The official blog is associated with www.mimaonfire.com. Author of 18 books including the Hernandez series 🔪
Loyalty Above All
There are no exceptions.
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As an independent author, I enjoy helping my community. It can be an uphill battle without the support of a traditional, larger publisher. You want to share your book with the world but must compete with best-selling authors, celebrity memoirs, and the internet. Despite your best efforts, it's often a challenge to get your book into a potential reader's hands.
Trust me, I know.
Although I'm on various social media and try to post regularly on most, I prefer X (Twitter)because it tends to be the stomping ground for most authors. It's so easy to share other authors' books on my page. They often do the same for me too. It allows you to find a whole new set of eyes that might want the exact book you wrote. It's so simple to do, so why not?
I sometimes also purchase other indie authors' books and donate them to my local library. It's another easiest thing to do that helps an author's sales, while giving them a new, potential audience.
Of course, there are many ways you can promote your book, such as creating and giving out bookmarks, having events at your local library or bookstore, or making videos like I do and hope someone watches. 😉 (hint hint)
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.
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're a fiction author, you've felt the pressure to have as many book reviews as possible!
Of course, it doesn't stop there, does it? You're encouraged to have as many as possible, and they must give away enough of the plot to make it sounds mind-blowing without spoiling it for the potential reader. And of course, they must get close to five stars but not five stars because that seems suspicious, but anything under two and you may as well bury your head in the sand and perhaps, your writing career with it.
And book awards! If you won awards, then you've made it, baby!
Does this sound a tad intimidating?
This isn't to suggest that I don't enjoy having a great review thrown my way. I also wouldn't snub an award. However, much like the shameful act of not writing enough words a day, I believe this also fits under the same category of unnecessary stress that authors put on themselves.
Just write a great book. Don't fixate on the other stuff.
The truth is that having a lot of reviews give you a boost on Amazon, but most people will read your book because it captivates their attention and connects with them in some way. They're going to read your book because they checked out a free preview and found it interesting enough to continue. They're going to read your book because they saw you speaking in an interview or a video (see below) and liked what they heard. They're going to read your book cause they loved the cover or because a friend told them about it. They probably won't read your book only based on how many stars you got in a review.
I'm not an expert. I only know what's encouraged me to buy a book. It's never been because it won an award. I've also never relied on book reviews because savvy marketers offer services to write them. I also know that our tastes vary. A book I love might not be for you and vice versa.
It's not a race or even a competition. It's about finding your readers.
The idea of starting a series may seem exciting, but the truth is that you need a few factors to carry it through and keep it interesting. Here are some of my thoughts on what matters in a series.
The first and probably most important factor for me would be to create compelling, 3-dimensional characters. Regardless of exciting plots, intensity, or the concept behind the storyline, if readers aren't interested in the characters, they will eventually lose interest in the series. Readers need to connect with characters, their issues, and heartbreaks. They also need to find them exciting and sympathize with their situation.
I also find that an ambitious or conflicted protagonist also contributes to a series, especially if that character has lots of dragons to slay. When I introduced Jorge Hernandez in the second book in my Hernandez series, that's when things started to pop! This character seeks out and thrives on power and has no issue stepping up or on anyone in his way. For him, control is vital. Of course, it takes time to do these things, which is why the Hernandez series continues to grow.
Of course, you need lots of excitement to keep a reader interested. It's a good idea to introduce compelling secondary characters with their journeys and issues. With lots of stuff always cropping up, it keeps readers from being bored. A mixture of plots and subplots keeps readers turning the page because it may not be the protagonist that captivates them but another character.
I have one last note regarding creating a series. Some people like to figure out an outline before they start, but I would warn to keep them very general, allowing room for creativity and new ideas that might spring up once you begin to write.
And last of all, if you find the idea of writing a series a bit overwhelming, I would suggest you don't think too far ahead. Sometimes you have to see how things naturally flow.
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.
