My Year in Review - 2020, me and Jorge Hernandez ☠️

Good-bye (and good riddance!) to 2020!! 👋🏼

Let's not talk about that terrible C word....you know the one 🙄

So, I'm here to give you a rundown of my year in review - the books, the blogs, the media, and the videos!

The Books

Let's start with the TWO books that I published this year. Both are part of the popular Hernandez series ☠️

She Was His Angel - May 2020
We're All Criminals - November 2020

The Media

The Buzz - July 2020

Blogs and Videos

January 2020

Songs that inspired The Devil and His Legacy
     Blog
     Video

Let's talk about Maria Hernandez 
     Blog
     Video

Be your own media
     Blog
     Video

When characters are out of their element
     Blog
     Video

February 2020

Bookmark giveaway! 🤩
     Video
     Blog

What resources do you use to research your books? 🧐

     Video
     Blog

Why do (my) criminals always win? 😏

     Video
     Blog

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

     Video
     Blog

March 2020

Writing Blocks and Road Blocks 🚧
     Video
     Blog

The Evolution of Jorge Hernandez ☠️
     Video
     Blog

April 2020

Locked up at home and thinking about writing a book? Here are some videos that might help you out:

Does everyone have a creative side? 

Shout you be a writer? 

Writing blocks and roadblocks

What resources do you use to research?

Dialogue that pops!

Do writers need high word counts?

Should characters be based on people you know?

What is a 3-dimensional character and why do you need them

May 2020

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

     Blog
     Video 
 

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

       Blog
       Video


June 2020

Do we really need genres anymore?

Video     Blog
 

Why I have 10 different lives 🤪

Video     Blog
 

Why I don't give away free books anymore 🧐

Video     Blog
 

Let's talk about my YouTube channel 📺

Video.    Blog

July 2020

How do you keep track of everything?? 🤔

     Video
     Blog
 

She Was His Angel ☠️

     Video
     Blog
 

Why I won't be putting THIS in my next book 🙀🦠

     Video
     Blog

August 2020

The first paragraph of She Was His Angel ☠️

     Video
     Blog

Book themes that matter 😌

     Video
     Blog 

Why we love the softer side of a gangster character 💀

     Video
     Blog

Why do I choose to be an indie author? 🤩

     Video
     Blog

Why my characters color outside of the lines 🎨

     Video
     Blog

September 2020

Should you put touchy subjects in your books? 😬

     Youtube
     Blogger
 

Stay in touch with your characters ☎️

     YouTube
     Blogger
 

How characters affect each other 🤝

     YouTube
     Blogger


October 2020

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

     Video
     Blog 
 

What is the Hernandez series about? ☠️

     Video
     Blog

November 2020

The future of my Youtube channel 📺

     Video
     Blog

Does it ring true? 🔕

     Video
     Blog

We're All Criminals - the 9th book in the Hernandez series! ☠️

     Video
     Blog

December 2020

My goals with the Hernandez series ☠️
 
     Video
     Blog 

Jorge Hernandez vs. the Greek God ☠️

     Video
     Blog

Do I have to read the entire Hernandez series to follow the latest book? 🧐

     Video
     Blog

😱Wow....no wonder I'm exhausted. 

Happy New Year! Thanks for the support.

Mima 🌼

Do I have to read the entire Hernandez series to follow the latest book? 🧐(Updated)

No. 

Well, that was a short article.

Maybe I should elaborate.

A book should be strong enough to stand on its own. Sure, there should be some details explained in a general manner to give the reader some idea of the most relevant information. Of course, this is without spoiling the plot or digging too much into the past. One clean swoop should take care of everything the reader needs to know.

For example, if you wrote a book with a complicated plotline and followed it up with the sequel, you wouldn't give the reader every detail from that previous book but a vague and summarized explanation that keeps the reader on a need-to-know basis only. 

For example, in my Hernandez series, I often refer to Jorge Hernandez's shady past but never get into his complicated history. I let you know that he is brutal, dangerous and no one gets in his way. However, I don't go into an explanation of the crimes he committed. Nor do I discuss the revenge, the murders, the corruption, nor do I talk about the threats, manipulation, and ...I think you get the idea. 

