Strong masculine characters - why we need them in books and real life 💪🏼

Once upon a time, there was a weak man who started to cry when his girlfriend was mean to him. 

Can you imagine anyone finishing this book? Do you hear the collection of books hastily being closed and thrown in the corner? You should, because that's probably what would happen.

We need strong, masculine characters. As much as society scoffs at the idea of the ultra-masculine man and calls him toxic, I can't think of many television or book series with soft, teddy bear-like men that stand the test of time (or interest) for those seeking entertainment. It certainly wouldn't keep my attention. There's something about a deserving SOB getting a punch in the face by a 'fuck around and find out' kinda guy that keeps me intrigued, much more than a character that suggests the two characters keep calm and talk it out. 🥱

I used to jump on the toxic masculinity bandwagon and truly believed that old, white men were potentially ruining the world. But now, not so much. Now, I realize that you could be any color, race, or sex and be an asshole. And yes, women can be assholes too. Trust me, there's a lot of them. Take politics, for example.

Some may complain that my Hernandez series has too much 'toxic masculinity' and that's fine. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and everyone has different tastes. I don't scoff at yours (at least, not to your face 🤭) and you shouldn't criticize mine. 

Ultimately, we need more strong, masculine characters in books, television, and life.

Books I'd recommend 📚

I recently was asked to make some book recommendations. I'm unsure if this person meant my books or general recommendations, so I did both. 

As for my books, I always recommend that people visit my website, check out my book covers, read the synopsis, and even jump on Amazon for a FREE sample. I'm not comfortable recommending my books because reading is a personal experience and it's always hard to predict what people want in a book. 

As for my go-to authors over the years, off the top of my head, VC Andrews, Kristin Hannah, and Lisa Genova. I mention all three ladies in my video (see below) but I forgot to mention another important one, George Orwell. Unfortunately, it's hard to say if that falls under fiction or non-fiction anymore. I love all these authors because they make me think. I love authors that leave me something to ponder, which is also what I hope to do with my own writing. 

Regarding non-fiction and more specifically, books I've read recently, one of my favorites is, A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success by Maye Musk. She's a smart, elegant lady with an honest approach to presenting life advice while sharing her story. Another would be Jordan Peterson's book, 12 Rules For Life (which I stupidly called 18 Rules For Life in my video below 🤦🏼‍♀️) As with Musk's book, Peterson's advice is practical, sensible, and in this day and age, a great guideline for readers. Like most books, you can take or leave the advice presented to you, but both authors have a lot of wisdom to share.

Of course, as I stated in the video, I've read many great authors over the years, including many independent authors. I love discovering new books and this list is not a complete one. If you want to see some of the books I've read over the years, check out my Goodreads profile and if you friend me, I will add you back. 

What are some books you recommend? Are you an author? Let me know and if you wish, I can share your books on my X account. 

Summer isn't over yet! Grab a book and go outside for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. ☀️

If you don't have a great book, I still have a few copies of my FREE ebook (pdf file) to give away. Just reply to this message or get in contact with me through social media. You can find me on all the big platforms @mimaonfire - Wondering what book I'm talking about? 

Check out the Amazon link to read a FREE sample and of course, if you'd rather a paperback version, you can order a copy on the site or whatever retailer you prefer. If you want to buy it from a local bookstore, ask the manager to order it to be picked up at the store and of course, you can always suggest it as a purchase to the closest library. In fact, this would be a terrific option because it would give more people the opportunity to discover my book. And remember, you don't have to read the entire series to enjoy the book. 


I have a couple new blogs and videos to share. 

Why I no longer bug the shit out of people for reviews (and what is way easier...)
   
     Rumble
     YouTube
     Blogger

Gangsters, villains, and vigilantes....and my Hernandez series 🔪

     Rumble
     YouTube
     Blogger


I continue to add my video library to TikTok. 

Thanks for checking out my newsletter! Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Mima

Gangsters, villains, and vigilantes....and my Hernandez series 🔪

If you know anything about my Hernandez series, you probably don't have to be told that it's full of criminals, villains, gangsters, and vigilantes. And if you need to get more familiar with my series, those words could send a strong message about what you're in for if you pick up one of my books.  

As I point out in the video below, people love these characters. Some of the most popular televisions have featured or centered on characters that played more the role of an anti-hero than the more traditional hero. We have to ask ourselves why they're so appealing and why at this time in history? Learn more below.

July 2024 newletter 🇨🇦

🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day! To those in Canada, I hope this is a wonderful day to celebrate with friends and family. If you're American, Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸 (a few days early) Not into the parties? Maybe it's a great day to relax with a book!

