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FINDING THAT SWEET SURRENDER WITH MICHELLE MONKOU by La-Tessa Montgomery |
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Name:
Michelle Monkou Date of Birth: July 27 Occupation: Life Insurance: Compliance City of Residence: Laurel, Maryland Tell us a little about yourself: I was born in England and grew up in Guyana before coming to America in my early teens. Despite having lived in the U.S. for most of my life, my British-Caribbean roots will always be a strong influence. I even had my daughter playing the tenor steel pans for several years. I attended the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore and College Park campuses where I received my Bachelors of English. Around this time, I became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Later, after I had my children, I received a Masters in International Business, just to make sure that I can earn a living while my writing career flourishes. The first contemporary romance I wrote, which was also my first book – OPEN YOUR HEART, took six months to complete. Frankly I was tired of not finishing all the stories I wrote. I couldn’t blame my frustration of being unpublished on a harsh and cruel New York editor. I simply never finished a book to submit. After the six months of writing and revising, I sent the book in and it was bought. I noticed that you are really into helping others realize their dreams, what is your biggest dream? Having dreams are healthy. As kids, we dream of many things, some small and others as high as the sky. As we get older, we re-size those dreams because we may feel guilty or silly for indulging; we don’t have the time to analyze and accept; or we are afraid of failing. When I look at the span of my life, I realized that I have fulfilled most of my dreams. Some times I may have taken the scenic route to that final destination, but nevertheless, I accomplished my dream. My biggest dream has the words: New York Times best seller, country estate, island vacation, ivy college education for children, enabling hubby’s golf addiction, and movies based on my books. I truly believe that all of this is not only possible, but that I will achieve this and more. Just wait and see. Have you always wanted to write Romance? I started reading romances when I was about 14 or 15 years old. I read the Harlequin, Second Chance at Love and mounds of Barbara Cartland novels. The authors who were prolific became my favorites because they could match or outmatch my appetite. Then I started writing romances in high school, but with no intent of a career. It was merely fun. Fast forward several years later, I joined a writers group and picked up the pen to write. My first attempts were in the horror genre because of my love for Stephen King novels. I made my stories as bloody, as possible, and full of gore. Then I came to my senses and wrote what came naturally to me – romances. Do you have any plans to write for any other genres? I do have plans to write in women’s fiction, chick lit and young adult. I already have the story outlines written. Soon I will be working on the three chapter proposals to be submitted to various publishers. Young adult is especially near and dear to my heart since my children will be in this group in a few years and I don’t see a vast selection of African American character books. Your latest book ISLAND RENDEZVOUS, is set in the very romantic Bahamas, tell us a little about it: This spicy, romantic tale continues the stories of four friends introduced in the Romantic Times Book club Top Pick, FINDERS KEEPERS. An emotionally bruised Toni Kimball accepts her friend's - Nicole, offer for a much needed vacation in Nassau, Bahamas under one condition. Toni must find Derek Calverton and help Nicole with her plan to get her husband and his newly discovered brother, Derek, reunited. During one of their girlfriend bonding moments, this plan seemed air tight. However in the tropical heat, Toni doesn't count on falling for the romantic and sensual headiness that Derek delivers to her mind, body and heart. Past relationships, family history, and separate countries conspire to pull apart and destroy their love. Derek has to pull out all the stops to complete his circle of love with Toni at his side. Did you face any major challenges writing this story, if so, what were they? The major challenge while finishing the story was of a personal nature when I discovered that I was adopted. I found it eerily coincidental that I was writing about two brothers who grew up apart in different countries. I took some time off from writing the story to visit my birth mother and siblings in England and Chicago. Then I returned from a successful and fulfilling trip to finish up the story. What quality sets your books apart from other romance novels? I had to go to my fan mail to see what others think about my books. The most common compliment is that my characters draw in the reader. My stories are warm and cozy, filled with relationship angst as the characters intermingle. What advice would you give new authors who are trying to get published? Don’t give up. Don’t surround yourself with negative people. There’s a time and place for self-pity and whining, don’t get bogged down. Read books in your genre. Read books outside of your genre. Read non-fiction books. Remember there is no formula or short cut to success. Are you a member of any writing organizations? How has this helped your career? I am member of Romance Writers of America, a 9,000+ member organization. I’m currently serving a two year term as a board member. I became a member before I was published and received lots of information and support that I think led me toward being published. Now that I am published, I continue to get benefits with information on industry, craft, and networking. Who are some of your favorite authors and books? I’m always willing to give acknowledgement to authors who have mentored me in some way. Sometimes that mentoring goes a long way toward friendship. I acknowledged these authors and their direct impact on my career: Donna Hill, Marcia King-Gamble, Celeste Norfleet, Candice Poarch, Shirley Hailstock, Maggie Osbourne, and Nora Roberts. What do you do when you’re not writing? When I’m not working at my day job, helping my children with homework, and writing, I’m making a life commitment on losing weight – LOL. My newest fun thing is belly dancing. I’m not at the level where I perform in public settings, but I’m getting most of the moves. What a work out it is! What’s next for Michelle Monkou? With a new agent, editor and publicist, the sky is the limit. I’ll be very busy focusing on the story outlines I have in my files. I don’t want to be an author that is pigeon-holed in a particular genre. As I develop as a writer, along with a good team of professionals (agent, editor and publicist), I see a very successful future. How can your readers stay in touch with you? Readers can join my mail list on my website at: http://www.michellemonkou.com or email me at michellemonkou@comcast.net. Others may also write me at P. O. Box 2904, Laurel, MD 20709
MICHELLE'S next release, SWEET
SURRENDER will be published in September 2006 by Harlequin Kimani
Romance |
