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. 

Relationship ups and downs between characters 😍🤬

Just like in real life, characters also have relationship ups and downs. All it takes is an issue or argument to throw everything off course. But why is this important in fiction? Why can't everyone always be happy and get along?

One of the most important aspects of a book has to be the connection with the characters. How do we connect with characters the most? It tends to be because we relate to a situation they are dealing with. And what better relatable situation than having relationship ups and downs with people in their lives? Hey, we can all relate to that, can't we?

Relationships tend to go in cycles. Even the people we get along with the most will irk us sometimes. It's human nature. I often notice that when writing, I'm running into this situation. You have to consider the values that characters have and how someone else's comment or decision affects them. Again, like real life. If your cousin is sensitive about her weight and you comment on how she looks thinner, how will she react? What if you tell her she looks like she gained a few pounds? How do these two comments affect your relationship? Remember that characters are the same.

Of course, even if relationships go off course, they also can come back. Depending on the state of the relationship, this can sometimes happen more quickly than others. Then again, there are some relationships that will always be a bit prickly. 

Why we need to connect with characters 🥰

Most of the time, we don't even think about it. However, caring about characters is one of the main reasons you may feel connected to certain books, movies, or television shows. In truth, if you don't care about the characters, you probably don't care what happens to them either. The same rules apply if you're writing. The only difference is that as a writer, you already formed a bond with your characters. Your job is to make others see what you see. It's not always an easy task, but it's necessary to keep readers intrigued.

One of the best ways to create this connection is to show the character's vulnerable sides. Readers need to see their weaknesses, opinions, and anything that irritates them or brings them joy. Maybe you don't like to admit it, but you may share a character's secret insecurities or habits. Something as minor as that can sometimes be enough to connect and care about a character. 

Currently, I'm watching a television series that I find enjoyable, but at the same time, I could stop watching it today. It's not that the acting is bad. It's not that the storylines aren't intriguing. It's not that I'm never surprised. It's because I find all the characters a bit insufferable and don't care about them. The only part of me that's still interested is the part that's intrigued to see where the character development goes in the future. Will the characters start to break down? I'm in season two, and this is what I'm discovering, but there's still a ways to go.

And speaking of television series, I think that's why sometimes people hate the book-to-screen transition. Sometimes we connect very strongly to a character on the pages of a book, whereas the wrong actor or script can completely blow the entire thing out of the water. If my Hernandez series were to turn into a television series, I've always said that the wrong actor to play Jorge Hernandez would sink the entire ship. It's a delicate balance between books and what you see on a screen. 

Characters have many sides. Let readers see them all.

September Newsletter 🍁📰

Thanks for checking out my September newsletter! I only have a few things to report for August, so let's get started.

Most of my focus in August was on promoting my latest book, Psychopaths Rule the World. Hopefully, I've done so with new and creative ways to capture people's attention and interest. It's a struggle when you're up against famous names, but I do my best to let people know about my books. I'm currently contacting various libraries throughout the world. And of course, I'm also writing my 16th book. With working full-time, it's been a challenge, but I hope to have another book out this year.

Another project I've been working on is updating all my older blogs (eventually, I may do the same for my videos) so, I only have one new video/blog to share with you:

How Jorge Hernandez always gets what he wants 😱

     Blog

     Video

This is part of the Hernandez series of videos. For the complete playlist, go HERE. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel 😬

Have a wonderful September 🍁

Mima

Be your own media 📺🎙📻 (updated)

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.

Why do you need a sharp book cover? 😉(Updated)

Book covers should symbolize the pages inside, but how much of an impact do they make? Do we judge a book by its cover?

I spend a lot of time thinking about my book covers and choosing the best option. Like everything else, I often overthink it, but in general, a cover must give an overall feel of the story inside. For example, many of my books have a dark, sinister vibe that is captured on the cover. These days, I write about criminals, so you wouldn't expect to find an image that is bright, cheery, and fun. It wouldn't make sense. It would be misleading and send the wrong message about the story and the characters involved.

Book covers should speak to their potential audience. To me, if something captivates them in the imagery, chances are it represents a curiosity about what may be in the pages. Much like a movie poster, a book cover should leave you with a sense of what to expect. Colors, the specific images, and the title create an impression and should cause the potential reader to be intrigued and want to sink into the pages.

A perfect example would be my Hernandez series. The protagonist is sinister, powerful, and dangerous. Both the covers in this article will show you the connection to this theme. I lean toward ominous imagery. I also have bright colors that are eye-catching and attractive against the black background. This is what captivates your audience.

In the end, each author has to decide which cover best represents their book while at the same time considering the marketing aspect and what will sell. It can be a difficult balance but is necessary when publishing a book.

How strong characters make us stronger 💪🏼(Updated)

Have you ever tried to emulate a strong character on television, from the movies or a book? Are we more drawn to characters representing the kind of person we want to be, or do we prefer characters that remind us of ourselves?

