The official blog is associated with www.mimaonfire.com. Author of 18 books including the Hernandez series 🔪
Loyalty Above All
There are no exceptions.
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Showing posts with label Canadian series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canadian series. Show all posts
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.
Despite his gangster ways, it may surprise you that murder is not Jorge Hernandez's automatic go-to when solving a delicate problem. But before dusting off his gun, the former cartel boss has a few tricks up his sleeve when dealing with uncooperative individuals.
The first thing you have to know is that Jorge Hernandez can quickly analyze any circumstance. Having been in many dangerous situations over the years, it's his instinct that has kept him alive. Needless to say, he can read a room fast and with accuracy, which helps him quickly figure out the best way to manipulate and intimidate anyone who gets in his way.
What can start as an unnerving conversation can quickly grow very intense. Anyone who casually writes off Jorge Hernandez as all talk should know better than to assume there will be no action. This is usually where the threats come in. Keep in mind that he has a powerful, frightening presence, which tends to bring the point home. This is a man used to going up against brutal criminals, so when dealing with the average person, who, at worst, might be an asshole, his methods tend to border on terrifying.
But make no mistake. If all else fails, Jorge Hernandez thinks nothing of murdering. You just better hope he mercifully makes it quick and painless.
If you follow the Hernandez series, you already know that Jorge does everything he can to protect his children from his dangerous lifestyle. The last thing he wants is for Miguel and Maria to follow along in his footsteps, but is it inevitable?
When Maria Hernandez made an appearance in the series, we immediately realized that she was very observant. Despite Jorge's efforts to hide the truth from her, she noticed things from a very early age, and much to his heartbreak learns about her crime boss father. Even then, Jorge continues to hide as much as possible from his daughter. It's when she gets caught up in a dangerous situation Maria quickly is brought up to speed.
As for Miguel, he's still a baby. I'm currently working on a book where he's approaching his 3rd birthday, but like his sister, he's observing everything going on around him. Jorge often says and does things in front of the child, assuming the baby is too young to understand. However, readers will begin to see the Hernandez coming out in him in my next book. And yes, he's just a baby but don't we always exhibit clues to our future while still children? For example, as a child, I wrote stories and acted out dramatic events with my Barbie dolls. and well, here I am.
Of course, the Hernandez children could go either way. They could become completely legit and 'normal' in comparison to their parents, but there's also a strong possibility that they could go the dark side too. They could become the most dangerous members of the crime family. We have to wait and see.
It might surprise people to learn that Jorge Hernandez wasn't always part of the Hernandez series. When I wrote the book We're All Animals (book 1), I hadn't planned a series, but merely a second book to finish the story of Chase Jacobs. However, when Jorge came along in Always be a Wolf (book 2), it was clear that I was only starting to tell his story.
Before Chase met Jorge, Diego told him that the Mexican was a 'silent investor' in their company. Up until this point, Chase had some suspicions that something sinister was taking place behind the scenes. However, being so young and inexperienced, he hadn't pinpointed the clues that he was working for criminals.
I introduced Jorge to my readers as charming, handsome (with 'movie star looks'), and very charismatic. The first impression was that he was likable, not the intimidating mob boss that we're used to seeing on television, in movies, and in books. I purposely demonstrated that he was very friendly to lure Chase in and make him feel comfortable. If this were in a fairy tale, Jorge would've been the big, bad wolf dressed up like grandma because this was how he played the game. He was a sophisticated businessman dressed in expensive suits and spoke in a polite, dignified manner. Therefore, few would think he was a bloodthirsty criminal.
There was just something about Jorge Hernandez that compelled me to continue writing. Now, ten books into the series, I can't seem to stop.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Tom Makerson may be a secondary character in the series, but he plays a valuable role in the organization. When it comes to public perception, Makerson makes Jorge Hernandez look like a hero while his enemies like the devil. Talk about spinning a story! Makerson came along in And the Devil Will Laugh when Jorge Hernandez needs someone he can control in the media. After having some issues with the newspaper Toronto AM, Jorge decided to cut (literally) the editor out of the picture. He picks someone else to take over the paper and in turn, take care of his profile in the media. When we meet Makerson in the first chapter, it becomes clear that he is intimidated by Hernandez and will do whatever he wants. Which, of course, is exactly what Jorge Hernandez wants. Throughout the series, Makerson grows more comfortable with Hernandez, and the two work quite well together. Not only does Makerson create a pristine image of the CEO of Our House of Pot, but he's also given some big news tips from Hernandez that end up being breaking stories and, in turn, enhancing his career. Of course, there are always fringe benefits if you do what Hernandez wants, like having your condo paid off, but that's not for a couple of books later. Do power and money slant the media? Is there corruption behind closed doors? I think we both know the answer to these questions.
The Devil May Lie is Mima's 11th book, the 6th book in the Hernandez crime family series. In this book, former cartel kingpin Jorge Hernandez is groomed for Canadian politics. Will the Canadian political landscape ever be the same again?
In the sixth book in the Hernandez crime family series, the murder and mayhem continue. Here is the summary:
With blood on his hands, Jorge Hernandez has enforced a brutal takeover of the Canadian legalized marijuana industry. Now facing opponents who want to challenge the existing laws, the former Mexican crime lord has no intentions of backing down. His brash style and sharp tongue captivate the media while behind the scenes, those who oppose him are often met by his crime family’s ruthless style of justice.
When a heartbreaking tragedy tears through the country and whispers of racism and government neglect dominates the news, Canada’s latest media darling finds himself courted by the nationally disgraced party. He has murdered, terrorized and tortured to get to the top and now he’s being groomed to lead one of the country’s political parties.
In the latest book in this brutal series, Jorge Hernandez insists that nothing is more important than the truth…and yet, the devil may lie….
