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!

Every character has a purpose 🤪

Although our focus tends to be on the protagonist of a book, the truth is that secondary characters often tell you a lot about the main character. This can come out in conversations and various situations or in the rare chapter where we see the story through a secondary character's eyes. This is important because it allows you to get to know that character much better and connect with them on a deeper level. It's like when you meet someone; the more they reveal about themselves, the more you feel a bond or at least an understanding of their personality and values.

Why is that important? Think about it in terms of real life. Suppose you meet someone online. That person will show you the images that flatter them, tell you stories that make them sound interesting and tell you how they see themselves. When you meet them in person, you'll notice different aspects of their personality. This could be good or bad, but the point is that you see a fuller picture in person. If you then throw another person into the mix, say one of their friends or a family member, you'll once again see them more clearly just through their conversations, body language, and the general vibe you get when they are together. This is how we learn about people. Characters are similar in that we learn more about them through their interaction with other characters. 

One great example from the Hernandez series is how Chase Jacobs changes throughout the series. In the first book, We're All Animals, Chase is very much the boy next door, probably a little naive especially compared to other characters in the book. Jorge recognizes this aspect, but on the flip side, Chase shows us how Jorge is intimidating, strong, and dangerous. However, if you only heard the story from Jorge's viewpoint, you'd probably be left thinking that he's justified in many of his actions because that's the story he wants to tell you. 

I find it a little unsettling when I read a book that focuses only on the protagonist and where they are coming from because I don't feel like I'm hearing all sides of the story. In turn, it sometimes hides the main character's flaws, which isn't realistic and tends to paint the picture of a saint who's the victim. Real-life and realistic characters are much more complex. 

How do you introduce new characters? 🤝

New characters keep a series fresh, even if their appearance is short-lived. And in the case of the Hernandez series, short-lived could be literal. 

When a new character comes along in my series, I usually assume it's for a short time to play a role in the plot. Occasionally these characters catch on and stick around, but that's if they're somehow connecting with someone else in the series. For example, I introduced a character named Sonny McTea a few books back with no intention of keeping him around. However, I later discovered that he filled a necessary role to balance out a couple of other characters, so I kept him on. 

The actual introduction of the new character should be smooth. Remember that the story is through the protagonist's eyes, so you're meeting that person along with your main character. What is his/her impression? This depends on what matters to that person. If it's Jorge in my Hernandez series, he's sizing up the new character; are they strong? Powerless? Trustworthy? Do they seem nervous? A different protagonist may notice other things, depending on what they value. 

The important thing is that new characters show up when needed. They have a role. When that role is fulfilled, there's no need to keep them any longer. Too many characters confuse readers and writers. Think of it like an episode of your favorite show. Some characters are only on for an episode, while others stick around for the entire season or series. But if they do stick around, there has to be a reason. 

Why authors need to stop stressing about book reviews and awards 🏆

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. 

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.

Does everyone have a creative side? 🎨(Updated)

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.