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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To have a better understanding, check out this video. 

Does a writer have to write everyday?

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Book titles that ring true

It might not surprise my readers that my book titles always have a double meaning. Not only do they connect with the story in some way, be a powerful comment by a character, or be used to capture a potential reader. My book titles, especially in the last few years. have been picked with the worldview in mind. 

Here are some quick examples:

Everybody Wants to Rule the World is my 18th book, the 13th in my Hernandez series. As expected, a title like this isn't by accident. It comes back to not only the plot but also how our world looks right now. If you look around, whether it be in politics or otherwise, there are a lot of mega powers attempting to push their way to the top to control. And believe me, this is not for the greater good. 

Psychopaths Rule the World was released a few years ago, and at the time, it was a comment I made to a friend regarding world events. He had been questioning what would possess certain people to make the decisions. "Because psychopaths rule the world" was my answer, and even now, I stick by that reply.

Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions) isn't the only theme in my
Hernandez series but also something I strongly believe in. If we don't have loyalty or a sense of dedication, then what do we have? And can you ever really trust someone who isn't loyal to you? 

June 2023 newsletter 😎

Just a short newsletter this month! I've been taking a break from making videos and writing blogs, but will have some new material soon. I do have a new post to share with you:

Why write books when no one reads anymore? 

     Blogger/YouTube/Rumble 

If you have any suggestions for future topics, please let me know!

I'm continuing to work on my next book while thinking about another series. 😬

Hope everyone is having a great spring. 

Why I do YouTube and Rumble videos 📽📺🍿

Someone once asked me if the goal for my YouTube channel was to become a YouTube star. This question made me laugh since my subscribers and views are borderline pathetic. Even with 200 short videos, my channel never caught on fire, but I don't worry about this since it was never my goal in the first place. 

So, what was my goal when I recorded that first video (since deleted) a few years ago? It was simply to get through the recording without passing out. After all, when you don't breathe for a few minutes while in a state of panic, sometimes it doesn't end well. I was terrified. Now, I could pull it off with little issue, but with experience, my confidence has grown, which was a bonus. 

Now, my goal with both my YouTube and Rumble videos is to tell people about my books, answer frequently asked questions (about my Hernandez series and writing in general), and address topics that I know concern new writers. Of course, I would love to get as many eyes on my videos as possible because this is another avenue that could create attention for my books. However, a successful channel isn't my main goal. 

How can you help? Check out some of my videos on either channel, share them on social media or with friends you think may be interested, and subscribe! Thank you in advance!

Is Jorge a vigilante superhero?

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.

2022 - My year in review 🎉

Another year has ended and it's time to review what happened in 2022! 

New Book!

House of Hernandez (August 16, 2022) 

Check out the synopsis and read the first chapter! Go to your favorite online retailer to learn more. Here's a few:  

• Amazon Canada
• Amazon US
• Kindle
• Kobo
• iBooks
• Barnes & Noble
• Book Depository
• Chapters

Videos and Blogs

Christmas themes in my books 🎄🎄🎄

     Video
     Blog

Why I don't write warm and fuzzy books 🧸

     Video
     Blog 

Loyalty Above All (There are no exceptions) ☠️

     Video
     Blog 

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 

Why Loyalty Above All isn't just a title 🐺

Blog

Video

A quick read from Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions) 📖

Blog
Video 

The protagonist's point of view 👀

Video
Blog

Why we need to connect with characters

    Blog

    Video

Relationship ups and downs between characters 😍🤬

    Rumble
    YouTube
    Blogger

Why Jorge Hernandez goes to extremes to protect his family 🏠

     Blog
     YouTube
     Rumble

Everybody's got a story (including children) 

     Blogger
     YouTube
     Rumble 

Check out my latest writing blog - Start in one place and end up in another 😯

    YouTube                           

    Rumble                           

    Blog 

How do you introduce new characters? 🤝

YouTube
Rumble
Blog

House of Hernandez 🎃

YouTube
Rumble 
Blog 

A quick preview of House of Hernandez 🎃

     YouTube
     Rumble
     Blog
 

Every character has a purpose 🤪

     YouTube

     Rumble

     Blog 

A different kind of crime series   
    Blog
    YouTube
    Rumble

I need your help (and tips on how to help other authors)
    Blog
    YouTube
    Rumble

Thank you for all your support! See you in 2023 😘

🇨🇦Canadian author Mima (aka Michelle M. Arsenault) is known for complicated and diverse characters, dark style, and never shying away from controversial topics. 

