We were lucky to catch up with Monique Elise recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique , thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I’m proud to say that I am self-taught. Yes, I learned the foundations of grammar and writing during grade school, much like everyone else. In college, I majored in business, not literature or creative writing. Looking back, I might have minored in one of those subjects to boost my confidence sooner and avoid feeling so intimidated. Nonetheless, I always had a knack for storytelling, literature, and writing as a form of expression.

The biggest teacher in my writing journey has been fully immersing myself in the process and learning from my mistakes—and trust me, I’ve made plenty. Some books that have helped me better understand the mechanics of compelling storytelling were “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” by Jessica Brody and “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. I also like to study writers and novelists that I admire and learn from them. Continuous learning and evolution are vital for success in this business, but balancing all the rules and information without compromising your story and creativity can be challenging. It’s something I am still working on, but I’ve come a long way.

To be a successful author, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, but it’s important to have some essential skills to make the experience easier. I’d say the top three essential skills are focus, a strong grasp of language and grammar, and organization.

Monique , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I made my debut in 2017 with my novel, “Dilemmas of a Damsel,” the first in a three-part series centered around three friends navigating the complexities of finding their way in life and matters of the heart. This story came to me as I was leaving my career and moving to a new city. With encouragement from some of my closest friends, I decided to write a book I wanted to read—and I haven’t looked back since. Later this year, I am planning to release my fifth novel, a noir crime fiction set in Philadelphia.

I am inherently creative, with a vivid imagination. For as long as I can remember, I’ve envisioned different scenarios and dreamed of infinite possibilities, yet I’ve always been logical and business-minded. I am proud of having the courage to share my voice with the world, while also giving myself permission not to conform or be just one thing. I am multifaceted, and I appreciate that my writing reflects this quality.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that creativity does not operate on a schedule. We live in a microwave society that demands the next story or project instantly. For a while, I tried to fit my creative process into this fast-paced mold, pushing myself to be efficient and productive, adhering strictly to time management principles. However, I soon realized that this approach stifled my creativity.

I had to accept that I’m human, not a robot, and my creativity isn’t linear; it’s cyclical. There are periods of intense inspiration and productivity, followed by times when ideas need to simmer and develop. Unlearning the rigid structures of efficiency and production was essential for me to embrace the natural ebb and flow of my creative process. This shift has allowed me to create more authentically and sustainably, respecting my own rhythm rather than forcing it into an artificial timetable.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to connect with others through my work. There’s a profound joy in knowing that my stories resonate with readers, offering them an escape, a sense of identification, or even just a moment of solace. Sharing my voice and vision with the world, despite knowing it won’t be for everyone, is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the continuous journey of self-expression and personal growth that comes with being a creative keeps me inspired and motivated. It’s deeply gratifying to see my imagination come to life and impact others in meaningful ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moniqueelise.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniqueelise__/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iammoniqueelise
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@moniqueelise
• Other: Books – https://amzn.to/4bLYA57

Image Credits

Image 1 (green top + laptop) – Dominique Nichole
Image 2 (pink dress) – Dominique Nichole
Image 3 (DD Book) – Dominique Nichole
Image 4 (sunflower) – Dominique Nichole
Image 5 (pink pjs & laptop) – Ritchie King