I often wonder how many hours I work a week. When I consider both my jobs, my writing, not to mention the countless hours of preparing and creating social media (including this video and blog 😂) I probably would be shocked by the total. 😲
Hey, but I don't mind. This is my passion. I can't imagine my life without my artistic side, and writing happens to be it. For others, it's creating music, dancing, painting, or it may not be a creative side at all. Perhaps you are trying to start a side business that takes some time to establish. This is normal. There's no shame in working while you reach for your dreams.
Having said that there's a lot of misconceptions. The 'overnight success' story is usually just that; a story. Most people work long hours, often for many years, before their efforts start to catch on. This is the rule rather than the exception.
I always tell the story of a woman I used to know while living in Vancouver, who thought I was a fool for 'wasting my time' with writing pursuits. She was clear on the fact that since my first book hadn't been a best-selling success, it naturally meant that I was putting my efforts into the wrong things. She ridiculed me for even continuing with my writing and suggested I drop it. I instead decided to drop our friendship. I felt that writing was probably the safer bet of the two.
Having said this, it requires work. For example, you can't write a book and then sit on your hands for the next 12 months. You always have to be looking ahead, thinking of new ways to find your audience, and staying on social media so fans and followers can learn more about you. You must manage your time very carefully. When are you at your sharpest? What can you fit into your day? There's usually lots to do, so you need to be diligent and plan ahead.
One of my most asked questions is why I write about criminals. For those not familiar with my books, this inquiry springs from the fact that most of my books are based on the criminal POV rather than the more socially acceptable, commonly used perspective of the detective, lawyer, or, in other words, the 'good guy'. Essentially, what I'm saying is that I prefer to write about the 'bad guy' or more the anti-hero type characters.
It started innocently enough. This was the series that was never meant to be a series, starting with a book called We're All Animals. In it, I explored a character named Chase Jacobs and his coming of age problems that led him down a dark path that linked up with the people he now refers to as his associates. Of course, it had to be introduced slowly, carefully, and in such a way that showed how people could find themselves in this world even if it was never their intention.
I love writing from an alternate POV rather than the more common ones used in books. It's interesting to explore a character that is normally viewed from a third-person perspective, instead, showing all the dimensions and unravel their many layers. It's very easy to just throw everybody into a simplified category but it takes a little more effort to consider where that person came from, what their experiences have been, and what drives them. People are vastly more complicated than some writers would have you believe.
There's also something invigorating about sinister characters. It can be quite addictive and fascinating to write about them. It allows my imagination to go to all kinds of dark places that you simply can't explore with primarily law-abiding and 'good' characters. And if you do, it becomes the central theme of the book rather than a component. For example, if a 'good' character does something terrible, it becomes the plot, with the protagonist attempting to understand and justify their behavior. If a 'bad' guy does the same thing, it's not such a shock and just becomes another event in the book.
When you're a writer, shouldn't you be searching for different scenarios, alternate voices, and most importantly, intriguing storylines that aren't following the same, tired format?
Let's face it. A teenager talking about dreams of becoming a writer, a rock star, or a painter, may not be taken as seriously as someone who talks about college, university, or program that almost assures a job at the end of the line. Most creative professions are practically in the same category as psychics, life coaches, YouTube channels, and anything spiritual as being a little woo-woo. You know, it's interesting, but can you make money with it?
Interestingly, if you're good at any of those things, you probably can make a lot of money once you have a following. People are intrigued by psychics, artists, and spiritual teachers however, most people don't take them seriously, and one of the reasons is that many people pursuing these areas don't either. We all know people who talked of writing a book, joining a band, or studying herbs, only to flake as soon as they realized that it takes much more time and effort than they had assumed. After all, I don't get up at 6 a.m. for the hell of it.
Believe it or not, creative pursuits require a lot of blood, sweat, and tears because overnight success is rare. There's no easy formula. For example, if you want to be a nurse, teachers can help put you on the right path. If you want to be a rock star...not so much.
