Different Shades of the Same Color 💙💚💜❤️ (Updated)

Different Shades of the Same Color was my 5th book.


It all started when Natasha Parsons hit her head - in a very undignified manner- at her uncle's political fundraiser. Suddenly, she finds herself exiled to the country and discovers some surprising truths about both her family and her own life. In a world of prejudice and judgment, Natasha quickly learns that we are all different shades of the same color, but is she ready to accept the darkness that lurks around the corner?  

The story was a slight diversion from my other books. A young woman who came across as whimsical and possibly flighty fluttered through the book in a series of crazy adventures until the shocking end. 

Although the character of Chase Jacobs made a brief appearance in this book, he would turn up again in We're All Animals, with an explanation for his unusual predicament. 

This was a bit of an unusual book. It captured a lot of attention when it came out in both the media and with fans. 

What is Your Song? 🎶 (Updated)

I've often mentioned that each of my books brings a soundtrack. This is a collection of songs that inspired me throughout the writing process. These songs suddenly get in my head and stick around until the book is complete. Interestingly enough, once the process is over, the song seems less prevalent in my subconscious.

Not only does each book develop a collection of songs that take me through the writing process, but I've noticed that there's always one song in particular that stands out as being the one that best represents the protagonist. I'm sure the same can be said for each of us too, and in various phases of our lives.  

In my first book, Fire, Tarah Kiersey's song would probably be Possession– Sarah McLachlan 

This song went through my mind for months, possibly even years, before I started to write this particular manuscript. At the time, I would envision a scene that would later fit into my first book, even though I wasn't yet sure of its significance. All I knew was that it was powerful and that the character behind it was pushing her way through to tell her story.

A Spark before the Fire was the prequel to Fire and discussed the life of a strong character from my first book, Jimmy Groome. There are so many songs that could fit this character, but if I had to choose one, I would say Something in the Way by Nirvana. Depending on how you interpret this song, you could view this in a couple of different ways, and in honesty, either would apply in this situation.

I switched things up when I decided to write about vampires in The Rock Star of Vampires and a young woman named Ava Lilith. She lived a secret life that had to be hidden from everyone around her. Her song was Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. 

In my first book in the Hernandez series, We're All Animals, I would say Chase Jacobs' theme song would be Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace. This song suits him to perfection. It describes the raw power behind the story.

My Hernandez series have so many songs that have popped up along the way. So many have inspired my writing and characters. If I had to pick one, I would say it's Masters of Puppets by Metallica. It's powerful and intense, just like Jorge Hernandez. 

So what's your theme song? Tell me about it in the comment section. 

What my Characters Teach ME 🤓 (Updated)

My readers might be surprised to discover that each of my protagonists develops from a place deep inside me and transforms before my eyes as I tell their story. Readers may be even more surprised to discover that with each lead character comes a great lesson.

So what kind of lessons have I learned along the way? Check this out.

Ava from The Rock Star of Vampires: 

In The Rock Star of Vampires, Ava underestimates her powers. However, after a few mishaps (including a powerful hex that put her boss in the hospital) Ava began to recognize the power inside herself. Ava learns she's capable of doing things that she had never imagined possible. Most of us don't realize we are much more powerful than we ever thought possible. We just have to believe.





Mariah from Her Name is Mariah:

In Her Name is Mariah, the protagonist grows up in a difficult family situation and learns resiliency at a very young age. She's forced into young independence that serves her well as an adult, better preparing her for a tough world. One of the strongest characters I've ever written about, at one point Mariah Nichols declares herself the wolf in a world full of sheep. She intimidates, manipulates, and never allows anyone into her heart. Mariah Nichols teaches us that our strength is often much more powerful than we ever thought possible, and it's something we should embrace with no apology.





Natasha from Different Shades of the Same Color:

Natasha in Different Shades of the Same Color wanted to make the world a better place. She saw the importance of reaching out, connecting with people, and doing what she could to help those vulnerable in society. I think we sometimes get caught up in our own lives and forget the importance of connecting with our community. Natasha wanted to be their voice when they couldn’t speak, something we all should do. She also was goofy, not afraid to wave her freak flag and love life. Isn't that what life is all about?

Jorge from the Hernandez series

The sly Mexican fox himself has a way of reminding us that power is a state of mind. Where other people may feel helpless in various situations, Jorge is always locked in his sense of power. Whether or not it is true, or just in his head is irrelevant. It is because he believes it, that others do too. 

Paige from the Hernandez series

The wife of protagonist Jorge, it's not surprising that she's his opposite. Where he is loud, abrupt, and often rude, Paige is calm, centered, and level-headed. I often think I would like to have these same traits, but more times than not, I feel like I'm a little more Jorge than I am Paige. 

The characters are, in essence, a part of the author, and writing a book is often a very cathartic experience. I know it is for me.

Canadian author Mima is known for her complicated and diverse characters, a dark style, and for never shying away from controversial topics. To request an interview or if you are interested in doing a book review, please send requests here  

 

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