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. 😃

Why I write books at the same pace as a tv show 🙀🔪📺(Updated)

If you pick up a book published 100 years ago, you'll immediately see a noticeable difference from a modern novel you'll read today. Perhaps it's the elaborate descriptions that were more important in a time when people had time to relax with a book and slip into a magical world. Remember this was before television, the internet, and Netflix, so people didn't have as many options for entertainment. Therefore, they appreciated these details.

Not to say that descriptions are no longer important, but today, people don't have time and want to dive right into the story. Also, readers want to participate in the process more than ever before. What I mean by that is that they like to imagine what that hot guy looks like rather than the mentally exhausting process of etching out his face according to your five-paragraph description. I'm exaggerating a bit but, if you're an avid reader, I know you've stumbled on this at some time. If a reader is overthinking something from my book, I prefer it be the plot, the crucial points or concept brought up by characters and not the specific, exact details of someone's face, the room they just walked into, or the garden behind their house. For example, when I refer to a luxurious hotel suite, I think most people have a pretty good idea of what that entails. I don't need to give too many specific details. 

It's hardly a secret that people have short attention spans. I was thinking about this article and had my attention diverted about seven times, so I'm hardly the exception to the rule. Rather than diving into this blog, I  thought about the television show I watched last night, conversations I had yesterday, and what I anticipated to happen later today.

In other words, readers appreciate a fast-paced book. It keeps them turning the pages. As a writer, it keeps me wanting to continue writing them too. I get bored if things aren't moving quickly, so I think that is a sign that my readers would too. Not to mention, that I see each book like a movie or television episode playing in my head. The trick is to keep caught up with my characters. Those bastards move fast! 😂

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!

When characters are out of their element 😬 (updated)

When you consider that most of my characters are blatantly counterculture by nature, it's not hard to see why a relatively average experience might cause them to feel out of their element.

When you know that the protagonist for my current series spent most of his life breaking down massive walls, it's always interesting to see him dealing with his teenage daughter's anguish over being bullied or trying to comfort a crying baby. It's not the big problems that unsettle Jorge Hernandez, it's the average 'normal' situations that put him out of his element, especially those that require a certain amount of sensitivity. If you're a man that enters a room with both barrels blazing, how do you deal with the principal of his daughter's school? If he's used to threatening or killing his enemies, how does he deal with a pesky neighbor? 

The irony is, of course, that most of us would have the opposite problem. Although the situations I mentioned in the last paragraph might cause most of us to cringe, we would much rather deal with them than someone trying to kill or threaten us. For the characters in my books, the latter is more their comfort zone...you know, for lack of better words. 🤭

Why do characters need to get out of their element? Actually for the same reason why we have to get out of our element because it's necessary for growth. You don't want to be someone who's forever the pesky teenager they were at 15, nor do you want to read about a character who has the same MO book after book. While it might be nice to see your character be a womanizing, gun-slinging jerk in book or season one, you're going to get sick of it by season/book 4-5 unless you start seeing him questioning his beliefs and methods. 

When we met Jorge Hernandez at the end of (book 2 in the series) Always be a Wolf, he wouldn't win an award for sensitivity. While some may argue that this hasn't changed much, we do start to see him mellowing out as the series goes on, growing tired of his former lifestyle (to a point) while increasing his level of respect for women, something he didn't have much of early on. Meanwhile, some of the other key characters have also grown but not always in the most pleasant ways. 

Putting a character out of their element is a great way to shake things up, so you can see where everything falls.

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.

Let's talk about Maria Hernandez 🌸 (Updated)

She's feisty, strong-willed, and bold; some might even say, she's just like her father. Meet Maria Hernandez.

We first meet Jorge Hernandez's daughter in The Devil is Smooth Like Honey and, she continues to be one of the most popular secondary characters throughout the series. Unlike a lot of children in books, Maria isn't falling into the background. She has many storylines of her own, which form into intriguing subplots.

With a flair for the dramatic, Maria has often been involved in creative pursuits such as acting and music. Her goal to 'become famous' concerns her father, who believes the world of fame and fortune is a path to misery full of vultures and disappointment. As a strict disciplinarian, Jorge often is abrupt and harsh with his daughter in tone, causing his wife Paige to swoop in and remind him that this will not support his goal to be closer to his daughter.

It's an ironic twist when readers learn that Maria is a victim of bullying. While her father is a blood-thirsty and aggressive criminal, he feels powerless when his daughter is a casualty of other kids. Then again, where Maria starts as a victim, she often goes overboard when she retaliates, indicating that she is a chip off the old block. Needless to say, Jorge spends a lot of time in the principal's office, often yelling at school officials.

As much as she likes to see herself as a grown-up, Maria still carries the innocent eyes of a child that adds contrast to the books while bringing out the softer side of all other characters in the series. She often shines a light on the heart of Jorge Hernandez, showing that as much as he's a criminal without a conscience, he's also a father that loves his children more than anything. ❤️ ❤️

