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Barbara Monajem writes romance with a humorous flair, drawing readers into a quirky world filled with lovable characters. You will walk away from one of her novels feeling good and very happy that you chanced upon such a wonderful author.
Ms. Monajem grew up on the west coast of Canada. Now that she’s been gone for several years, she misses it dearly. She was a quiet, obedient child who loved to play outdoors, climbing trees and making up stories about gnomes who lived in them. She’d also ride her bike to the library for books and more books. When she wasn’t playing outside or reading, she wrote and directed several neighborhood musicals.
She makes great soups, though she isn’t a collector of anything (she’s trying to get rid of stuff—not collect it). She doesn’t listen to music while writing (because she says it gets just plain annoying). Her most vivid and reoccurring dream involved evil mermaids trying to entice a young man, who was with her, into the ocean. She tried to warn him, but he wouldn’t listen before she woke up.
She’s passionate about people just being themselves, and she wishes the world weren’t so judgmental. She’d happily step into loony land if she could help people accept everyone as they are. Variety is what makes people fun!
Her favorite things include: books and food, food and books, bright colors, bugs and birds, mountains, rain and cedar trees.
On Writing, In Barbara Monajem’s Own Words
What or who inspires you to write?
Usually, I just start writing, and something I didn’t expect pops in and stirs things up. Secondary characters in particular excite and fascinate me, because they appear of their own accord and try to take over.
Why did you begin writing?
Because I could.
Which author inspires you?
There are so many! From the past: in Regencies, Georgette Heyer. In mysteries: Dorothy Sayers, Margery Allingham, Ngaio Marsh, Josephine Tey…. In children’s lit: Arthur Ransome and many, many others. I really love old-fashioned stories for children and young adults. In contemporary authors, I guess I’m most inspired by Jennifer Crusie, Joanna Bourne, and Lois McMaster Bujold, but there are quite a few more.
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
Forcing myself outside my expectations. Pushing hard, dismissing fears, saying things I thought I would never put into words.
Have you experienced writer’s block? And if so, how did you cure it?
Not at such. Often I write myself into corners, but I fight my way back out again. It’s frequently painful but exciting as well, because the way out usually turns out to be a lot of fun.
When is your next book due out, and what’s it about?
My second paranormal romance, Tastes of Love and Evil, has been out in e-book for a year, but it will finally be out in paperback as well this month (September). The next in the series, Heart of Constantine, is due for release in February 2012. Also, the sequel to The Wanton Governess (I don’t have a title yet) should be out next year as well.
Where can readers find you online?
At my website, BarbaraMonajem.com,
or on Facebook (just search for me under Barbara Monajem). I’m on Twitter, too, although I find it too distracting to spend a lot of time there: @BarbaraMonajem
And I have a personal blog, which I keep forgetting about: BarbaraMonajem.Blogspot.com.
My review of The Wanton Governess is coming soon! In the meantime, head over to Ms. Monajem’s website and learn more about her.
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