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Spotlight Author: Monique Mensah
Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign

EDC Creations, The Sankofa Literary Society and The Black Authors Network announced the launch of their 2009-2010  "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy. In 2004, during the Christmas holidays, Ella Curry, the founder of EDC Creations, reached out to women's groups and literary organizations to help promote early literacy by giving new books to children from low income homes. 

Today, the "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," seeks to expand even further! “Based on the “each one teach one,” model, our goal is to help people introduce reading and new books to their family and friends,” says CEO and founder of EDC creations, Ella Curry. “Instead of giving expensive gifts that don't shape lives----let's “Give the Gift of Knowledge” and help to strengthen our future generations!”  We now invite you, the readers, to join us by supporting the authors below and buying books as gifts!

Each year thousands of people — educators, concerned parents, community leaders, authors, poets and publishers — devote their time and resources to presenting the reader with great books! However, too many outstanding books do not get the attention and reader support that they deserve. It is our mission to connect readers with these hidden gems and bring them books that will change their lives.

Each week EDC Creations will sponsor bookclub chats, live readings from authors, podcast presentations, seminars, community relations discussions, and radio shows that deliver the best our writers have to offer. All we ask is that the readers of the world spread the word.  Check out the information below and invite this author to chat with you and 5-10 friends via Skype, tele-conference or a speaker phone meeting.  If you would like to spotlight this author on your blog, website, magazine or radio show, email Ella Curry at:  elladcurry@edc-creations.com    If you have already read the book, share your reviews with us by clicking here.

You may shop for the books at our bookstore here: http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20 
 


Meet new author Monique D. Mensah

 Monique D. Mensah is a native Detroiter with an innate love for the written word. Her talent for writing was first discovered by her third grade teacher when she declared her dream to become a published author. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan she completed her first manuscript, Who Is He To You. Shortly after, she launched Kisa Publishing and published her debut novel. Monique now resides in Southfield, MI where she is raising her daughter and working full-time as an enrollment counselor for a private university. She is also a freelance copywriter and copyeditor and is currently working on her second novel.


Book:  Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah 
Simone, a shockingly beautiful teen, is on the downward spiral of destruction as she battles incest and self-hatred and she finds cutting to be the only way to relieve her pain. Jessica lives the upscale lifestyle of a refined society matron. She strives to be the perfect wife, but without her husband, Ross, she would be nothing more than the abused stripper he rescued 16 years ago. Ryan, a fiery thirty-something, is quickly slipping into depression and prescription drug addiction as her boyfriend, Anthony, artfully dangles the empty promise of marriage. As the shattered lives of three very different women collide, they find that they have one thing in common: they are all in a desperate fight to hang onto love. Experience their emotional journey through to the shocking end where these women will experience injury, imprisonment and even death while crafting new lives from the ashes of their ruination.

Monique D. Mensah,  Author of Dramatic Fiction
Author's blog:   www.moniquedmensah.wordpress.com

Talking Points for Who is He to You
A woman who is secure in who she is and recognizes her self-worth, does not need validation from the men in her life.

  1. Incest and molestation in the African-American community.

    1. Although the rates of incest and molestation are similar for African-American women and Caucasian women, black women are more likely to keep it a secret.

