How a simple story turned into a brutal series 🙀(Updated)

It started with a simple concept. The first book in the series is about Chase Jacobs, the wide-eyed boy next door who finds others taking control of his life, leaving him bitter, resentful, and bringing out a dark side that no one saw coming. With his introduction to the sinister underworld in his small town, there's a sense that once Chase has opened the door, he could never turn back. 

If you jump ahead to the 3rd or 4th book in the series, it might be surprising to see what a jump things had taken from We're All Animals. What starts as the story about teenage heartbreak turns into a series involving violence, corruption, and murder. I feel it's a smooth transition and one that allows you to understand how someone you'd never expect could get involved with a gang or cartel. Our lives and decisions can take us down many roads, but in the end, there's a reason why we choose them. 

I've often said that this is the series that wasn't meant to be a series. However, the characters were so compelling that I had to keep writing. Who knew where it would lead me. 😈

Why people love the twisted relationship between Jorge & Paige Hernandez ❤️(Updated)

A reader once referred to Jorge Hernandez and Paige Noël as 'the twisted couple of the literary world' but is this why fans love such an unconventional couple?

I think that once upon a time, we mostly saw 'too good to be true' couples in television and books, but somewhere along the way, we moved to the other extreme, where fictional couples appeared to have a lot of issues. Jorge and Paige are a couple that deals with problems but still manages to contain some of the 'magic' that we love to see in fictional relationships. There's a strong, almost instant connection between the two that is fascinating and yet they strive to deal with daily issues most couples have, such as dealing with children, jealousy, and worrying about your partner's safety. Granted, the latter probably is compounded by their less than traditional lifestyles.

The couple met in a very unconventional manner in my book, The Devil is Smooth Like Honey. Despite the dangerous circumstances, Jorge was immediately attracted to Paige, bolding making her aware of his feelings. Although she was hesitant, the two ended up sharing a glass of wine and had a very unexpected, whirlwind romance that quickly led to marriage. Although this isn't the kind of thing that I usually write about, there was just something so uncharacteristic about Jorge Hernandez being in this kind of situation that made me want to explore it. This storyline developed a part of his personality that countered his usual violent and heartless reputation, allowing readers to see another side of him.

As for Paige, it was interesting to see how someone calm, balanced, and yet very dangerous would react to the bold, abrupt Mexican because their personalities could've easily clashed. However, both find comfort and are fascinated by one another. Perhaps part of the intrigue is the fact that they demonstrate how two vastly different people can bond over their similarities and mutual respect, despite their many differences.

Some of your questions answered 👍(Updated)

I'm asked questions regarding my writing and thought I would answer a few of the most common ones. 🤩

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I remember writing as a child, and in fact, I wrote my first full-length manuscript when I was a teenager. Due to a lack of confidence and guidance, I didn't pursue my dream of writing until around 2007-2008. I published my first book in 2010.

When did you write your first book?

My first book was Fire, published in 2010. 

What inspired you to start writing?

My goals have been to make people think, be empathetic, and see various perspectives. I enjoy provoking people because they are more likely to get involved in the story if they feel an emotional connection. 

How long does it take you to write a book?

I write a chapter a day and 50 chapters in my books, so in essence, 50 days to complete the first draft. Editing and figuring out details such as a synopsis and cover image also take some time, but it can vary. For the last few years, I've published two books a year. 

What is your genre, and who is your audience?

I hate being stuck in a genre because I think my writing falls into many categories: suspense, thriller, murder, crime, romance, and more. I even have a couple of books that fall into the fantasy category. My audience varies. 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I gain information from reading or watching documentaries and interviews about topics that interest me. Many of these topics end up becoming a part of my books. For example, I often read about cartels, violence, and the psychology of a criminal, which ends up making it in my books. 

How long does it take to research for your books?

I don't pay attention but research when needed. 

Do you write using a pen or computer?

Computer. However, I write notes about characters and each chapter in a journal to keep organized and for reference.

What part of writing is most difficult?

Editing is the most difficult because it's very tedious and requires extreme focus. Writing the back cover synopsis is also a challenge. How do you sum up an entire book in a few words without giving too much away? 

