Fallen Angels Interview

I had a great opportunity to meet Linda from Fallen Angels. Here is a copy of my interview. It will be up all October, so tell a friend. Stop by their site and read other interviews and reviews.

Monique Lamont Interview

Fallen Angel Reviews would like to welcome Monique Lamont. We are glad to have you with us today, Monique.
Thanks, Linda, I’m glad to be here at FAR. To start, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I sure can. Well, I’ve been writing since sixteen, but in all honesty that was just playing around to entertain my friends. I seriously began to write in my late twenties, around 1998. One day, I became frustrated with a book I had just finished reading. I set it down on the table and told my hubby I was going to the bookstore to get another book. His eyebrows practically slid to the back of his head in shock. I had quite the stack in our computer room unread. Just like most avid readers, I was part of several publisher book clubs. I explained to him that none of the storylines on the other books interested me. So, when I told him about my dissatisfaction with how the stories were going, he said, “Why don’t you write a book and tell the story how you want it to go.” I didn’t jump on the idea. Actually, I was offended by his suggestion, because I’m a reader at heart. However, the writing bee stung me and I’ve been loving creating characters and their love stories ever since.
Monique, I noticed you have a new release out, Fire and Desire. Will you please tell us a little bit about your book?
I would love to, Linda. Fire and Desire was one of the first books I wrote with this level of heat and passion from the beginning. Not that it is erotic, but the chemistry between Tiffany and Trevor ignites off the pages the first time they’re around each other. Tiffany Hatcher’s life is hectic, but predictable, until the Fireman, Trevor Lewis shows up and sets her ablaze with passion. An impulsive decision binds her to a man full of lies and secrets. Is love enough to cure a deep-seated revenge from the past? Or will it destroy everything they desire?
How long does it normally take you to finish a book?
Five years for the first book I wrote…God, bless the critique group and rewrites. But, once I understood the craft of writing, it now takes me roughly four months to complete a book and two more months to polish.
Can you share one lesson you’ve learned since becoming a writer that you feel can help others who are looking to become full time writers?
Don’t give up and keep your butt in the chair. You can’t be a writer if you don’t write. I had to find the time of day that worked best for me to write and stick to it. At five a.m. every morning, I’m at my keyboard.
Do you have a favorite children’s story?
Green eggs and ham. I like it, because I always remind myself to just try something once and see if it works for me. Like writing, I didn’t think it was for me, but five books later…I’m still here.
Who has been the greatest support for you throughout your writing career?
My husband. He is always supporting me no matter what I want to write. His sits and listens to me read stories aloud or talk about a plot for hours. He even takes our daughter out so I can meet a deadline. Family and close friends are my greatest fans, they are the first to buy my books when they release.
How do you keep your ideas fresh and imaginative?
That’s a great question, Linda. I’m a big people watcher. Or maybe I should say couples watcher. I love to see how a man treats his wife or girlfriend. How he smiles at her or rubs her back. I’m constantly asking people, “How did you and your husband meet?” Music inspires me as well. I like to think about a character dancing or singing a song and what would they be going through at that time.
Is any book you have written, your personal favorite?
I have two actually. I love Fire and Desire and Healing Hearts. Both of these books deal with a main character releasing past pain and choosing to love and live again.
How do you know what to name your books or the characters?
For my characters, shamefully, I don’t have any system or method to select a name. However, for my titles they are the first things I select. I won’t even start writing a story without a title. When selecting a title I think about the underline meaning I want a reader to walk away with. For instance, F and D is such a passionate book and it’s with that feeling the hero and heroine learn to be free and find themselves in it.
What do you read for pleasure?
My favorite is historical, African American and 1800 England. I love them.
Besides writing, what is your favorite thing to do every day?
Spend time with my family or watch the Food Network. I love to cook.
If a genie gave you three wise wishes, what would you wish for?
Well, Linda, my first wish would be for the perfect house to fit all of my families needs. Next, I would have to ask to be a full time and successful writer. By that, I mean, having a solid readership, I don’t have to be on the NTBS list. The final one would be for my daughter. That one day she marries a man who loves, respects and treasures her like a heroine at the end of a romance book. A little fairytailish…but, what can I say, ‘I'm a romantic at heart’. LOL!
Do you have another website, other than www.romancingyou.com that you would like to share?
Yes, my blogspot.
What is your favorite season?
Spring, because everything is new and fresh. After the silence of winter waking up to birds singing, always puts a smile on my face. Do you have a favorite candy bar?
Not really. Even though, I love Dove milk chocolates. I’m a Skittles, Starburst and gourmet jellybeans kind of girl.
Now in a world where reality T.V. rules, if you were the latest contestant on “Survivor” and the added twist is that you could take 5 personal items with you what would they be?
Oh, my goodness, these questions always take me hours to answer. My list keeps changing. Ha, ha, ha. First item would be a picture of my family. The second thing is a copy of Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. A good pen. One large journal and finally a Sam’s Club size package of beef jerky. If they allowed me to make my pen and journal one item, then Purell sanitizer would be on the list.
Monique, let me take this time to thank you for being with us today. Readers, be sure to check out Monique’s blogsite.
Thank you, Linda and FAR for allowing me to stop by and chat. This was a lot of fun. Interviewed by: Linda L.

~Monique
In a few weeks I will post a contest for Healing Hearts so get your copy today!