    2. Incest and molestation is not exclusive to any race or class.

    3. The importance of telling someone you trust that you have been the victim of sexual abuse instead of self-medicating

    4. Understanding that sexual abuse is not your fault.

    5. The effects sexual abuse and incest may have on a teenager.

  2. Depression

    1. Depression is treatable through medication and therapy, but healthy life-changes are necessary as well.

    2. Although sometimes hereditary, depression can be triggered by specific occurrences in one’s life.

    3. Understanding the symptoms of depression and recognizing when you need help.

    4. The effects depression can have on you, your relationships, and your daily life.

    5. The dangers of medications prescribed to treat depression.

    6. The reluctance of African-Americans to seek therapy.

  3. Identity—finding yourself and your self-worth

    1. The importance of creating a healthy relationship with yourself.

    2. Figuring out, what makes you happy and putting your own happiness before that of others.

    3. Realizing your self-worth and what you have to offer to life’s relationships.

    4. Identify yourself and your self-worth and don’t compromise that.

  4. Teen cutting and self-injury

    1. Teens cut and self injure as a means to replace emotional pain with physical pain

    2. It gives them a sense of control

    3. Cutting and self-injury is often a sign of molestation or some other form of abuse.

    4. Triggered by strong feelings the teen is unable to express

  5. A woman’s search for self-validation through the men in her life.

    1. Women must get to a point where they feel complete and happy within themselves before they can have a successful relationship

    2. A man is not supposed to complete the woman he is with. He should compliment her.


 Book:  Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah 
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com
Buy the book from Barnes and Noble
Buy the book from Amazon.com

Connect with Monique online
Virtual Book Release Party on BAN Radio with Ella Curry  
Linkedin   
Facebook personal page      
Facebook Fanclub Page   
Twitter   


 Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah
Kisa Publishing  (Book info: ISBN-10: 0578023482; ISBN-13: 978-0578023489)

When love involves incest, self-mutilation, drug-addiction, and murder, will Simone, Jessica and Ryan fight to hold on or will they escape before it’s too late?

Simone, a shockingly beautiful teen, is on the downward spiral of destruction as she battles incest and self-hatred. She finds cutting to be the only way to relieve her pain. She must do something to regain control of her life and restore her family back to normalcy. But Simone may be too late as unexpected events threaten to throw her dream of contentment far out of reach.

Jessica lives the upscale lifestyle of a refined society matron. She strives to be the perfect wife, but without her husband, Ross, she would be nothing more than the abused stripper he rescued 16 years ago. When their marriage is threatened and it forces her to face her past, Jessica vows to do whatever it takes to protect what she has rightfully earned, even if it means murder.

Ryan, a fiery thirty-something, is quickly slipping into depression and prescription drug addiction. As her boyfriend, Anthony, artfully dangles the empty promise of marriage, she watches helplessly as their relationship dissolves. In an attempt to regain her sanity and self-esteem, she finds herself on a mission of self-restoration while trying to save the life of someone she doesn't even know. 

As the shattered lives of three very different women collide, they find that they have one thing in common: They're all in a desperate fight to hold on to love. Experience their emotional journey through to the shocking end where these women will experience injury, imprisonment, and even death while crafting new lives from the ashes of their ruination.


AUTHOR BIO
Monique D. Mensah is a native Detroiter with an innate love for the written word. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan she completed her first manuscript, Who Is He To You. Shortly after, she launched Kisa Publishing and published her debut novel. Monique now resides in Southfield, MI where she is raising her daughter and working full-time as an enrollment counselor for a private university. She is also a freelance copywriter and copyeditor and is currently working on her second novel.

Book:  Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah 
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com

Buy the book from Barnes and Noble
Buy the book from Amazon.com


Sneak Peek into Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah

Simone, Jessica, and Ryan are all fighting for love. But when love involves incest, self-mutilation, drug-addiction, and murder, will they continue fighting or will they escape before it’s too late? Experience their emotional journey through to the shocking end where they will experience injury, imprisonment, and death while crafting new lives from the ashes of their ruination.


 Chapter 1 excerpt:

Setting up the scene:  Simone is lying in her bed in the middle of the night, anticipating her father’s arrival. She prays every night for the Lord to take her life, but He never answers her prayers. When her father enters the room, he tries to explain his feelings and rationalize his desire to have sex with his fourteen year-old daughter. This excerpt explains some of Simone's thoughts as she witnesses his internal battle to leave her alone.

Simone remained silent. Tears ran rapidly from her eyes. She knew that he loved her. She read it in his eyes every time he looked at her. She heard it in his voice and felt it in his touch. There was no doubt that he loved her. He was in love with her. She listened as he continued his attempt to justify the sick actions and irrational feelings he had for his 14-year old daughter with the word “love.” Love. What was love anyway? She thought she knew at one time, but if this was love, she wanted no part of it. Love was pain. Her father was in love with her because she was the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on. Her body had developed into that of a beautiful young woman, sparking a lust in his eyes. He constantly told her how gorgeous she was and she hated it.

