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.