For that reason, people are often discouraged from chasing their creative dreams. It just seems like a long shot and unstable. It causes people to bury their creative side, believing that it's silly and useless. However, be reassured it's there. If you were ever a child, 👶 (and I'm guessing, you might have been ☺️) you are creative. When you were five, chances are you weren't talking about the stock market or politics but most likely were ass deep in paints, Lego or toys. There was no structure. Coloring inside the lines? What? That was crazy talk!
Coloring outside the lines as an adult is a whole other story but does it have to be? Maybe it's time to explore that creative side because it's there. I promise. Underneath criticisms you once heard for not being serious enough, not following the rules, and of course, not sitting quietly, your creative side is waiting to come back out.
I'm asked questions regarding my writing and thought I would answer a few of the most common ones. 🤩 When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I remember writing as a child, and in fact, I wrote my first full-length manuscript when I was a teenager. Due to a lack of confidence and guidance, I didn't pursue my dream of writing until around 2007-2008. I published my first book in 2010. When did you write your first book? My first book was Fire, published in 2010. What inspired you to start writing? My goals have been to make people think, be empathetic, and see various perspectives. I enjoy provoking people because they are more likely to get involved in the story if they feel an emotional connection. How long does it take you to write a book? I write a chapter a day and 50 chapters in my books, so in essence, 50 days to complete the first draft. Editing and figuring out details such as a synopsis and cover image also take some time, but it can vary. For the last few years, I've published two books a year. What is your genre, and who is your audience? I hate being stuck in a genre because I think my writing falls into many categories: suspense, thriller, murder, crime, romance, and more. I even have a couple of books that fall into the fantasy category. My audience varies. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? I gain information from reading or watching documentaries and interviews about topics that interest me. Many of these topics end up becoming a part of my books. For example, I often read about cartels, violence, and the psychology of a criminal, which ends up making it in my books. How long does it take to research for your books? I don't pay attention but research when needed. Do you write using a pen or computer? Computer. However, I write notes about characters and each chapter in a journal to keep organized and for reference. What part of writing is most difficult? Editing is the most difficult because it's very tedious and requires extreme focus. Writing the back cover synopsis is also a challenge. How do you sum up an entire book in a few words without giving too much away? How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? Sixteen so far and it's too difficult to choose! What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? ( if you have any?) I only write chapters early (like 6 AM) in the morning, and I do so with no interruptions unless necessary. I don't get up to eat, take out the garbage, or do anything else when I'm writing. I try to stay focused and not divert my attention because it's a struggle to get back on track if I do. What is your work schedule like when you're writing? It tends to be the other way around. I usually write around my work schedule. On mornings that I'm not working, I get up and write. On the mornings I'm working, depending on how much time I have, I might do some light editing, work on social media, upload or record a video for YouTube, or any other task that requires my attention. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? I recently read a quote that said that writers aren't playing God when writing a book but are merely secretaries. This is very accurate. You cannot force a character to do what they don't want to do unless you enjoy getting writer's block. What is your favorite type of books to read? I mostly read non-fiction on topics that interest me, but I've been known to sink into a good fiction book from time to time. Were there any authors of books that had a particular influence on you or your writing? George Orwell. He was a genius. Orwell could observe and analyze human nature and create works of fiction that reflected how he viewed the world, in a way that served as much as a warning as an entertaining tale.
How do the books get published? This could be a rather long answer, but essentially, you can self-publish, seek out a smaller publisher who is interested in your specific genre or seek out an agent. Large houses generally only deal with agented writers. Always do your research when doing any of the above. There are a lot of scumbags out there. I recommend Writer's Beware. Do you design your book covers? My publisher designs the cover, but I pick out the image I would like them to work with and perhaps make suggestions such as darkening the image, colors I prefer, etc. How do you market your books? I mainly use social media, but I also use my website, send press releases when new books come out and give out bookmarks with all my covers. I'm always trying to think of new, creative ways, but social media is my first stop. Where can we get your books, other than here? Everywhere online!! Check out my site for more details.
