By Adam Messer
“We all have a story and what makes us all unique is that no one person’s story is the exact same as someone else’s.” – Monica Tookes
Authors Monica Tookes & Chasity S. Gallahar are a writing team who collaborated on their book.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Monica Tookes. I am 37 years old. I am originally from West Palm Beach Florida but I have been living here in Atlanta, Georgia for the last 11 years. I moved here in November 2014 and it was the best decision of my life. God truly showed me more than I ever imagined and he is constantly stretching me, molding me and pushing me everyday. I am a woman who is building her empire and nothing is off limits or out of reach for me.
What genres do you write and why?
This is my first novel and it is a psychological thriller. I typically go for Urban Literature so this was definitely a challenge for me. I do feel that I took on the challenge with an open mind and heart and wrote to the best of my ability. We did incorporate the Urban aspect in our book as well so this novel truly has something for everyone. I do feel that so many people will be able to relate to this novel and get so much out of it.
What is your earliest memory of reading?
My earliest memory of reading is in grade school of course. To be honest if it wasn’t something that was assigned by a teacher through the years or a professor I did not read much. I didn’t really become a fan of reading until I was an adult in my late 20’s. My cousin Kita is a true lover of books and she told me I just have to find my genre and she introduced me to the world of Urban Literature and I haven’t looked back since. She introduced me to the world of reading and now I truly enjoy what I am reading.
When did you know you wanted to write? How did it happen?
Although picking up a book wasn’t the first thing on my mind once upon a time I did always want to write one. At the time I thought I wanted to be a psychologist so I figured I would write a book around that subject. God had different plans for my life. My writing partner Chasity came to me with a novel she had started but never finished and she asked if I would like to write it with her. At first I was a little nervous because it was something I wanted to do but never attempted before. I read what she had so far and I fell in love with the story she had thus far. She had only about four chapters done and we got together and finished it. We worked so well together and we always respected each other’s point of view and visions for the characters.
What’s one of your favorite scenes in one of your books?
All the scenes in this book are my favorite scenes. By this being my first novel I take a lot of pride in everything that we wrote. If I had to choose just one without giving too much away I would have to say the scene where her best friend Terri drags her to a speed dating event. I love this scene so much because it reminds me of when I went to speed dating once. My best friend was the one that took me and I just remember sitting there thinking like what am I doing. I did end up having a good time and didn’t find my prince but that was okay, it was just an experience I will never forget.
What makes a good character? A bad one?
I think what makes a good character is the depth of one. When you can relate to them or almost put yourself in their shoes. I love when a character speaks to me whether they are the good guy or bad guy. We all have a story and what makes us all unique is that no one person’s story is the exact same as someone else’s. We are different and respond to things differently. A bad character is someone that just doesn’t seem to make sense. You are wondering the whole time what their purpose is in the story and trying to figure out why they are there. The character doesn’t seem to be relatable or isn’t authentic to the story.
What moves the story for you?
A well thought out put together story line is what moves a story for me. I do love when an author can write with so much authenticity. Also details move the story for me as well. If I can see the words that I read like a movie in my head it is a good book to me. By also being in the film industry and having such a huge imagination, reading a book that just has such a great flow is everything to me. Nothing is confusing or feels like it’s missing anything makes a great story.
What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is called Demon’s Dream: An Unexpected Love Story by Elle Kayson. This novel captivated me from the very first page. I fell in love with all the characters in this book. There were so many moments in this book where I had to catch my breath and I enjoyed every word. It was a great example of giving people grace and forgiveness. Understanding as well that if someone loves you they will do everything in their power to protect you even if it is unforeseen circumstances.
What do you want to say to your audience?
I would like to say thank you for supporting us. I truly pray that you not only enjoy this book but also get a better understanding of people and give them grace. We never know what people are battling with or going through so it is important for us to extend grace to not only ourselves but to others. It takes nothing to say a kind word to a stranger.
What advice do you have for new writers?
Don’t ever quit. You may run into some difficulties, you may come across the wrong people along the way but never stop. From the time we started this novel in 2018 and finished writing it in 2019 it took us 6 years to get our novel out. We went through so much along the way but I would not change it for the world. There were so many life lessons that we learned through our journey and it only strengthened us and shaped us into the authors that we are today.
Do you have anything else you would like to add?
With God you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. If he puts something on your heart or tells you to do something just do it. It doesn’t matter if you feel under qualified or you may not think you have what it takes, still do it. He is not looking for the swift but those who will endure to the end. He will give you all the tools that you need to succeed. He will never tell you to do something and not set it all up for you. Always be obedient and let his will be done in your life.
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