Writing updates - my Substack, why I haven't started a new book and general ramblings

 

Are my characters evil? 🙈

The wonderful part about writing fiction is that you enter this crazy world where your characters can do anything. The issue is that the best characters take off running and all you can do is follow along. For that reason, I never tended to give much thought to whether or not my characters act morally or responsibly, simply because I'm not them. It's not my job to harness them in but rather, tell their story. 

Lately, it has occurred to me whether or not my characters are evil. I suspect some people avoid my books because they assume they are and simply want nothing to do with them. And, you know, fair enough. You'll never find the Hernandez series in the Christian section of your bookstore. Is it my duty to represent morals and values in my books? And does anyone else? 

To answer that question, you have to go back to why I started writing in the first place. Back in the early days, when I was a teenager attempting to pull a novel together, I never did so with the idea of inspiring anyone. In fact, my whole goal (even back then) was to make people think. I wanted to hold a mirror up to the world and tell you what I saw. I've been doing that ever since. 

What I'm trying to say is, that my characters are complex. My strongest character is Jorge Hernandez and although he certainly could be called evil, you also see his compassionate side in many situations. In some cases, he can even act as an anti-hero, retaliating on those who are evil themselves. Overall though, I feel my books and characters are a reflection of the world. And unfortunately, if you look under the hood, that's not a pleasant sight these days. 

Catch up with the news!!! 🗞 December 2024 👀

I can't believe that I'm writing the final newsletter of 2024! Of course, I always send you a year-end review (check out last year's to see what you're in for 👀) but it doesn't feel like it should be December. Time sure does fly. 

I've been diving into some of my personal blogs again lately and writing some notes for a potential upcoming writing project.  Will there be a book fourteen in the Hernandez series? Would you like one? Remember, you don't have to read the entire series to enjoy any of the books. I try to make them standalone. I still have some FREE e-books (PDF files) left for Everybody Wants to Rule the World. Send me your email, and I will send you my publisher's link with your unique code. 

Let's start with my personal blog post:

Women's magazines have changed a lot in 100 years

What's new with my writing? Here's a couple of new posts and videos. If you enjoy them, please like, share, and subscribe to bring my eyes to my work. It can be a struggle when you're an indie author.

Why I love Twitter (X) and BTW, what the hell is Bluesky?

Rumble / Blog / YouTube

Why people love powerful and fearless characters

Blog / Rumble / YouTube

Thanks for checking in. Please reply to this email if you wish to have the FREE PDF I mentioned earlier in this newsletter. Check out the Amazon version and read a FREE sample. 

Merry Christmas 🎄 Hope it's the best one yet! 

Mima

Why people love powerful and fearless characters?

In a world where fear seems to be rammed down our throats regularly, it's refreshing to discover characters who fear nothing. In fact, I would go out on a limb and say it's preferential to those who display characteristics we associate with weakness. We see it in everyday life, why would we want to watch or read about those who are the same way? 

Fearless characters remind us that we can be strong too. It reminds us that we all have it inside of us, we just have to embrace it. What is it that they say? Weak men make weak times? We've seen it in various leaders worldwide and how it changes the population they're responsible for, which tends to impact society and the economy. But hey, I'm no expert. I'm just reporting what I've noticed. 

It's also empowering to write about fearless characters to the author. I feel stronger when I write about someone who fears nothing. It encourages me in ways that I never would've expected. It reminds me of who I really am. 

What about you? Do you have a favorite, powerful, fearless character in either books or television? Who would be your pick and why? 

Get a head start on Christmas shopping 🎄🎄🎄 Your November 2024 newsletter

I hate to be the one to tell you, but Christmas is coming next month. 🎄 And I know, it's only the first of November, but trust me on this, you'd rather start your Christmas shopping early so that you can kick back and enjoy the holidays without stressing about malls and all that insanity at the last minute. And you know I'm going to ask if you have any book lovers on your shopping list? 🤫 If so, I may have a few suggestions. 🥰. 

I also have a few new blogs and videos to share with you this month. The first one might also help you with Christmas shopping because it's books I'd recommend (a request from a TikTok follower) Check it out and the others 👇🏼

Books I'd Recommend 📚
     Blog / Rumble / YouTube

Why I'm not writing right now 😬
     Blogs / Rumble / YouTube

Do I always agree with my characters? 🫣
      Blogs / Rumble / YouTube

Strong masculine characters - why we need them in books and in real life 💪🏼
       Blogs / Rumble / YouTube

Thank you so much for all your support!! Please find all my social media links here and find me online. 

Mima 

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.

Why I'm not writing (right now) 😬

People often ask me if I'm writing anything now. Having been an author since 2010, with 18 books to my credit, they're usually surprised when I say no.  