🥳 Here's a quick rundown of what's new.

📽 I'm currently working on uploading all my videos to TikTok. 

📺 Check out my LATEST videos/blogs -

     Protagonist switch...what does that mean? Rumble/ Youtube/ Blogger

     Everything an author does (other than write books) Rumble/ Youtube/ Blogger 

     Helping other authors Rumble/ Youtube/ Blogger 

Hope everyone has a wonderful July. ⛱

I still have a few FREE ebooks for Everybody Wants to Rule the World. It's a PDF file (so you can share it with friends) just send me a message and I will send you the link and the code to use to get your copy! Find me on social media and send me a message today!

Thanks for your support,

Mima 

Protagonist switch....what does that mean? 🤔

One of my favorite things about writing is switching up the protagonist. So, what does that mean, exactly?

As you know, most books have a protagonist. Sometimes it is more than one character, but most times, there is one main character that the reader follows throughout their journey together. The great thing about this is that you can get an in-depth, personal understanding of that character. The not-so-good side is that you only get that character's perspective; therefore, it may need to be more accurate. Occasionally jumping to another protagonist allows you a broader view of the story. Think of it like talking to two friends about an argument they had as opposed to just one of them. One person may only mention some aspects of the argument, giving you a limited view of the scenario. Hearing both sides allows you to see both perspectives, allowing you a much greater understanding.

To have a better understanding, check out this video. 

Helping other authors 📇

As an independent author, I enjoy helping my community. It can be an uphill battle without the support of a traditional, larger publisher. You want to share your book with the world but must compete with best-selling authors, celebrity memoirs, and the internet. Despite your best efforts, it's often a challenge to get your book into a potential reader's hands. 

Trust me, I know.

Although I'm on various social media and try to post regularly on most, I prefer X (Twitter) because it tends to be the stomping ground for most authors. It's so easy to share other authors' books on my page. They often do the same for me too. It allows you to find a whole new set of eyes that might want the exact book you wrote. It's so simple to do, so why not?

I sometimes also purchase other indie authors' books and donate them to my local library. It's another easiest thing to do that helps an author's sales, while giving them a new, potential audience. 

Of course, there are many ways you can promote your book, such as creating and giving out bookmarks, having events at your local library or bookstore, or making videos like I do and hope someone watches. 😉 (hint hint)

Do we live in a fictional world? 🌏

I recently heard a man suggest that we now live in a fictional world. He pointed out specific examples to demonstrate why life currently feels like a bizarre novel, whether it be due to political events, social trends, or general societal changes. And I have to say that I agree.

I published my 18th book in the fall of 2023, and unlike previous times, I didn't jump into a new project. I had no interest in writing at all. I thought the phase would end, but instead, I continued to dig my heels in more, resistant to embark on a new project. 

And here I am. 

After I heard this intriguing thought regarding the current state of our world, I began to realize that my apprehension may lie with my unexpected headspace. As it turns out, I'm not alone. Many people feel grounded in their artistic endeavors, as I have been realizing. We're in a strange stage in the world right now. It's unsettling more than it is inspiring.

Have you noticed it? 

Who rules the world?

Who rules the world? In the Hernandez series, it's Jorge Hernandez, bitch...

The former cartel king slowly eases his way into business, politics, and even the media.

When I started the series, I had no idea how close my fictional account was to the truth. I didn't realize at the time just how many things are run from behind the scenes. It would be naive to think that world leaders are making decisions without powerful people pulling the puppet strings. It would be equally naive to believe that the media isn't influenced, especially in light of the last few years. 

For many, writing fiction is about falling into a gentle fantasy world, but for me, it's instinctual, and sometimes....often, it turns out to be reality. 

Does a writer have to write everyday?

It sounds like a tongue twister when you say it fast enough. A writer must write every day. When I hear those words, I wonder if it's merely another one of those things we're told we should do by people who make very blanket statements without consideration for the lifestyle of the writer or, perhaps, even proof that it makes a difference. 

Now, before someone jumps down my fucking throat, I'm going to start by saying that I'm not a crazy successful writer. I don't pretend to be an expert about anything, but I've gone through phases where I wrote every day, and I've gone through phases where I didn't. I honestly saw little in the way of a difference. 

Of course, having always been a writer on the side, it simply wasn't always an option. It depends a great deal on my schedule and inclination. I don't like hard and fast rules that shame those who can't follow them. Being told to write every day sits on the same unstable shelf as the one that insists you stress over your daily word count. And you don't want to get me started on that one.

