Author, Monica Marie Jones, recently took time out of her busy schedule to discuss her life, writing, and the recent publication of her hot new book, FLOSS.
“FLOSS is about six socialites that use what they have to get what they want but end up with more than they bargained for. The women use their looks and bodies to get money and the finer things in life from men…the men use the finer things in life to get the woman. It’s a vicious cycle that may not be worth the cost that it takes to FLOSS.” – Monica Marie Jones
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How many years of professional writing experience (if any) do you have? What have you written? The first time that my work was published was in 2005. Chicken Soup for the Girls Soul published my short story called, “Okay to Be Me” which is an excerpt from my first novel, The Ups and Downs of Being Round. After that I was a contributing author on a chapter in the book, New Directions for Youth Development. In December of 2006 my first book, The Ups and Downs of Being Round was published. In 2007 I published my poetry book, Taste My Soul. In September 2008 I released my latest novel, FLOSS.
Do you have an occupation in addition to being a writer? If so, what is it? I actually stepped out on faith and left my full time job to pursue my passion of writing full time. For now, the reality is that being an author does not pay all of the bills, YET, so in the meantime I am a trainer and consultant for the company that I used to work for. With that company I travel all over the world to train adults on how to work with youth based on best practice research and I also train other trainers. In addition to that I teach kickboxing for adults at a local community center and dance for youth at a local community college.
What credentials establish you as an expert in your field or have contributed to your success as an author? I got my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and my teaching certificate from Eastern University. After teaching for a little while I decided to go back to school and I got my Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan with a concentration in interpersonal practice with children and youth and a minor in community organizing. After grad school I went through the Trainer Certification Program at the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation.
I have been studying dance for over 20 years. During my school years I studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Gymnastics primarily. I’ve also explored modern, African, Latin and liturgical dance. In college I studied with the dance department for a while, then I decided to start my own dance group. It is called Diversion Dance Troupe and 2009 will mark the organization’s 10th anniversary on the campus of Eastern Michigan University.
As an adult I began dancing and travelling with gospel recording artists including Dorinda Clark-Cole and Kierra Ki Ki Sheard. I travelled to Japan with Ki Ki Sheard as a backup dancer on her three city tour.
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About the Book
What was your motivation for writing this book? After losing 65 pounds (hence the title of my first book), I started modeling and I was opened up to a whole new world. I realized how many people measured their worth by how they looked, how much money they had and what material possessions that they had. I also learned that none of those things guarantee true happiness of fulfillment.
What makes your book unique? FLOSS is unique because while it is considered urban contemporary fiction, it is quite different from the street lit that is popular today. It leaves the readers with a message and something to think about in the end.
What is the single most important thing that readers of your book will be able to do after reading your book that they could not do before? Readers will reflect on their relationships as well as engaging in an internal reflection. I write not only to entertain but to educate, inspire and add value to the lives of others.
Is there local or regional relevance for your book? The book takes place in Detroit, MI but the themes in the book are universal.
What emotions does your book evoke from readers? Readers will be angry, aroused and amused. So it is an emotional roller coaster ride from the beginning to the end. I also believe that readers will find themselves tangled in a love hate relationship with each of the characters. I’ve already had one male reader tell me that he is in love with the main character, Dionysus.
Are there any controversial elements in your book? Definitely! The women in the book do some scandalous things to get what they want. This may anger some, but it is someone’s reality. The book also shines the light on promiscuity, date rape, and other destructive behaviors that people tend to engage in when they are searching for fulfillment in external ways.
Are there any short sections of the book that stand-alone and may be easily excerpted? I write in scenes….as if I am watching a movie, so there are definitely many that parts that could stand alone as an excerpt. The one that that popped into my mind first was a club scene that took place with a local rapper and his entourage.
If your book were for sale in a major bookstore, in what section would it be found? It would probably be in the African-American fiction section, but I would hope that it would be on the BESTSELLER shelf with the cover facing out!
How and why does your book differ from books of a similar topic? I believe that my book is different because instead of writing in gritty and raw way, I still write in a very real way that is more literary. I grew up in the same neighborhood and under the same circumstances as many street lit authors but my story is different although my environment was the same. Here is an interesting tidbit…even though my story is filled with drama, scandal and sensuality…. I don’t use not one single curse word in the entire book…and I don’t even think anyone has noticed it yet.
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Hub Books Publishing (August 10, 2008)
ISBN-13: 978-0979792878
Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity! Great Interview!
Monica Marie Jones
Author
http://www.monicamariejones.com