Not to say I will never write again. It's just not in my heart to do at this time. Having said that, I've given it a great deal of thought, and here are some reasons why I haven't written since last year. 

1. Depression and apathy. Actually, everything on the list below might help explain my depression and apathy. Still, generally speaking, it's like anything else in life where you sometimes wonder if your contribution is worth it. I think it's good to stand back and reflect at times. 

2. When I finished all my other books, I was chomping at the bit to start the next one. After finishing Everybody Wants to Rule the World, I had ideas but no motivation. I didn't have a sense of urgency to start the next project. I wasn't inspired.

3. When the entire world seems to be on fire, how can you possibly write fiction that surprises or excites readers? The news and social media are already keeping people's senses on high alert, is it possible for any form of entertainment to compare? 

4. Censorship. Canada and many countries are either bringing in or have already brought in censorship laws, primarily on social media. I don't pretend to be an expert, but I believe it's Bill C-63 that is the latest one coming down the pipe, which is extremely heavy-handed. How does this affect fiction? I write violent books with unflattering views about the Canadian government in my Hernandez series, and I promote it on social media. And let's face it, it's starting to feel like a, 'show me the man, and I'll show you the crime' society at this point. I'm not the only author concerned with the growing censorship in Canada. It's a slippery slope, folks. 

5. One of the most depressing things for an author to hear is the words, "I don't read." And I know it's because some people lack time, others lack interest, and even more lack the ability to concentrate. I used to think movies and television were my competition, but increasingly, it feels like social media is what I'm up against. Why sit with a book when you can watch a two-minute video on TikTok? (if you do, I DO have a channel 😉) It's rare for younger people to read. A parent recently told me she thought it was 'strange' that one of their kids read. Why? Is that strange? I thought this was a sad statement. 

That's the best way I can sum up why I haven't started another book yet. But who knows? I could change my mind tomorrow. 

July 2024 newletter 🇨🇦

🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day! To those in Canada, I hope this is a wonderful day to celebrate with friends and family. If you're American, Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸 (a few days early) Not into the parties? Maybe it's a great day to relax with a book!

🥳 Here's a quick rundown of what's new.

📽 I'm currently working on uploading all my videos to TikTok. 

📺 Check out my LATEST videos/blogs -

     Protagonist switch...what does that mean? Rumble/ Youtube/ Blogger

     Everything an author does (other than write books) Rumble/ Youtube/ Blogger 

     Helping other authors Rumble/ Youtube/ Blogger 

Hope everyone has a wonderful July. ⛱

I still have a few FREE ebooks for Everybody Wants to Rule the World. It's a PDF file (so you can share it with friends) just send me a message and I will send you the link and the code to use to get your copy! Find me on social media and send me a message today!

Thanks for your support,

Mima 

I have videos. Lots and lots of videos 🎬

Tired of corporate fiction that seems like the same book you read ten times already? Are you interested in learning about an indie author who colors outside the lines? 

I have over 200 videos about my writing and books. Each video is usually under 5 minutes long, and many explain what you'll find in my books, why I write these specific stories, and why you might be interested. I also cover many writing questions that people have asked me over the years, never claiming to be an expert on anything, I attempt to tackle them to the best of my ability.

My original channel was on YouTube. You can click HERE to see all the videos.

I later added everything to Rumble. You can click HERE to see all the videos.

If you find value in these videos and wish to keep up to date, I'd love for you to subscribe to my channel. If you enjoy what you watch, please leave a comment or 'like' the video. This helps to boost my attention on the channel and as you can see, I have a limited audience so I can use all the help I can get. 😬

Thanks so much!

My vampire books - The Rock Star of Vampires and Her Name is Mariah

Before I started my Hernandez series, I dabbled in the world of vampires. The result of which, was two books that coincide with each other. Learn about them here and jump on Amazon to read a FREE sample. 

The Rock Star of Vampires 

Did Hollywood get it wrong?

A year after transforming into a mortal vampire, Ava Lilith continues to have a lackluster life. The new dietary requirements and the intensifying of her senses aside she continues to face unhappiness rather than the glamorous and provocative lifestyle that television and movies would suggest.

She then learns of an underground society of immortal vampires, led by the mysterious rock star of vampires. Cloaked in shadow, this Immortal sect controls the major powers of the world - from business and finance to science and politics - all manipulated for personal gain and to keep their existence concealed.

Ava finds herself drawn to this secret world where she can live forever and pursue all her dreams. But what will she lose, to gain immortality?

Her Name is Mariah

Mariah Nichols was adaptable. She lived through her parent's bitter divorce, a childhood of neglect, and the discovery that her only sibling was transgender so, the concept of turning into a mortal vampire was just one more adjustment in an already chaotic life.