In essence, he's crazy, he's dangerous, and you don't want to get on Jorge's bad side. 

In the end, there should be enough information about the previous books in the series to create intrigue. After all, if they fall in love with the book in their hands, chances are they'll want to snatch up the ones that precede it. 

Jorge Hernandez vs. the Greek God ☠️ (Updated)

It's no secret that Jorge Hernandez isn't exactly crazy about Alec Athas, or the man he mockingly refers to as 'The Greek God' in the Hernandez series. The reasons are numerous, and most don't have a leg to stand on, and yet, he continues to keep control over the Canadian prime minister because he's an asset to him. 

So, what's the deal? Who is Alec Athas? Let's get into some history.

If I'm not mistaken, Alec showed up in the 4th book in the Hernandez series, A Devil Named Hernandez. At the time, he was starting to think about entering politics and had asked Paige (Jorge's wife) if she would help him with his campaign if he decided to put his name in the race. As soon as Jorge learned this information, it was all over for Alec. He immediately jumped in with both feet and took over Alec's political career.

So, if Alec is the vehicle Jorge is using to make the changes he wants politically, why would there be any issues between the two men? 

As it turns out, Alec is a prominent part of Paige's past. The two had a relationship in their 20s, and even though it's been many years since that time, Jorge continues to be wary of Alec's friendship with Paige. In essence, Alec is the opposite of Jorge in every way. He's the prince, while Jorge is more the evil villain. For example, Alec's intentions when getting into politics were good. Having been a social worker for many years, he felt this would be a way to make some differences that mattered. Jorge just wanted to have control.

As the series moves forward, the bitterness grows in their relationship. Often with Alec showing more attitude toward Jorge, whereas the sinister Latino never bothers to hide his contempt for Alec. The two men tend to lock horns, but in the end, Jorge always gets his way. But will it continue to be this way? 

My goals with the Hernandez series ☠️ (Updated)

If you haven't checked out the Hernandez series yet, you might want to stop by mimaonfire.com to learn about the characters, the books and take a look at all the snappy covers. 😍

As a writer, I have a few goals that I keep in mind, specifically while working on this series:

Diversity. I've covered this issue in previous blogs and videos because it's one of my most important writing goals. Our society is made up of many kinds of people, and this should be reflected in our books. 

Equality. The men are strong. The women are strong. No damsels in distress here.

Theme. Each of my books has a theme that follows the story. For example, my latest book, We're All Criminals, focuses on freedom. 

Social issues. There's a lot going on in the world and, it's important to bring it to the surface to inspect a little more closely or perhaps, show it from a different point of view. 

Snappy dialogue. Each character has a unique way of expressing themselves, which should be reflected in their dialogue. It shouldn't fall flat. 

Subplots. Lots and lots of subplots. People need a lot of balls in the air, or they lose interest. 

Fast-moving. If you're going to write a 900-page book, you better have a hell of a lot of time (like years) or events covered, or people will lose interest by chapter 3. 

These are the key ingredients that help to make the ideal Hernandez soup. 

We're All Criminals - the 9th book in the Hernandez series! ☠️(Updated)

 The 9th book in the Hernandez series is out! Check out the synopsis:

If there is one thing that Jorge Hernandez values as much as power and loyalty, it is his freedom. Despite his countless crimes and acts of vigilantism, he continues to plunge ahead into the 9th book in the Hernandez series, playing by his own rules. While others follow like sheep, Hernandez has always been the wolf, brutally ripping apart anyone who gets in his way.

When a cop has the nerve to show up at his door and harass him, Jorge's fury quickly ignites. However, rather than sinking his teeth into this one victim, he instead takes on the entire herd, deciding to use the second season of his docuseries, Eat the Rich before the Rich Eat You, to expose the dirty secrets and humiliate the Canadian law enforcers. While Jorge wants to exhibit his power and publicly taunt the police, his family fears that this time, he may have pushed too far. 

Even with his freedom in the balance, Jorge Hernandez won't back down. Then again, in a world of blurred lines and uncertain morals, are we all the judge and jury, or are we all criminals?