I think it's safe to say that the answer to both these questions is probably yes. We often connect with those who remind us of ourselves, but I think there's also a side of us all that seeks out characters that demonstrate the person we would like to be, especially when they are more strong and powerful.

Of course, this is just a theory of mine, but you have to admit, it does make sense. When we consider some of the most admired characters in television, movies, and books, most are admired for their strength and ability to withstand anything thrown at them. In a way, it gives us hope. If our favorite character is resilient in the worst circumstances, then perhaps we can be too.

Regarding my series, many readers have told me that they admire Jorge Hernandez for his strength and boldness, regardless of the situation. He is fearless, powerful, and without a doubt, not someone you want to piss off. Who wouldn't want to have those kinds of traits? After all, life has a way of stepping on us all from time to time, so we find assurance knowing that there are powerful people out there that can withstand anything - even if those powerful people are fictitious characters.

Do you have a character that you've admired for their strength? If so, who is it? I'd love to see your thoughts in the comments.

Why I do my research backward 😯(Updated)

I've always said that writing is, for the most part, a lot about instincts. You have to follow your characters and trust where they want to take you. For that reason, I often do my research backward.

What does that mean exactly? For the most part, I write whatever I sense the characters are saying, doing, or experiencing, and generally, I will later find out that I was on the right track. This isn't to say I'm always correct, but I think sometimes we gather and retain more information than we realize over the years. So, even though we may not be fact-checking while writing, chances are the information is hidden away in the back of our minds. After all, isn't that instincts are in the first place? Information stored away from previous experiences or hidden knowledge we forgot we had?

Of course, there's also an argument that the muse is key to art. For me, a big part of being a writer is accepting that I'm not necessarily in the driver's seat when it comes to my books but merely going along for the ride.

One great example was from my book And the Devil Will Laugh. In it, Jorge Hernandez reconnects with his mother after she's kidnapped, in an attempt to fix their broken relationship. However, this attempt is dropped when she meets his wife Paige, a white Canadian woman. She bluntly informs her son that he should've married a 'nice, Mexican girl' instead. This happens in front of Paige, who doesn't react. But Jorge and his daughter Maria quickly put Jorge's mother in her place.

At the time, I wondered if perhaps this was too harsh. I then read a blog by a lady who is a white American living in Mexico, married to a Mexican man. In one particular post, she talked about how her mother-in-law reacted in much the same way when her son married a woman who wasn't Mexican. As it turns out, my original instincts weren't too extreme at all.

This is just one of many examples of how I research backward.

Writing about characters that are vastly different from you 🤫(Updated)

Different ethnicities, the opposite sex, and even vampires; is it difficult to write about characters when they are nothing like you?

The truth is that we're usually writing about characters that aren't necessarily like ourselves. Even if you write about characters of the same sex, age, or even from the same part of the world as you, they still are not you. If the character is the same as you in every way, then your book is autobiographical, not fiction. 

In my first book, Fire, I wrote about a young, blonde, white woman named Tarah. Many people seemed to draw a parallel between her and me because we had a similar physical description. However, that's where the similarities ended. Her story was vastly different from mine, meaning I had to dive deep into my imagination to connect with this protagonist. She was a musician turned rock star and had experiences I knew nothing about. Her life was vastly different from my own at that age. 

I then wrote A Spark before the Fire, which followed a teenage male character.  I feared that this was way out of my comfort zone. After all, how could I write from the voice of a male teenager? Where would I even start? When I began to write, I was surprised when the inner dialogue of a young male flowed naturally. It was very instinctual, and that's been my process as I continue to write about characters vastly different from me. 

I've since written about vampires, narcos, assassins, children, and people of various ethnicities, ages, and sexual preferences. The key is to listen for the character's voice, and it will tell you everything you have to know. 

I'd recommend anyone struggling with this to find a quiet place and time to do their writing and focus on their inner voice. Stay calm, stay centered, and start writing. If your instinct is to write about a specific character, chances are they're ready to come out and play.

Moment of pause (Updated)

I often talk about what inspires my writing, but what does it mean when something or someone gives me a moment of pause? 

In life, we sometimes are grabbed by a moment. It could be a conversation we have, something we notice, or maybe even an image we see online. It's that moment that we find ourselves replaying in our minds later because there's something powerful that has connected with us. There's a reason.

I find it's the moments I notice in television, movies, the news, in music, books, or just everyday life that cause me to pause, that often come powerfully creeping into my writing. There's a reason why that one specific moment or even split-second has grabbed me, and it's important to investigate. It also reminds me that art is a collection of powerful moments that should stick with the reader.