I've written 18 books and (what feels like) a million blogs and I can guarantee that I never check my word count, and I don't write every day. I don't believe the creative process works very well when a writer feels pressured to perform. I also don't think it means that the work you do will necessarily be stellar if the focus is more on fixating on following this suggestion. 

Chances are good that both these rules were started by a writing school teacher when there was far less on the average person's daily agenda. The world moves fast, and a part of being a writer is observing what is going on around you, something that, as it happens, does require time. 

If I had to come up with my own rules for writers, it would be to open your eyes and pay attention to what is happening in the world. Are you getting a sense of how people feel? What are you hearing a lot? What's standing out to you? What are the books you're currently reading missing?

 

Of course, you shouldn't take five years to complete the first draft of your manuscript either. Unless you're writing a very in-depth research book, obviously, that's a different can of worms. But there has to be some reasonable middle ground. Be logical, and don't listen to the so-called experts. 

You're the expert on you. If you have issues being self-motivated, maybe you have to write every day. If you have a million other things going on and can't get your head into it, don't be too hard on yourself. Maybe it's simply time to process. Unless you nurture your soul, you have nothing to give.

My characters display 'toxic masculinity' for some readers (and I don't care)

I first heard the term 'toxic masculinity' years ago and thought it was interesting. I read a book on the topic. I considered that maybe there were some legitimate points.

All this was while I also considered how so many men were not very manly anymore. That's not to say that men, in my opinion, should be crass cavemen either. However, I had left a city where many of the men I encountered were kind of soft and sensitive in an awkward way. Was there too much estrogen in the water? I had to wonder.

Fast forward a few years, and I discovered that all the books I was writing, the movies and television shows I was watching, and the men I generally was intrigued by would fall under the category of 'toxic masculinity'. I now see it as a woke term meant to shame men for...well, being men. 

I'll never forget the time that a woman ripped into me on Facebook, saying I was a misogynist. She felt that I hated other women. I missed the memo where I was supposed to hate men. You see if I said anything against another woman, I was a terrible person, but if I said something against a man, I was probably stating a fact. At least, that's the impression she gave me in her comments.

But let's get back to my books. If you've read any of the books in my Hernandez series, you already know that a lot of testosterone is flowing through the chapters. You'll find aggression, bullying, violence, and all the things that tend to ruffle the feathers of those who'd prefer to see men being weak.

So, if you like male characters who are more likely to punch someone in the face than to shed a tear, you might want to check out my series. You might find some alpha dogs there.

And if you prefer gentle and sensitive men, go watch a Hallmark movie.

2023 - My year in review! 🎉 New book, videos, and maybe a something FREE??

It's been another great year. Stick around till the end to learn about how you can get your FREE ebook for Everybody Wants to Rule the World, but first what is my NEW book about??

A former Mexican narco transitions into Canadian life with family, politics, and business while holding tight to his ruthless, criminal ways. Meet Jorge Hernandez. 🇲🇽 

Back cover synopsis:

Jorge Hernandez may be the king of gangsters, but lately, he’s been the king of lazy. The former Mexican cartel boss starts to change his mind when a blue-haired freak slashes his tires, calling him a climate criminal. He finally breaks out of hibernation when rumors of a new medication said to be for children with ‘behaviour issues’ is about to become mandatory for all school-aged children. Jorge suspects that the drug is more about making kids compliant and easily controlled, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Who is at the top of the pile of degenerates that are pushing this agenda? Is it just Big Pharma trying to make their next billion, or is it something much more sinister behind this latest plot? Jorge and his gang intend to find out.

One thing is for sure. If you go woke, you go broke with Jorge Hernandez. Just not in the way you might think.

Politicians. 

Celebrities. 

Narcissists. 

Psychopaths. 

Everybody Wants to rule the world, but will you let them?

Videos and blogs from 2023: 

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

Crooked government and criminals; wait, is this fiction?

     Rumble / YouTube / Blogger 
 

Why I do YouTube and Rumble videos 📽📺🍿

     Rumble / YouTube / Blogger

I couldn't find the book I wanted, so I wrote it myself 😉

     YouTube / Rumble / Blogger

Jorge Hernandez vs. Big Pharma 💊

     YouTube / Rumble / Blogger

Why write books when no one reads anymore? 

