I am sharing a link to my blog under CG Heandez where I post updates on books I've written under that pseudonym. Please visit and comment on any entry you wish. Thank you.
Pseudonyms:Why Authors Use Them
This is my main author's blog. I share excerpts and updates to the books I've written. I am an indie author and mother. Wouldn't have it any other way.
I am sharing a link to my blog under CG Heandez where I post updates on books I've written under that pseudonym. Please visit and comment on any entry you wish. Thank you.
Pseudonyms:Why Authors Use Them
Writers/Authors can add images into their works. Why not? However, I recommend including descriptions of the scene and the characters' appearances to ensure they align with the images. This helps create a cohesive experience for the reader.
If some readers are triggered by images in books—that's their problem. Personally, I have no issue with authors using images in their works. For instance, Clive Barker included images in "The Thief of Always," and Harry Harrison did the same in "West of Eden." Personally, I believe that images can enhance storytelling, and I plan to continue using them in my own books.
In addition, if you’re triggered by an author using some images in their books, then move on. It’s that simple.
(Though I've written fanfic before, I've never came across plagiarism, not of my Fanfiction stories but this is what I came across regarding one individual who took it upon themselves to boldly use other author's work and relabel it as her/his own.)
Layla Moran has taken three fanfics, from fanfic websites.
For over the past few years, she published books that are suspiciously similar
to some fanfiction stories from other writers. She claims they are her own.
This is a clear case of plagiarism.
It's really disappointing to see someone so openly
plagiarizing fanfics by just swapping out names and a few words. This kind
of behavior is completely unacceptable. It is disheartening to witness
something so distasteful.
I haven't read any of her books, but I did watch a video about her plagiarism, and I found it really disappointing and upsetting. My question is simple: Is she genuinely who she claims to be? With a pen name and what seems to be a fake photo, I can't help but think she's a grifter. She or he is a person who capitalizes on the hard work of others for profit. A person like that is often seen as opportunistic. Personally, I make sure to protect my original works with copyright. Fanfiction typically draws on existing characters and storylines from TV shows or movies, which makes it difficult for writers to secure copyright protection for their work through the copyright office.
I have published three stories on Wattpad and AO3, with only one being an original work. My book, A Time Traveler’s Companion, is loosely inspired by a fanfiction I wrote several years ago. But I plan on writing a book based on an original story that is posted on AO3 & Wattpad.
The story is based on the Backrooms. It is essential for authors who have shared their original works on fanfiction websites to take the necessary steps to copyright their creations. While the video discusses the implications of AI for some reason, my focus here is specifically on the issue of plagiarism and how some people are stealing written works. I encourage readers to share their thoughts on this matter in the comments section.
(An excerpt from Chapter 9, Lost in the Backrooms: The Phoenix Files vol. 1)
“There’s nothing out of the ordinary here, just an old,
abandoned house,” Jane said. They went downstairs and saw a door in the kitchen
that they hadn’t seen before. Jane opened it.
“It looks like a basement,” MK noted. They
hesitated and she took out a flashlight before they descended. The basement is
filled with cobwebs and dust everywhere; the walls are made of old bricks which
are decaying and breaking apart, the room smells like death. “Ugh, this place
smells so bad,” said MK, covering her nose with her hand. Jane did the same.
“No telling if there’s black mold here or anything thing else that can kill us by inhaling the air,” said Jane. The basement had one small window, covered with soot and cobwebs. MK noticed a white door on the other side of the room.
“Well, what do you think?”
“I guess we should go in,” Jane carefully opened the door and walked through. They were back in the yellow maze of the Backrooms once again.
“Oh no,” MK said, feeling disheartened but there is a hint of hope in her, “Jane, I believe that we will find our way out this time, I’m certain,” she said, optimistically but Jane is losing hope. MK’s abilities have increased, and now she will be able to guide them through. They continued their journey, their hair disheveled, cascading loosely down their shoulders, no longer in a ponytail; rips on their clothes with blood stains from the creatures they had slain, and a strange cough suddenly started to plague them. They both drank some almond water, and it temporarily tamed their cough.
