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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Ebonee Monique, author of Blitz

18 Comments

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Ebonee Monique, author of Blitz
(Peace in the Storm Publishing)

Mia Robinson has worked hard to obtain an affluent lifestyle. With plenty of money in the bank, an impressive network of tastemaker friends, a booming real-estate business and a loving man by her side she is assured that she and daughter Brandi will never lack the finer things in life. However, when Brandi’s long-lost father mysteriously returns in their lives, Mia must work overtime to make sure a buried secret doesn’t resurface.

While Mia struggles with the decision to give Charles a child, she learns that her soon-to-be fifteen year old daughter is pregnant. Soon people began to whisper, friends turn away and social circles become smaller. Will the bombardment of the unexpected demolish Mia’s dream life or will this rags-to-riches, self-made tycoon rise to the challenge and maintain control?

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Blitz?

Ebonee Monique: I felt a need to showcase the fact that there CAN be redemption after a set-back. This story is for everyone who’s received the unexpected phone call or piece of news that completely pulled the rug from underneath their feet…and the aftermath.

I wanted to also show that even when you achieve every material desire…there will still be tests of your sanity, patience and-most of all-faith.

JP: What sets Blitz apart from other books in the same genre?

E.M.: I like to think of myself as the voice of my generation. I’ll only write about things that I know I can relate to or my peers can relate to; so you’ll never see me penning something just to make a dollar or to hop on a band-wagon.

My writing is vivid, and I like to pull you in from the beginning. I grew up admiring the likes of BeBe Moore Campbell, Terry McMillan, Pearl Cleage and Shenska Jackson, so I tend to write everyday relatable matter.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Blitz getting out to the public?

E.M.: I just like to always engage dialogue with the public. Since this book deals with so many layers (teen pregnancy, surrogacy, domestic violence, single mother-hood, etc.), I like to pose situations and questions so that people feel connected to the character.

I also try to stay as transparent as possible about the fact that, yes, I’m a writer…not a saint. I like to think that people feel connected to me AND my writing.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Blitz?

E.M.: I have to really have a great music playlist that makes me think of the book itself as I’m writing. With a great playlist, my home office and alone time…I can rule the world!

I generally know how the book is going to start and how it’s going to end. Everything else is a freestyle as I start to type. I don’t write anything down. It just flows.

Blitz started out as a short story…so I’d like to say from start to finish it took me about 7 months to complete the book.

JP: What’s next for Ebonee Monique?

E.M.: I am working on securing dates for my “Beauty & Books” Tour (the first one was held in Miami, Florida at VH1 reality star Myammee’s hair salon, Myammee’s Hair Spa). I have a great time interacting with my readers, while they are relaxing and what better place to connect than in a salon?

Also, I’m setting up my nationwide book tour. I’ll be in D.C., NY, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, North Carolina, Tampa and More! I’m also starting to write my 4th novel, due out 2012!

http://www.eboneemonique.com/

http://facebook.com/authoresseboneemonique

http://twitter.com/eboneemonique

eboneemonique@gmail.com

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18 thoughts on “5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Ebonee Monique, author of Blitz”

  1. ONE of the first five people to comment on Ebonee Monique’s author interview will win a free copy of Bitz.

    (Meaning, each different person who comments on the interview counts as one.)

    Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of the book.

    1) Joyce Dickerson
    2) Patrice Smith
    3) Kelly Hitchcock
    4) Tara Benwell
    5) M.Christine Duncan

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. ONE of the first FIVE people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.

    (You must have a mailing addres in the U.S.)

  2. I enjoyed reading this interview and with the goals Ebonee has set, as to be a different type of author,her books should be a great success, I look forward to reading all of her books I have put this as a book to be read and will keep her name so I can watch for all her other books to be published.

  3. You’re right, Joyce. Ebonee has a pretty impressive set of goals for her writing. I think one thing that really stands about with Ebonee is the fact that she has it set in her mind, at least for now, that she is writing from what is in her heart and not what can potentially put money in her pocket.

    I think in the long-run, this perspective that she has on writing will make her collection of books shine on their own merit. She can definitely spin a tale that will keep a reader’s attention, and she has the drive and motivation.

    I think Blitz will keep the momentum going for her, and I wish her a bright future in the literary industry.

    1. I thought Ebonee’s interview was very inspirational also. I like the fact that she sticks to her guns and writes what she knows and not simply what she knows will sell. She is a very strong person for that, especially in an industry as this.

      Write and get featured on JoeyPinkney.com in the future. That would make for a great story.

  6. I love the part about the playlist. This is so true for my own writing. Your “Beauty and Books” tour sounds like a fantastic idea! I always end up talking about my writing when I’m getting my hair done. Great interview!

    1. Thank you for the comment, Tara. The beauty salons are an untapped market for a lot of authors. But why not buy a book and ready it as you are getting your hair done?

  7. I love the fact that she invites music to motivate and inspire her creative writing, that it’s part of the process that helps her progress through the story. I have set playlists as a photographer, especially when I’m editing massive files… it keeps me inspired and motivated and makes the job fun! I loved this interview Joey!

    1. As we all know, music can be a critical muse in getting the right emotion out of the scene we are creating. I think the fact that she has a playlist is cool because it sets the tone of her novel. I’m sure all will enjoy reading Blitz.

  8. I really enjoyed this interview and I am interested in reading the book! Good luck with all of your writing endeavors!

  9. And the winner is…

    Tara Benwell!

    I will email you for your mailing address.

    Thank you everyone for your comments. Please, continue to stop by and comment. Us authors really appreciate it.

  10. I truly connected to this author through this article. Her writing strategy is much like mine. Reading that she makes a playlist to get her in tune with her writing made me smile. And the issue the book tackles is something I went through, so I would love to read this book. Looking forward to purchasing it.

    1. I think the playlist is a perfect strategy if you like music to back up what you are writing. I like this interview because Ebonee is very open about who she is and what she does. Another interview like this is the one I did with Tracy E. If you find that one you will be equally pleased.

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