She hated the image that stared back at her while looking in the mirror. She hated it so much, that she tried to avoid her reflection at all times. She kept her head down when passing mirrors. It felt natural to avoid pictures and to hide her face whenever possible. God had cursed her with her looks. He damned her to a life of misery and pain -- at the hands of her own father. 

“I know you love me, Daddy. I just wish that you didn’t.”

He stood slowly, letting the tears fall freely down his face and forced himself to walk out of the room with slow, measured strides. He had won the battle for that night. But the following night he was defeated yet again.


Book:  Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah 
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com

Buy the book from Barnes and Noble
Buy the book from Amazon.com

Black Pearls Magazine Interview with new author Monique D. Mensah
Website:  www.blackpearlsmagazine.com 

Monique D. Mensah is a native Detroiter. She declared her dream of becoming an author at eight years old. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan, she completed her first manuscript. Shortly after, she launched Kisa Publishing, and published her first novel, Who Is He To You. Monique now resides in Southfield, MI where she is raising her daughter and working on her second novel. 

Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you? 
I write because it is my God-given talent. I believe that everyone is blessed with a talent and writing is mine. Writing gives me a great sense of satisfaction and value. I am fulfilling my purpose. When I am writing I can be whomever my imagination guides me to be, go anywhere I desire, and I can express myself in ways I could never do otherwise. It is an outlet for emotions I may have been holding inside. I found my identity in writing. I am an author. 

Finish this sentence – My writing offers the following legacy to future readers 
I have coined the term “Dramatic Fiction” to describe my style of writing. In creating this genre, I will offer a legacy of literature that is bold and uninhibited. I will write about issues that are infrequently discussed in the African-American community and offer a realistic portrayal of characters and plots. Although my characters are African-American, the themes and underlying messages in my novels are universal which means that readers of all races will be able to identify and relate. I will leave the legacy of a writer that is not afraid to explore the unexplored and bring fresh, alternative perspectives to those issues that may be more familiar to us. 

 How did you start your writing journey? 
I was born in Detroit, but I was raised most of my life in the nearby suburb of Southfield, MI. I began my writing journey at the age of eight when my third grade teacher first recognized my talent. She would have me read my short stories to the class and during PTA meetings and assemblies. My mother always loved art and literature; consequently she prompted me to begin reading African-American novels at an early age. My passions for reading and writing are almost parallel and they sparked my desire to become an author. As time progressed, however, I put my dreams on the back burner, thinking I needed to be more practical. So after graduating from college, I entered the corporate world. Although I made a decent living, I was never satisfied and I felt unfulfilled. Then, in 2007 a close friend reminded me of my purpose and urged me to get started on making my dream a reality. I started writing Who Is She To You that same week. Two years later, I started Kisa publishing and published my novel. Now I am doing everything I can to spread the word and make my mark in the literary world. I write as much as I can and although it is hard work, I enjoy being an author. 

Share with  us the story behind  Who Is He To You. 
Simone, a shockingly beautiful teen is on the downward spiral of destruction as she battles incest and self-hatred. Rapidly losing faith in a seemingly unresponsive God, she has no hope or refuge. She finds cutting to be the only way to heal her wounds. As she loses herself in uncertainty and mixed emotions, she realizes that she must do something to restore her family back to normalcy and happiness. But Simone may be too late as unexpected events threaten to throw her dreams of contentment far out of reach. 

Due to her husband, Ross’, business acumen and affluence, Jessica lives the upscale lifestyle of a refined society matron. She strives to be the perfect wife, but without her husband, she would be nothing more than the abused stripper he rescued 16 years ago – and he never lets her forget it. When their marriage is threatened and it forces her to face her detestable past, Jessica vows to do whatever it takes to protect what she has rightfully earned – even if it means murder. 