I often notice authors commenting on their word count per day, and there seems to be a certain amount of self-imposed stress to meet specific targets. But should they be worried at all?
I guess it's a matter of opinion. Word count has never been a concern to me, other than whether or not I had a reasonable amount of words when I finished a book. It's not something I think about each time I sit down to write, and I certainly don't check my word count per day - ever.
I do think we all need a way to measure ourselves when it comes to a successful day. I like to write a chapter with each sitting (note I said 'sitting' not per day. I firmly believe that it's best to do in one shot to keep momentum or train of thought) and with that, I'm happy. I don't feel like a failure if I don't reach a certain amount of words, and in my opinion, neither should you..
The problem is that if you set your sights on a specific amount of words per day, what could end up happening is it can become your focus more than the actual writing itself. It also might end up being too wordy, and you'll have to edit a bunch out later on. Also, a lot of words don't necessarily mean it's going to be pure gold.
The bottom line is that I don't like to see any writer put stress on themselves to meet some crazy target because it actually can make writing feel more like work than a project that they love. And if that's the case, what's the point?
I often tell the story of a woman who criticized my first book, Fire. She said, 'If I took out all the F-words, your book would be half the size'. Of course, she was a bitch on a good day, so I wasn't surprised when she made this snarly remark to me back in 2010. If you've read any of my books since that time, you already know that her thoughts did little to sway me, and I continue to use a lot of profanity and graphic content in my books.
I don't do this for shock value (which has also been suggested by one particularly hostile reviewer back in the day) but because it is my style. This is how I write. I don't exactly sit in front of my laptop and consider how I can shock people, but I instead follow my writing instinct. Admittedly it sometimes takes me down a dark, twisted, and even questionable road, but one thing can be assured, I'm never bored. To me, this is a good sign. If the writer isn't bored, chances are good the reader won't be either.
The truth is that only in very extreme situations is a writer going too far. In the end, a writer must always express themselves and when writing fiction, must also tell the story through the protagonist's perception. It isn't for us to censor our characters (within reason, folks) but to tell their story with as much honesty and authenticity as possible. As a writer, I have the freedom to express myself as I see fit. As a reader, you have the right to choose what you do and don't want to read. It's as simple as that. 😉
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not shy to ask for a book review. It doesn't have to be a long review. It doesn't have to have a lot of detail. It just should reflect what the reader thought of the book. A simple 'I enjoyed this book' would be sufficient.
And it's not about ego. Authors don't chase down reviews to feel good about themselves but because it gives new and potential readers some insight into what kind of books they write. I can say whatever I wish in my YouTube videos but sometimes what people want is an outside party's point of view. What kind of book is it? Was it a fast read? Did it keep you hanging on? Was it exciting? Did it leave you wanting more?
Not that authors don't appreciate positive comments outside of reviews. We love them!! Unfortunately, people who aren't familiar with us or our work might be skeptical. Many readers stick with the tried and true authors, the ones everyone is raving about online and whoever is on Oprah's reading list, and that's understandable, but it makes our job finding readers challenging.
A review can make a difference. I know I've certainly hesitated to purchase a product (especially online) unless I could compare reviews to see what other people think. And if you're an indie author like me, it can help make you stand out from the crowd.
At one time, I thought a ghostwriter was someone assisting a less experienced person in authoring a book. For example, maybe a celebrity or public figure wanted to write an autobiography and needed help putting it together. Of course, I also didn't give the topic a lot of thought one way or another. It was no big deal.
And then - get this - I spoke to someone who told me that it was common for famous writers to have someone else do the work. He specified romance novelists, but I got the impression that it didn't start and stop there. I believe some pretty famous authors also use ghostwriters.
Why do I care?