Get the book HERE! 

Does it ring true? 🔕(Updated)

Writers can create crazy plots, but unless it rings true, the audience won't connect. 

First of all, I'm going to point out that I'm not talking about any specific genres. For example, science fiction or fantasy may not ring true to most people because it's a step away from the world as they know it, but I'm not talking about that aspect. I'm referring to the substance of the story and the characters involved. Is what they're doing in a given situation make sense? Are they reacting appropriately when considering their experiences, history, ethnicity, health, beliefs, age, and the people in their world?

For example, I recently watched a television show where a couple hired a live-in nanny to look after their children. So, what didn't ring true? She was a total stranger with no (known of) experience and, as far as I can tell, no credentials. These characters are wealthy and live in a mansion, which adds an extra layer of wtf. What's wrong with this scenario? Does it ring true? Would most parents, let alone rich parents with resources, hire a total stranger to look after their children? My guess is no. 

Our logical side is automatically skeptical in the same way as when we hear a lie. This same skepticism tends to move us away from the character because regardless of what disastrous thing this babysitter will potentially do, we're wondering why the hell the parents so casually hired a stranger in the first place; Are they unfit? Stupid? Are they too self-involved to think about their children's welfare? It doesn't make us root for the parents, but the children. So, unless this story is slanted to create compassion for the kids involved, it's not working. The viewer/reader must feel some connection with the character to be drawn in. So, unless you're also careless with your children, chances are you're not on their side.

Again, we have to consider many variables. Maybe if this family were poor, we'd have more compassion because they mightn't have as many options for childcare. Were the parents neglected as children, so didn't recognize that it was strange to hire a stranger to look after their children?  Is it normal within their culture/family to be goosey loosey when looking for babysitters? Are they young, inexperienced, as parents? The point is that this situation normally wouldn't ring true. It just seems kind of stupid, actually, and makes me question if the writer just threw it together as a way to work a character into the storyline.

Can you think of books, television shows, or movies where things didn't quite 'ring true' for you? On the other side, can you think of a character you connected with and why?

The future of my Youtube channel 📺(Updated)

The first time I recorded a YouTube video, I thought I was going to hyperventilate. I don't think I took a breath the whole time because I was so scared and definitely out of my comfort zone. Almost 200 videos later, I've long let go of these fears, as my confidence built over time. Now, I enjoy making videos and don't even give it a second thought. 

So why did I start? Well, it certainly wasn't to become a YouTube star. I created the channel in hopes of connecting with my audience and potentially finding a new audience. I wanted people to see who I was and to maybe learn a little about me. Also, it gave me a chance to talk about my books, my process and maybe answer a few common questions along the way.

I'm not sure if having a YouTube channel is common amongst writers, but I think it's a good idea. You never know who is watching, and that's kind of neat. 

My goal in the future is to improve and update my videos while diving into more topics that people want me to discuss. It's even been suggested that I start a podcast but I'm not quite there yet. 

If you have any ideas or suggestions, feel free to contact me at info@mimaonfire.com. Sign up for my newsletter and keep up to date! Subscribe to my YouTube channel, hit the bell for notifications, and share the videos. Thanks for reading this blog. 

How do you start a series? 📚(Updated)

The idea of starting a series may seem exciting, but the truth is that you need a few factors to carry it through and keep it interesting. Here are some of my thoughts on what matters in a series. 

The first and probably most important factor for me would be to create compelling, 3-dimensional characters. Regardless of exciting plots, intensity, or the concept behind the storyline, if readers aren't interested in the characters, they will eventually lose interest in the series. Readers need to connect with characters, their issues, and heartbreaks. They also need to find them exciting and sympathize with their situation. 

I also find that an ambitious or conflicted protagonist also contributes to a series, especially if that character has lots of dragons to slay. When I introduced Jorge Hernandez in the second book in my Hernandez series, that's when things started to pop! This character seeks out and thrives on power and has no issue stepping up or on anyone in his way. For him, control is vital. Of course, it takes time to do these things, which is why the Hernandez series continues to grow. 

