Moni Boyce is a writer, filmmaker, travel blogger and author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She spent the last fifteen years working in the film industry and now creates characters of her own and brings them to life on the page. She considers herself a bookworm, film buff, foodie, music lover and an avid world traveler having visited 33 countries, 5 continents and 27 US states so far.

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?

In middle school I started writing short stories and poetry. I’m not sure I would say I felt called to write. I just really enjoyed creating characters and building worlds. During college, I stopped writing so much, because I was focused on making films and helping directors and screenwriters tell their story. 

One of the things I love the most about writing is developing the characters and seeing them come to life on the page.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

I write contemporary and paranormal romances. I sell my books wide, meaning they are available on Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo and many other retailers, including libraries. Btw, readers, you’re doing authors a huge favor if you request your library stock our books. 

If you want to keep up with what I’m doing or know when I have a new release, you can check out my website at moniboyce.com, sign up for my newsletter or follow one of my many social media or author links that will be provided with this interview.

3) What projects are you currently working on?

I have so many WIP right now. The first one scheduled to hit in June is a contemporary romance called Love Delayed In Dublin that’s currently available for pre-order. I’m also collaborating on a sci-fi alien romance, participating in an anthology, and writing the first books in two new contemporary series I’m starting this year. Later in the year, I’ll also release a spin-off to my current paranormal series and at the end of the year release a Christmas romance novella. Besides all of the books, I’m preparing to launch a writing podcast in June.

4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

One of my biggest achievements was with my debut novel. With it being my first book, I wasn’t expecting a lot, but I’ve sold 5,000 copies to date. Being an Indie author, that was very exciting.

In five years, I hope my writing career sees me earning five figures a month. During that time, I would love to have my books available in other languages. I would love to have at least one contract with a traditional publisher and an option to turn one of my books or series into a film or TV show. 

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

I haven’t really had to deal with rejection in my writing career, because I decided to self-publish. I am interested in pursuing a contract with a traditional publisher at some point, and becoming a hybrid author. Right now, I’m happy being an Indie author.

6) 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 don’t have a set schedule for when I write, but I do try my best to write everyday. Some days are great and I write 2,000+ words. Other days, I might write a few hundred words or nothing at all.

When I first started writing I was a pantser. As I grow as a writer, I’ve found that I like having a loose outline to follow. It helps me write faster. If I stay disciplined and try and hit 2,000-2,500+ words a day I can complete a first draft of a novel in about a month, month and a half, depending on how long I want the novel to be.

7) 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 it’s ever too late to pursue a dream. I worked in film for a very long time. I didn’t publish my first book until I was 39. Some could consider that late. I don’t think a late start hinders you at all.

8) What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you? Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

Paul Zindel’s A Begonia For Miss Applebaum was one of the first books I remember having an emotional impact on me. I first read it at some point in middle school. There were scenes and passages that had me in tears. I remember not being able to shake those emotions off so easily after I finished reading it. It stayed with me.

9) 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 hate reading my own work. I actually enjoy it for a couple of reasons. It always allows me to see how my writing has grown, which is helpful. Also, I’m always a little surprised. There are some things I might cringe about, but then I stumble upon a section where I really like how I wrote the emotion or a character’s reaction and I’m actually a little surprised I wrote it. That may sound crazy to say, but writing makes you a bit neurotic. You’re always second-guessing yourself, your choices, etc. You always hope your writing is good so it’s satisfying to back and read your work and find moments where you smile to yourself and say I wrote that.

10) What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing?

Coming from an indie film background, I’m all about steering the ship myself and having more creative control and say over the final product and the decision-making. The film industry changed quite drastically the sixteen years I was a part of it. I’m not surprised to see the upheaval that’s happening in the publishing world. I embrace it. There’s always going to be change. You have to learn to accept it, because if you don’t, you get left behind.

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

I agree. I do think writing can be very cathartic. When I got divorced, friends encouraged me to start writing again. At first, it was poetry. Then it was fan fiction and I eventually graduated to writing my own stories. It was a great way to express myself and get out how I was feeling. Plus, I found an old love that I’d forgotten about. Writing. In film, I was a producer. I helped other people tell their stories. Writing put me back in touch my more creative side. Not to say that producing doesn’t have its creativity. It’s a job I still love and hold very near and dear to my heart, but being responsible for birthing characters and building worlds is so much fun. 

I couldn’t necessarily pinpoint one unique quality that represents my authenticity. However, I have always been a firm believer that you can give ten people the same plot to write a story and I guarantee you that no one story will be alike, because at the end of the day, we’re all individuals with different life experiences that will color what we write. So I guess it’s just us, our very being, that lends the authenticity to our stories, because no one can tell the story the way that I can. Just like, I couldn’t tell a story the way you might.