The official blog is associated with www.mimaonfire.com. Author of 18 books including the Hernandez series 🔪
Loyalty Above All
There are no exceptions.
☠️#counterculture #villains #darkhumor #bloodthirsty #antihero #criminals #fiction #Hernandezseries #Canadianfiction #darkfiction #politicalthriller #Amazonbooks #Kindle #booksworthreading
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.
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?
If you read the back cover description of my latest book, Loyalty Above All (There are no exceptions), you're only getting the prevalent theme in the story. Jorge Hernandez has two nemeses throughout the series; the prime minister of Canada (Alec Athas) and Big Pharma. This book is no different.
Let's check out the synopsis before I explain what I mean.
The fact that Jorge Hernandez is contemplating ‘doing good’ in the world should be enough to send a shiver down anyone’s spine. He may be living a seemingly legit lifestyle with his family in Canada, but don’t be fooled; this former Mexican cartel boss holds a powerful grip on everything from politics to media, and he’s never beyond getting a little blood on his hands.
When his daughter Maria steps up to someday head the familia, it is with great pride that Jorge breaks down the lessons that will secure her position in life. Giving her a glimpse into his daily activities, she quickly witnesses the stark view of the criminal mastermind at work. It doesn’t matter if he’s yelling at the prime minister or making plans to take someone down; Jorge does so with a powerful and unapologetic swoop. But how much is he willing to reveal? Is he ready for his daughter to learn about his brutal, murderous side?
In a world where trust is essential, Jorge teaches her the powerful lesson; Loyalty above all. There are no exceptions.
The likelihood of Jorge and Alec ever becoming best friends is highly unlikely. Jorge will always have an issue with the man who once had a relationship with his wife, even though it was probably about twenty years ago. Although he insists his frustration with the prime minister is because Canada's leader is too much of a 'pussy', deep down, we know that there's something else that incites his anger. The two men have one heated battle that takes things up a notch in this book. While behind the scenes, Jorge continues to control the Canadian prime minister.
Jorge's long-standing battle with Big Pharma is also unlikely to end anytime soon. You have to remember that Jorge started his fortune in the cartel. In his eyes, people were getting their drugs from both him and Big Pharma however, the latter didn't have any consequences to their actions, despite both were selling drugs that people used to get high. In his view, they were legalized drug dealers. When he took over the cannabis business in Canada, his battle against the pharmaceutical industry only grew more contentious and remains ongoing.
I like to keep as many irons in the fire as I can to keep things interesting. This book is no exception.
When people learn that I'm an author, they're often surprised to learn that I write about violent criminals who think nothing of murdering from time to time. Perhaps I don't give off that crazy vibe as much as I thought I did, or maybe it's because I'm a woman, and generally speaking, female authors are more known for books that fall more on the softer side. It's not something I give a lot of thought to but from time to time, I do get asked why I don't write books that are warm and fuzzy.
In truth, I tend to read darker, sinister books, so it's not surprising that I also choose to write them. As a writer, it mightn't surprise you that I also tend to write what I see reflected in the world around me, and you don't have to look far to understand why I write about a protagonist that is rich, powerful and isn't afraid to get blood on his hands. This is merely symbolic of the elites that rule our world - thus, my title Psychopaths Rule the World from earlier this year.
Although I don't write warm and fuzzy books, I tend to show the softer side of characters. To not do so wouldn't be a fair reflection on human nature. Even the most rotten, soulless person has an unexpected sentimental side, just as the kindest person you know may occasionally have a temper tantrum. People are complex, and so are characters.
Maybe someday I will write warm and fuzzy books. As soon as our world becomes a warm and fuzzy place.
If you haven't checked out the Hernandez series yet, you might want to stop by mimaonfire.com to learn about the characters, the books and take a look at all the snappy covers. 😍
As a writer, I have a few goals that I keep in mind, specifically while working on this series:
Diversity. I've covered this issue in previous blogs and videos because it's one of my most important writing goals. Our society is made up of many kinds of people, and this should be reflected in our books.