Ryan, a fiery and fashionable thirty-something, is quickly slipping into depression and prescription drug addiction. The only thing that keeps her dangling on to hope is the faint sound of wedding bells as her boyfriend, Anthony, artfully dangles the empty promise of marriage. As she watches their relationship dissolve, she finds that she must dig deep within herself for love and self-esteem. But when she digs, she uncovers much more than she bargained for. She finds herself on a mission of self-restoration while trying to save the life of someone she doesn’t even know. 

As the shattered lives of three very different women collide, they find they have one thing in common: they are all in a desperate fight to hang on to love. But when love involves incest, self-injury, drug addiction and murder will they fight to hold on? Or will they find out who he is to you and escape before it’s too late? Follow Simone, Jessica, and Ryan’s emotional journeys through to the shocking end when these women will experience injury, imprisonment, and even death while crafting new lives from the ashes of their ruination. 


 Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them? 
I actually have three main characters – Simone, Jessica and Ryan. Although they have their own identity and lives, separate from my own, I can see pieces of me in each one of them. Often after reading the synopsis, people will turn to me and ask, “Now which one of these women is you”. None of them are me, but I identify with Ryan the most. I like Ryan because she’s real. Although she is a successful accountant, with a nice car and closet full of clothes and shoes that most women would envy, she’s undergoing an internal battle in search of self-satisfaction and validation. She’s sexy and outwardly confident, with a walk to kill and a fierce attitude to match, but the tough exterior is just a smokescreen, subconsciously created to hide her insecurities and lack of self-worth. That’s real. So many women, including myself, struggle with these issues. Ryan brings them out in the open and offers insight to a possible solution. 

Jessica is so desperate to leave her past behind and forget that it ever existed, that she is willing to become someone that she’s not and ultimately hates. But Jessica is not to be underestimated. She may have allowed herself to be misguided for the past 16 years, but she’s still the fighter that her hardcore upbringing has bred. She plays the role of a refined woman of society, but Jessica isn’t a punk and I love that about her. She represents that side of me that wishes I was a little more bold and uninhibited. If Jessica is pushed far enough, her past resurfaces within her and it’s on. There is no escaping her wrath. She fights for what is hers and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her own. 

My heart goes out to Simone. Although I have never suffered sexual abuse, I empathize with her the most. She is an unbelievably beautiful girl, but she is unable to look herself in the mirror because she believes her beauty to be a curse. She’s lost and she doesn’t understand the conflicting emotions that she is experiencing and cutting is the only thing that provides the comfort she seeks. I admire Simone because of her loyalty and devotion, although misplaced. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. She seeks harmony and sees the good in people when others don’t. I love that about her. 


 What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader to pick it up. 
I believe the cover of Who Is He To You is a bold, striking image that will entice readers and have them wondering what this book is all about. In reading the synopsis, I believe readers will be intrigued by the intelligent exploration of sensitive issues such as cutting, emotional abuse, depression, and drug-addiction. After scanning the synopsis, the potential buyers may opt to read the first page which is filled with intense emotion and a descriptive setting that pulls the reader right into the scene. I believe the combination of the cover, synopsis, and the first page will grab a hold of readers’ attention and compel them to give Who Is He To You a try. 


 Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book? 
When I started writing Who Is He To You, I did so with the sole purpose of entertaining. It wasn’t until after I completed the manuscript and read the story in its entirety, did I recognize the underlying messages weaved throughout the plot. Women too often count on the men in their lives to make them happy, to validate them, or complete them. For Simone, it was her father, Jessica’s husband, and Ryan’s boyfriend. Women must learn to love themselves more than anyone else and more than anyone else loves them, recognize their self-worth, and learn to be happy instead of expecting a man to fill in the gaps in their lives. If you’re not happy and satisfied with yourself, independent of anyone else, you may never have a successful relationship. Simone, Jessica, and Ryan had to learn this the hard way and so did I. I want my readers to identify with my characters and their struggles and hopefully they will learn something from their journeys. 


