"The Interview with Michelle Monkou"

THE ROCK: Who is Michelle Monkou, tell us something about you?
Monkou: I'm Michelle Monkou, an up and coming author in women's fiction. I began my career in 2002 with my first romance fiction, which earned an Emma award for Favorite New Author. As of April 2006, I have four books and 1 novella in print. I have an additional three books that will hit bookshelves in the latter part of 2006 and 2007.

I work fulltime in the lobbying and legislative arena for a life insurance trade association in the nation's capital. I consider writing my other fulltime profession that I pursue in the late hours of the evening and weekends.

I have a bachelor's in English and a master's in International Business. My journey to being published was not particularly long after I developed the discipline to finish the book. I recently finished my first women's fiction book and it's presently making its way onto a NY editor's desk.

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
Monkou: I call myself a world traveler since I changed homes from England to Guyana, South American when I was three years old. Then I came to the U.S. around 12 years old, currently residing in Maryland.

After recently learning that I am an adopted child, I have reconnected with my birth mother. My heritage is Jamaican. I guess you can call me a multicultural author in the truest sense of the word.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Monkou: No. I am the only writer. However, in my adopted family and my birth family, we are avid readers. Reading is the solid foundation needed to be a writer.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Monkou: I wrote when I was in high school, but mainly as an enjoyable outlet. I never imagined that I would be an author. Maybe, after reading the various classics, and seeing the penniless lives of authors, that shut the door on any thought of writing as a profession.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Monkou: I don't see a set pattern that led me to become a writer. However there are several factors that helped nurture the possibility.
1) My voracious appetite for reading.
2) Writing came easily to me.
3) Getting my bachelor's in English.
4) Joining a writing organization.

5) Surrounding myself with successful and aspiring writers.
6) Getting that self-discipline to finish a book (300-400 double spaced pages).
7) Having a positive attitude.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Monkou: The books that I enjoyed were stories that took me on a ride sitting next to the characters as they go through their character development. These stories stirred my senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching this imaginary world. When I finished the last word in the book, I thought about writing stories with the same power to move and inspire people.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
Monkou: Each book is inspired by current news or experiences I may have had or heard from others. Sometimes simply observing people interact in various setting provide ideas to start the story.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Monkou: This spicy, romantic tale continues the stories of four friends introduced in her Romantic Times 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.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Monkou: I'm starting on a two book contract. But an author in commercial fiction can't rest on her laurels. I do have other projects that I'm working on and will also make their way to the NY publishers.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Monkou: I never thought about self publishing. Maybe because I was able to sell my first manuscript in a relatively short time that I didn't have to face that decision.
I do have friends who have self published and who have enjoyed the experience because of the personal commitment and validation that they have received.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Monkou: Traditional publishers are busy. Having said that, authors need to have their manuscripts as close to perfection as possible. Editors do have teams that may polish your work, but if they have to do too much to the story, they will not buy it.They also don't want to have to teach an author the business. Authors need to do their research and know the commonly used terms. They need to know what is expected of them as a contracted author. They need to treat the relationship on a professional level, even when they have become "friends" with an editor.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
Monkou: I don't like niches. Niches sometimes have a way of having an expiry date. As a publisher, the key is to keep on top of what is hot with readers. Know the demographics and other social dynamics that can affect readership.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
Monkou: Having a contract with a traditional publisher is important to me. I am not a salesperson, nor do I have the time to put into self promotion. Don't get me wrong, promotion is vital to any author's career. However, there are parts of the business that my agent, publisher
and publicist handle. This frees me to write and hold down that day job. I've seen authors promote for months, but then their writing suffers. It's a balance that only the writer can decide.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
Monkou: I would say that my personal achievements have been to obtain my education. My parents instilled the priority on education and being self sufficient. On the professional level, I suppose my writing is a vehicle to create a legacy for my children, grandchildren and beyond.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Monkou: I don't necessarily have favorite authors. I do have a diverse appetite for various genres and literary work. To name one and forget to name another is too much pressure.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Monkou: In five years, I hope to be on a list of authors to watch, read, and study in contemporary fiction or women's study.

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
Monkou: I have a website - http://www.michellemonkou.com. My email
address - michellemonkou@comcast.net. My mailbox is P.O. Box 2904, Laurel, MD 20709

THE ROCK: Thank you very much, Ms. Monkou:.

The Author's Page

http://www.rockpublications.com
http://www.the-rock-newsmagazine.com
Virtual Shopping is here! ~The Crystal Palace Mall
Image is everything...why trust it to anybody?