IndieView with Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr, author of Do Nothing

I remember as a kid I couldn’t wait for each Harry Potter book to come out. The one thing I did not like was having to wait such a long time for the next book to be published. I decided that if I ever became an author, I would speed up the process.

Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr – 24 November 2023

The Back Flap

A serial killer is on the loose in New York City.

This wasn’t the kind of day Griffin Knight looked forward to when he woke up this morning. Sure, being a homicide detective is never unicorns and rainbows, yet knowing the victim of a murder scene is up there with some of the really bad days.
There’s an avenger on the loose in New York with all the hallmarks of a long-silent serial killer.
But how does this serial killer choose the victims? Do the victims share something in common? How many more names are on his list?

Can Griffin Knight cut through the questions this guy is throwing his way, or would there be another murder?

About the book

What is the book about?

Detective Griffin Knight transferred from Long Island to the NYPD for the Lead Detective position. Here, he encounters a serial killer who is on the loose in New York City. The murderer has all the hallmarks of a long-silent serial killer. Griffin needs to figure out if the killer is the original butcher, or a copycat. Time is ticking, as the slayer keeps killing victims, and Griffin doesn’t know how many are on the list. This is the first book in the Griffin Knight series.

When did you start writing the book?

August 2022-September 2022 (the first edition). Since then, I’ve added 4,000 words to the book.

How long did it take you to write it?

30-40 days.

Where did you get the idea from?

Law Abiding Citizen, Faster, Veronica Mars, and my father.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

There were. It was my debut book, so it’s a process.

What came easily?

Most of the character names, as well as the action scenes.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

They’re entirely fictitious.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

J.K. Rowling.

I remember as a kid I couldn’t wait for each Harry Potter book to come out. The one thing I did not like was having to wait such a long time for the next book to be published. I decided that if I ever became an author, I would speed up the process.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes. Those who like murder mysteries, thrillers, suspense, horror, action, adventure, humor, short stories, novellas, alternating POVs, and fast-paced books.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Yes. I always create a blueprint first, and make that as thorough as possible, before making the outline. After making the outline (whether it is extensive or not), I write.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Yes, I do outline. It varies. Sometimes, I find that the outline is an obstacle itself, so I may make a generic outline and push through the book, going back to the outline when I have ideas of what I want to add in the future. Other times, I know what I want to do, so I’ll add it to the outline first before I write it. I like to develop my outline and the characters so the writing process will flow better.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I wait until I’m done with a section/chapter before going back to edit.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?

I want to be my own boss.

Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I want to be my own boss.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Both of my book covers for Do Nothing were professionally done.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Yes, I have a marketing plan for the book.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Read a lot and seek help. It’s not easy.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Buffalo, NY.

Where do you live now?

Buffalo, NY.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I transitioned from watching movies and playing video games into making books.

What are you working on now?

It’s a secret, but you’ll know soon enough. Stay tuned, and make sure you follow me on social media. If you haven’t already, join my mailing list here (you’ll get a free gift): https://bookhip.com/WKRPMVH 

End of Interview:

For more from Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr visit his website and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. (Also, don’t forget to join his mailing list, linked above.)

Get your copy of Do Nothing from Amazon US or Amazon UK.