglect, and the discovery that her only sibling was transgender so, the concept of turning into a mortal vampire was just one more adjustment in an already chaotic life.

But when tragedy rips through Mariah's heart, she realizes what it takes to survive in the world. She must become like an animal and run on instincts, not emotions.

or so she thought.

Her name is Mariah, and this is her story.

Check out this video about both vampire books 📚

My first two books - Fire and A Spark Before the Fire

Back in 2010, I published my first book. I remember being terrified because publishing was a whole new experience for me. I've since built my confidence in writing and the industry in general, but it took a long time. I eventually wrote the follow-up to this book, which followed another character from the original, with the two books meeting. Click on the link and read a FREE sample. 

Fire

First, there was a match.

In 1992, Tarah Kiersey wasn't feeling very optimistic about her life. From dead-end jobs to dead-end relationships, she failed to see how anything could ever improve. But at least, she had her music.

Then, there was a spark.

There was something about holding a microphone that made Tarah feel alive. And there was something about how she sang that made people listen. One of those people included William Stacy, a young musician who invited Tarah to join his band, Fire. She said yes and her entire life changed overnight.

And now there's FIRE!

A Spark Before the Fire

Jimmy Groome never really believed that his life was worth anything. An overweight and unpopular teen, it takes a suicide attempt to bring a traumatic childhood experience into sharp focus. With some encouragement from family and a counselor, Jimmy picks up a guitar and it quickly becomes obvious that he has a natural talent. After losing weight and joining a band, Jimmy goes from being a shy and insecure child to an outgoing and self-destructive young adult. In a world where sex, drugs, and rock n' roll go hand in hand Jimmy’s future is uncertain.

In this prequel to Fire, we follow Jimmy Groome on his dark path, where he decides if he'll ignite the fire inside - or if he’ll let it burn out and fade away.