 What advice would you give a new writer? 
I would advise aspiring authors to find their own writing style, perfect it, and stick to it. Don’t compare yourself to other established authors. Don’t try to write like your favorite author. Write In a way that identifies you as an individual and differentiates you from everyone else. While I was writing my manuscript, I read a lot of novels. Often after reading a book by one of my favorite authors, I would immediately begin to feel insecure about my own writing because I did not write like him or her. I had to learn to be confident in my writing and secure in my talent. Even though I don’t write like Eric Jerome Dickey or the late BeBe Moore Campbell, I am still a great writer with my own unique voice. You don’t want to be just like someone else. You want to stand out and be different. That’s how you build a reputation and make a name for yourself. 


Name three things that it takes to make a successful writer. 
1. The number one requirement of all successful authors is to read. You must read frequently in order to enhance your writing skills, vocabulary and overall knowledge of what readers are looking for. Reading will make you a better writer. 

2. Create a polished work of art. Professional editing is such an important key to an author’s success. If your writing is riddled with typos grammatical errors, and an overall bad structure, it will have a negative impact on your success. Hire a professional who will comb through your work with an unbiased eye and help to turn your writing into a polished work of art. 

3. Get out and promote your book and spread the word. A lot of authors (especially self-published) find that they didn’t gain the success they were hoping for and most of the time it’s because they didn’t give enough energy and effort into promoting their work. You can have the greatest novel in the world, but it doesn’t matter if no one knows about it. Network, do online marketing, get reviews, and get on the scene. 


 What can we expect from you in the future? 
My readers can expect more dramatic, intense novels filled with literary adrenaline. I will always provide original plots, real dialogue and compelling, believable characters. I like to read the type of books that make me want to flip back to the beginning once I’ve finished. I hope to provide that same type of experience for my readers. My novels will evoke strong emotion and audible reactions. Overall, my readers can expect a unique experience. 

Just about every author has dreams of topping a bestseller list and I am no different. I want to be able to reach a wide range of readers and make my mark on the literary world. I am currently working on my second novel and I plan to keep going from there, making a successful career for myself as an author. My ultimate goal is to earn the privilege of being a full-time author. I look forward to the days when I will make a living from my passion. 

 Book:  Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah 
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com

Buy the book from Barnes and Noble
Buy the book from Amazon.com


Connect with Monique online
Virtual Book Release Party on BAN Radio with Ella Curry  
Linkedin   
Facebook personal page      
Facebook Fanclub Page   
Twitter   

 Book Reviews for Who Is He To You by Monique D. Mensah

Who Is He To You is a riveting tale that walks the reader right into the lives of Simone, Ryan, and Jessica. Simone is the seemingly jovial teen that has the perfect life on the outside but holds secrets that could wreak havoc on her family if revealed. Ryan is the rising star who is so caught up in the essence of being in love that she neglects herself. Jessica is the rags to riches trophy wife who will stop at nothing to keep up the illusion of a happy marriage. 

The title and cover of this book piqued my interest, as the details within each chapter commanded my full attention and held it captive until the last page. Monique D. Mensah has penned a thrilling tale with the skill of a well versed veteran author. I highly recommend Who Is He To You and look forward to more from Monique D. Mensah. This author is well on her way to a long and successful writing career.  
–  "The Unique Reviewer",  Unika H. Molden

“Monique D. Mensah’s debut novel reads more as if written by the hands of a seasoned veteran. Who Is He To You, a riveting story touching on topics such as incest, self-mutilation, and drug-addiction, pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go until the final period. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!”  – Brian C. Conley, author of Stay and We Were Broken Here.


