A former co-worker and friend invited me to join Washington Romance Writers, a chapter of Romance Writers of America.  At that time, it was a wonderful monthly diversion.  I started lots of stories, but never finished them.

Did you ever think that you would write a book? 

I thought about writing  over the years, but I didn't actually believe in my ability until 1998.  Nothing significant happened that year, but I finally listened to that inner prompting to sit and finish the book.

Tell me about your journey to become a writer. 

Hopefully the journey doesn't stop because I'm published.  I see the journey as fertile ground for self-discovery while taking risks, setting new goals, and facing challenges.  Just as if you were taking a journey to a new place, I hope to savor the sweet moments, learn something new, and make friends along the way.

How did you come up with the idea for your first novel?

I read a book about harassment that young girls are subjected to in high school from young boys and how the resulting behaviors and attitudes from both sexes are shaped.  I also remembered the differing views about Anita Hill when she came forward about Clarence Thomas.  Some felt that if her ordeal happened so long ago and she didn't say anything, then she shouldn't say anything at all.  It was as if she had somehow surrendered her right to face her tormentor.

Tell us a bit about OPEN YOUR HEART.

Here's a synopsis:  A woman, Shelly, barely escapes a brutal assault by someone she trusted.  She returns to her hometown determined to continue rebuilding her shattered life and confidence, but she never expected that her new patient would be the father of an old acquaintance.  Burned by betrayal and heartbreak, Justin, the acquaintance, had put his entire life into his family's banking empire, swearing to stay clear of emotional complications for good.  Little by little, however, he found himself drawn to Shelly's gentleness and quiet honesty--and hoped for a chance to lay both their unhappy pasts to rest.  Now, between secrets and a business rival, they risk their fragile trust to at last find the love of a lifetime.

What would you like your readers to take away from your story?

No one is capable of loving someone else, if they cannot love themselves.  As women, sometimes we are taught to be the nurturing source for others, but we neglect ourselves, leaving our spirits devoid of self-confidence and self-respect.  This is a story of empowerment for women of all ages.

What’s next for Michelle Monkou?

A very busy 2003 with BET Books!  I will have Finders Keepers in June, a novella in the Holiday anthology, and Circle of Love (tentatively titled) in December. 

How can readers contact you?  I love to hear from readers.  P.O. Box 2904, Laurel, MD  20709.

My email address:  MichelleMonkou@aol.com.

My Website:  http://www.michellemonkou.com 

Finally, tell me exactly how having your first book finally on the shelf makes you feel?

I've described the varying emotions as riding a roller coaster.  In one sense, I celebrate that sense of accomplishment after so many years.  Then, I feel petrified that my work will be read, scrutinized, and hopefully praised by people I may never meet.  Finally, on days filled with grocery shopping, laundry duty, and homework sessions with the kids, I'm simply mommy and any illusions of grandeur quickly evaporate.