Equality. The men are strong. The women are strong. No damsels in distress here.
Theme. Each of my books has a theme that follows the story. For example, my latest book, We're All Criminals, focuses on freedom.
Social issues. There's a lot going on in the world and, it's important to bring it to the surface to inspect a little more closely or perhaps, show it from a different point of view.
Snappy dialogue. Each character has a unique way of expressing themselves, which should be reflected in their dialogue. It shouldn't fall flat.
Subplots. Lots and lots of subplots. People need a lot of balls in the air, or they lose interest.
Fast-moving. If you're going to write a 900-page book, you better have a hell of a lot of time (like years) or events covered, or people will lose interest by chapter 3.
These are the key ingredients that help to make the ideal Hernandez soup.
Jorge Hernandez is the leader of the pack in the dark and gritty Hernandez series. The charismatic former cartel boss has come a long way from his Mexican roots to take over the Canadian marijuana industry while infiltrating many areas in the country, from the government to the media.
A complex character, Jorge was forced to grow up quickly after the death of his younger brother, Miguel. His family became emotionally distant, ostracizing their remaining son for his accidental part in the tragedy, which forced Jorge to become stronger in his teen years. Before he was 20, this strength and his ability to emotionally disconnect proved invaluable as a criminal, which would push him up the food chain very quickly. This power grew over the years until he was the boss and his associates, in turn, became the family that he needed.
Jorge’s charismatic personality is captivating to those around him while his enemies fear the man who was called el diablo, the devil, for a reason. Many people find this character appealing because of Jorge's blatant disregard for the thoughts and opinions of those around him. He feels no need to receive approval as he powers through life, only thinking of his family and associates at any given time. Jorge is bold, arrogant, and is not shy to express his opinion when necessary. On the flip side, he shows undeniable loyalty and love for his family. Jorge Hernandez would, quite literally, do anything for the people he loves.
There is no black and white when it comes to the liability of a character; there are a lot of grey areas.
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?
Throughout the Hernandez series, readers are often surprised to see the softer side of the protagonist, Jorge Hernandez. Usually abrupt, in control, and dangerous, it's a surprise to see his vulnerabilities. This especially comes to light when dealing with either his children or wife, Paige. Something is appealing about the unexpected balance of his character.
In general, I think people enjoy discovering the unexpected when it comes to characters. There's something about getting past the mask, the bullshit, to learn who someone really is that is fascinating in both the real and fictitious world. I believe it's human nature to want to understand what makes people tick. Also, to see what we all have in common despite our backgrounds and status in the world.
I have said in the past that I normally don't write a love story. I guess it's perhaps my cynicism that makes me hesitant. However, I find the relationship between Jorge and Paige fascinating and adds an extra element to the series. I think the unlikelihood of two people who don't fit in well with the rest of the world meeting each other is somewhat inspiring. Throw in a couple of children, and the protagonist is forced to not always be in control, and as the reader, you get to see him unravel.
And there's something about seeing someone unravel that makes us see humanity. Which, I believe, is what we're often looking for in the first place.
A former Mexican narco transitions into Canadian life with family, politics, and business while holding tight to his ruthless, criminal ways. Meet Jorge Hernandez.
Power-hungry CEO of Our House of Pot, Jorge Hernandez, holds tight to his ruthless ways in the 8th book in the Hernandez series when he decides to take down the pharmaceutical industry in one powerful swoop. The man once known as the Mexican cartel leader El Diablo isn’t satisfied controlling the monopoly in the Canadian marijuana industry but wants to make Big Pharma squirm under his thumb. Using his political influence to cripple his nemesis, while simultaneously backing the incriminating docuseries Eat the Rich Before the Rich Eat You, Jorge might win the battle, but can he win the war?
Recognizing that he’s started a bloodthirsty game of cat and mouse with a sinister opponent, Jorge enlists the help of the only person that he considers his equal. Former assassin Paige Hernandez, one of the most dangerous women in the world, takes on her husband’s advice to do her worst. But when an unexpected adversary forces her hand in a no-win situation, Paige is left with a heart-wrenching decision of who will live…and who will die.