     Blogger/YouTube/Rumble 

What are my books about? 🤔

Check out the 2018 version - Rumble
Check out the updated 2023 version - Rumble and YouTube 

We need more diversity in books 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇨🇴🇵🇭 

Check out the 2018 version - Rumble
Check out the updated 2023 version - Rumble and YouTube

Writing inspirations! What lies in the dark corners of my mind 😱

     📺 Rumble
     📺 YouTube

My new book is coming soon and other news! 🗞️

➛ Rumble
➛ YouTube

Why you might like my books (even if you don't normally read) 🤔

➛ Rumble
➛ YouTube
➛ Blog

Everybody Wants to Rule the World 🌍

➛ Rumble
➛ YouTube
➛ Blog

Book titles that ring true 🔔 

Rumble / YouTube / Blog 

So do you get your FREE PDF copy? Contact me through my social media and just ask! I have a limited amount, so act fast!! No strings attached! 

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Instagram.

Hope everybody has a great holiday season and all the best in 2024! Thank you for your support!

Can you say FREE????

As you probably know, my NEW book is out! Here's a quick rundown about what it's about, where to get it and details on how to get your FREE (PDF) copy: 

Jorge Hernandez may be the king of gangsters, but lately, he’s been the king of lazy. The former Mexican cartel boss starts to change his mind when a blue-haired freak slashes his tires, calling him a climate criminal. He finally breaks out of hibernation when rumors of a new medication said to be for children with ‘behaviour issues’ is about to become mandatory for all school-aged children. Jorge suspects that the drug is more about making kids compliant and easily controlled, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Who is at the top of the pile of degenerates that are pushing this agenda? Is it just Big Pharma trying to make their next billion, or is it something much more sinister behind this latest plot? Jorge and his gang intend to find out.

One thing is for sure. If you go woke, you go broke with Jorge Hernandez. Just not in the way you might think.

Politicians. 

Celebrities. 

Narcissists. 

Psychopaths. 

Everybody Wants to rule the world, but will you let them?

Buy the book 👇🏼

iUniverse

Amazon.com

Amazon.ca

Barnes & Noble

Kindle

Kobo

iBook

So do you get your FREE PDF copy? Contact me through my social media and just ask! I have a limited amount, so act fast!! 

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Instagram.

Anything else???? New videos and blogs???

Book titles that ring true 🔔 - Rumble / YouTube / Blog 

And coming soon, my year end newsletter. Check out last year's HERE

Newsletter - book cover reveal, new videos and more!

 Great news! My 18th book is out! 

I know I've been missing in action for some time. I've been very busy finishing my book, not to mention creating a few videos and blogs. Check it out 👇🏼

My new book is coming soon and other news! 🗞️

➛ Rumble

➛ YouTube

Why you might like my books (even if you don't normally read) 🤔

➛ Rumble

➛ YouTube

➛ Blog

Everybody Wants to Rule the World 🌍

➛ Rumble

➛ YouTube

➛ Blog

And check out my WEBSITE to see a few changes I've made. 

Thanks for all your support. ❤️

Everybody Wants to Rule the World coming soon!

You don't have to read the entire series to enjoy my latest book, Everybody Wants to Rule the World. To learn more about my books, check HERE.

 Here's a quick summary:   

Jorge Hernandez may be the king of gangsters, but lately, he’s been the king of lazy. The former Mexican cartel boss starts to change his mind when a blue-haired freak slashes his tires, calling him a climate criminal. He finally breaks out of hibernation when rumors of a new medication said to be for children with ‘behavior issues’ is about to become mandatory for all school-aged children. Jorge suspects that the drug is more about making kids compliant and easily controlled, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Who is at the top of the pile of degenerates that are pushing this agenda? Is it just Big Pharma trying to make their next billion, or is it something much more sinister behind this latest plot? Jorge and his gang intend to find out.

One thing is for sure. If you go woke, you go broke with Jorge Hernandez. Just not in the way you might think.

Politicians. 

Celebrities. 

Narcissists. 

Psychopaths. 

Everybody Wants to rule the world, but will you let them?

Why you might like my books (even if you don't normally read) 🤔

Over the years, many people have told me they would read my book, but they aren't readers. In other words, they didn't have the time or weren't interested in reading a book. I never took offense to this because I can completely understand. As it is, I barely have time to read a page of a book some days, especially when life gets busy. 

My books are probably a little bit different. I try to essentially cut the crap out that makes people not want to read a book. What are those things?

 In my opinion, things like over-the-top descriptions of every detail of every room can be a bit too much for some readers. Don't get me wrong! I know some of you love that kind of thing, but if you aren't a reader (and you're busy) chances are, you might skip over that part because it's too much. 

I also write short chapters. I think short chapters make it a little easier to digest a story. You can find time to read a few short pages and feel you've accomplished something. 

Of course, I try to write a book that moves quickly and has compelling characters and storylines. I feel this is more important than going over the top to impress readers with your vast vocabulary. Sometimes, in fact, that can turn people off. 

What kind of things would make you read more?