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.