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.

April 2022 newsletter 🐣

Here we are again! Another month has slid by, and it's time for my latest monthly newsletter.

There isn't a lot to report for this month. I've been busy with a couple of projects. The first one is to update and edit my blog account. This has been an ongoing and tedious project, but it's getting close to the end. I've also been adding my video catalog to Rumble. Again, it takes time, but I'm slowly updating these two things. 

...and of course, I'm writing another book. I'm about 11 chapters into it. 

I only have one new video/blog this month:

The protagonist's point of view 👀

Video

Blog

And last, but not least, here is this month's book birthday! 🎂

Always be a Wolf - published April 25, 2017

The protagonist's point of view 👀

We may not always agree with them, but protagonists are free to have their point of view. Unlike what readers might think, writers aren't playing God when writing a story but merely the co-author of every book. The protagonists run the show.  

Granted, if you're reading about Jorge Hernandez in my Hernandez series, those points of view can get disturbing, can be sexist, and come from a very sharp tongue. This isn't a man who's hoping to be politically correct and he doesn't care about your feelings. It's his story to tell as he wishes. You're merely the reader who's coming along for the ride. Some people stay for the whole thing, while others get out of the car on chapter one. It just depends on the kind of adventure you want. 

You have to remember that every protagonist comes with a vast array of experiences. Their past often predicts how they view the world, what they're most aware of, and how they react to any given situation. A former cartel boss will respond differently than a rural housewife or a suburban teenager. The things they notice and their instincts will vary, as do confidence levels in any given circumstance. There are so many factors that play a role, and it's also why a room filled with characters will react differently to the same event. 

The protagonist and characters, in general, shouldn't be censored. There's enough censorship in this world without forcing our characters to also hold back on how they really feel.

March 2022 newsletter ☔️

There's light at the end of the tunnel! For more reasons than one, but weather-wise, we're getting closer to spring! What else is new? Check this out 👇🏼

In February my new book listed in the latest issue of Buzz PEI 

What else?

I posted a couple more videos and corresponding blogs. Check this out 👇🏼

Why Loyalty Above All isn't just a title 🐺

Blog

Video

A quick read from Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions) 📖

Blog

Video 

And of course, let's check out the book birthdays 🎂

The Devil May Lie was released on March 28, 2019

Her Name is Mariah was released on March 27, 2015

Why Loyalty Above All isn't just a title 🐺

Throughout most of the Hernandez series, I've had the tagline Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions) to symbolize that loyalty is essential to these characters. It's the backbone of the entire series, the structure that holds Jorge Hernandez's organization together. 

Of course, this is an appealing concept for most people. We want to believe that others are loyal to us. We want to believe that when pushed, most people in our inner circle will be in our corner, defend us, and help with whatever we need. In reality, this isn't always the case. It's usually during the worst periods of our lives that we see the true colors of those around us. And let's face it, they don't always shimmer.

For this reason, I sense that my readers appreciate the fact that Jorge Hernandez is not only loyal and dedicated to the people in his life but that he also demands the same of them. This, along with his power and confidence, are also central in the series. No one will run over this character, and no one dares to try. But is that really because he is any less vulnerable than the rest of us, or is it because he believes that he is so powerful that makes him so?

Either way, again and again, my readers assure me that this is why they love the series. I do have a lot of stuff going on that makes it a fun read, but it's the protagonist that draws them in the most. 

Quick read from Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions) 📖

In my new book Loyalty Above All (there are no exceptions), I further explore the wild, criminal world that is Jorge Hernandez. If you don't know who that is, this sums him up 👇🏼

A former Mexican narco transitions into Canadian life with family, politics, and business while holding tight to his ruthless, criminal ways. Meet Jorge Hernandez.

The fact that Jorge Hernandez is contemplating ‘doing good’ in the world should be enough to send a shiver down anyone’s spine. He may be living a seemingly legit lifestyle with his family in Canada, but don’t be fooled; this former Mexican cartel boss holds a powerful grip on everything from politics to media, and he’s never beyond getting a little blood on his hands.

When his daughter Maria steps up to someday head the familia, it is with great pride that Jorge breaks down the lessons that will secure her position in life. Giving her a glimpse into his daily activities, she quickly witnesses the stark view of the criminal mastermind at work. It doesn’t matter if he’s yelling at the prime minister or making plans to take someone down; Jorge does so with a powerful and unapologetic swoop. But how much is he willing to reveal? Is he ready for his daughter to learn about his brutal, murderous side? 

In a world where trust is essential, Jorge teaches her the powerful lesson; Loyalty above all. There are no exceptions. 

Check out the first paragraph (and me bumbling through it) 👇🏼

February 2022 Newsletter

Thank you for checking out my February newsletter! What did you miss in January? Here are a few quick highlights!

Videos and blogs:

Why my books are so political 🤥

     Blog 

     Video 

Why my readers love Jorge Hernandez ♥️

       Blog 

          Video 

My two main objectives as a writer 🧐

       Blog

          Video 

And of course, don't forget to check out my year-end review for 2021!! 

BOOK BIRTHDAY!!!

A Devil Named Hernandez was published February 21, 2018 🎉 

And the big news is I STARTED BOOK 17 THIS WEEKEND!! That will be the 12th book in the Hernandez series. Remember, you can read any of these books standalone without getting lost. I will share more information as I have it. 

Thanks for reading!