Crooked government and criminals; wait, is this fiction?

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.

October 2022 Newsletter 🎃

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:

Find me -

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/MsMissinggirl13/videos

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MimaonFire

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mima/271461381835

Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-1204603

Blogger - https://mimaonfire.blogspot.com/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4122390.Mima_

Hernandez series YouTube playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNMrBPeLoQWnVfF3-e0UrBbtotu4NfTl2

Sign up for my newsletter: https://mimaonfire.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e4b9bfddd7901619af4c3fb91&id=a6a6466b83

So, what's new for October? 

My new book, House of Hernandez was featured in The Buzz. 

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!

How do you introduce new characters? 🤝

YouTube

Rumble

Blog

House of Hernandez 🎃

YouTube

Rumble 

Blog 

Thank you to all my supporters! I appreciate everyone who checks out this newsletter. Have a wonderful October! 👻

Start in one place and end up in another 😯

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. 

July 2022 newsletter 🇨🇦 🇨🇦🇨🇦

It's July! So, what's new??

As I mention in every newsletter, I continue to work on my next book. This will be my 17th book and 12th in the Hernandez series. I think I'm around chapter 30 (or 50!) so we are getting closer!

Is anything else new? Check out my latest video/blog:

Why Jorge Hernandez goes to extremes to protect his family 🏠

     Blog

     YouTube

     Rumble

If you have any questions you'd like to have addressed, please send them to info@mimaonfire.com

Anything else?

If you haven't yet, please check out my YouTube or Rumble channels. Subscribing, sharing, and liking all help to get more eyes on my books. If want to check out any of my books but are low in funds, drop by your local library. If my book isn't in their system, it would be awesome if you could request it. 

As always, I thank you for your support! 

February 2022 Newsletter

Thank you for checking out my February newsletter! What did you miss in January? Here are a few quick highlights!

Videos and blogs:

Why my books are so political 🤥

     Blog 

     Video 

Why my readers love Jorge Hernandez ♥️

       Blog 

          Video 

My two main objectives as a writer 🧐

       Blog

          Video 

And of course, don't forget to check out my year-end review for 2021!! 

BOOK BIRTHDAY!!!

A Devil Named Hernandez was published February 21, 2018 🎉 

And the big news is I STARTED BOOK 17 THIS WEEKEND!! That will be the 12th book in the Hernandez series. Remember, you can read any of these books standalone without getting lost. I will share more information as I have it. 

Thanks for reading! 

Humor in writing 🤣(Updated)

Comedy may not be your genre, but it's still important to add a little humor to your writing. It gives characters dimension, it breaks up tension (especially in dramas), but most of all, it gives your readers an extra layer of entertainment.

Just like real people, characters have many sides to their personalities. Even the most complex personalities still have a funny side, even if it's not as prevalent. For example, in my Hernandez series, my protagonist Jorge can be described as intimidating, powerful, intense, and dangerous.  Then out of nowhere, he'll make a sarcastic remark or comment that will make readers laugh. It may not be the top quality he's known for, but it's still thrown in from time to time to add a little extra flavor. 

In general, humor is needed from time to time, especially if the particular story is very emotional or heavy. I know it may seem inappropriate in those situations, but again, just like in real life, we sometimes need a break when wading through difficult emotions. For example, if you're watching a movie where a character is dying, it can become very intense for the viewer to watch for a long time. However, if a child were to make an innocent (yet funny) remark or observation, it might break things up a bit for the viewer.

Comedy in writing shouldn't feel forced or overthought. Often if you follow the character's natural inclinations and personality, the humor comes out naturally and shows us their lighter side.

Secondary characters and how they support the protagonist 😲(Updated)

Secondary or supporting characters should never be taken for granted. Without this intriguing group of friends, enemies, and acquaintances, we certainly wouldn't have as much fun with our protagonist. 

One of the most obvious reasons why we need secondary characters is to make the storyline more interesting. Can you imagine your favorite book or movie with ONLY the protagonist throughout the entire story? It would have to be one hell of a character, and all the weight would fall on their shoulders to keep things interesting. Supporting characters also add some extra dimension and overall flavor to the story with their own unique stories and problems. The protagonists often get caught up in the middle of their dramas. In my Hernandez series, Jorge often finds himself trying to help his friends and family through their dilemmas. Of course, these characters also work with and against the main character to contribute to his story.

Not to mention that secondary characters have a way of showing you who our protagonist really is; the good and the bad. In fact, it's usually other characters that best bring out everything from rage to love in our main character, and it's always interesting to see how the protagonist reacts to these emotions. Of course, some characters contain themselves much better than others but aren't the erratic, crazy people more likely to capture our attention? 

