Q&A with Monique Orgeron

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your stories?

A: Mainly from my dreams or wildest fantasies. LOL

Q: How do you develop your plots and characters?

A: I first figure out my character; personality, look, and history. Then I decide the love interest, plot and how I want it to go. I do not outline. I am a total pantser. Which is really odd for me, because I am very OCD about order and lists. But when it comes to my writing I can't seem to stick to a list or outline. I know how I want the story to start and end but I do not know how to get from A to M to Z.

Q: What is the hardest part about writing a book?

A: I think for me it is overwriting. I don’t know when to stop. Then also the emotions I go through during the process. I try to feel what the character is feeling and if I don’t I will rewrite it until I do. I think if I want my readers to feel then I have to feel first.

Q: What made you decide to write or publish?

A: For me it was out of complete boredom. Sorry, I know that sounds bad but I have been a stay-at-home mom for 22 years and my children do not need me like they once did. I didn’t even know I could write. I had never attempted it before. One day an idea came to me. Before I knew it, I had over 10,000 words written. I kept it a secret because I was scared my family or friends would laugh at me. Then I got caught and before I knew everyone was demanding to read it. To my surprise, they loved it and told me I had to publish it. My husband is the one who did the research. He is my biggest cheerleader. With my family's support, I published my first book Art of Seduction in November of 2017 and it has been a whirlwind ever since. I love it and my family sees how happy it makes me. This is my time and it could not be any better.

Q: Do you interact with your readers?

A: Yes, I have met so many people from all over the world that I would have never of had the chance to connect with before. My reader group is fantastic. We are very active, and they can tell you I post and answer everyone

Q: Who are your favorite authors?

A: Wow that is a loaded question. I love so many different genres it is hard to narrow it down. I love any author who can make me feel emotion whether I am crying or pissed or laughing. Let’s see, M. Robinson, Skye Warren, Meghan March, Lila Monroe, Helena Hunting, TM Frazier, Jordan Marie, etc., etc. Too many to mention.

Q: How long does it take you to write a book?

A: I have tried to publish every ten weeks. It is a madhouse when I have my mojo. Now I do not have stories sitting around waiting to be published. When I finish one, I take a week off then start another one.

Q: Would you date the leading men in your books?

A: Everyone of them. LOL, I wrote them all different. Some are loving, charming, then some are the bad boys, rude and rough around the edges. But they are all man.

Q: Which book that you’ve written is your favorite?

A: Nope can’t do it. They are all my book babies. Each one of them took a part of me in order to write them. But of course, like in real life you will always remember your first.

Q: How would you categorize your books?

A: My genre is contemporary/suspense romance, but I hate to label them to one field. My series A Stern Family Saga is mafia based, but the true nature of the story is about a family. In all my books you will find twist and turns. You will find love and romance. I also apply humor into them because I think it helps break up the monotony, it helps you connect better to the characters. They are also steamy. Subject matter is darker in some than with others.

Q: WHO is your favorite character in your books?

A: Oh crap, now I’m between a rock and a hard place. LOL, I love them all! Honestly, my favorite is probably Catherine Stern from A Stern Family Saga. She is the character that started me writing. She has so many sides to her that you will start off hating her but end up wanting to be her.

Q: What is your go to snack when writing?

A: White cheddar popcorn. LOVE, YUM! My husband buys me bags of them in exchanges for kisses.

Q: Do you do in depth research for your books?

A: Yes, I know I write romance and the sky’s  the limit but I feel it is necessary to be as knowledgeable on a subject as possible. With a few of my books I have interviewed people and I have also sought out professional in a certain field to complete my research. As far as my steamy sex scenes well let’s just say that my husband is a happy man!! LOL

Q: What do you do when you have writer’s block?

A: Absolutely nothing! I can’t force it. I’ve tried and erased it all. I have got to have my mojo.