Does a weak moment make a weak character? (Updated)

Just like real people, the strongest of characters have weak moments. Why should the reader see this contrast? As a writer, how do you demonstrate it?

First of all, the best characters are often complicated and full of contradictions. This gives them many layers and makes them seem more 3-dimensional and therefore, realistic. After all, most of us are also complicated and full of contradictions. This helps to make characters relatable to the reader. We like seeing that we aren't the only ones who are a bit messed up. Also, witnessing a strong, larger-than-life character falling apart makes them much more humble. We like that. 

A perfect example would be Jolene Silva, who is my current series. Jolene is strong, confident, powerful, and someone I would describe as a femme fatale. However, at one point in this series, the Colombian bombshell reveals a weak side to her personality that no one saw coming. She makes a series of bad decisions that places her in a dangerous position with Jorge Hernandez and his crew. After a long, difficult road, she finally is trusted by la familia again and comes back stronger than ever. 

I love this because it shows how the strongest characters can fall apart but can bounce back under some of the worst circumstances that life puts them in. There's something very reassuring and comforting about that fact. 

Never assume a weak moment makes a weak character. In fact, it actually makes them more human. 

How do you write books so fast? 🙀(updated)

One of the most common questions I get asked is how I write my books so fast. I've been fortunate enough to average a couple of books a year for the last 2-3 years, but now that I'm working more frequently, this might change in the future. Of course, the fact that I'm currently writing a series helps too. This makes it easier to pick up where I left off, rather than creating a whole new group of characters and storylines.

I work full-time plus have a casual job, so I must plan my time carefully. Depending on my work schedule or what I have to do, I organize everything accordingly. I get up early to write (6 a.m) on my days off or when I have later shifts. Other tasks like recording videos, writing blogs, and social media have to be planned around everything as well; it's not easy, but I manage to make it happen.

I write one chapter per day. I try to avoid stopping halfway through because it's hard to get back into the same headspace if I walk away and return later. Editing takes longer and is much harder to schedule because some chapters are easier to get through than others, and of course, there are many rounds of editing before I can upload my book to the publisher. Meanwhile, when I'm finishing a book, I also have to start thinking about what I want for the back cover synopsis and, of course, the front cover image. Both involve marketing as much as creativity, so there are a lot of factors to consider. 

It's essentially up to me how much time I want to dedicate to my writing, and therefore, it's also up to me to make the best of the time I have each day. It's really about organizing your time in advance and being self-motivated. 

Start your book with a bang! The importance of chapter one 🤩(Updated)

Chapter one is your chance to grab readers by the throat and make them want more!

We see it all the time in television show pilots. It's up to that original episode to captivate its audience and make them come back for another week. Something has to shake things up to create an interest with the viewer, and books are no different. 

So what do people want to see? It depends. Some people are drawn in by action, adventure, drama, violence, and sex. Others might be intrigued by characters, unexpected events, or perhaps the protagonist is going through something that connects with the audience. The main point is that the start of anything, whether it be a movie, book, or television show, must make the reader or viewer want more.

I always say that chapter one should start in the middle of something relevant to the rest of the story. And the Devil Will Laugh begins with the protagonist and his associate are visiting the (soon to be) editor of a newspaper. Their goal is to sway him to write articles in favor of himself and the political candidate he is backing. Meanwhile across town, the protagonist's wife is murdering the current editor, who didn't go with his wishes. This ties in with the rest of the book because violence and media manipulation are a huge part of the story. Also, this is in the middle of an action. I didn't start chapter one with the characters discussing their plan to bully the media or the protagonist having breakfast before leaving the house. I jump right into the action.  

Catching a reader's attention is very important. With so many other books, the Internet, and of course, Netflix as ways to be entertained, readers can easily pass up on your novel and move on to something else. Instead, give them a reason to not put your book down.

Characters, Characters, Characters! Why we love Awesome Characters! 😇😈 (Updated)

Is there a character that you love? It doesn't matter if it's on television or in your favorite book; is there someone that stands out and is exciting to read about or watch? Why is character development so important??

If there's one thing that stands out to me in a great book or television show, it is specific characters. In my mind, these personalities (or lack thereof...) can make or break a show. You can have awesome plot twists and terrific writing, but if you don't have characters that people connect with, it things can fall flat.

We like variety, diverse and dynamic characters. As I've said before, we love personalities that jump off the page because they seem realistic and charismatic. They're the people you want to learn more about with every chapter or, in the case of a television show, each episode.

Characters should grow, especially in a series. Just like everyday people, it seems a bit unusual to not see growth or, at the very least, a change in opinion over time. As you learn about the characters, they're often learning about themselves. Even more interestingly, the characters you're drawn to might also be telling you something about yourself.