Sometimes we find ourselves falling for the secondary characters as much or more than our protagonist. That's fine too. Just because someone is the main character doesn't mean they also have to be our favorite. 

Will the Hernandez children be the future of the crime family? ☠️(Updated)

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. 

Does it ring true? 🔕(Updated)

Writers can create crazy plots, but unless it rings true, the audience won't connect. 

First of all, I'm going to point out that I'm not talking about any specific genres. For example, science fiction or fantasy may not ring true to most people because it's a step away from the world as they know it, but I'm not talking about that aspect. I'm referring to the substance of the story and the characters involved. Is what they're doing in a given situation make sense? Are they reacting appropriately when considering their experiences, history, ethnicity, health, beliefs, age, and the people in their world?

For example, I recently watched a television show where a couple hired a live-in nanny to look after their children. So, what didn't ring true? She was a total stranger with no (known of) experience and, as far as I can tell, no credentials. These characters are wealthy and live in a mansion, which adds an extra layer of wtf. What's wrong with this scenario? Does it ring true? Would most parents, let alone rich parents with resources, hire a total stranger to look after their children? My guess is no. 

Our logical side is automatically skeptical in the same way as when we hear a lie. This same skepticism tends to move us away from the character because regardless of what disastrous thing this babysitter will potentially do, we're wondering why the hell the parents so casually hired a stranger in the first place; Are they unfit? Stupid? Are they too self-involved to think about their children's welfare? It doesn't make us root for the parents, but the children. So, unless this story is slanted to create compassion for the kids involved, it's not working. The viewer/reader must feel some connection with the character to be drawn in. So, unless you're also careless with your children, chances are you're not on their side.

Again, we have to consider many variables. Maybe if this family were poor, we'd have more compassion because they mightn't have as many options for childcare. Were the parents neglected as children, so didn't recognize that it was strange to hire a stranger to look after their children?  Is it normal within their culture/family to be goosey loosey when looking for babysitters? Are they young, inexperienced, as parents? The point is that this situation normally wouldn't ring true. It just seems kind of stupid, actually, and makes me question if the writer just threw it together as a way to work a character into the storyline.

Can you think of books, television shows, or movies where things didn't quite 'ring true' for you? On the other side, can you think of a character you connected with and why?

Why my characters color outside of the lines 🎨 (Updated)

We live in a world where many prefer we all obediently follow the rules without causing a fuss, but when it comes to my unruly characters, the likelihood of this happening is slim at best. I would even say that coloring outside the lines is their goal rather than an exception.

In the writing world, publishers prefer that artists produce a 'sure thing'. In other words, something that's guaranteed to sell while taking minimum risks. Risks, of course, would be coloring outside the lines and producing work that may not necessarily connect with or be approved of by the majority of its potential audience. That's why we have so many lukewarm, barely funny 'comedy' shows on television now. That's why so many books vaguely remind you of something you already read. That's why so many people complain that modern music all 'sounds the same. It's safe. 

Then you get writers like me who don't conform to the rules. I've described my characters as counterculture, therefore not going with the usual social 'norm'.  As my character, Diego Silva always says, "In a world full of sheep, always be a wolf". This is the kind of idealogy that makes my characters stand out and hopefully makes them as fun and interesting to read about as they are to write.

How do you keep track of everything?? 🤔 (updated from original)

After watching one of my recent blogs about how I have 10 different lives, (characters, I mean, just so you don't think I have a split personality....at least, nothing diagnosed 😜) a friend asked me how I kept track of everything. Not only do I have a lot of characters, but I also have a lot of books in my current series. I thought I had addressed this in a previous blog, but then, I wasn't sure if I covered the bases, so I thought I would dive into this question.

To begin with, I have a lot of stray notes that get stuck on a clipboard. These are comments in a specific character's voice, ideas, scenes, various things that I want to bring to light at some point in my book. Eventually, I take all these little notes and add them to a long list of things that are there as reminders of events and plot points coming up in the future. I don't necessarily use everything, and sometimes, these thoughts carry on to another book in the series. Sometimes they aren't used at all.

My most valuable writing possession (outside of my laptop) is a black book where I keep my writing notes. In the first section, I have a list of characters, notes about each one (age, family, etc.), and in which books you can find them.

The second half of this notebook is the notes for each chapter of every book in the series. I'm afraid the scribblings aren't necessarily as detailed as they should be but, they give me enough information to use as a reference point. That allows me to look up whatever book and chapter I need to review some material. Sometimes, for example, I have an old character returning to the series and have to remind myself what role they played, how they spoke, and their connection to the protagonist.