📚Author of The Hernandez series - loyalty above all. There are no exceptions. https://mimaonfire.com/the-series/

👩🏼‍💻Find me -

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 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

☕️Buy me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/q8pGi4VYn

April 2022 newsletter 🐣

Here we are again! Another month has slid by, and it's time for my latest monthly newsletter.

There isn't a lot to report for this month. I've been busy with a couple of projects. The first one is to update and edit my blog account. This has been an ongoing and tedious project, but it's getting close to the end. I've also been adding my video catalog to Rumble. Again, it takes time, but I'm slowly updating these two things. 

...and of course, I'm writing another book. I'm about 11 chapters into it. 

I only have one new video/blog this month:

The protagonist's point of view 👀

Video

Blog

And last, but not least, here is this month's book birthday! 🎂

Always be a Wolf - published April 25, 2017

How much symbolism is in my books? 🧐

I can't speak for other authors, but the symbolism is a big part of my writing process. Jorge Hernandez brings a whole collection of symbols that relate to the world around me. Whether he's stabbing someone in a fit of rage or telling the Canadian prime minister what to do, my protagonist is demonstrating (in a very literal sense) what many of us think the super-powerful do in the real world. 

Jorge Hernandez's approach to life may seem brutal and exaggerated to those who read my books, but this often represents the more subtle ways that someone in his position may affect the average Canadian. For example, Jorge Hernandez may kill someone (literally) in my books. In the real world, it may be the actions that someone powerful takes that cause death. Let's say they created a product that hurt people or made a decision that had a tragic effect on citizens. 

Not to suggest that there aren't powerful people who murder people, but that's a whole other topic for another day.

Getting back to what I was saying, Jorge Hernandez often takes a very literal approach to what the elites may not as boldly demonstrate in the real world. For example, he openly talks about controlling the government. Although we may not doubt that the super-powerful do control the government, chances are you aren't going to get many of them admitting it. Then again, we are following his character around and are aware of his many private conversations where he talks about things we like to believe is just the arrogance of a dramatic character, but don't we kind of think this happens behind closed doors?  

One of the best examples is my latest title, Psychopaths Rule the World. Although it sounds like a powerful title that may be a tad exaggerated, many people might be inclined to agree. The cover for this book has two men shaking hands with blood dripping off them which says it all, wouldn't you agree?

Why I sometimes kick things up halfway through my books 🥾(Updated)

As a writer, the last thing you want is for your readers to be bored, so it's important to kick things up before the story has a chance to fall flat.

Every writer is different, but for me, I like to have a lot of balls in the air throughout the entirety of my books. Having said that, there's something about that halfway point that screams at me to throw another curb ball into the game to see what happens. I feel that it's usually the perfect time to add an extra element to completely stress out the protagonist, therefore creating excitement for the reader. 

Of course, this also means more of a challenge for the writer. But you're up for that. Right?

For example, in my book The Devil May Lie, I threw in a political scandal at the halfway point, causing a shift in energy for the story. This created a heavy, dark feel in the book. However, it was necessary to shift gears and move the story along. It was interesting to see what direction it took the characters and how everything unraveled.

It's important to keep readers on their toes. But of course, as a writer, it's not a bad idea to keep on your toes too. 

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.

Why I love writing about villains ❤️ (Updated)

Often referred to as the 'bad guys' on television, movies, and books, but the truth is that something is appealing about villains that intrigues both viewers and readers. As a writer, I have a few ideas on why this might be. 

1. There are no limits. Villains don't color inside the lines. They don't care about anyone's feelings and often have no conscience at all. They're impulsive, limitless and, free. They have no fear of going anywhere or doing anything. They don't play by anyone else's rules. And really, isn't that why we like them?

2. They show us the dark side of humanity. We like to think that there are good guys and bad guys in life and television, but the truth is that anyone is capable of traveling to the dark side. Think about the last time you watched the news after someone committed a violent crime. When a reporter approaches their friends, family, or coworkers, what do they usually say? "He was such a nice guy. I can't believe he would do something like this." 

Exactly. We all have a dark side lurking in a dark corner. Only we can decide if it will come out.

3. They are powerful. Sinister characters are often powerful too. This power is the result of their natural, aggressive nature and, sometimes, cut-throat ways. Think of the head of a crime family or a politician with no scruples. Even if it's a small-time criminal, chances are that person has power over someone or something, and in fact, that's how we first discover that they're a villain in the first place.

