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. 

Your November 2021 newsletter is here! 📺

What's up for November? 🍁

As it turns out, October was a pretty uneventful month. I continue to work on my next book in the Hernandez series, but I'm not sure when it will be out. I'm pretty busy with work and life, so I haven't had as I'd like to finish the book. However, I'm getting there...

I continue to look into selling merchandise, but the research is time-consuming. I'm looking for the best quality and value without charging too much for the product. I ran into that previously with high shipping costs. I also am looking into new places to upload my videos. I did look briefly at TikTok, however I'm not sure if it's the right spot for me. Don't get me wrong, the site is fun, but I might not be a good fit for an author. 

I do have one new video and blog to share with you:

Why do I pick certain book titles? 📇

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And, of course, a new feature to my newsletter, book birthdays! 🎂

In November, we celebrate two of my books:

The Devil and his Legacy - November 12

We're All Criminals - November 23

Thanks for checking in! Don't forget to like, share and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Have a great November!

Mima 

Why do I pick certain book titles? 📇

Most of my book titles aren't selected just because they grab attention or suit the book, but also because they sometimes make a statement that I think is relevant. It might say something about human nature, the world we live in, or be a belief that I have about the world. 

I'll let you be the judge. Here are a few titles to consider:

Psychopaths Rule the World 

Do I have to explain this one?

We're All Criminals

Isn't there a 'bad' side to all of us? Do we not all have a dark side?

We're all Animals

In essence, we are all animals. Do we not have natural instincts that relate to those of animals? Are people all that different from one another?

Always be a Wolf

A quote throughout the series is; in a world full of sheep, always be a wolf. That seems pretty relevant in our times.

In the end, I guess it depends on the author's style and motives. Maybe they want a silly title that shows a lighthearted side to their writing. Then again, they might want something dark that suggests murder, crime, or horror. For me, my motive as a writer is to make people think. I guess I feel that if I can't get them to read the book, maybe I can accomplish this (to some degree) by demonstrating my titles. 

October newsletter 🎃🎉

It's the spookiest month of the year and that fits right in with my Hernandez series which doesn't need a special occasion to play the evil card. Jorge Hernandez is pretty good at terrifying people throughout the year. 

Let's check out what was new in September!  

To start with, I had an awesome article about my writing in the local newspaper - check out the article here (I believe you can sign up for FREE or click on the image in this newsletter and read it from the photo). It was probably one of my favorite articles about my writing and I was very excited when I read it.

Anything else?

I have one new video/blog to share with you:

How do I meet my characters 🤝

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Last, but not least, I've added a new feature called BOOK BIRTHDAYS! With this, I will showcase whatever book has a 'birthday' for that particular month. For October, A Spark Before the Fire turns 10!! 🥳 This wasn't my favorite of my books, however, it was fun to write. Here's a quick review of what it's about:

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

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

Thanks for the support!!

Mima 🌸

How do I meet my characters 🤝

It might surprise you to learn that meeting a character isn't all that different from meeting an actual person. I mean, there are some obvious differences, but in theory, it's quite similar. What do I mean? Let me explain.

When you meet a person, it takes time to get to know them. You can make assumptions about them, get your first impression, but it tends to take time to unravel the complexities of a human being. People are complicated. They're a series of experiences, heritage, genes, and self-concepts that makes them both fascinating and at times, difficult to understand. 

Characters are also complex, a product of their environment, experiences, and views of the world. And contrary to what many people might think, you can't decide ahead of time exactly who they are and fit them in a neat little box. It usually takes writing about them and seeing them in various circumstances and conversations to slowly reveal who they are and how they fit into the world. 

So, in essence, I meet my characters when they come along in the story, but getting to know them is a whole other thing.

- Mima

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 😱

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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

How Jorge Hernandez always gets what he wants 😱

Despite his gangster ways, it may surprise you that murder is not Jorge Hernandez's automatic go-to when solving a delicate problem. But before dusting off his gun, the former cartel boss has a few tricks up his sleeve when dealing with uncooperative individuals. 

The first thing you have to know is that Jorge Hernandez can quickly analyze any circumstance. Having been in many dangerous situations over the years, it's his instinct that has kept him alive. Needless to say, he can read a room fast and with accuracy, which helps him quickly figure out the best way to manipulate and intimidate anyone who gets in his way.

What can start as an unnerving conversation can quickly grow very intense. Anyone who casually writes off Jorge Hernandez as all talk should know better than to assume there will be no action. This is usually where the threats come in. Keep in mind that he has a powerful, frightening presence, which tends to bring the point home. This is a man used to going up against brutal criminals, so when dealing with the average person, who, at worst, might be an asshole, his methods tend to border on terrifying.

But make no mistake. If all else fails, Jorge Hernandez thinks nothing of murdering. You just better hope he mercifully makes it quick and painless.