When the couple unites forces, they discover a bloodbath overflowing in deception and disloyalty that shakes them to the core. Together with Paige, Jorge fights their enemy to the end because he is the devil and she was his angel.
This book centers on celebrating strong, powerful women who can take on the world. I also use this platform to resurface many stereotypes that women encounter throughout their lives, as well as the struggle of balancing family and work....and of course, in Paige's case, murder.
Generally speaking, most of the books you'll read that involve criminals will have the same conclusion: the 'bad guy' gets caught and we all live happily ever after in knowing that good prevails over evil. We see it in movies, on television, and in real life...
Wait. Is that true? Do we see it in real life?
In actuality, we don't always see the 'bad guys' getting captured in the real world. Other times, we see them get caught only to either get away with or barely get punished for their crimes. So why do so many books, movies, and television series center on criminals getting caught and punished?
The answer is that we seek the comfort that the story tells. Many people feel better when things end in a way that they think they should. So, in other words, not only does the criminal gets caught, but the girl gets the guy, and the sick person recovers, and everyone lives happily ever after.
It can be a little insulting to the average audience's intelligence to give every story a fairy tale ending. If you don't believe me, ask a few people what they think of some of the cute and cuddly Christmas movies we're walloped with every December and watch at least half of them roll their eyes. People want to be challenged, surprised, and sometimes, to nod their heads and say, 'I wonder if that does happen?'
In my series, the criminals get away with their crimes. They take many preventative measures, own the right politicians, and manipulate the media. But will they eventually get caught?
For all the times I complained about not wanting to be stuck in a genre, I've finally found the perfect one!
Ever since my firstbook, I've never been comfortable classifying any of my books into a specific category. Nothing ever quite fit. There was romance, action, suspense, murder, dark humor, and even some vampires thrown in a couple, but none of these specific genres felt right. It was as though all my books included so many things that it was difficult to categorize them properly, so I chose instead to toss everything into the 'dark fiction' category. It seemed like the most accurate, if not the ideal category.
Recently, I stumbled across the concept of counterculture, and I was immediately intrigued. What was that exactly, and why did it sound so appealing? As it turns out, counterculture tends to be a way of life that goes against social 'norms'. This demographic rejects 'conventional' society choosing instead to live by their standards.
This grabbed my attention.
In my first two books (Fire and A Spark before the Fire), my characters reject society's values by striving to become rock stars, which in itself tends to be a very counterculture lifestyle.
In my third and fourth book, The Rock Star of Vampiresand Her Name is Mariah, I tackle the underground world of vampires. You can't get much more counterculture than that, can you?
Maybe so.
In my current series, my cast of characters tends to go against pretty much all social norms. They make their own laws, follow their own rules and do so without a second thought. Murder, corruption, collusion, and torture are engrained into their lives as if they were the most natural thing. That's pretty counterculture.
My books finally have a home, and it's pretty awesome.
They always say how important it is to make a solid first impression. When you think of today's world where everything is fast-paced, and people are much too rushed to give much of anything a second try, it's more important than ever to capture a reader quickly; but how do you do that?
The obvious answer is to have an engaging first chapter. It doesn't have to be perfect. It also doesn't mean it has to be over the top or gimmicky. It means that you want the reader to get a sense of what they're getting themselves into! What is the theme of this book? What is the genre?
As a writer, the first paragraph is like meeting someone new for the first time. If you want to make a good impression, you'll probably throw on some makeup, hopefully, some clean clothes, and put a little extra attention on your hair. With books, it's really about pulling someone in and showing them a glimpse into your character's world.
For example, in my 11th book, The Devil May Lie, I talk about the significance of power in our world. What does it mean? Why do people want it? I talk about how it starts when we're children on the playground and ends in our death. I also say we lust after it as if it were the flesh of a lover. I use specific words that are powerful like, bold, passionate, addictive, crave, roaring. These words give readers a sense of what is to come. If I were writing something with a romantic theme, I would probably choose powerful words associated with passion. If my book had more of a family theme, I might use gentle words that give the impression of a soft place to fall, such as comfort and warmth.