Well, like most of us, I don't respect anyone who allows another person to do the work and then take the credit themselves. That's not cool. Furthermore, if I buy your book, I want YOUR book. I don't want a book with your smiling face on the back cover and someone else's words on the pages. Isn't that kind of like buying a knockoff purse? Sure, it might say Louis Vuitton bag, but if you paid $20 to a guy selling purses in the back of his van, you're purchasing a counterfeit purse. Except, of course, ghostwriting is legal. Also, you're going to pay the same price for the book authored by the ghostwriter as you would if you bought the same book authored by...well, the person it's supposed to be authored by in the first place.
Some argue that writers run out of ideas, don't have the time to write, etc, and I have to tell you, I have no compassion. I work and squeeze in writing, social media, and all marketing for my book in my spare time, so you aren't going to get any sympathy here. Furthermore, when did an author's name merely become a trademark rather than something that represents integrity?
And what about the ghostwriters? I realize they're getting paid, but if they write a best-selling book with someone else's name on it, why aren't they also getting the credit? I sincerely doubt the super famous author will publicly acknowledge that someone else did the work for them, nor give them credit for their 'brand' becoming more successful as a result. However, I could be wrong. And hey, maybe I don't fully understand the situation. Maybe there's more to it than I know.
What do you think? How do you feel about ghostwriters? Does it matter? Would you feel differently about your favorite writer if you learned that they had someone else write their books?
What do we learn from characters, and how does this connect with our own lives? Do I always agree with my character's decisions? Why is it important to follow along on their journey with no judgment?
Characters can teach us a lot about life. As with life, sometimes you have to let go of the wheel and let the characters take over and see where it takes you. In everyday life, it's usually a lot easier if we do the same. Not to say that you should be lying around on your couch waiting for an opportunity to come to the door, but sometimes it is better to be less controlling about your day. We often have a 'to do' list that is unreasonably long and then get discouraged when we can't check everything off. To a degree, you could say the same about characters and plots. You can't force them ahead but let them move at their speed. Having said that, my books tend to move very fast. Of course, they don't always go in the direction I expect. But if a character surprises me, that means that my reader will most likely be surprised too. And isn't that we all kind of want?
One of the aspects I like best about writing has been getting inside a character's head. I love being able to see things from their eyes. I want to understand where they are coming from and how much previous experiences affect their decisions. Human nature is fascinating.
With characters, you have no choice but to understand and appreciate their journey. This is probably the biggest lesson I've learned from writing and one that I apply to my everyday life. When I started writing as a teenager, this was the main reason it appealed to me. I felt people didn't understand each other and that through characters, we could all open our eyes a little wider and perhaps show some compassion toward one another.
Fast forward to years later, and I think this lesson is even more relevant than ever. When we look at our world today, we see a strong disconnect, a lot of judgment, and even more so, a vast divide. One of the beautiful things about the characters I write about is that they come from many different backgrounds and experiences, and I make great efforts to show how this relates to their current situations.
Interestingly enough, real life isn't that much different if we take the time to investigate.
One of the most common questions people ask me is how I get my ideas for books. It's not an easy one to answer but here goes!
Generally, I write about topics that interest me. I don't think about what is popular or what I think people might like to read; I write about things that I'm passionate about and that intrigues me. For example, my first couple of books were about rock stars because I love music. My second two were about vampires because I found the topic fascinating, and finally, I started to write about gangsters and criminals. This subject intrigued me because I felt drawn to the antihero concept. With all the corruption, collusion, and everything else we see in the news, it's becoming more and more evident that it's not always clear who the 'good' and 'bad' guys are anymore, and something is interesting about this concept.
For my ideas from chapter to chapter, I follow my instincts. I have a lot of snippets of conversations and scenes that show up in my mind, and I immediately jot them down. Eventually, they find a place in one of my books. Often I have no idea how or why it fits in, until it happens.
I generally follow the storyline and the characters to see where they take me. Characters have unique personalities, and like people in everyday life, you can often predict how they will react in specific situations. That in itself usually moves a story in the direction it's meant to go.