But when tragedy rips through Mariah's heart, she realizes what it takes to survive in the world. She must become like an animal and run on instincts, not emotions.

or so she thought.

Her name is Mariah, and this is her story.

Check out this video about both vampire books 📚

My first two books - Fire and A Spark Before the Fire

Back in 2010, I published my first book. I remember being terrified because publishing was a whole new experience for me. I've since built my confidence in writing and the industry in general, but it took a long time. I eventually wrote the follow-up to this book, which followed another character from the original, with the two books meeting. Click on the link and read a FREE sample. 

Fire

First, there was a match.

In 1992, Tarah Kiersey wasn't feeling very optimistic about her life. From dead-end jobs to dead-end relationships, she failed to see how anything could ever improve. But at least, she had her music.

Then, there was a spark.

There was something about holding a microphone that made Tarah feel alive. And there was something about how she sang that made people listen. One of those people included William Stacy, a young musician who invited Tarah to join his band, Fire. She said yes and her entire life changed overnight.

And now there's FIRE!

A Spark Before the Fire

Jimmy Groome never really believed that his life was worth anything. An overweight and unpopular teen, it takes a suicide attempt to bring a traumatic childhood experience into sharp focus. With some encouragement from family and a counselor, Jimmy picks up a guitar and it quickly becomes obvious that he has a natural talent. After losing weight and joining a band, Jimmy goes from being a shy and insecure child to an outgoing and self-destructive young adult. In a world where sex, drugs, and rock n' roll go hand in hand Jimmy’s future is uncertain.

In this prequel to Fire, we follow Jimmy Groome on his dark path, where he decides if he'll ignite the fire inside - or if he’ll let it burn out and fade away.

Do we live in a fictional world? 🌏

I recently heard a man suggest that we now live in a fictional world. He pointed out specific examples to demonstrate why life currently feels like a bizarre novel, whether it be due to political events, social trends, or general societal changes. And I have to say that I agree.

I published my 18th book in the fall of 2023, and unlike previous times, I didn't jump into a new project. I had no interest in writing at all. I thought the phase would end, but instead, I continued to dig my heels in more, resistant to embark on a new project. 

And here I am. 

After I heard this intriguing thought regarding the current state of our world, I began to realize that my apprehension may lie with my unexpected headspace. As it turns out, I'm not alone. Many people feel grounded in their artistic endeavors, as I have been realizing. We're in a strange stage in the world right now. It's unsettling more than it is inspiring.

Have you noticed it? 

Who rules the world?

Who rules the world? In the Hernandez series, it's Jorge Hernandez, bitch...

The former cartel king slowly eases his way into business, politics, and even the media.

When I started the series, I had no idea how close my fictional account was to the truth. I didn't realize at the time just how many things are run from behind the scenes. It would be naive to think that world leaders are making decisions without powerful people pulling the puppet strings. It would be equally naive to believe that the media isn't influenced, especially in light of the last few years. 

For many, writing fiction is about falling into a gentle fantasy world, but for me, it's instinctual, and sometimes....often, it turns out to be reality. 

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.

"Sorry, I only read non-fiction" 🤦🏼‍♀️

Shortly after publishing my first book in 2010, I had a friend who agreed to write a review, provided I gave her a free copy. To this, I was happy to oblige. At the time, I was just excited that anyone was interested in reading my book!

She later got back to me, stating she would write a review. When I asked her what she thought, she said, "I liked what I read." 

Say what? 

As it turns out, she didn't normally read fiction. As a favor to me, she kindly read, like, half the book. 

If you're a fiction author, this is the part where you roll your eyes. I know. I did the same. I asked her why she didn't bother to read the whole book since I gifted it to her. I found it a little offensive. 

As it turned out, she was offended because she had gone out of her way to read half the book. After all, she was a non-fiction girl and didn't lower herself to the silly, fiction world. 

The funny part is that this book snob didn't understand that she enters a fictitious world whenever she turns on a movie or watches a television show. A story is a story. I'm sure it has more prestige if it's under the shiny lights of Hollywood, but it all started with a writer's creative side. It came from someone's imagination, with characters formed out of nothing. 

2023 - My year in review! 🎉 New book, videos, and maybe a something FREE??

It's been another great year. Stick around till the end to learn about how you can get your FREE ebook for Everybody Wants to Rule the World, but first what is my NEW book about??