My little black book isn't perfect but, it gets the job done. It's the personal journal of my characters and their story.

Let's talk about my YouTube channel 📺(Updated)

In a world of glitzy, glamorous, and finely-crafted YouTube channels, mine is a bit of a clunker in comparison. But that's ok.

When I started making YouTube videos, it simply was to tell people about my books. I wanted to keep it straightforward, not get into anything fancy but use my channel as a way to connect with others. It allowed me to reach people from across the world and show them the person behind the books. The idea of editing, creating an intro, considering lighting, etc wasn't my biggest concern.

Now, I'm close to 200 videos in, and all these things still aren't important to me. What is important is showing people the real me. I speak honestly about my writing and giving viewers some information. I have considered putting more work into the channel but at the end of the day, it should be more about my writing than becoming a YouTube star. Not that I'm saying anything negative about those who make the extra effort, quite the contrary, but for me, my focus isn't the number of views and subscribers (which is good because I don't have a lot 🤣) but simply putting the information out there for those who are interested.

I enjoy doing these videos and having the opportunity to talk about my writing. I'm very fortunate to live in a time where all this is possible. 😃

Are you more of a Chase Jacobs or Jorge Hernandez? 😇😈(Updated)

Are you fiery, powerful, and charming, or are salt of the earth, someone who tries to do the right thing and is dependable? Although characters, just like people, are often complex and unpredictable, they tend to have some predominant traits that outshine even during the darkest of days. In the end, we can't change who we are; or can we?

In my books, the character of Jorge Hernandez is known for being unregretfully brazen, to the point that he might be a little too much for readers at times, while dependable in his reaction. For example, the former Mexican cartel kingpin isn't going to lose without a fight, if lose at all. He's strong, savvy, and fierce. He never backs down. He's a criminal with a devious mind. He could even be called a psychopath. If nothing else, Jorge Hernandez is fearless, loyal, and powerful.

So, what about Chase Jacobs?

In fairness, we meet Chase during a particularly vulnerable period in his life. He's in a bad situation in the first book in my series, feeling insecure and powerless. In many ways, he's the complete opposite of Jorge. This also might explain why he's in admiration of the sinister devil named Hernandez. Chase is loyal, quiet, yet thoughtful. He's very in tune with what is going on around him and has sensitive with a gentle nature. Although we see this change throughout the series, at the end of the day, we know that in a tight situation, Chase can be relied on to be strong, and more importantly, balanced. 

The contrast in these characters is significant to the series but what I'm finding is what most attracts the readers stand out the most. I'm more of a Jorge Hernandez than a Chase Jacobs, but what about you? And even more importantly, who would you want to be?

Why Counterculture should be a genre 🔪(Updated)

Most people associate the word 'counterculture' with the hippie movement of the 60s and the change in previous attitudes about government, music, social norms, and of course, overall appearance. However, it's a more general term to describe people that go against the 'social norm', and if you've ever read one of my books, you're probably well aware that this accurately describes most of my characters.

I will point out that I'm hardly the first or only writer whose work could fall under this potential category. Many books, television shows, and even movies follow a counterculture of people, often criminals or other social misfits that live a completely different lifestyle from what is considered 'the norm' to the rest of us. Often they are swept under another category, such as crime, or end up with descriptions like 'quirky', which is a little easier to digest than something as broad as the counterculture. I think people associate the word with different things, so perhaps it might cause some confusion.

The reason why many counterculture characters are also criminals is that they go against social norms. This often includes the law. You might even see it to a lesser degree when characters go off the grid, pull their kids out of schools, and live with no fixed address in the middle of the woods. Although they aren't hardcore criminals shooting people, they are probably breaking laws not because they are rebels, so much as they don't acknowledge society's rules.

Although some people mightn't agree with me, I believe counterculture themes will see growth in the upcoming years. With so many crazy things going on in the world right now, I think people will become intrigued with an alternate lifestyle fantasy as a way to escape our stark reality.

The Evolution of Jorge Hernandez ☠️(Updated)

When readers were introduced to Jorge Hernandez at the end of Always be a Wolf, it seemed highly unlikely that the former cartel king was about to change. As the writer, I had no idea what was around the corner so imagine my surprise when I saw my ruthless criminal begin to show a more vulnerable, human side.

The reality is that whether we're talking about real life or the characters in a book, television, or movie, you have to consider that circumstances impact how we grow. Who's in our lives? What do they need? What is the situation with our health? Finances? There are so many things that can change who you are, but it comes down to what matters to you and your overall morals.