“Why are we coughing?” MK wondered aloud. “We didn’t have
this issue when we first entered the Backrooms. It feels like it kicked in
after we left that last area we were in,” MK continued, trying to piece
together what might have triggered it.
“Maybe we should’ve been wearing masks all the time,” Jane
remarked.
MK stopped, “I sense something coming.” They brandished their weapons, Jane aimed her pistol, ready for anything that might attack them, while MK raised her sword.
Around the corner emerged a creature with insect-like limbs, its torso had four arms with two fingered claws. “What the Hell is that?” Jane exclaimed. The head of the creature has two almond shaped eyes on each side, white in color with a red rim around the iris, its mouth has sharp jagged teeth, but as it screeched, strange foot long tentacles emerged from the mouth. “It started out human,” said MK, staring at the eldritch abomination.
“Can you communicate with it?” MK tried but the creature was unreachable. She can see darkness and pain. It desires flesh, human flesh. MK gulped, “We are food,” she said. As it approached, it lunged at them. Jane shot several rounds into its head, bringing it down. MK took her sword and sliced the legs off.
“Give it mercy, may it rest in peace,” said Jane, delivering the final blow, blood gushed around the body. As it died, MK saw flashes of who he once was. She gasped, “He was a Hunter, one of us.”
“Oh no,” said Jane, a dismal look shadowed her face as she
stared at the creature.
She sighed, “I wonder who he was?”
“I think his name was Micah?”
“I’ll inform Father Patrick when we get back, if we get
back.” Her faith is faltering; her patience is wearing thin. The maddening buzz
of the fluorescent lights lingers above them. They no longer have their
earplugs, because they lost them. They both said a silent prayer for their
fallen comrade.
“Let’s keep moving,”
said Jane, with a sigh. They came across a hallway, with many doors on each
side. They tried to open several doors but to no avail. The last door at the
end is white with gold hinges and a doorknob. They looked at each other, MK
gave Jane a nod. Jane cautiously opened the door. They found themselves in an
abandoned house with graffiti all around the walls, the sound of birds chirping
signaled that their ordeal was over. They smiled and hugged each other,
overwhelmed by the feeling of triumph and elation. Tears of joy ran down their
cheeks. Jane kissed MK on her lips, she blushed.
“Oh my God, we’re home,” Jane said, overjoyed. As they emerged out of the front door of the abandoned house, they stood looking down at the neighborhood street and noticed overgrown weeds and cracked asphalt. Several homes were incomplete; the others are in disarray and decaying from abandonment and neglect. “I wonder if this was one of those communities that were abandoned and never completed because of the housing crisis,” said MK. Jane nodded and looked around, “I think it’s noon. I don’t know where we are.”
I would like to provide an update regarding my work on Chandra’s Quest & a Time Traveler’s Companion. As many of you are aware, that I was consolidating all four books of the Chandra’s Quest trilogy into a single comprehensive volume.
Well, I have finished the task and will review it before republishing on Amazon and Google Play. The novel consists of 596 pages.
Progress on A Time Traveler’s Companion is going well, and it is scheduled for release some time this year but can be found in segments on Google Play for anyone interested in listening to the audiobooks. For more information, please check the Linktree in my profile. Thank you.
My Life after high school: After completing high school in mid-June 2014, I found myself in a situation where I needed to find a part-time job. At the same time, I was faced with the decision of whether to go to community college for the Fall semester or not. Rather than rushing into further education, I decided to take a step back and give myself some time to figure out my future ambitions and aspirations. I didn't have a clear goal in mind, and I wanted to make sure I made the right choice for my future path. Well, Life happens, and some things turn out differently than what expected.
