According to MoGeSu: Books should draw us in. The characters should feel familiar. The story should be relatable. You should be able to clearly envision the virtual picture.
Romance author MoGeSu, pen name of Monica Sumter, has found writing to be her passion. The Columbia, SC native rose from being an overstressed and overworked employee of a wireless company to entertaining readers with her exhilarating writing style. She’s the mom of an active teen daughter. She’s a daughter who adores her mom. She’s relatable. She’s inspiring. Read on to meet MoGeSu and find out about her premier novel, Dreams Really Do Come True.
AC: First, let’s talk about your pen name, MoGeSu. It’s unique. How did you come up with it?
MS: The idea was originally used by my sister. It’s the combination of the first two letters of my first, middle, and last names.
AC: I’m excited to discuss your new novel, Dreams Really Do Come True, but let’s start from the beginning. When did you become determined to make writing a career?
MS: My writing career started at a point when I lost my job at a wireless company. I had been there for five years. The work was very stressful. Oddly, when the job ended I found myself feeling happy about it. It was during this time that my urge to write became stronger. I would put it off, but woke up one night and I just had to write. I couldn’t stop writing. It may have happened this way because the stress of my job had been removed, and I was in a better frame of mind to think and be creative.
AC: As women, we wear many hats. How do you juggle your work and family responsibilities while still making time to write?
MS: I have two flexible part-time jobs that allow me to work from home. The flexibility allows me to keep up with my daughter’s hectic schedule (she’s very active in dance) as well as remain dedicated to my writing.
AC: Does it feel like work when you are writing?
MS: No, it does not. I get joy out of writing. I can write for hours, sometimes writing until the sun comes up.
AC: Your advice for women trying to make that transition from simply existing to living their passion?
MS: I would say that they should pay attention to what makes them smile. They should make time for those things that do not feel like work. Writing is a joy for me. It makes me smile.
AC: Who is your greatest inspiration?
MS: My mom is my greatest inspiration. I look to her when things are down or if I feel at all defeated. When I think about how hard she has worked over the years, I have no choice but to keep moving. All of my life, I have witnessed my mom being a hard worker. When I think about her and all that she has done, I have no choice but to keep moving. She definitely inspires me.
AC: What influences your writing?
MS: I have always been a huge romantic. As little girls we’re taught to fantasize about growing up to meet that knight in shining armor and getting married. My affinity for the romance genre is rooted in that. I admire other romance and urban fictions writers. Zane and Eric Jerome Dickey are among my favorites. I especially find Eric Jerome Dickey’s style of writing to be refreshing. He is not afraid to spotlight non-traditional relationships, and is great at showing that love is different for everyone.
AC: Tell us about your novel, Dreams Really Do Come True.
MS: I wrote Dreams Really Do Come True in 2006 and published it this year (2015). The main character is a young lady who is in a complicated relationship, but she tries to make it right. In the meantime, she has dreams about a man who has all of the qualities that she desires. She and her friends go on a trip and she meets that man of her dreams. Unfortunately, their relationship begins at a tumultuous time in his life. What ensues is lots of romance as well as suspense. It’s a story that people can relate to and a plot that will draw you in until the end. Both women and men enjoy Dreams Really Do Come True. I have had fans tell me that they become so invested in the story line that they will read the book more than once because they find themselves missing the characters.
AC: Is any part of your book based on your own life?
MS: People ask me that question all of the time, but no. It’s all from my imagination.
AC: How can we purchase a copy of Dreams Really Do Come True?
MS: The book can be purchased on Amazon at www.amazon.com/author/mogesu.
AC: Will there be a follow-up to Dreams Really Do Come True?
MS: I have been motivated by readers and their love of the characters, so, yes, I will be writing a follow-up to Dreams Really Do Come True.
AC: Do you have any upcoming events or appearances?
MS: In December, I will be having a blow-out birthday party that will also be a celebration of my fans and supporters. I will release details about the party soon.
I would like to thank MoGeSu for speaking with me for this interview. It was an absolute pleasure! I am excited for this author and all that is on the horizon for her. Let’s support great talent. Go to her author page (via the link above) and purchase your copy of Dreams Really Do Come True.
Antoinette
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