Another thing I want to note is that I often connect the first paragraph in chapter one with the first paragraph in the final chapter (in my case, chapter 50). So once again, in The Devil May Lie, I talk about power in the last chapter. This is important because we're revisiting the place we started to see where we are on the same topic. In this last paragraph, I ask the question; When do we have enough power? When do we cross the line? Who wins when there's nothing left to take? I hope that after having read the entire book, this gives you something to ponder.
The first paragraph should give readers an impression of what they can expect. Of course, you have to remember that just as with a relationship, you must work hard to keep the reader interested throughout the book and to live up to that first impression.
Here's a spoiler alert 🚨- if you haven't already read my books, you should know that there's usually a body count. 😲I'm attempting to get away from having my characters using guns, but does that mean my books are becoming less violent, and why am I making these changes?
First of all, I'm tired of guns. Between mass shootings, the vast amount of television shows using them (more shows than not, I'm guessing), and of course video games, I thought maybe we could use a bit of a break from guns.
Does that mean my books are less violent? No. I'm trying to find more creative ways for my characters to either get revenge, attack or hurt their adversaries without using a revolver. This isn't to say the gang in my series has tossed their guns aside, quite the contrary. I feel that they're used so often in movies, television, and books that perhaps it's time to find more interesting methods rather than relying on the easiest, most thoughtless, and overused options in fiction.
In many ways, we're desensitized by guns. When a character pulls out a gun in your favorite piece of fiction or Netflix show, we hardly blink an eye because it's the norm. Sadly, it doesn't pack the same punch as it should, and in turn, this doesn't keep readers or viewers on high alert. You know what keeps viewers on high alert? A machete. An ax. A chainsaw. One must be creative.
I also believe there is a certain amount of passion when a character attacks his or her victims with a more barbaric weapon. In reality, guns are somewhat lazy, when you think about it.
If you're one of my readers, don't expect things to calm down and you won't suddenly find my books in a Christian book store but you might find a few other surprises. 😏
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….
What's a 'fairytale ending' exactly, and why do people want them? More importantly, why you'll probably never find one in the majority of my books.
This all started a couple of weeks ago when I received an email from a stranger. Let's call her a 'fanemy'. In it, she said that she had 'tried' to read my latest book, And the Devil Will Laugh but couldn't get through it. She essentially found it troubling that the protagonist was not a good guy. Not only was he not the good guy, but he was also winning at being bad.
Of course, this is an unusual concept in books. The protagonist is usually morally outstanding in most books, tv shows, or movies. Then there's another character, usually the bad guy/girl, and of course, regardless of the struggles along the way, the good guy/girl always wins. This is what I refer to as the fairytale ending.
It's probably not the 'fairytale' ending you're probably thinking of right off the bat; it's no Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Disney cute ending. It's not a nicely folded-together finality, the fictional version of a hot, cozy bath. It doesn't make people feel good about the fact that the 'good guy/girl' won and the 'bad guy got what he/she deserved'...and they all lived happily ever after.
Or did they?
This is the part where I come in and shake things up. See, I'm not into that specific kind of ending. I find them a tad predictable and boring. I also find them somewhat unrealistic. I prefer to give people something to think about after finishing my book. Kind of in the same way as the final episode of The Sopranos left me with something to think about when the screen went black with no further explanation. This pissed off a lot of people, but you know what? To this day, I still think about that episode and debate with myself about what that meant exactly. I've discussed it with friends and listened to their thoughts on the subject. Had this been the usual, happily ever after ending, I probably would've forgotten it by now or, even worse, stopped caring.
The thing is that we, as people, are complex, and so is life. Things usually don't end up good or bad, and people are not saints or sinners. Many people would prefer things were that simplified, but they are not. It might work for some people, but it doesn't work for me.