Good-bye 2019!! 🥳 Year end in review! 🥂

Wow!! It's the end of the year and I have so much to tell you! 🤩 First of all, I want to thank everyone for all their support this year. All those likes, shares and retweets on social media never go unnoticed. Thanks for the book reviews, watching my videos and of course, buying and reading my books! 📚 We have lots to celebrate, so let's get this party started! 🎉 Let's start with the books I published in 2019:     The Devil May Lie The Devil and His Legacy Both books are part of my Hernandez series.   Media 📺 P.E.I Writer Releases 11th Book – Journal-Pioneer, May 2019 P.E.I Writer Releases 11th Book – The Guardian, May 2019 The Devil May Lie – The Buzz PEI, May 2019 Mima  – C.E. Flores – March 2019 I recorded a lot of Youtube videos and wrote tons of blogs this year. Here's the complete list in case you missed anything 👇🏼 Let's talk about the media guy Tom Makerson 📰Dec 29      Video      Blog   What is the crazy concept behind my series? 😱Dec 20      Video      Blog   A blurb from The Devil and His Legacy 📖Dec 15      Video      Blog       Who's the Greek God? Let's talk Alec Athas 🇬🇷Dec 9      Video      Blog Why do you need a sharp book cover? 😉Dec 2      Video      Blog   How strong characters make us stronger 💪🏼Nov 27      Video      Blog   Should you read your own books? 😳Nov 21      Video      Blog The Devil and His Legacy 🦁Nov 11      Video      Blog   The story of Miguel 👶🏽 Nov 5      Video      Blog Do you have a side gig? 🤫 Oct 4      Video      Blog Does my series normalize violence? Sept 26      Video      Blog OMG! I finally fit into a genre! 😝Sept 14      Video      Blog Why I do my research backwards 😯Aug 31      Video      Blog Why it's important for art to hold a mirror up to society 🎭Aug 22      Video      Blog Writing about characters that are vastly different from you 🤫 Aug 12       Video       Blog   Dialogue that pops! 😉Aug 3      Video      Blog    The super crazy last chapter 😜July 19       Video       Blog   Choosing the right words 🤓July 16       Video       Blog Writing a pilot episode based on my book series July 11      Video      Blog   Why do you always write about criminals? 🔪 July 4       Video       Blog    Why is the first paragraph so important? 🤓 June 29       Video       Blog   Why my characters aren't shooting as many people June 16      Video      Blog   Let's talk about the conspiracy theories in my books 😱June 2       Video       Blog   Moment of pause May 10      Video      Blog    Plant the seed 🌱 May 3       Video       Blog   Can you learn from authors you don't like? 🧐 April 26       Video       Blog   Songs that inspired The Devil May Lie, April 19       Video       Blog   Do your books have social commentary? 🧐 April 12       Video       Blog   The Devil May Lie - Let's talk about a pivotal moment in the book 😱 April 2       Video       Blog   Does everyone have a creative side? 🎨 March 28       Video       Blog   The Devil May Lie - book 6 in the Hernandez crime family series 😈 March 17       Video       Blog   Does a weak moment make a weak character? Feb 27       Video       Blog    Animals and Devils 🐺😈 Feb 8      Video      Blog    Should characters ever be based on people you know? 🤔 Feb 1      Video      Blog   Let's talk about Paige Noël-Hernandez 🧘🏼‍♀️ Jan 25       Video       Blog    The loyalty factor 👊🏼 Jan 18       Video       Blog   Let's talk about Jolene Silva 👄 Jan 11      Video      Blog    Do fairy tale endings really exist? Jan 4      Video      Blog Wow! Almost 40 videos and two books this year. No wonder I'm exhausted. 🥱 Thanks again for all your support. I wish you all the best in 2020! Mima

Let's talk about the media guy, Tom Makerson 📰(Updated)

Tom Makerson may be a secondary character in the series, but he plays a valuable role in the organization. When it comes to public perception, Makerson makes Jorge Hernandez look like a hero while his enemies like the devil. Talk about spinning a story!

Makerson came along in And the Devil Will Laugh when Jorge Hernandez needs someone he can control in the media. After having some issues with the newspaper Toronto AM, Jorge decided to cut (literally) the editor out of the picture. He picks someone else to take over the paper and in turn, take care of his profile in the media. When we meet Makerson in the first chapter, it becomes clear that he is intimidated by Hernandez and will do whatever he wants. Which, of course, is exactly what Jorge Hernandez wants.

Throughout the series, Makerson grows more comfortable with Hernandez, and the two work quite well together. Not only does Makerson create a pristine image of the CEO of Our House of Pot, but he's also given some big news tips from Hernandez that end up being breaking stories and, in turn, enhancing his career. Of course, there are always fringe benefits if you do what Hernandez wants, like having your condo paid off, but that's not for a couple of books later.

Do power and money slant the media? Is there corruption behind closed doors? I think we both know the answer to these questions.

What is the crazy concept behind my series? 😱(Updated)

Murder, blackmail, and conspiracy theories are frequent themes in my books, but why?

I'm going to tell you right from the get-go that my motivation as a writer has always been to make people think. That's not to say that ideas that spring up in my books are always cute and cuddly; I do like stirring up the question 'what if' in the back of people's minds.

One of the comments that my character Diego often says in my book series, is that in a world full of sheep, always be a wolf. Of course, this suggests that they believe people to be mindless followers. They constantly point out situations where people simply aren't paying attention to the world around them. Not to suggest that this theory is true, but we certainly can't deny that many people are overwhelmed with life and aren't always paying attention to trends in the news. In reality, the better way to explain it would be 'in a world full of information overload, many people don't have time to take it all in.

I enjoy challenging my readers and making them consider various topics. Whether I'm showing an example of racism, bringing up a conspiracy theory or some other 'what if' scenario, or simply reflecting something we're witnessing in the news, I love the idea of a reader rolling new concepts or ideas through their mind. It isn't that I want to make everyone paranoid but simply more aware.

Have you ever watched a movie, television series, or read a book that made you stop and consider something you hadn't thought about before? If so, that writer has done their job.