“Monique D. Mensah has captured the literary world by storm, “Who is He to You” is captivating, intriguing, suspense, and drama all wrapped up into one. A must read for all you book lovers. I read the book in two days, I couldn’t work for reading. I was so caught up in each chapter, I was hungry for more. My sincere congrats to you Monique!”  – Gwen Cannon, author of Scandalous


"This was Excellent and a great piece of writing. Your character development of capturing the essence of each unique character was flawless. You got 'it'".  – Vincent Alexandria, author of Black Rain


“Who Is He To You vividly exhibits Monique D. Mensah’s ability to create a and project animated images from cover to cover. The allure of her hypnotic writing style pulsates immensely within the psyche of each reader…thus addicting them eternally.” 
 – Marc Lacy, author of Rock & Fire: Love Poetry from the Core and The Looking Heart: Poetic Expression from Within


"Poignant and stirring, WHO IS HE TO YOU draws you in with the story of Simone. Gorgeous, but greatly misunderstood, we truly understand how beauty on the outside hides ugly underneath. Monique Mensah's writing grabs readers instantly from the first line. WHO IS HE TO YOU was a pleasure to read."  – Sylvia Hubbard, author of Secret, Lies, and Family Ties

Book:  Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah 
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com

Buy the book from Barnes and Noble
Buy the book from Amazon.com

Sankofa Literary Society Authors Spotlight
Monique D. Mensah Journey to Publication

Monique, tell  us those Intimate Details about  your book and the people within, Who Is He to You.

As the shattered lives of Simone, Ryan and Jessica collide, they find that they have one thing in common: they are all in a desperate fight to hang on to love that doesn’t love them back.

Simone, a beautiful 14-year-old girl, lies in her bed begging God to take her life. She says the same prayer every night, but mercilessly, He ignores her pleas. She believes that God left her on this earth to cope with incestuous rape the best way she knows how—through self-mutilation. Simone’s father loves her; he always has. But realizing that Simone processes something that no other woman has, he allows himself to fall in love with his own daughter. Simone’s family is one of affluence and prestige and she couldn’t live with herself if she tarnished that reputation and disappointed her mother’s high expectations. She doesn’t want her father to go to prison and she can’t tell her mother. Her father just needs help. Once he gets the help he needs, they can return to the happy and normal family they once were.

Ryan is falling fast into the cold and isolated world of depression. The only thing that keeps her dangling on to hope is her boyfriend, Anthony’s, empty promises of marriage. After two years, their relationship suddenly begins to unravel at an alarming rate. Ryan is clueless as to why their relationship has taken such a dramatic change for the worst, but refusing to be single and childless at mid-life, she is determined to make it work.

Jessica is a polished and refined wife of a high-powered attorney, but she has a hardcore interior. She grew up in a dilapidated trailer with an alcoholic and abusive mother who hated her because she was half-black. When she met her husband, Ross Anthony Pembroke, while dancing as a stripper at a bachelor party, she was convinced that he was her savior. He trained and molded her into a well-groomed trophy wife. But Jessica will never be good enough for him. Ross will never accept her as long as she doesn’t accept herself.  

You and the readers will have to read the book to see how these storylines turn out!


 What inspired you to write this novel?
A.1. I constantly have story ideas and characters flowing through my mind. A conversation I’ve overheard, a television show, or a news story may spark some ideas. Sometimes I pull from my own experiences or those of my friends. However, the concept of Who Is He To You emerged purely from my imagination. I was prompted by a close friend to get started on my first novel and shortly after I came up with a broad, general idea. I knew that I wanted to defuse some stereotypes and keep the readers shocked and guessing. I wanted to write about things, other authors have yet to explore. The rest unfolded throughout the writing process.


 What message(s) are you trying to convey to the readers?
A.2. When I started writing Who Is He To You, I did it with the sole intention to entertain. It wasn’t until after I completed the manuscript and read the story in its entirety did I recognize the underlying messages weaved throughout the plot. Women too often count on the men in their lives to validate or complete them. For Simone it was her father, Ryan’s boyfriend, and Jessica’s husband. Women have to learn to love themselves, recognize their self-worth and learn to be happy instead of expecting a man to fill the gaps in their lives. 