In this book, we learn that Jorge Hernandez is the sole parent to his daughter, Maria. This appears to be a recent change that is already starting to shift his priorities. Add in a fast-moving romance with assassin Paige Noël, and suddenly the criminal playboy has a full-time family. Although somewhat sexist early on, Jorge is forced to view women differently as the story moves forward. Later in the series, he switches gears to talk about how powerful women are and how he admires their unique traits. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that Jorge is a man who's all but escaped the cartel. He still has his connections but, for the most part, is more or less out. This is extremely rare. Most people involved in the cartel lifestyle either go to prison or end up dead. Having survived and come out on the other side, he begins to recognize that he has a chance to change his life. This is powerful.

Of course, like most of us, illness or recognizing the fragility of life tends to creep in with age. Jorge has had some health scares along the way that made him realize that it might not be a vengeful enemy that takes him out but his own body. This along with losing people close to him, causes Jorge to take a step back and reconsider how he wants to spend the second half of his life since the first half was full of brutality and danger.

Characters would be unrealistic if we didn't see them evolve through time because it's not natural. However, I will say I do appreciate the journey and, even more so, the surprises.

Writing blocks and roadblocks 🚧(Updated)

Writer's blocks are a lot like roadblocks in that you find yourself suddenly stuck in the middle of nowhere, and you can't get out. The problem is in both cases, the more you focus on the fact that you're 'stuck', the more frustrated you get, which in turn makes the whole ordeal even more frustrating. And if you're a writer, that's when you stare at a blank page and contemplate banging your head against the wall until an idea pops out.

Of course, you should never bang your head against the wall. You got precious stuff going on in there, and you might damage it. There are other, more productive ways to get past the block if you want to make any progress.

The first is to calm the fuck down. The more angry and anxious you are (this applies to most problems) the worse everything will seem. As humans, we tend to get wrapped up in our minds, and suddenly we're falling down the rabbit hole of craziness. You can't do that. The more you think about how you're not accomplishing anything, the more you'll not accomplish anything.

The second thing you need to do is get back to your center. What is your center? It's the place where you feel balanced. Some people get there by exercising while others meditate. Some people might do it by staring out the window at nature (if you happen to have any nature out your window) while others might do it by playing a video game or reading a book. The key is to distract your mind from the craziness. Maybe you're overtired and need to take a nap. Everyone is different. 

I need to have headphones on when I write. I listen to music that tends to be calming (nothing with lyrics) and try not to think about anything else going on that day. It's better if I don't have time restraints too, so I'm not looking at the clock trying to rush like a maniac. The key is to be relaxed and really to listen to your inner voice. The creative world is very mysterious, which is why artists tend to be so infatuated with the entire process. We don't know where those words, characters, or creations come from; they just arrive. Your job is to open the door so that they can get in. 

Why I will never look at some songs the same way again 😱(Updated)

The title is so dramatic, and yet, the truth is that most of us have a powerful connection with music. This is common with authors since many have a specific song that they listen to when envisioning a scene. It also might be connected to certain characters, especially the protagonist.

For me, there's a list of songs that I automatically associate with pivotal scenes, powerful characters, and of course, a whole lot of violence. I'm going to share a couple of examples with you.

One song that stands out to me is Masters of Puppets by Metallica. If you haven't heard of it, the best description for it is powerful. I automatically associate the song with my series protagonist, Jorge Hernandez. More specifically, in the book The Devil May Lie. This character is bold, daring, and confident in a way that almost borderlines on sociopathic.  

Ahh...but I didn't say he was crazy. If anything, he tends to have tunnel vision and doesn't notice or listen to the naysayers on either side. If he does, Hernandez is dismissive. Unlike most people, this is a character that sees the big picture. He has distinct ideas about how the world works and doesn't let insecurities, fears, or inadequacies slow him down. Masters of Puppets is a song that embodies this character in a way that will never allow me to see it the same way again.

Another song that embodies a character would be Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne. There's a certain unhinged, erratic sense to it that perfectly captures Diego Silva, a secondary character in my series. I started Always be a Wolf with Diego flying down the road in a new sports car with a terrified Chase in the passenger seat. Diego finds the entire experience thrilling - from the fast car to scaring the crap out of his friend - which gives you a strong sense of who this character is and what drives him. 

There's also a power behind this song which also captures Diego. It doesn't matter that he's a secondary character because he's no shrinking violet. There's a strong sense that if Jorge Hernandez were to step back or leave the series, Diego would take over. Meanwhile, it's clear that he's learning from the master and looks up to him. There's a reason why Hernandez refers to Silva as his 'hermano' (brother) that shows the power of this relationship.

