October 2022 Newsletter 🎃

One of my biggest struggles as an independent author is not only creating an audience but finding a way to let people know that I'm out there at all. Over the years, I've tried new ways to do so, whether it be to branch out to different social media platforms, create bookmarks, contact the media, and libraries, and even create this newsletter you're now reading. Unfortunately, it often feels like an uphill struggle. If you would like to help, share a post, follow me online, like, share, subscribe, or even ask your local library to order some of my books! Everything is a help. Here are some of my social media links where you can find me:

Find me -

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/MsMissinggirl13/videos

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MimaonFire

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mima/271461381835

Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-1204603

Blogger - https://mimaonfire.blogspot.com/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4122390.Mima_

Hernandez series YouTube playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNMrBPeLoQWnVfF3-e0UrBbtotu4NfTl2

Sign up for my newsletter: https://mimaonfire.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e4b9bfddd7901619af4c3fb91&id=a6a6466b83

So, what's new for October? 

My new book, House of Hernandez was featured in The Buzz. 

Speaking of House of Hernandez, have you checked out the first chapter yet? 🎃.  

Finally, check out the latest blogs and videos! Would you believe I still have a few more waiting to be posted? Due to a power outage after Hurricane Fiona, I've fallen a bit behind, but I hope to post more in October!

How do you introduce new characters? 🤝

YouTube

Rumble

Blog

House of Hernandez 🎃

YouTube

Rumble 

Blog 

Thank you to all my supporters! I appreciate everyone who checks out this newsletter. Have a wonderful October! 👻

House of Hernandez 🎃

House of Hernandez is the 12th book in the Hernandez series; but don't worry, you don't have to read the entire series to enjoy the book! Learn about it here:

When House of Hernandez hits the shelves, readers are unaware that Jorge Hernandez’s memoir is little more than a fictional fairy tale. Then again, when you are a former cartel boss with a murderous streak and a criminal history, it’s best to keep some secrets close to your heart. 

The brash businessman has bigger things to worry about as he swims in the political waters. He has his work cut out for him when trying to get the bleeding heart Alec Athas reelected, but some days his biggest challenge is keeping the Canadian prime minister alive. While evil forces attempt to push Jorge’s political puppet out of office, they have no idea who they’re going up against in this battle. How can you fight against a man with no scruples?

With all the politics and usual drama aside, Jorge struggles as his crime family starts falling apart. Are the walls caving in the House of Hernandez, or had things already been slipping away without him being aware?

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. 

September 2022 newsletter 🍁

Thanks for checking out my latest newsletter. To watch the video version, go HERE. 

Big news! My 17th book is out! House of Hernandez is the 12th book in the Hernandez series. Here's a quick synopsis.   

When House of Hernandez hits the shelves, readers are unaware that Jorge Hernandez’s memoir is little more than a fictional fairy tale. Then again, when you are a former cartel boss with a murderous streak and a criminal history, it’s best to keep some secrets close to your heart. 

The brash businessman has bigger things to worry about as he swims in the political waters. He has his work cut out for him when trying to get the bleeding heart Alec Athas reelected, but some days his biggest challenge is keeping the Canadian prime minister alive. While evil forces attempt to push Jorge’s political puppet out of office, they have no idea who they’re going up against in this battle. How can you fight against a man with no scruples?

With all the politics and usual drama aside, Jorge struggles as his crime family starts falling apart. Are the walls caving in the House of Hernandez, or had things already been slipping away without him being aware?

Check out my latest writing blog - Start in one place and end up in another 😯

YouTube                           Rumble                           Blog 

I also had some time to work on my personal blog again. I hope to get around to writing more posts in the near future. Here's what I got so far. 

And of course, I have to mention the September Book Birthday🥳  The Devil is Smooth Like Honey was published on September 11, 2017. 

That's about it for this month! To keep up to date, check out the following links:

Canadian author Mima (aka Michelle M. Arsenault) is known for complicated and diverse characters, dark style, and never shying away from controversial topics. 

Author of The Hernandez series - loyalty above all. There are no exceptions. https://mimaonfire.com/the-series/

Find me -

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MimaonFire

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mima/271461381835

Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-1204603

Blogger - https://mimaonfire.blogspot.com/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4122390.Mima_

Hernandez series playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNMrBPeLoQWnVfF3-e0UrBbtotu4NfTl2

Sign up for my newsletter: https://mimaonfire.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e4b9bfddd7901619af4c3fb91&id=a6a6466b83

Buy me a coffee ☕️ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/q8pGi4VYn

Start in one place and end up in another 😯

Just as with life, sometimes things in fiction can take an unexpected turn. If you follow your intuition and, more importantly, follow your characters, you might find yourself somewhere you didn't expect.

The most important thing for me when I'm writing, is to follow my instincts. I never stray from this rule, but if I do, I hit a wall. Characters need room to grow and room to move. Sometimes, the place they go may not be what you expected when you start to write a chapter, but this can also take you to some very interesting places. And the way I look at it, if you're surprised where things go, chances are good the reader will be too. 

What does this mean exactly? And more so, how do you 'follow your instincts' when writing?

To begin with, I've always said that when you sit down to write a chapter, it's important that you have a quiet (unless you listen to music) environment. This helps you keep focused and in tune with your inner voice. Writing shouldn't be something you overthink. It should flow and be natural. You shouldn't think about what you have to do later, what's going on outside your window, or what's on Facebook. You need to focus. 

I never really outline chapters. I have very general notes and an idea of where things will end up. If I'm lucky, I might know where my starting point is, but from there, things can go anywhere. For example in my Hernandez series, I might have the protagonist Jorge head out the door in a rage, prepared to kill someone. However, what will he find when he gets there? What will interrupt him along the way? 

Will his plans change? 

Will he kill more than one person? 

Will he be in danger? 

Remember, as the author, you're with your character every step of the way. You're jumping in that vehicle and flying down the road. You're walking in that dark room and looking around. You're the one that discovers he forgot his gun at home. 

I'm joking. He never forgets his gun at home. 

Writing should be an adventure, not an overplanned itinerary. See where it takes you, and don't worry if it takes you somewhere you hadn't planned. 

August 2022 newsletter 🌻

Another month is coming to an end. This means it's time to give you a quick rundown on my latest news.

A few things are the same as last month. I continue to add all my videos to Rumble and finish my 17th book (12th in the Hernandez series - one book for every month of the year!) 

I do have one new video/blog to share with you. Check it out 👇🏼

Everybody's got a story (including children) 🐥

     Blogger

     YouTube

     Rumble 

To learn more, check out my video newsletter! 

Everybody's got a story (including children) 🐥

We've all watched television shows or read books where children served as a background prop to the protagonist rather than having an actual storyline. On television, it's understandable since I'm sure there are specific rules in place that won't allow a child to be on screen for long periods, but what about books? And why does it matter?

The longer I write, the more I feel it's important that each character have an independent storyline. I firmly believe that you should be able to lift any secondary character from a book (or television show) and drop them into their own story. This is important because it helps create a stronger story overall, giving the reader much more to pique their interest.

So, why am I focusing the most on kids as ignored secondary characters? I feel that it's common to have children in books and television shows, but they merely fall into the background. This suggests that children have no problems, worries, or fears, which is not true. In my Hernandez series, the teenage daughter, Maria, is very much a part of the series. Her problems affect the whole family, which shows up with the protagonist. If Jorge is worried about his daughter, it will play a role in his decisions and how he relates to other characters. 

Everybody's got a story. We have to learn to shine a light on it.