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Sixteen so far and it's too difficult to choose! 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? ( if you have any?)

I only write chapters early (like 6 AM) in the morning, and I do so with no interruptions unless necessary. I don't get up to eat, take out the garbage, or do anything else when I'm writing. I try to stay focused and not divert my attention because it's a struggle to get back on track if I do.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

It tends to be the other way around. I usually write around my work schedule. On mornings that I'm not working, I get up and write. On the mornings I'm working, depending on how much time I have, I might do some light editing, work on social media, upload or record a video for YouTube, or any other task that requires my attention. 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I recently read a quote that said that writers aren't playing God when writing a book but are merely secretaries. This is very accurate. You cannot force a character to do what they don't want to do unless you enjoy getting writer's block. 

What is your favorite type of books to read?

I mostly read non-fiction on topics that interest me, but I've been known to sink into a good fiction book from time to time. 

Were there any authors of books that had a particular influence on you or your writing?

George Orwell. He was a genius. Orwell could observe and analyze human nature and create works of fiction that reflected how he viewed the world, in a way that served as much as a warning as an entertaining tale.


How do the books get published?

This could be a rather long answer, but essentially, you can self-publish, seek out a smaller publisher who is interested in your specific genre or seek out an agent. Large houses generally only deal with agented writers. Always do your research when doing any of the above. There are a lot of scumbags out there. I recommend Writer's Beware. 

Do you design your book covers?

My publisher designs the cover, but I pick out the image I would like them to work with and perhaps make suggestions such as darkening the image, colors I prefer, etc. 

How do you market your books? 

I mainly use social media, but I also use my website, send press releases when new books come out and give out bookmarks with all my covers. I'm always trying to think of new, creative ways, but social media is my first stop.

Where can we get your books, other than here?

Everywhere online!! Check out my site for more details. 

All my books have hidden themes 🤫(Updated)

Did you know that my books have a theme? This is the message that takes the driver's seat and creates a direction for the entire book or, in some cases, the series. But why are themes important?

In a nutshell, themes are the 'point' of everything you do. For example, when you pick jobs, there's probably an underlying reason that goes much deeper than a paycheque. When you choose a mate or friendships, chances are there's a theme there too. With my writing, there are underlying themes that create a central idea behind by books. Themes are essential because they are the lifeblood of the story. I think the best way to demonstrate this is to give some examples.

In my first two books, Fire and A Spark before the Fire, my theme was how our culture often doesn't see entertainers as real people but rather machines whose every move is meant to be entertainment, their lives on constant display. This happened when I watched a celebrity have a very public meltdown, and people were essentially laughing at her rather than having any concern for her mental state. It frustrated me that we have tabloids and silly shows that focus on everything the stars are doing, and actually, this has only grown worse since writing these two books over ten years ago. Of course, this wouldn't exist if there wasn't a demand.

My third and fourth books had a vampire theme. Not surprisingly, the vampires in my books represent the 'bloodsuckers' or 'vampires' in our lives. Around the time I wrote these books, I saw an increasing number of people who fell in this category, not even in my own life but the world in general. We view it in the news regularly as many of these questionable characters float to the surface, in clear view. The Rock Star of Vampires is my first of two books that dive into this area, and in it, we discover that the protagonist, although she's a vampire, is probably less of a vulture than other characters in her life. In Her Name is Mariah, we learn about a young, troubled woman who preys on others because it's the only way she knows to survive, therefore, showing both sides of the same situation.

My current (Hernandez) series eased the reader into the whole world of organized crime and an underground world that people may assume is rare if they even believe it exists at all. The central theme is corruption, crime, collusion, and the belief that sometimes it's hard to distinguish the 'good' people from the 'bad'. Although my books follow a group of criminals, there is a point where readers see that the lines are often blurred. My goal was to make readers think and perhaps ask some questions, if only to themselves. Who runs the world? Politicians, corporations, religious leaders....or is it you? Who controls what we see and what we know? Is it manipulated? These are the questions that I've explored as the series unfolded a few years ago, and I continue to ask myself.

A theme gives us a larger focus, which is essential to both the writer and the reader.