It was just another ordinary day when I encountered the man who would ultimately transform my life in ways I never anticipated. I decided to take a hike at one of my favorite hiking spots, the Menifee Cross Trails. The hills are crisscrossed with numerous narrow trails, offering a total of 2.7 miles of hiking. However, if you decide to explore the additional trails in the area, it can turn into quite a satisfying workout. Leila, my closest friend, and I have explored those hills several times in the past. One day, while she was occupied with her job at the local mall, I took the opportunity to drive my Honda electric plug-in hybrid. I parked it in the dirt lot where many hikers leave their vehicles, conveniently situated next to one of the trails. Three other cars were parked in the area, all owned by the most committed hikers who frequent the spot. I brought along my red and brown backpack, sporting my favorite olive-green safari button-up shirt paired with brown khaki shorts, and laced up my ankle-high rust brown hiking boots before hitting the trail. Reaching the summit of a modest hill, I paused to catch my breath. Glancing around, my gaze settled on the imposing metal cross standing proudly atop a larger hill nearby. The origin of the cross remained a mystery to me, yet it served as a focal point and drew visitors to the hiking trails. As the fog gradually dissipated, the landscape appeared less foreboding than it had at the start of my trek. In the distance, I spotted a couple of fellow hikers enjoying the serene surroundings. I took a sip from my water bottle and after I rested a bit, I started my descent. As I continued my journey, I noticed a different path up ahead and decided to explore it. However, out of nowhere, a series of bizarre events unfolded, catching me off guard. The air crackled with an eerie static electricity, causing a shiver to run down my spine. My heart raced in my chest, amplifying the intensity of the moment. Standing there, an inexplicable sense of unease crept over me as I waited, unsure of what I was waiting for. A nagging feeling urged me to flee, yet I remained rooted to the spot.
Suddenly, a peculiar
whooshing, humming noise echoed from behind me, causing me to whirl around in
alarm. Before me, a strange shimmering object materialized, startling me into a
sudden jump. As I took a step back, my eyes widened in disbelief as an ominous
black monolith emerged out of thin air right before me. Time seemed to stand
still as I found myself frozen in place, holding my breath in anticipation of
what would happen next.
“What the Fuck?” I muttered, as a sudden whirlwind swooshed my hair back, leaving me in a state of bewilderment. I glanced around, hoping to find someone who had also witnessed this inexplicable phenomenon. Everything around me became quiet and the sudden burst of wind subsided. As I stood there, a mix of awe and confusion washed over me.
"What in the world," I thought. Curiosity compelled me to approach the enigmatic object, cautiously running my fingers along its smooth and icy surface. A sudden jolt of static electricity coursed through me.
“Ouch,” I recoiled my hand. The monolith towered before me, measuring 40 inches wide, and a staggering 7 feet in height. Perplexed, I couldn't help but wonder about the purpose and origin of this mysterious structure. With wide eyes and a mind filled with questions, I stood there, utterly dumbfounded. Just as I contemplated the enigma before me, a figure emerged from within the monolith. Startled, I swiftly moved to the other side, seeking cover behind the towering structure. As I peered from behind the monolith spotting a man stepping onto the trail, he seemed unaffected by the strangeness of the situation. He looked to be in his late twenties, maybe early thirties. He glanced around, scanning from left to right. Looking at his attire, he was donning a brown pinstriped blazer over a white tee shirt, paired with denim jeans and black high-top sneakers.
Initially, unaware of my presence, I hid behind the
monolith and discreetly glanced around the corner. As he moved away from the
monolith towards my intended direction, I debated whether to leave or follow
him, ultimately, I succumbed to my curiosity and trailed him surreptitiously. Halting midway, he paused to survey his surroundings with
hands in his pockets, letting out a sigh and shaking his head. Eventually, he
pivoted to return to the monolith, our gazes locking as he appeared surprised,
his eyes filled with curiosity.
“Wow,” he remarked, taking in my appearance.
“Are you
from around here?” I simply gaped at him while he grinned back. I was
momentarily speechless, especially after catching the unmistakable British
accent in his tone. Gathering my thoughts, I mustered the courage to ask, “Who
are you?”
“Just call me Mr. Smith,” he replied.
“How did you get here,” I asked, my curiosity piqued. With a sly grin, he approached me and replied, "I stumbled upon this place during my travels." His eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and a hint of allure. I glanced at the monolith.