It started with a simple concept. The first book in the series is about Chase Jacobs, the wide-eyed boy next door who finds others taking control of his life, leaving him bitter, resentful, and bringing out a dark side that no one saw coming. With his introduction to the sinister underworld in his small town, there's a sense that once Chase has opened the door, he could never turn back.
If you jump ahead to the 3rd or 4th book in the series, it might be surprising to see what a jump things had taken from We're All Animals. What starts as the story about teenage heartbreak turns into a series involving violence, corruption, and murder. I feel it's a smooth transition and one that allows you to understand how someone you'd never expect could get involved with a gang or cartel. Our lives and decisions can take us down many roads, but in the end, there's a reason why we choose them.
I've often said that this is the series that wasn't meant to be a series. However, the characters were so compelling that I had to keep writing. Who knew where it would lead me. 😈
There's just something about the rebellion and going against the grain character that we love. Perhaps it is the fact that these characters sometimes do what we wish we could in real life? Is it because we get a small thrill about 'sticking it to the man'? Is there something attractive or sexy about the character that thumbs their nose at the world? What is the draw to this kind of character?
As children, most of us learned that there were 'good' and 'bad' guys in life. The 'good guys' could be trusted. The 'bad guys' should be avoided. It was overly simplified. Bad guys always had mustaches and looked shady, while good guys wore a suit or a 'respectable' uniform (and I don't mean the one from when you flipped burgers in college).
If life teaches us anything, it's that the lines in the sand aren't always so clear. Maybe the religious figure from your youth turned out to be a pedophile, or you witnessed a cop beat the crap out of an innocent citizen. Whatever it was, you may now have a slight aversion to what you once viewed as the 'good guy' and find yourself slightly intrigued by the 'bad guy', therefore making you drawn to characters who don't exactly play by the rules.
Of course, I could be overanalyzing. Maybe we just like watching bombs blowing up everywhere and some devilish character pushing the button. What do you think? Why do you love the antihero (assuming you do)? Maybe the answer might surprise you.
Jorge Hernandez has quickly become a fan favorite for many reasons. When asked, most readers comment on several things that stand out about this character despite his devious side, (although some people seem to like that too 🤭) he has some characteristics that make him quite appealing.
To begin with, Hernandez is a bold, powerful heavyweight in the criminal world. Remember that he's survived 20 years in the cartel, which is a massive accomplishment. If Mexican news and documentaries have taught us anything, it's that the cartel life is dangerous. However, all that aside, let's look at when this character joined the gang so you can have a brief introduction.
Fans of this series will recall that Jorge Hernandez came along in the latter part of Always be a Wolf. He popped in and out of the book but essentially took over the series as the protagonists in The Devil is Smooth Like Honey. He continues to lead the series.
Fans enjoy this antihero, alpha dog character simply because he is strong, confident, and unapologetic. His loyalty lies with his close friends and family, which is something many people appreciate. He would do anything for the people he loves: literally, anything. He's very passionate about life and goes after what he wants with complete confidence that he will get it. It is probably because of this arrogant insistence that he is so successful.
Of course, he also has a surprisingly sensitive side when it comes to his family. His daughter will often tug at his heartstrings, as does his wife, which we don't expect from a gangster-type character. You know where you stand with Jorge Hernandez. He never hides how he feels.
Jorge Hernandez checked into my seventh book, Always be a Wolf, and essentially took over. There was no way he couldn't have become the protagonist because his presence was much too strong to be a secondary character. The Mexican-Canadian was charming, powerful, and dangerous. Unlike other antiheroes in books and television, we weren't just viewing his forceful side but getting a peek into his everyday life. As it turns out, even this was anything but boring.
I decided to write a blog from this character's perspective because I wanted to introduce him to those who haven't read my Hernandez series yet. I've only written a few posts so far, but I plan to continue to add more in the future. I hope that it gives people an inside view of his life, and unlike my books, it's written in a first-person perspective, hopefully creating a more personal connection between the reader and the character.
We follow Jorge's journey through the series. Learn more HERE.