Of course, you need lots of excitement to keep a reader interested. It's a good idea to introduce compelling secondary characters with their journeys and issues. With lots of stuff always cropping up, it keeps readers from being bored. A mixture of plots and subplots keeps readers turning the page because it may not be the protagonist that captivates them but another character. 

I have one last note regarding creating a series. Some people like to figure out an outline before they start, but I would warn to keep them very general, allowing room for creativity and new ideas that might spring up once you begin to write. 

And last of all, if you find the idea of writing a series a bit overwhelming, I would suggest you don't think too far ahead. Sometimes you have to see how things naturally flow.

Let's talk about Jorge Hernandez - el diablo 👿(Updated)

Jorge Hernandez is the leader of the pack in the dark and gritty Hernandez series. The charismatic former cartel boss has come a long way from his Mexican roots to take over the Canadian marijuana industry while infiltrating many areas in the country, from the government to the media. 

A complex character, Jorge was forced to grow up quickly after the death of his younger brother, Miguel. His family became emotionally distant, ostracizing their remaining son for his accidental part in the tragedy, which forced Jorge to become stronger in his teen years. Before he was 20, this strength and his ability to emotionally disconnect proved invaluable as a criminal, which would push him up the food chain very quickly. This power grew over the years until he was the boss and his associates, in turn, became the family that he needed. 

Jorge’s charismatic personality is captivating to those around him while his enemies fear the man who was called el diablo, the devil, for a reason. Many people find this character appealing because of Jorge's blatant disregard for the thoughts and opinions of those around him. He feels no need to receive approval as he powers through life, only thinking of his family and associates at any given time. Jorge is bold, arrogant, and is not shy to express his opinion when necessary. On the flip side, he shows undeniable loyalty and love for his family. Jorge Hernandez would, quite literally, do anything for the people he loves. 

There is no black and white when it comes to the liability of a character; there are a lot of grey areas. 

 Learn more at mimaonfire.com

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?

Why we love the softer side of a gangster character 💀(Updated)

Throughout the Hernandez series, readers are often surprised to see the softer side of the protagonist, Jorge Hernandez. Usually abrupt, in control, and dangerous, it's a surprise to see his vulnerabilities. This especially comes to light when dealing with either his children or wife, Paige. Something is appealing about the unexpected balance of his character.

In general, I think people enjoy discovering the unexpected when it comes to characters. There's something about getting past the mask, the bullshit, to learn who someone really is that is fascinating in both the real and fictitious world. I believe it's human nature to want to understand what makes people tick. Also, to see what we all have in common despite our backgrounds and status in the world.

I have said in the past that I normally don't write a love story. I guess it's perhaps my cynicism that makes me hesitant. However, I find the relationship between Jorge and Paige fascinating and adds an extra element to the series. I think the unlikelihood of two people who don't fit in well with the rest of the world meeting each other is somewhat inspiring. Throw in a couple of children, and the protagonist is forced to not always be in control, and as the reader, you get to see him unravel.

And there's something about seeing someone unravel that makes us see humanity. Which, I believe, is what we're often looking for in the first place.

Book themes that matter 😌(Updated)

Do book themes matter? Maybe not if you're a reader. But to a writer, it helps me focus on what the central idea is for the story. It's nice to have plots, subplots, and cool characters, but you need something more to hold it together.

Here's a quick rundown of the themes for a few of my books.

She Was His Angel

Long before I started to write this book, I planned to focus on powerful women as a central theme. It was important to me that readers saw how Paige was as dangerous as any male character. This was something that I always knew but feared that I wasn't effectively demonstrating in my previous books.

Its also important female readers are encouraged to show their power. They should never make themselves small to make others comfortable.

The beauty of this character is that everyone around her naturally accepts and respects who she is, never trying to demean or belittle her.

The Devil and His Legacy

I guess it's clear that the theme for this book was legacy. In the 7th book in my series, Jorge Hernandez spends a great deal of time considering the legacy he will leave. This becomes a concern after a close colleague is murdered, leaving Jorge to wonder what he will one day leave behind.

The Devil May Lie

The theme for this specific book was power. Remember, Jorge Hernandez doesn't focus on money, like many villainous characters we see in books. For him, it always was and always is about power. He sees this as one of the most important things and is very central in his life.