A former Mexican narco transitions into Canadian life with family, politics, and business while holding tight to his ruthless, criminal ways. Meet Jorge Hernandez. 🇲🇽 

Back cover synopsis:

Jorge Hernandez may be the king of gangsters, but lately, he’s been the king of lazy. The former Mexican cartel boss starts to change his mind when a blue-haired freak slashes his tires, calling him a climate criminal. He finally breaks out of hibernation when rumors of a new medication said to be for children with ‘behaviour issues’ is about to become mandatory for all school-aged children. Jorge suspects that the drug is more about making kids compliant and easily controlled, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Who is at the top of the pile of degenerates that are pushing this agenda? Is it just Big Pharma trying to make their next billion, or is it something much more sinister behind this latest plot? Jorge and his gang intend to find out.

One thing is for sure. If you go woke, you go broke with Jorge Hernandez. Just not in the way you might think.

Politicians. 

Celebrities. 

Narcissists. 

Psychopaths. 

Everybody Wants to rule the world, but will you let them?

Videos and blogs from 2023: 

Is Jorge a vigilante superhero?

     Blog / Rumble / YouTube

Let's talk about courage 🦁

     Blog / Rumble / YouTube

A day in the life of (this) author 🤪
     
     Blog / Rumble / YouTube

Crooked government and criminals; wait, is this fiction?

     Rumble / YouTube / Blogger 
 

Why I do YouTube and Rumble videos 📽📺🍿

     Rumble / YouTube / Blogger

I couldn't find the book I wanted, so I wrote it myself 😉

     YouTube / Rumble / Blogger

Jorge Hernandez vs. Big Pharma 💊

     YouTube / Rumble / Blogger

Why write books when no one reads anymore? 

     Blogger/YouTube/Rumble 

What are my books about? 🤔

Check out the 2018 version - Rumble
Check out the updated 2023 version - Rumble and YouTube 

We need more diversity in books 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇨🇴🇵🇭 

Check out the 2018 version - Rumble
Check out the updated 2023 version - Rumble and YouTube

Writing inspirations! What lies in the dark corners of my mind 😱

     📺 Rumble
     📺 YouTube

My new book is coming soon and other news! 🗞️

➛ Rumble
➛ YouTube

Why you might like my books (even if you don't normally read) 🤔

➛ Rumble
➛ YouTube
➛ Blog

Everybody Wants to Rule the World 🌍

➛ Rumble
➛ YouTube
➛ Blog

Book titles that ring true 🔔 

Rumble / YouTube / Blog 

So do you get your FREE PDF copy? Contact me through my social media and just ask! I have a limited amount, so act fast!! No strings attached! 

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Instagram.

Hope everybody has a great holiday season and all the best in 2024! Thank you for your support!

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 write books when no one reads anymore?

People often ask me why I bother to write books when no one reads anymore. For most writers, this question is a bit disheartening. After you've put so much time, effort, research, and thought into your book, you'd like to believe that someone appreciates your writing and finds it entertaining. But is that the case? Does anyone read anymore?

I grew up in a time when the internet wasn't a thing. I lived in a rural area, so cable television wasn't accessible. Along with that fact, my mother was a reader, and so was my best friend. We would excitedly run to the bookmobile as children, excited about all the possibilities. It's a world that kids would hate today, in a time when everyone has a device and watch programs on demand. Perhaps my childhood laid the foundation. Is it likely that if you don't become a reader while you're still young, you probably never will?

The beauty of a book (as opposed to watching a movie or show) is that you can fill in the blanks with your imagination. As a reader, you can take part. The handsome stranger can look however you want. The beautiful house can look how you want. You can crawl into the mind and heart of the protagonist in a way that you simply can't when watching them on a screen. There's a connection that you can't capture in the same way. 

Crooked government and criminals; wait, is this fiction?

Could a former cartel boss run the government? Has it ever happened behind the scenes? And let's take this another step further; could a bloodthirsty criminal lead a country if people weren't aware of his dark side? 

Most people will say no to all these questions. White-collar criminals might be another story. Politicians turned criminals is also a possibility, but most people would disagree that someone who has threatened and murdered his way to the top could potentially run the show: either from behind the scenes or at the top of the pile, as the actual president or prime minister of a country. 

But then again, is it impossible?

In my Hernandez series, former cartel boss Jorge Hernandez heavily influences the government from behind the scenes while secretly wondering if he could be more productive as his country's leader. After smoothly slipping through life without getting caught, it's obvious why Hernandez automatically assumes that the other shoe will never drop, but would he be bold enough to run for prime minister of Canada?

If you research Mexican or Colombian cartels, you'll quickly realize that it's not a stretch. These powerful and savvy criminals have a lot of influence on the government and the police, but is that something that could only happen in other countries? Could it happen in Canada? The US? And I guess the more important question is, has it ever happened? 

I think part of the answer lies in how you define a criminal. And even more so, where the grey area starts and where it ends.

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!