Music will always be an inspiration to me. Characters, scenes, and strong emotions are born from it, and the result is always a surprise.

What resources do you use to research your books? 🧐 (Updated)

People often ask me what kind of resources I use to research my books. As it turns out, there's a lot, and they might even include you.

For the most part, I don't research so much as I pick things up along the way. There are specific topics that I'm interested in and tend to dive into headfirst. It could be something I watched in a documentary, read in a book, perhaps caught on the news,  saw in a blog, or heard in a podcast. There are many ways to find information, allowing an author to collect many viewpoints and sides of the same topic.

Why is that important?

You have to remember that you're writing about different characters from often diverse backgrounds and experiences. Otherwise, you'd simply be writing books about yourself, and who wants to do that? For this reason, it's vital to learn about how other people live, what their day-to-day experiences look like, and how they see the world.

The beauty of learning about topics that you feel drawn to is that you take in the information much faster than if it's something you're less interested in.  When I'm drawn to a topic, I take it as a sign that it might just belong in one of my books. Also, if you're passionate about a subject, you will bring that same passion to your writing, and readers can feel it in the pages.

Of course, there are some less obvious places where you can do research. Overheard conversations, local gossip, things that capture your attention on the way to work, Facebook arguments,  or even snappy comments your friends make to you in conversation: there are tons of places where you can get great ideas. When you're a writer, you're always in research mode, even if you don't know it. 😉

Bookmark giveaway! 🤩

While supplies last, I'm giving away bookmarks! 

Making and giving out bookmarks is something I started a few years ago because, quite frankly, I thought it was fun. It seemed only fitting to give out something that demonstrated my hard work, like a business card that carries a punch. Whether or not it created book sales wasn't something I thought about, nor did I want people to feel obligated to purchase my books. Although I must admit when people get something free, they tend to be suspicious. 🤭

If you would like some of these bookmarks, I will send you a few in the mail (while quantities last!). I will need your mailing address (if you're not comfortable giving out your home address, you can always give me your work address) and your name, of course. There are a few ways to contact me:

My website email or private message me on either Twitter or Facebook. Please don't post your personal information on my wall or in the comment section of this blog for your protection. Please put 'Bookmark giveaway' in the subject line.

As I said, quantities are limited, and depending on where you are in the world, it may take some time for the bookmarks to get to you. For more information on my books, check out my website mimaonfire.com and thanks for your support!

Be your own media 📺🎙📻 (updated)

I wrote my first book in 2010, and at the time, the idea of getting media attention seemed essential. Having said that, when I finally did get an interview, I was a bumbling idiot when attempting to answer questions. I wanted to sound confident, but I wasn't. I wanted to say how great my book was, but I didn't want to sound arrogant. I quickly discovered that while I had a knack for throwing words together in writing, I wasn't so great at that whole talking thing.

What helped to improve my interviewing skills? My confidence grew after I started to record videos for my YouTube channel. When you record yourself speaking, you quickly catch some flaws upon playback, and this allows you to improve your weak areas while building confidence when speaking with a potential audience. I say potential audience because even though you record a video, it doesn't mean you're obligated to release it. The first few might be cringe-worthy, but that's ok because this is how you learn. How do you think all these well-spoken people in the media first learn how to talk on camera? No one is perfect the first time.

 Of course, the second problem is to get media attention at all. It's pretty easy when you're a best-seller with a big name and massive sales, but when you're new, unfamous, unrich, and untrendy, it's a whole other story. So, what do you do?

I'd recommend you take a stab at writing a press release. If you're not sure how to do so, find an example online and model yours off of it. Then send it to everyone; local, big and small newspapers, television and radio stations, free newspapers, and anyone else that might be interested. The key is to get as many sets of eyes on it as possible. You don't know who might be interested, and you never know who's paying attention.

Do press releases work? With some books I've published, they've resulted in radio and newspaper interviews and other times, one lone paper will contact me. It varies from book to book, the time of year, and other factors that sometimes you often can't predict. Newspapers are often downsizing, or have too many other things taking place at the time, competing for an editor's attention. Don't take it personally.

Whether or not the media contacts you, you have to take the bull by the horns. Write blogs, record videos for YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or whatever social media you use. Find creative ways to capture people's attention. When you think about it, the media is essentially the loudspeaker that lets the world know what's going on, but we live in a time where we have outlets to do this for ourselves. Social media is powerful, but at the end of the day, so are you.