As he spoke, I couldn't help but take a
step back, unsure of what to expect. Sensing my hesitation, he reassured me,
"If you're interested, I'll gladly show you, come travel with me,” he
paused. “But if not, feel free to leave." A lump formed in my throat,
causing me to hesitate. He moved closer, attempting to hold my hand, but I
instinctively pulled away. "Don't worry," he assured me, his voice
soothing.
"I'll ensure your safety and make
sure you have an interesting time." Gesturing towards the mysterious
monolith, he insisted, "Trust me, let me show you." Once again, he reached out for my hand, and a warm sensation
washed over me, making it impossible to resist. Despite my apprehension and
uncertainty, I found myself irresistibly drawn to this enigmatic man who
emerged from the monolith. His captivating eyes, charming smile, and the aura
surrounding him had me completely mesmerized, along with the enigmatic monolith
itself. As his touch enveloped me, all thoughts of
my past vanished, and I became completely entranced, until he finally asked,
"What is your name?" I hesitantly replied, “I'm
Remi,” my voice barely above a whisper.
His smile shifted into a playful smirk, his
gaze slowly taking in every detail of me. As I moved closer to the massive
structure, I spotted someone standing on one of the
hills nearby, perhaps he was clearly just as puzzled by the sudden appearance
of the monolith as I was. Mr.
Smith shot a glance toward him, his eyes narrowed.
"Come on," he beckoned, gesturing towards the monolith with a flirtatious smile and a playful wink. Confused, I glanced at the monolith’s surface, devoid of any inscriptions, its sleek black surface chilling to the touch, just as I had mentioned earlier. With a sudden jolt, an opening materialized which I assume was the door, it caused me to instinctively recoil. With unwavering confidence, he took a bold stride into it, and I hesitantly mirrored his actions. However, as I crossed the threshold, a wave of disbelief washed over me, causing my mouth to fall open and my eyes to widen in astonishment. The sheer magnitude of what lay before me left me breathless, and I couldn't suppress a gasp that escaped my lips. In that moment, he couldn't contain his excitement and proudly declared, "Welcome to my humble abode," relishing the astonishment that was etched across my face. "This is a Time Dimensional Spacecraft, or TDSC for short," he announced. Looking around, I suddenly realized that I was situated within an otherworldly spacecraft. My eyes wandered around the room, absorbing the sleek, jet-black design with mesmerizing geometric patterns. The two control panels on either wall and the sleek floor reflecting the ceiling, drew my attention.
"Hold on a second," I exclaimed as I stepped out
of the craft and circled it, taking in the bizarre design while a sense of
confusion enveloped me. It struck me that the inside and outside of the
spacecraft were mismatched in size. I hurried back inside, eager to unravel
this puzzling revelation. I stared at it, my eyes with excitement.
"I had a feeling you'd be amazed," he said, with a smug grin on his face. My heart raced, and I couldn't tear my gaze away from the mesmerizing interior.
"Would you like to embark on an adventure with me?" he asked. My heart skipped a beat, and I took a deep breath, my eyes brimming with astonishment. I was at a loss for words.
"Your eyes are captivating," he remarked, gazing at me intently, as if weighing a decision. His deep brown eyes roamed over me in a suggestive manner, causing me to blush and look away. A tense silence enveloped us briefly, before I broke it with a question: “Am I being abducted?” I hesitated, inching toward the door that was hidden from the outside but clear from within. He moved closer, his presence a mix of authority and reassurance. "You can leave if you want; we’re still on the same hiking trail," he said, his gaze steady on mine. Standing nearly six feet tall, he loomed over my five-foot-six frame, which felt a bit daunting.
Feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity, I couldn't
help but nervously smile back at him. "I believe the person you saw
earlier is nearing the TDSC and may be contacting others soon." A soft
smile graced his lips as he looked directly at me, his eyes filled with
anticipation. It was evident that he was eagerly awaiting my response, silently
pleading for a positive answer. The way he gazed at me spoke volumes, conveying
his desire for me to agree to whatever he was proposing.
