Sunday, January 29, 2023

February 2023 newsletter ❤️‍🔥

If you follow me, you're probably aware that I usually have a monthly video newsletter to accompany my blog. Fun story! This month I recorded one, but when I went to post it, something was wrong with the video that it didn't work. Having said that, I have a backlog of videos to post very soon, and hopefully, next month, I will be back on track 😉

What's new in writing news? I'm still working on my 18th book

Check out my latest video and blogs! 🥳.  

Is Jorge a vigilante superhero?

     
     Blog
     Rumble
     YouTube

Let's talk about courage 🦁


     Blog
     Rumble
     YouTube


A day in the life of (this) author 🤪
     
     Blog
     Rumble
     YouTube

More videos and blogs are coming soon! If you want to help me out, I would greatly appreciate it if you'd share, subscribe, and follow me on social media. Also, if you aren't a reader but want to support my work, please contact your local library and ask them to order in a copy of any of my books. This helps get more eyes on my work and hey, you never know who's attention it will capture.

Thank you for your support! 






Sunday, January 15, 2023

Is Jorge a vigilante superhero?

Jorge Hernandez of my Hernandez series has transformed over the years; from villain to vigilante, but is he a vigilante superhero?

It might seem like a stretch to consider this former cartel member, a man who's killed and murdered numerous people in his lifetime, a superhero. However, in recent books, one could argue that most of his vigilante acts revolve around going up against an injustice of sorts. His most common enemy tends to be Big Pharma, which is hardly a group that conjures up much compassion. For example, in Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions), Jorge goes after the pharmaceutical industry after he learns they released a drug despite knowing it would cause cancer. So while many may question if revenge is the most moralistic method, there is also a level of understanding of why this character reacts as he does. Especially when considering someone close to him has died because of this medication. 

In many ways, Jorge Hernandez faces the anger and frustration many feel but avenges the powerlessness in a way they can't. This is why the antihero has grown in popularity over the last few years. We've seen this trend in television and, to a degree, in movies. But what about books?

I suspect most writers are careful about how they take on this topic because there's a fine line that most writers do not want to cross.





Saturday, January 7, 2023

Let's talk about courage 🦁

The theme for my 18th book (the 13th in the Hernandez series) will be courage. I thought this was important since I fear that courage is a trait that's currently lacking in our world. Some will speak up and feel the need to have a voice, while others cower away and feel more comfortable going with the flow. It's been suggested that it's a generational situation, but I don't know. Without a backbone, do you have anything?

Anyone familiar with my Hernandez series is aware that the protagonist is fearless. In a way, he represents the courage many people wish they had, the freedom to speak up whenever they want, with no consequences. Of course, in the real world, that isn't always possible. We live in a time where some people hold puppet strings that can easily get tied up in a knot. 

In the world of Jorge Hernandez, there will be no one and nothing that gets in his way. No one intimidates him. Nothing scares him (and if it does, he will never let you know). Although some might rightfully suggest that his courage may sometimes go a little too far, these extremes in my series are to make a point. For example if Jorge is going up against someone in Big Pharma and takes extreme measures to make a point, it's representative of a society that perhaps has justifiable anger about the same oligarchs. Jorge takes on a lot of people, many of which represent ideas and behavior that those with courage might be already questioning. Not that new ideas aren't good, but we increasingly live in a society where there's a 'right' and 'wrong' view to have with no discussion allowed. Jorge Hernandez knows what he believes. No one tells him how to think. He listens but isn't swayed because of his strong personal beliefs. The popular vote isn't necessarily his vote. 

Although his tactics are questionable, no one can argue that Jorge Hernandez has courage. In a tight situation, you want this guy in your corner.