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 Hernandez series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hernandez series. Show all posts
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.
I think the title says it all. We've heard this story many times before but not always from authors. People created products as a solution to a problem. That's how most things get invented. Writing a book that you wanted to read isn't any different.
Not to give you the wrong impression. I've read a lot of fiction over there years that I loved, but it wasn't quite what I wanted. I wanted the combination of ruthless criminals that leaned toward gangsters, along with some dark humor and a strong sense of loyalty and connection. I wanted characters that didn't fit into the social norms and didn't care. I wanted books that opened people's eyes and made them question what was happening in the world. Nothing too light. Nothing too predictable. If I read a book and knew the ending well in advance once, it's happened at least a million times. Publishers are often short-sighted and prefer books to fit a mold to ensure sales. That's why I'm an indie author. My goals are vastly different.
Of course, I would love great book sales, but not because I wrote to cater to an audience and be a millionaire. I wanted to make a point. I hope to encourage critical thinking while being entertained. I wanted people to live through my characters. I've always written with integrity, not for sales.
I assumed that if I liked this kind of book, so would other people. As it turns out, I was right.
One of the most prevalent themes in my Hernandez series is the ongoing battle between protagonist Jorge Hernandez and his nemesis, Big Pharma. It's a fight unlikely to end anytime soon but will only grow as tension grows with each book.
The premise behind the Hernandez series is that Jorge was once a cartel leader in Mexico. Through a miracle, he never ended up in either prison or dead, but instead relocated to Canada to start a legit business. Once here, Jorge often is ranting how as a cartel boss, he was always running from the law, but Big Pharma is also responsible for people becoming addicts but can do so legally and have no repercussions. Also, he takes over the Canadian pot industry (House of Pot) only adds to the ongoing battle between the pharmaceutical industry and Jorge Hernandez.
Jorge is a respectable businessman to the public, but behind the scenes, he's part of an ongoing war with Big Pharma, and things often get bloody.
Could a former cartel boss run the government? Has it ever happened behind the scenes? And let's take this another step further; could a bloodthirsty criminal lead a country if people weren't aware of his dark side?
Most people will say no to all these questions. White-collar criminals might be another story. Politicians turned criminals is also a possibility, but most people would disagree that someone who has threatened and murdered his way to the top could potentially run the show: either from behind the scenes or at the top of the pile, as the actual president or prime minister of a country.
But then again, is it impossible?
In my Hernandez series, former cartel boss Jorge Hernandez heavily influences the government from behind the scenes while secretly wondering if he could be more productive as his country's leader. After smoothly slipping through life without getting caught, it's obvious why Hernandez automatically assumes that the other shoe will never drop, but would he be bold enough to run for prime minister of Canada?
If you research Mexican or Colombian cartels, you'll quickly realize that it's not a stretch. These powerful and savvy criminals have a lot of influence on the government and the police, but is that something that could only happen in other countries? Could it happen in Canada? The US? And I guess the more important question is, has it ever happened?
I think part of the answer lies in how you define a criminal. And even more so, where the grey area starts and where it ends.
Someone once asked me if the goal for my YouTube channel was to become a YouTube star. This question made me laugh since my subscribers and views are borderline pathetic. Even with 200 short videos, my channel never caught on fire, but I don't worry about this since it was never my goal in the first place.
So, what was my goal when I recorded that first video (since deleted) a few years ago? It was simply to get through the recording without passing out. After all, when you don't breathe for a few minutes while in a state of panic, sometimes it doesn't end well. I was terrified. Now, I could pull it off with little issue, but with experience, my confidence has grown, which was a bonus.
Now, my goal with both my YouTube and Rumble videos is to tell people about my books, answer frequently asked questions (about my Hernandez series and writing in general), and address topics that I know concern new writers. Of course, I would love to get as many eyes on my videos as possible because this is another avenue that could create attention for my books. However, a successful channel isn't my main goal.
How can you help? Check out some of my videos on either channel, share them on social media or with friends you think may be interested, and subscribe! Thank you in advance!
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.
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.
I need your help (and tips on how to help other authors) Blog YouTube Rumble
Thank you for all your support! See you in 2023 😘
🇨🇦Canadian author Mima (aka Michelle M. Arsenault) is known for complicated and diverse characters, dark style, and never shying away from controversial topics.
We're heading toward the end of another year. It's hard to believe because I feel like not too long ago, I was sunning in the backyard (and I sure as hell wouldn't do that today 🥶) The good news is that the holidays are coming up! 🎄
Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? 🎁
Are you looking to buy someone a book? Are you looking to buy yourself a book? 🙈
May I make a few suggestions? Check out my list HERE.
I have some GREAT news!! I started writing my 18th book, the 13th in the Hernandez series (remember, you don't have to read the entire series to enjoy any of the books!) I still have a long road ahead of me, but I've made the first couple of steps.
In other news, here are the latest blogs and videos:
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for all your support. Keep an eye out for my annual newsletter that will give you the breakdown of everything you have to know from 2022. ❤️
Summing up my Hernandez series has never been easy. It's about criminals, but it's not the kind of criminals that will steal your car. It's about gangsters, but not the kind of gangsters that will take over an area and demand fees from local businesses. It's about a former cartel boss but not the cartel boss currently involved in illegal activities like transporting drugs. The crimes involved in my series are more vigilante justice than anything else.
The thing is that Jorge Hernandez started in criminal activity and moved on the legal businesses in Canada. How he goes about doing so, however, often isn't so legal. His method of dealing with those who get in his way or cause issues for his family is very much in step with what he would've done in his cartel days. Things can get very bloody.