Some people might like to believe that the good guy always wins, but in today's world, that's often more of a fairy tale than a reality. 

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?

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. 😉

Should you read your own books? 😳 (Updated)

After revising, editing, and rereading your manuscript a million times before publishing, you might think the last thing you want to do is to pore over it again. However, there are many benefits to reading your book after its release.

Let's start by getting the negative stuff out of the way. One reason to curl up with your own book is to find errors. I'm not suggesting you 'proofread it' again, but take note if you notice anything that you might've missed during the editing process. Do you see something you should've added or could've taken out?

Of course, we're all a work in progress so reading your book also allows you an opportunity to see things you can improve. What would you do differently in the future?

At the same time, don't forget everything you've done right! What stands out about your book? Did you write snappy dialogue? Was there one particular scene that stood out? What grabs your attention? Try to see it through the reader's eyes. Don't be your worst critic but remember to pat yourself on the back for what you've done well.

And finally, why not read your book? You've worked hard, so why not snuggle up with a hot drink and get lost in the fantasy that you created.

Why it's important for art to hold a mirror up to society 🎭(Updated)

As long as there's been art, there's been artists who hold a mirror up to society. It shows us who we are, who we potentially could be, and gives us ideas about things we perhaps never considered.

This is important because there's a lot of people who won't turn on the news, won't pick up a newspaper, or read about current events online, but they will watch a movie, read a book or listen to music. When artists point out certain aspects of society in their work, it allows the reader or viewer a first-hand perspective into their world. It's perhaps the closest they will ever come to 'walking in their shoes' and seeing what it's like to have these experiences. 

In many of my books, I have situations, points of view, and even passing comments that bring up what I'm seeing in the world around me. I leave it open for the reader to consider. I'm not attempting to convince or change anyone's mind. My books are very much about counterculture and often take things to extremes, but I think that in today's world, this is sometimes what you have to do to stand out and make a point. 

In the end, I believe that it's the art that shakes things up that has a lasting effect. It's the movies, books, and music that captured a segment of our society that will always stand out in my mind because they made points that mattered.

Choosing the right words 🤓(Updated)

Words create an impression with the reader, whether it is the narrative or the specific wording that a character uses. It's always important to consider your characters, environment, and mood involved when choosing your words.

I'm very aware of the words I choose when setting a scene, especially with dialogue in my Hernandez series. Since the books are about bloodthirsty criminals, it only makes sense that the words surrounding them represent that mood. Powerful words are essential, right from the first paragraph, and the protagonist must set the tone for the reader. We need to get a feel for the personality we're about to take a journey with, preparing us for the adventure we're about to embark on.

It's not uncommon for me to go back and change the wording simply because I feel there's a better way to communicate to the reader. Having said that, I don't think writers need to overthink words and become too analytical. Perfection isn't a requirement.

It's also important to consider what is appropriate for your reader. Who's your audience? How old are they? What feelings do you hope to instill in readers? A suspense book would read differently than a romance novel., for example. 

Also, what is the character's background? Educational level? Where do they live? A young Mexican cartel member with a 10th-grade education speaks differently than a middle-aged lawyer living in Toronto. Their experiences, lifestyle, associates, vocabulary are vastly different. 

If you're new to writing, don't let this intimidate you. You can always go back and change the words later. Regarding characters, the more you get to know them, the easier it is to automatically know how they talk and what they will say (think of people you know well and how you come to be familiar with their dialogue patterns)

Remember, when writing a book, essay, or article, words are all you have to work with, so make them count.

Let's talk about the conspiracy theories in my books 😱(Updated)

My readers know to expect a few conspiracy theories in my books, but how did it get started, and why do I do it?

One of my strongest motivations as a writer has always been to make people think. I know other authors are content to entertain, warm hearts, and create hope with their readers. So in many ways, I guess I do the complete opposite. Where other books might be a soft place to fall at the end of the day, I prefer to introduce topics that make my readers think, wonder, and consider.

This is not to say that any conspiracy theories brought up in my books are right or wrong. In most cases, they work well with the story and cause a little more intrigue, leaving the reader some food for thought. I think it adds an element of excitement to the book. Also, it gets the reader more involved in the story. And if a reader feels more involved in the story, it helps to make them feel more connected with the characters, and really, isn't this what it's all about?

In the end, I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. But in a world where we're conditioned to feel certain ways about specific topics, I think it's kind of neat to shake things up.