One example I often give is the television show, Ray Donovan. I had a 'moment of pause' with this specific show when I first watched Ray Donovan, dressed in a designer suit, go to his expensive car and take out a baseball bat which he, in turn, used to beat the piss out of someone. I was captivated by this scene more than if he had just punched the guy or taken out a gun and shot him because it was completely unexpected (unpredictable) and not something I thought I'd see from a man in an Armani suit. The bottom line is that my moment of pause that drew me in also made the show more memorable. When I took a deeper look, I realized that I was captivated by the contradiction and unpredictability. 

There are various scenes in both movies and television that stuck with me. This is often because they were so powerful, unique, or unexpected. For this reason, I've made it my goal to create those same kinds of scenes in my books. I think something is amazing about having a comment, a visual, or even a character themselves that captivates an audience that sticks in their head or their heart. And at the end of the day, isn't that every artist's goal?

Plant the seed 🌱(Updated)

It's vital that you 'plant the seed' early in a book to capture a reader. But what does that mean?

Planting a seed means creating situations, obstacles, and to a certain degree, some clues about what to expect in the upcoming chapters of the book. It could be in the form of foreshadowing or simply letting the reader know who your protagonist is, what they stand for, and what kind of craziness the reader can expect.

Here's a couple of quick examples of 'planting the seed' I've done in previous books:

We're All Animals

We're All Animals is the premier book in my current series where we meet Chase Jacobs. The young protagonist is very much the boy-next-door and in the early chapters. We learn that he recently was dumped by his high school sweetheart and reluctantly goes to a party to soothe his pain. While there, he is given a drug to 'mellow' him out and hooks up with a woman he isn't particularly attracted to, only to later learn she's pregnant. Forced by his mother to marry this mere stranger, Chase sees all his hopes and dreams go down the drain. All this while he lusts after his new BFF, who tells him she's a lesbian even though he's getting some strong signals suggesting the opposite. Add in his complicated relationship with his family, growing resentment about having no control in his own life, and you got one complicated seed about to burst through the ground. 

The Devil May Lie

Jorge Hernandez comes out with both barrels blazing in the 6th book of the series. Here, we learn that Jorge discovered an ultra-conservative movement within Canada that could affect his personal and professional life. He not only sees proof when his daughter has a confrontation with another child at school but learns it may be creeping into the general beliefs of Canadians, which could, in turn, affect his (legalized) pot business. What if laws are changed to make it illegal again? After working to get where he's at, Jorge has no intention of backing down. This seed is so powerful. The earth is shaking.

How important is it to plant a seed? Unless the reader has something to grab on, they have no reason to continue reading. Plant the seeds to make readers intrigued enough to keep reading. 

Can you learn from authors you don't like? 🧐(updated)

We often hear about learning from people we admire, but what about ones we don't like? Can we learn from someone if we're not a fan? Is there a lesson in bad books, boring TV shows, and disappointing movies?

When I was younger, one of the authors I used to read was a well-known best-seller. I now see that her style tended to be what I now refer to as 'formula writing', which essentially means that her books tended to follow the same pattern. The protagonist was often a beautiful, perfect woman who had money, usually a super attractive spouse, perfect children, and, well, you get the idea. Needless to say, it was difficult to feel sorry for that character when something difficult came around the corner.

I grew tired of reading these predictable books but I was left with one powerful lesson: make your characters relatable. Show their insecurities, their weaknesses, air their dirty laundry, and embarrassing moments. Make the reader see that they are far from perfect and demonstrate their struggles. One of the reasons why I didn't continue reading the specific author mentioned ☝🏻is because I didn't care about her characters because they were unrelatable and somewhat vacant.

In essence, this author taught me what not to do as a writer. Since that time, I've read other books that were predictable, couldn't hold my interest, had terrible dialogue or characters reacting in such a way that didn't make sense for their situations and I made a mental note not to do these things. I saw it as a lesson.

Don't get me wrong. I've made mistakes too and I'm sure there's an author somewhere who's read one of my books and perhaps saw things that they wouldn't do in their own writing. And that's fine. I'm always trying to learn more, to do better and I believe that's an important part of my evolution as a writer. That's how I learn and create my own, unique style. Being open to learning is an important part of being an artist.

Although it's important (and terrific!) to have role models that we admire and want to learn from, don't forget to also pay attention to those who actually inspire the opposite feelings. Sometimes we gather some of the most valuable lessons from the most unexpected source.

Some of your questions answered 👍(Updated)

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. 

All my books have hidden themes 🤫(Updated)

Did you know that my books have a theme? This is the message that takes the driver's seat and creates a direction for the entire book or, in some cases, the series. But why are themes important?

In a nutshell, themes are the 'point' of everything you do. For example, when you pick jobs, there's probably an underlying reason that goes much deeper than a paycheque. When you choose a mate or friendships, chances are there's a theme there too. With my writing, there are underlying themes that create a central idea behind by books. Themes are essential because they are the lifeblood of the story. I think the best way to demonstrate this is to give some examples.

