October issue 2013 with Amel Larrieux

WE Magazine: That’s great that you were able to recognize that passion so early on. I studied English in college. My passion wasn’t necessarily to write but I loved to read different stories. I loved to slip into another world and I think that’s what books allow you to do.

M. Monroe: I loved reading them so much, but I was reading a lot of books and stories where I would say, “I can do that or I can do better than that.” Especially with the stories I didn’t enjoy or I didn’t like the ending of it. I’ve always been a storyteller; when I was young and we used to have to work in the fields [with my parents who were sharecroppers), I would entertain myself and my playmates with stories. And I knew ever since elementary school that I would write books one day, and here I am.

WE Magazine: Before I continue, my mother asked me to find out from you if there will be a sequel to Lost Daughters because she loved the characters (laughs).

M. Monroe: When I did Upper Room, I didn’t plan on doing a sequel or a prequel to it. I did Mama Ruby, which was the prequel. I [wrote] Lost Daughters so that I could show the fans that the girl finally found out that Mama Ruby wasn’t her real mother, but there is nowhere else the story can go. What I can do or will probably do is incorporate some of those characters within another story. Put them in as background people that are unrelated to the story, but the bottom line is you have [to] end the story somewhere.

WE Magazine: I know, I know you’re right (laughs).

M. Monroe: If you get too crazy with it people will get bored.

WE Magazine: No that is true, and I have read authors that do that continuously, and every time you turn around there is a new story for the same character.

M. Monroe: I think that you should end every story on a high note.

It’s best to end a story when people are still interested in finding out more about the characters. The thing is that I have so many new characters and other new stories on the table right now that I have to focus on them. I say that, but Mama Ruby may just come back.

WE Magazine: Well I love Mama Ruby so I’m for it.

M. Monroe: She’s my most popular character! page 31 19