And the Devil Will Laugh

In this book, the theme is passion. Jorge Hernandez is a man who thrives on passion. It is the very instinctual passion that motivates him each day.

Not every author will concern themselves with themes while writing their books, but I find it helps me stay focused. It reminds me of what message I want to send to my readers about the characters and, in some cases, the world as I see it. 

The first paragraph of She Was His Angel ☠️(Updated)

Before starting the 8th book in the Hernandez series, I knew my focus would be on strong women and female empowerment. I needed to show how Paige Hernandez, the wife to protagonist Jorge, wasn't exactly playing second fiddle to anyone. I wanted to show that she could go head to head with any other character, male and female.

Throughout the book, She Was His Angel, my goal was to not only celebrate powerful women, but I also tried to demonstrate some of the bias and hurdles that we often face. While Paige is very much a superhero in the eyes of her husband Jorge, she often struggles as a mother, worries about the future, and attempts to keep everything in balance. Although this has been a focus throughout the series, I believe that this specific book takes a closer look into the world of Paige Noël-Hernandez.

Another angle that I hoped to focus on in this book was Paige's past. Up until this point, we didn't know a lot of details about her assassin lifestyle. We also didn't know how it even came about. I attempted to investigate in She Was His Angel, although I must admit, there's still a great deal to learn about this mysterious character's past. I've always said that some characters are more forthcoming than others. Jorge Hernandez, for example, is an open book, while Paige is quite the opposite. Even though she's been in most of the series, she's revealed very little about herself. Then again, maybe that's what keeps us all intrigued.

Why I won't be putting THIS in my next book 🙀🦠(Updated)

With the recent pandemic fresh on people's minds, many have suggested that I might want to incorporate this scenario in a future book. Not a chance.

Of course, I completely understand why people would feel this way. It's not as if I have ever shrunk back from exploring controversial subjects, and I'm all for potential conspiracy theories. However, we are already living in Covid-19 hell 24/7, so I suspect that people want to read about it as much as I want to write about it. Even publishers have expressed little interest in taking on any dystopian nightmare story at present. It's just a little too real, folks.

This isn't to suggest that it's impossible. I'm sure there's a crafty author out there who can do it in such a way that people find it appealing, maybe even exciting. And who knows what we will want to read in the future, once this is all over. 

I doubt it. 

Everything goes in cycles, and the truth be told, what's going on in the world affects creativity and what we find enjoyable. However, sometimes it has the opposite effect, kind of like reading a Christmas book in July.

I will continue to write my twisted series because regardless of the state of the world, raw human emotions are always in style.

She Was His Angel ☠️(Updated)

From my press releases: 

The Canadian author known as Mima published her 13th book (9th in the Hernandez series). The book is titled, She Was His Angel. 

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

Power-hungry CEO of Our House of Pot, Jorge Hernandez, holds tight to his ruthless ways in the 8th book in the Hernandez series when he decides to take down the pharmaceutical industry in one powerful swoop. The man once known as the Mexican cartel leader El Diablo isn’t satisfied controlling the monopoly in the Canadian marijuana industry but wants to make Big Pharma squirm under his thumb. Using his political influence to cripple his nemesis, while simultaneously backing the incriminating docuseries Eat the Rich Before the Rich Eat You, Jorge might win the battle, but can he win the war? 

Recognizing that he’s started a bloodthirsty game of cat and mouse with a sinister opponent, Jorge enlists the help of the only person that he considers his equal. Former assassin Paige Hernandez, one of the most dangerous women in the world, takes on her husband’s advice to do her worst. But when an unexpected adversary forces her hand in a no-win situation, Paige is left with a heart-wrenching decision of who will live…and who will die.

When the couple unites forces, they discover a bloodbath overflowing in deception and disloyalty that shakes them to the core. Together with Paige, Jorge fights their enemy to the end because he is the devil and she was his angel.

This book centers on celebrating strong, powerful women who can take on the world. I also use this platform to resurface many stereotypes that women encounter throughout their lives, as well as the struggle of balancing family and work....and of course, in Paige's case, murder.