In my first two books, Fire and A Spark before the Fire, my theme was how our culture often doesn't see entertainers as real people but rather machines whose every move is meant to be entertainment, their lives on constant display. This happened when I watched a celebrity have a very public meltdown, and people were essentially laughing at her rather than having any concern for her mental state. It frustrated me that we have tabloids and silly shows that focus on everything the stars are doing, and actually, this has only grown worse since writing these two books over ten years ago. Of course, this wouldn't exist if there wasn't a demand.

My third and fourth books had a vampire theme. Not surprisingly, the vampires in my books represent the 'bloodsuckers' or 'vampires' in our lives. Around the time I wrote these books, I saw an increasing number of people who fell in this category, not even in my own life but the world in general. We view it in the news regularly as many of these questionable characters float to the surface, in clear view. The Rock Star of Vampires is my first of two books that dive into this area, and in it, we discover that the protagonist, although she's a vampire, is probably less of a vulture than other characters in her life. In Her Name is Mariah, we learn about a young, troubled woman who preys on others because it's the only way she knows to survive, therefore, showing both sides of the same situation.

My current (Hernandez) series eased the reader into the whole world of organized crime and an underground world that people may assume is rare if they even believe it exists at all. The central theme is corruption, crime, collusion, and the belief that sometimes it's hard to distinguish the 'good' people from the 'bad'. Although my books follow a group of criminals, there is a point where readers see that the lines are often blurred. My goal was to make readers think and perhaps ask some questions, if only to themselves. Who runs the world? Politicians, corporations, religious leaders....or is it you? Who controls what we see and what we know? Is it manipulated? These are the questions that I've explored as the series unfolded a few years ago, and I continue to ask myself.

A theme gives us a larger focus, which is essential to both the writer and the reader. 

Switch away from the protagonist?? Don't mind if I do! 😃 (Updated)

There's a little something I like doing at least once in most of my books. I like switching away from the protagonist. So essentially, I have another secondary character take over the story for one chapter, usually around the middle of the book, to give the reader another perspective. It also allows me to shake things up a bit. It adds another layer to the book.

The beauty of it is that you can have a better overall view of the protagonist. For example, if your protagonist has a specific point of view about themselves, you might swing around to another character who draws a different picture. It gives the reader food for thought. Maybe the impression that the protagonist has given isn't accurate. Then again, it might change your opinion of the secondary character as well, since you will be seeing them up close and personal.

I do this with almost every one of my books and find that it gives me a different perspective. Sometimes the only way to understand where a secondary character is coming from is to climb inside of their mind. It's fascinating.

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.

Why it's important to see through the character's eyes 👁 (Updated)

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.

I just published my first book! 😄What do I do next? 🙀 (Updated)

I've had people approach me after publishing their first book because they're unsure of what to do next. Many authors spend so much time working on their book and figuring out various details that they sometimes feel uncertain of how to proceed once the book is out.

When you're new to the industry, it can be stressful trying to figure out what is and isn't a good idea. I would be cautious of any site that guarantees more followers or gives you over-the-top promises (at a price) to promote your book. I've personally never paid for any of these services. I have had them approach me repeatedly, often hounding in emails and phone calls. I would avoid giving books away in exchange for reviews because even though people may agree to help you out, in my experience, many don't follow through. I also wouldn't recommend you pay a large amount of money for marketing. There are lots of free resources that I would try out first and see how it goes. And speaking of which, here is my list:

1. Press release. Don't know how to write one? Look it up online. Where do you send it? I would send it to your local media, free newspapers, and places that deal with writers or the arts. You may or may not get a lot of bites, but regardless, you're showing off your new book, and you never know who's paying attention.

2. Social media. I think that is a given. I'm having a love affair with Twitter, but I also use and enjoy Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Rumble. Make sure you post regularly, reply to comments, shares, etc, and be consistent.

3. Create a website. It can be super professional, but there are also a lot of free sites out there you can try out. It simply gives people a way to find you online.

4. Try to get your books into libraries, especially in your area.

5. Join Goodreads. Create an author profile and share your books. Follow other authors, start a list of books you want to read, and there's also an option to have giveaways. 

6. Get reviews. This is often easier said than done, but it helps you out.

7. Work with other authors. Sometimes you can exchange books and write a review for each other. Of course, you can always be creative and think of other ways to promote one another.

8. Videos. Join YouTube, Rumble, TikTok, Facebook and talk about your book so people can learn about it. I would also recommend writing a blog. This gives people a chance to learn about your book and you too.

Of course, these are just a few ideas. Some people like to introduce their books at library events, book launches, etc. 

The one thing I spend money on is having bookmarks made. I include images of my covers with links to my website and social media. This is a terrific way to connect with new readers, and who doesn't love a free bookmark?