My ideas come to me all the time. The key is to be open to everything without questioning it. In the end, it usually finds a place in a book.
Female writers. Lots of us out there. I'm just wondering if many women writers are conscious of whether or not their book comes across as being too feminine? Do women worry about covers that look too girly, or do they avoid topics that suggest wedding bells, hearts, and flowers? Is there a concern about making the male characters 'too soft' or not making their female characters strong enough? Do women writers worry that they aren't taken as seriously as men in the writing world?
I've noticed some comments in the media that have suggested that women writers sometimes feel not taken as seriously as their male counterparts, especially if they write romance or anything too 'fluffy and frilly'. Having said that, the romance genre is actually vastly popular, so this shouldn't be the case, and yet, I've heard it is.
I tend to write about darker topics such as rock stars, gangsters, and vampires. Most of which probably have a more masculine vibe but regardless, I am very conscious of my potential audience when I'm picking out a cover. I know women will grab a book with a masculine cover but men, on the other hand, are less likely to go for anything that looks too 'girly'. It's unfortunate that we even need to have this discussion, but chances are things aren't going to change anytime soon.
And so, when I pick out my covers, I think about this kind of thing. When I'm writing my synopsis, I think about this kind of thing. When I create my characters, I think about this kind of thing. I like to believe that all my books are potentially appealing to men and women.
I make sure all my characters are strong because I don't like weak characters, regardless of their sex. Nothing is appealing about a male or female protagonist that whines, cries, and complains all the time (God knows we have enough of those people in the real world, why read about them too? 🤭) or is simply too soft. Honestly, I don't think this appeals to anyone. A confident character in books with interesting, thought-provoking storylines is appealing to men and women readers.
The truth is that I often feel that as a women writer, I might be judged, and therefore, maybe work a bit harder to show that I can play with the boys. No one could ever accuse me of having 'girly' books, but even if I did, I wouldn't be ashamed of it. No female writer should be.
Let's be fair. We all judge others. Whether it be other people's life choices, taste in music, or clothing, we all judge from time to time. It's none of our business, but it doesn't stop us from occasionally turning up our noses when noting other people's decisions.
Books, as it turns out, are no different. This was something I discovered while in my 20s when a date dropped by my apartment to see a book lying around and immediately mocked me for reading fiction. I wonder what he would think if he knew I now wrote it. He immediately turned his elitist nose up, attempting to shame my decision to enjoy a VC Andrews book because it was merely 'fluff'. He didn't make my Christmas card list that year.
The point is that some people judge others by what they read, and I'm sure, also by what they write. I've had people giggle that I wrote a couple of vampire books but sit up a bit straighter when I describe my recent series of blood-thirsty gangsters. I guess criminals and murder are taken more seriously than vampires.
When I put the question out (with this original YouTube video 👇🏼) whether people judged what others read, I got a very candid yes in reply. What do you think?
I cover a lot of topics in my books. It's never just one specific area that I focus on, but you can find a whole assortment of thoughts, ideas, struggles, and conversations that contribute to each novel. Sometimes within one chapter. 😄
People often ask me where I get these ideas. It's kind of a complicated question to answer. I find inspiration from different areas, including everyday life, what I see on the news, documentaries, books, and even comments people have made at some point in my life. There is a whole swirl of crazy activity in my brain, and I'm never quite sure how it will land on the page but somehow it always comes together.
I guess it's what stands out to me. If a topic or comment is grabbing my attention, I will work with it. If something is on my mind, it might land on the pages of a book. It's usually not based on my life, but more likely something I've noticed.
Plots come to me all the time. Usually when I'm working out (especially when listening to music) is when I get my strongest ideas. I will often visualize a scene and rush to jot down notes. It may not make sense at the time, but it will when I sit down to write it.
Speaking of characters, they take the wheel when it comes to storylines. Each has its district personalities, experiences, and issues that float to the surface, which is something else you must always keep in mind. After all, where would we be without characters?