Jorge Hernandez is all about control. He controls people and situations and intimidates those who try to go up against him. Hernandez knows this is the key to owning an empire. All the money in the world won't make people do what he wants, but fear is a powerful influence.
When House of Hernandez hits the shelves, readers are unaware that Jorge Hernandez’s memoir is little more than a fictional fairy tale. Then again, when you are a former cartel boss with a murderous streak and a criminal history, it’s best to keep some secrets close to your heart. The brash businessman has bigger things to worry about as he swims in the political waters. He has his work cut out for him when trying to get the bleeding heart Alec Athas reelected, but some days his biggest challenge is keeping the Canadian prime minister alive. While evil forces attempt to push Jorge’s political puppet out of office, they have no idea who they’re going up against in this battle. How can you fight against a man with no scruples?
With all the politics and usual drama aside, Jorge struggles as his crime family starts falling apart. Are the walls caving in the House of Hernandez, or had things already been slipping away without him being aware?
One of my biggest struggles as an independent author is not only creating an audience but finding a way to let people know that I'm out there at all. Over the years, I've tried new ways to do so, whether it be to branch out to different social media platforms, create bookmarks, contact the media, and libraries, and even create this newsletter you're now reading. Unfortunately, it often feels like an uphill struggle. If you would like to help, share a post, follow me online, like, share, subscribe, or even ask your local library to order some of my books! Everything is a help. Here are some of my social media links where you can find me:
Speaking of House of Hernandez, have you checked out the first chapter yet? 🎃.
Finally, check out the latest blogs and videos! Would you believe I still have a few more waiting to be posted? Due to a power outage after Hurricane Fiona, I've fallen a bit behind, but I hope to post more in October!
House of Hernandez is the 12th book in the Hernandez series; but don't worry, you don't have to read the entire series to enjoy the book! Learn about it here:
When House of Hernandez hits the shelves, readers are unaware that Jorge Hernandez’s memoir is little more than a fictional fairy tale. Then again, when you are a former cartel boss with a murderous streak and a criminal history, it’s best to keep some secrets close to your heart.
The brash businessman has bigger things to worry about as he swims in the political waters. He has his work cut out for him when trying to get the bleeding heart Alec Athas reelected, but some days his biggest challenge is keeping the Canadian prime minister alive. While evil forces attempt to push Jorge’s political puppet out of office, they have no idea who they’re going up against in this battle. How can you fight against a man with no scruples?
With all the politics and usual drama aside, Jorge struggles as his crime family starts falling apart. Are the walls caving in the House of Hernandez, or had things already been slipping away without him being aware?
When House of Hernandez hits the shelves, readers are unaware that Jorge Hernandez’s memoir is little more than a fictional fairy tale. Then again, when you are a former cartel boss with a murderous streak and a criminal history, it’s best to keep some secrets close to your heart.
The brash businessman has bigger things to worry about as he swims in the political waters. He has his work cut out for him when trying to get the bleeding heart Alec Athas reelected, but some days his biggest challenge is keeping the Canadian prime minister alive. While evil forces attempt to push Jorge’s political puppet out of office, they have no idea who they’re going up against in this battle. How can you fight against a man with no scruples?
With all the politics and usual drama aside, Jorge struggles as his crime family starts falling apart. Are the walls caving in the House of Hernandez, or had things already been slipping away without him being aware?
Check out my latest writing blog - Start in one place and end up in another 😯
I also had some time to work on my personal blog again. I hope to get around to writing more posts in the near future. Here's what I got so far.
And of course, I have to mention the September Book Birthday🥳 The Devil is Smooth Like Honey was published on September 11, 2017.
That's about it for this month! To keep up to date, check out the following links:
Canadian author Mima (aka Michelle M. Arsenault) is known for complicated and diverse characters, dark style, and never shying away from controversial topics.
Just as with life, sometimes things in fiction can take an unexpected turn. If you follow your intuition and, more importantly, follow your characters, you might find yourself somewhere you didn't expect.
The most important thing for me when I'm writing, is to follow my instincts. I never stray from this rule, but if I do, I hit a wall. Characters need room to grow and room to move. Sometimes, the place they go may not be what you expected when you start to write a chapter, but this can also take you to some very interesting places. And the way I look at it, if you're surprised where things go, chances are good the reader will be too.
What does this mean exactly? And more so, how do you 'follow your instincts' when writing?
To begin with, I've always said that when you sit down to write a chapter, it's important that you have a quiet (unless you listen to music) environment. This helps you keep focused and in tune with your inner voice. Writing shouldn't be something you overthink. It should flow and be natural. You shouldn't think about what you have to do later, what's going on outside your window, or what's on Facebook. You need to focus.
I never really outline chapters. I have very general notes and an idea of where things will end up. If I'm lucky, I might know where my starting point is, but from there, things can go anywhere. For example in my Hernandez series, I might have the protagonist Jorge head out the door in a rage, prepared to kill someone. However, what will he find when he gets there? What will interrupt him along the way?
Will his plans change?
Will he kill more than one person?
Will he be in danger?
Remember, as the author, you're with your character every step of the way. You're jumping in that vehicle and flying down the road. You're walking in that dark room and looking around. You're the one that discovers he forgot his gun at home.
I'm joking. He never forgets his gun at home.
Writing should be an adventure, not an overplanned itinerary. See where it takes you, and don't worry if it takes you somewhere you hadn't planned.
