User:Maytia Hernandez

Maytia Hernandez was born November 17, 1947 at La Covadonga in Havana, Cuba. Fourteen years later, she arrived in Miami, Florida, on April 18, 1962. It was one year and one day, after the Invasion of Bay of Pigs. The day of departure, her mother waved good-bye to her, (age 14) and Maytia's younger sister, Hilda Maria (age 7, at Rancho Boyeros Airport in Havana, Cuba. Their father had not been strong enough emotionally to see them off. Heartfelt sorrow filled Maytia's mother's heart as she was to take the picture of her daughters getting in the airplane that would take them from their hometown, to a strange city and country; Miami, Florida, USA. However, this good-bye was better than to have her daughters' subjected to the communist regime of the island.

Hilda Maria and Maytia lived in the Florida City camp for months, under the auspice of the Operation Pedro Pan Group, Inc. (www.pedropan.org)To find out more about PPO go to: www.pedropan.org/content/cuban-childrens-exodus

Several months later, Maytia and Cuqui--the sister's nickname--were able to reunite with their parents in Miami, continuing there-off to New York City, where they took residence. Maytia graduated from Humboldt Junior High School 115. Then continued her education at George Washington High School in Upper Manhattan, in the part of town known as Washington Heights. After school, Maytia ventured into dancing and music.

Although she holds several licenses and titles—one being the Chair Person for Talent Artistic Juvenile, a non-profit organization, run by Ms. Onix Morera—and has added several careers to her dossier, Maytia consider her son Luis Alejandro, her proudest achievement. Maytia resides in South Florida with most of her family. With many things taking a tool in her life, including a divorce, but specially her mother's heart attack and later on her death, Maytia's writing became her link to sanity. She says "To me, writing is the most inner expression of your thoughts, wants and desires."

When people meet Maytia, they might think her a bit crazy. It could be because she smiles a lot and she tells anyone who listens that she is grateful to the Lord of the Universe for the daily challenges she's presented with, no matter what they are. Maytia works for MDPD and is the author of two political suspense novels (Missing Evidence and The Face of Deceit) and a children’s book (Herbert, the Christmas Worm''). For Maytia, writing is an outlet from stress, emotional turmoil and everyday life. It all started with a nightmare she had several years ago; a nightmare that she finally turned into her first book. The problem was that when she finished writing Missing Evidence, she realized she was hooked and that she could not just stop there. Maytia simply had to bring some closure to subjects she had left pending throughout the story.Thus, she kept on with her writing.

She is most passionate about 'Love, Truth and Honor'. That's why she dedicated Missing Evidence to the men and women in uniform. The ones that defend our Freedom at the cost of their own lives; and the magnanimity of their families.

In her first nook, 'Missing Evidence', Maytia had to research the properties of gems, (especially sapphires and diamonds) to be able to concoct one part of the drama. On the other hand she had to go into the judicial and guvernamental systems to be able to write about the law enforcement agencies, the armed forces and Viet-Nam.

The third book, The Face of Deceit is the sequel to Missing Evidence. She dug deep into the story of the 'Old Silk Route'; not only because of the route itself and what it represents in reference to the wars (past and present), but because of the treasure that plays such a crucial part in the story. Because of the two rescue missions in the story, Maytia had to read a lot about the process our government and families have to endure, to bring back our soldiers (dead or alive). She had to be able to rightfully write about how to conduct a full military funeral with its entire honor and glory, up to the flag's last fold and presentation (which is a beautiful rendition of pride and honor in itself). And last, but certainly not least, a beautiful wedding with 'The Arch of Swords' and full military reception.

The Face of Deceit is not only about rescue, closure and family and friend's acceptance, but how love can transform a person when you think there is no hope. It is also about how that especial love and connection can transcend a lifetime of heartache, distance, sickness and sometimes, even death. It is about the meaning of 'Tu Alma y La Mia por Toda la Eternidad' (Your Soul and My Soul for an Eternity)

Then there is 'Herbert, the Christmas Worm', which was a short story her brother-in-law, Michael, used to tell the kids after dinner, during Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). Hilda Maria, Maytia's sister always wanted her to turn the story into a book and draw the caricatures. One day, in 2011, she was going through some old video tapes to transfer into DVD and Maytia found the video. The tape from the last time the story was told before her sister became ill. So after much consideration Maytia decided to grant her wish, even though she is no longer with us, and created Herbert.

Note to the reader Do not let affliction overcloud the good memories of those you love. Remember that LOVE is the most powerful of all emotions; anything can happen when you love strongly. Use it wisely. Maytia A little about the novels.

The Face of Deceit is the sequel to Missing Evidence. The script of life surprises ex-police officer Carlotta Santi, at every turn. What she thought was real turned out to be a complete deceit. The Face of Deceit answers all the questions you might have pending from Missing Evidence. The explosion that rocked the core of her life will bring out a complete turn-around. This time it is Carlotta helping Detective First Class Bryant Shelby solve the question of his father's death. Find out who is after him and why it becomes Carlotta's mission to help bring home our kidnapped boys. While trying to do so, she will encounter help from the person least expected. Everything Carlotta thought was true was masked by deceit and betrayal. Her past was to catch up and rock her world in unimaginable ways. Carlotta Santi’s previous memory loss, during her search for the Missing Evidence, was nothing compare with what trials and tribulations the ex-police Sargent was to face physically and emotionally.

You can read more excerpts from her novels at http://www.books-by-maytia.net