Beyond My Culture:  An Interview with Author Michelle Monkou by Nicole M. Stevenson

Michelle Monkou became a world traveler at three years old when she left her birthplace of London, England, and moved to Guyana, South America. She then moved to the United States as a young teen. An avid reader, mixed with her cultural experiences, set the tone for a vivid imagination. It wasn't long before the stories in her head became stories on paper.  Michelle has five titles of romantic fiction with her latest release -- ISLAND RENDEZVOUS – under Harlequin's new Kimani Press.  She will also have a September release -- SWEET SURRENDER and a January 2007 release, tentatively titled HERE AND NOW.

When did you first know that you wanted to write?

MM:  There wasn't a specific year that I thought about being a writer.  The talent came naturally to me because of my voracious appetite as a reader.  Writing stories, essays, school papers, and poetry didn't scare me.  I crafted stories for fun.  In high school, my friends, who also wrote, exchanged stories and books.

Now fast forward through attaining my Bachelors in English, my Masters in International Business, marriage and two children later, I joined a writing organization that provided me with information about the craft and romance writing, specifically.  In 2000, this marked the official year that I completed an actual book (300-400 double spaced pages).

How did you manage to get a two-book contract from BET Books?

MM: Most publishers offer a two-book deal once they have received and contracted one full manuscript.  I sent my first completed contemporary romance to BET and received a call stating that they wanted to purchase it, along with another book.  My first release came out in November 2002.

OPEN YOUR HEART was your first book; how long did it take to complete?

MM: This book took six months to complete.  Since it was my first book, I had to struggle with all the mistakes a young writer will make on plotting, pacing, characterization, satisfying ending.  I had to dig deep to be self-disciplined and finish the book, then use my knowledge to edit before sending it to the publisher.

What was your first award you ever received for your literary works and what did it mean to you?

MM: Open Your Heart received a nomination for Favorite New Author.  I was shocked and pleased because there were lots of very good authors who also started their careers that year.  The recognition gave me the confidence to continue and strive to make an impact in romantic fiction.

In October 2005, my Kwanzaa-themed romantic fiction -- MAKING PROMISES -- earned 3rd place in the Mainstream/Single Title of the East Texas Chapter of the Romance Writers of America organization.  Again this recognition with other books that were not grouped under African American fiction was a nice surprise.

Can you share some detail about Island Rendezvous?

MM:  This spicy, romantic tale continues the stories of four friends introduced in my 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 airtight.  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.

What advice would you give to the author that has gotten several rejection letters and feels like given up?

MM: The worst thing that a writer can do is measure herself against another writer.  Just like they advise not to compare your children and their periods of development and accomplishments, you should not do this.  Writing is highly subjective.  For example: The editor has 2,000 manuscripts on a yearly basis and she only needs 48 titles in the year - 4 titles a month.  Out of the 48 titles, 30-40 may be her authors already in the program.  So she's got 8 – 18 spots to fill with new authors.  Faced with those numbers, the editors can choose to be highly selective.

As the writer looking for placement, you have to come with a professional, error-free query and proposal.  Your query should be concise and intriguing.  Your first three chapters and synopsis should follow standard formatting requirements.  It should be error free.  This is your introduction to the editor.

Having said all of this, you should know what that editor or publishing imprint is looking for.  Go to conferences, read the books in that imprint, network with authors in that imprint.  You have to show that you know why you belong in that line up of authors.

Then surround yourself with positive people.  They don't necessarily have to be other authors, but it helps to have friends who know exactly how and why you may be feeling the way that you do.  From the time that you are published, your work is open to public criticism.  So why surround yourself with people who may doubt you before you embarked on that journey.  Life is too short and no one said that there is a finite amount of friends out there.

What do you do in your free time?

MM: Lately my free time has been a precious commodity.  I am presently serving a two-year term as regional director for Romance Writers of America, a 9,000-member organization.  I am also the PTA president for my children's school.  I do have a day job with a life insurance trade association in Washington, D.C. One hour a week, I manage to get to a belly dancing class for the "ME" time.

For further information on Michelle, visit her web site at http://www.michellemonkou.com and sign up for her newsletter.