May 2023 Newsletter 🌼

I'm checking in for another month and giving you a quick update on new videos, blogs, and writing news!

First things first! May 1st marks another Book Birthday! 🎉🥳🎂 

The Rock Star of Vampires was released on this day in 2014!! Haven't read it? Click on the above link and read the first chapter for FREE on Amazon! To this day, it remains one of my more popular books.

What else is new? I'm working on book #18 (13th in the Hernandez series) along with dreaming up a new series! 🤔🦞   

I have a couple of news videos and blogs to share with you. Check them out and don't forget to like, share and subscribe! It all helps get my work out there for others to learn about, which is especially important now that Bill C11 (Canada) has recently passed. This may make it difficult for my videos to be found or discovered. It's FREE and easy to do, so please help me out.  🥰

What are your writing fears? 😱

     YouTube / Rumble / Blogger

Why Jorge Hernandez isn't in the first book of his own series? ☠️

     YouTube/ Rumble/ Blogger 

I have more videos and blogs to come! If you have a topic you would like me to discuss in future videos, please contact me through my social media of website.

Thanks for your support! 

Why Jorge Hernandez isn't in the first book of his own series? ☠️

I always talk about how the Hernandez series wasn't meant to be a series, so it should be no surprise that the protagonist, Jorge Hernandez, didn't show up until the second book. ➡

The fiery, former cartel boss takes over in the series (in the same way he takes over in most situations), and as it turns out, he has a lot to tell. Seventeen books later, he's still going strong. 

The cool thing is that the series starts with We're All Animals, a book that centers on protagonist Chase Jacobs. We're talking about a guy who's the complete opposite of Jorge Hernandez (at least, in the beginning!) so it gives the reader some contrast. It also demonstrates how a boy next door can get caught up with some sinister characters on his path. 

Jorge Hernandez may not be in the first book in his series, but he eventually comes along fast and furious. And, of course, like most things, he takes over. 

What are your writing fears? 😱

If you always wanted to write a book but never started, what is the reason? Is it because you lack the time? Are you intimidated by the process? Do you have writing fears?

Writing a book is like eating an elephant; it's a one-bite-at-a-time process. You might only have a few free hours a week. You mightn't be able to write enough words. You may have a general idea but aren't sure how to communicate them. Many reasons might keep you from writing that book, but don't let that hold you back. If you want to write, start slow and see where it takes you. 

Remember, you don't have to share your writing with anyone. You don't have to announce you're about to write the next best-seller. You can work on it over months or years. You can start tomorrow and decide it's not for you. But I would recommend starting, even if that means writing a blog for your eyes only. Writing is cathartic. It doesn't have to have a purpose.

Concerns such as grammar, plots, and word counts shouldn't hold you back. I only check my word count when I finish a book. I don't care how many words I write per day. I never know the entire plot when I start a book. I allow it to flow naturally and see where it takes me. I don't worry about grammar because there are apps that can catch a lot, and friends and family will catch the rest. 

To learn more, check out my writing playlist for tips and ideas.