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. 

July 2022 newsletter 🇨🇦 🇨🇦🇨🇦

It's July! So, what's new??

As I mention in every newsletter, I continue to work on my next book. This will be my 17th book and 12th in the Hernandez series. I think I'm around chapter 30 (or 50!) so we are getting closer!

Is anything else new? Check out my latest video/blog:

Why Jorge Hernandez goes to extremes to protect his family 🏠

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     Rumble

If you have any questions you'd like to have addressed, please send them to info@mimaonfire.com

Anything else?

If you haven't yet, please check out my YouTube or Rumble channels. Subscribing, sharing, and liking all help to get more eyes on my books. If want to check out any of my books but are low in funds, drop by your local library. If my book isn't in their system, it would be awesome if you could request it. 

As always, I thank you for your support! 

Why Jorge Hernandez goes to extremes to protect his family 🏠

If you're already familiar with my Hernandez series, then you're probably also aware that Jorge Hernandez is very protective of his family. The former cartel boss believes in loyalty above all and is willing to do anything - literally anything - when it comes to those he loves the most. 

This comes from Jorge's cartel background, where loyalty was necessary to remain alive. If someone in your army of people wasn't watching your back, you could end up dead. If we want to go even further back, we learn that the family Jorge grew up in quickly turned their back on him when the stakes were high. As you can imagine, this played a role in why such a stringent rule exists for the people in Jorge's life. 

I think readers appreciate the significance of loyalty to Jorge Hernandez. After all, most of us may feel uncertain if the people in our lives are as loyal to us, as Hernandez is to his family. However, there is a price to pay if they're not. 

June 2022 newsletter 🍦

Hey guys! Not much to report for the month of May 2022, but here's a quick catch up!

Check out the latest....

Relationship ups and downs between characters 😍🤬

    Rumble

    YouTube

    Blogger

I continue to work on my next book. This will be book number #17, if you're counting 😏

I'm also uploading all my books onto Rumble but it's a slow process. 

To learn more, check out my YouTube video 👇🏼 

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.