What do you want the readers to feel when reading about the struggles of the three main characters?
A.3. It is my responsibility as the author to create a unique experience for my readers. When reading Who Is He To You, my readers should feel as if they are in the room with these characters, experiencing their stories first hand. I want the readers to feel Simone’s pain, desperation and uncertainty. They should empathize with Ryan’s frustration, and root for Jessica’s emergence into her identity. My goal is to have my readers identify a piece of themselves in one of the three main characters. That makes the story realistic and relatable.


Do you identify with any of the main characters? How so?
A.4. I definitely identify with Ryan the most. I have never had a drug-addiction, but I have experienced depression and the frustrations of dealing with an emotionally unhealthy relationship. Some of the situations Ryan endures in the novel were inspired by my own experiences. I tried to exert feelings I had at those times into Ryan’s character in order to make her more real and relatable.


How would you describe your writing style?
A.5. My writing style is very descriptive. I like to set the scene and vividly illustrate the emotions and feelings of the characters as they experience each situation. I am also a bold writer; writing about real situations and making my characters come to life with thoughts and actions that depict real life. I am not afraid to write about the ugly truths of reality like the mixed emotions Simone had about her relationship with her father. I stay away from the simplicity of stating the obvious in my writing. I want to broaden my readers’ minds and give them insight into some things they have not otherwise thought about.


What differentiates you and your novel from other novels in your genre?
A.6. Who Is He To You is edgy and unpredictable. The characters are flawed, complicated, and multi-dimensional. Each chapter is filled with dramatic, descriptive scenes that pull the reader right into the story. Who Is He To You is an intense experience with real depictions of character reactions, emotions, and life situations. The novel gives an intelligent exploration of the infrequently discussed issues of incest, self-injury, and depression in the African-American community. It also breaks down and dispels some stereotypes and opens the readers eyes to fresh, new perspectives.


What is your writing process?
A.7. I have a freestyle method of writing. I don’t create outlines for the story or characters. I start with a general idea, and then I begin to type. I allow the characters to take on lives of their own and guide me through to the end. Although I find it difficult to stick to structure, I try to commit to writing at least an hour a day. If during that time, I am unable to come up with actual material, I will spend that time thinking of how to further the story or alter what I’ve already written. I need complete silence when writing because I tend to be distracted easily. I usually write at home, in the evenings after my daughter has fallen asleep. I completed Who Is He To You in nine months by committing to that schedule. 


What can readers expect from you in the future?
A.8. My readers can expect more dramatic, intense novels filled with literary adrenaline. I will always provide original plots, real dialogue, and believable characters. I like to read the kind of books that make me want to flip back to the beginning after reaching the end. I hope to provide that same type of experience for my readers. My novels will evoke strong emotion and audible reactions. Overall, my readers can expect a unique experience.


What advice would you give aspiring authors hoping to follow in your footsteps?
I would advise aspiring authors to find your own writing style, perfect it, and stick to it. Don’t compare yourself to other established authors. Don’t try to write like your favorite author. Write in a way that identifies you as an individual and differentiates you from everyone else. In addition to writing, I read a lot of novels. Often after reading a book by one of my favorite authors, I would immediately begin to feel insecure about my own writing because I did not write like him or her. I had to learn to be confident in my writing and secure in my talent. You don’t want to be just like someone else. You want to stand out and be different.


What are your long-term writing plans and goals?
A.10. Just about every writer wants to make it to the bestseller list and I am no different. I want to be able to reach a wide range of readers and make my mark on the literary world. I am currently working on my second novel and I plan to keep going from there, making a successful career for myself as an author. My ultimate goal is to earn the privilege of being a full-time author. I look forward to the days when I will make a living from my passion.

 Book:  Who Is He To You by Monique Mensah 
Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com
Buy the book from Barnes and Noble
Buy the book from Amazon.com


Connect with Monique online
Virtual Book Release Party on BAN Radio with Ella Curry  
Linkedin   
Facebook personal page      
Facebook Fanclub Page   
Twitter   

Shop for great books at EDC Creations Bookstores:
> http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20 
> http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20 

 

   

 

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