"If you decide to accompany me, we can journey to any destination of your choosing, and I'll ensure we return before dinner. I possess the ability to traverse time. The possibilities are endless," he said, enticing me further. Despite his kind offer, I still felt unsure. "Don't worry, once you get to know me, you'll realize I’m not such a bad guy,” he continued to persuade me. His words were accompanied by a chuckle and a smile, sending a shiver down my spine. A nervous chuckle escaped my lips; my eyes spotted a mysterious black pillar embellished with sparkling crystals in the center of the room. It truly captivated me. Setting my backpack down on the floor, I cautiously approached, drawn in by its enchanting allure. "What is this?" I asked, circling around the strange pillar with multicolored quartz crystals at the center, one of them glowing brightly.
"No, don't touch it," he warned, causing me to retract my hand.
"What are
they?" I asked, intrigued.
"They control this ship," he explained. I
pondered over the offer he made earlier.
"I'll accept your offer, but..." I hesitated.
"But
what?" he asked.
"I hope
you'll bring me back before dinnertime or before 10pm," I nervously chuckled,
feeling a strange attraction toward him. Standing in front of each other,
the crystals casting a soft glow on my face, I couldn't help but question the
risks of joining this enigmatic being from another realm on an adventure.
"How old are you?” he asked. Before responding, I thought about my uneventful life. Musing, "I don’t have a boyfriend, I’m out of high school now, considered an adult ready to start a new chapter in my life and at the moment I clearly don’t have any plans.” After a brief pause, I mustered the courage to respond, "I'm twenty," I said, it was a blatant lie though. Despite being only eighteen, but turning 19 in October, I decided to withhold that information from him. His inquisitive gaze persisted as he mulled over my answer.
"Well, okay,” he paused and added, “You do appear to
be young," he delicately traced his fingers along the glowing crystals on
the table on top of the pillar.
“People often
assume that about me, but the truth is I'm twenty, with my birthday just four
months away.” I lied again, feeling a lump in my throat. He stepped closer and softly
stroked my cheek before placing a tender kiss on my forehead. A rush of warmth
spread through me, and I couldn't help but blush as he smiled at me. "So,
where do you want to go?" he asked, tapping a crimson crystal. Suddenly, a
sleek jet-black seat materialized a short distance away from him and he
casually took off his brown pinstriped blazer and tossed it onto the chair. Pondering his words, I said, "If you truly have the
power to time travel, I'd love to visit the 1970s." I smiled at him.
"Do you have a specific year in mind?" he asked.
I casually shrugged
and grinned, replying, "1976, my grandma used to tell me fascinating
stories about that year." He chuckled, flashing a smile my way.
"Alright then, let's embark on this adventure,"
he exclaimed excitedly.
"Touch that
crystal," he instructed.
"But I thought
you didn't want me to touch the crystals?"
"I'm granting you the privilege," he smiled. He
then told me to focus on my grandma and the year 1976. With closed eyes, I
imagined the sensation of being transported to that era.
This book is available under the pen name CG Heandez.
A Time Traveler's Companion: eBook
I just want to give my readers an update on my progress of the
books I am currently writing.
Diary of a Time Traveler’s Companion: so far, I’m at 207 pages
in; this book will be a full-length novel. It will be published under another pen
name. It is based on a fanfic I’ve been writing. There are some changes in the
book that sets it apart from the Fanfic. For those who know about my
Fanfiction, kudos to you! You’ll enjoy the book as well.
Path Less Taken: I am working on this book, I just haven’t
gotten as far as I would like but it's possible that the completion
date will be around the same time the Time Traveler’s book will be
completed. I alternate between books when working on them.
*Pictures of the characters from both of my books are posted on my
Facebook author page.
Note: the character Jack Harlin is similar to the Jack character in Doctor
Who but there are slight differences. And as you probably have figured out the woman with the curly blonde hair represents River but not the same personality. Both Jack and Melanie are bisexual.
For those who follow me on TikTok, some of my videos have been
muted, but you can find them on my YouTube channel or on my Facebook Reels list. Follow links below.