Author Interview with Monique L. Ginn

Monique L. Ginn grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Boys and Girls High School and the College of New Rochelle. Ginn works as a medical secretary and is involved in several new projects, including a T-shirt line, Melanin Monroe, and a mobile game app, Bubble Blast Deluxe.

Ginn also founded her own publishing company, KT 765 Publishing. The company was named after her childhood home and her son, K. T. When she isn’t working to give K. T. an amazing life, she enjoys spending time with her son and inspiring others with her story. Her books can be found on the Amazon website https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Get-Right-But-Trying-ebook/dp/B071XKF9QR

 

1) When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most?

Since elementary school, I loved to write. I used to order diaries every year from Scholastic News. I wasn’t the type of kid that was comfortable speaking my mind. I would write everything down. If you asked me what was wrong, I would say nothing. However, if I picked up a pen and paper, I could write down a whole page of what my problem was. What I love most about being a writer is that I can let my imagination run wild and say everything that I want to say without getting cut off while speaking. I feel like I get my point across much better through writing.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?  What projects are you currently working on?

My book is a memoir. It covers my life between the age of 14-40. I spoke about having a pretty normal and fun teenage life. Things slowly started to change for me when my mother became ill and that forced me to become more responsible and replaced all my fun with adult duties. Just when I thought that I had this whole adult thing under control, I met a man who was 5 years older than me and very mature. He helped turn my mental space upside down. I’m currently in the process of teaching other people how to write their first book and how to self publish. I’m also putting details together to start the production of a documentary and short film. You can find my book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble’s website.

3) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

My biggest achievement as a writer has come from me creating my own publishing company and deciding to self publish my book. When it comes to dealing with rejection so far, I just use it as another reason why I have to create my own lane to bring my ideas and dreams to life.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write?  Do you outline your novels?  How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

I try to schedule time to write in the evenings after work. However, sometimes life gets in the way and my mind isn’t clear enough to write. I always start out with the date so I can always see how long it’s been since the last time I picked up a pen and paper. If I notice too much time has passed since the last time I wrote, it helps me remember what was going on so heavy on my mind that I couldn’t focus enough to write and that gives me more emotions to release through that pen and paper. It took mea good 6 years to complete my story.

5) Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

Within the next 5 years, I see myself producing documentaries and short films.

6) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry?  Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

I don’t believe there is a such thing as a late start for writers to become successful. I believe most successful people didn’t really have their big breaks until their 40’s and older. That aha moment doesn’t always hit you when you’re young.

7) What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you?  What’s the first book you read that made you know that you could do this for a career?  What book are you currently reading?

The first book I read that touched me emotionally was: “Push” by Sapphire. I never read a story that actually made me cry and allowed me to paint a visual picture of the characters and their way of living. The first book that made me believe that I could make a career out of writing is: “One Day My Soul Just Opened Up” By Iyanla Vanzant. I’m still reading her book. It’s helping me spiritually and mentally.

8) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work? Do you ever just sit down and curl up with your own book?

I don’t read my own work much because it stirs up so many emotions that I don’t want to resurrect.

9) What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing?  Are you more of an e-book person or a traditional book person?

The publishing industry seems to cater to famous people and no longer looking for raw new talent. I don’t mind reading an e-book but I would be furious if the battery in my device died while I was reading so I rather stick to the traditional paperback.

10) I feel like so many of us writers, us artists in general, are made to conform to other people’s idea of what we should be.  I think we creative types should be unafraid to be whoever it is that we feel we have the right to be.  So what is your write 2 be?  What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?

My write 2 be is to be a teacher and a motivator. I have the ability to get people to think outside the box and open up their minds to the possibilities of living out their dreams. I want those people that are working jobs that are unfulfilling and going home to just go to bed waking up to do the same thing all over again to learn how to “Be More Than Their 9-5”.