Monica Broussard is a Writer, and Speaker, with a Life Coach Certification. She occasionally writes for her hometown SeaCliff Living Magazine. She regularly attends national writer’s conferences and belongs to Toastmasters International.
Her passion is writing fiction with a Fantasy/Reality mix that will keep you relating to the character’s experience. Born in North Carolina on a Marine Corp Base, Monica lives in “Surf City” Huntington Beach, California with her husband of 37 years.
Before she started writing, she experimented with various occupations. But her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing.
You can connect with Monica on her website or social media:
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Your series title, 21 Tattoos, is intriguing! What’s the story behind the name, and how does it tie into the core message of your books?
In the Bible, the number 21 signifies resurrection, symbolizing both an end and a new beginning. It represents the end of one chapter and the start of a new journey. When Dr. Derek Hollinger wakes up one day completely covered in tattoos, it signifies the end of his current life and the beginning of his journey to discover the person God intended him to be. It’s a reversal process that he’ll need to unravel.
The Tattoo Series offers engaging narratives that encourage profound reflection. These books demonstrate how we can lead fulfilling lives even in the face of tragedy. They delve into the concept that our thoughts, beliefs, and experiences shape our reality, prompting readers to challenge their perceptions. This powerful series invites us to consider the actual impact of our beliefs on our lives.
How do you weave spiritual truth into a fantasy-driven plot while keeping the characters relatable and grounded?
I began by developing Dr. Derek Hollinger as a complex character who lacks spiritual direction until he faces challenges. His multifaceted personality is designed to captivate readers. I gave him an engaging backstory, unique traits, strengths, and weaknesses, aiming to create a character that intrigues my audience.
Early in the book, with the introduction of his full-body tattoos, obstacles arise. We discover that his deepest desire—to return to his former life—remains just beyond his grasp. Dr. Derek Hollinger must strive to overcome the barriers that prevent him from solving the mystery of how he acquired the tattoos, what they signify, and how to remove them. He makes mistakes, loses his way, and questions his past and present motives and decisions regarding the life he has built. His newfound awareness of his flaws and vulnerabilities presents additional challenges, making his journey even more arduous.
His battle to overcome past traumas that shaped his beliefs reveals his psychological struggles. He is thrust into difficult situations, forcing him to fight for every bit of progress. As he attempts to balance his advancement with his struggles, the obstacles grow more daunting. Unforeseen consequences worsen his predicament, making success seem nearly unattainable. This leaves readers questioning whether a resolution is possible.
I aimed to balance Dr. Derek Hollinger’s progress with challenges, gradually moving him physically and emotionally toward his goal of regaining his past life, only to disrupt his progress. The story unfolds through his actions, not just through dialogue and introspection, but also through events that arise to divert him from his goal.
The conclusion of the first book in the Tattoo series, “21 Tattoos,” is both satisfying and unexpected. I surprise my readers while staying true to the characters of Derek Hollinger and Kendal Reed, as well as the symbolic universe I have crafted. The story is resolved in a way unique to these characters, overcoming their specific challenges but leaving room for interpretation and setting the stage for the next book in the series.
What’s the biggest challenge in writing fiction that blends supernatural elements with real-world struggles?
Incorporating supernatural elements with real-life challenges into my storytelling enables my characters to explore intricate issues created by their circumstances. This method amplifies the emotional depth of the Tattoo Series story by allowing characters to tackle both the ordinary and the extraordinary. I craft a more layered and relatable narrative, which is who did God create Dr. Derek Hollinger to be. The Tattoos Series delves into the convergence of societal problems and the supernatural, exploring profound philosophical questions about faith, doubt, morality, and the human condition. By contrasting the mundane with the supernatural manifestation of a body covered in tattoos, I intensify the emotional impact of the story, making it more relatable to readers who have ever been overwhelmed with circumstances out of their control. When my characters have to navigate both real and supernatural realms, they often encounter challenges that test their resilience, morality, and sense of self.
Trying to figure out the supernatural aspects compels my characters to confront their own biases and assumptions, leading to personal growth and transformation. By introducing elements that transcend natural laws, I create an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue that captivates readers.
If you could step into the world of 21 Tattoos for a day, what role would you play, and what would you want to experience?
I would be Kendal Reed. She is Derek’s “rock,” the reliable person he turns to when he needs guidance and reassurance. Kendal is someone he can depend on for emotional and physical support. She provides strength and assistance, especially during difficult times, remaining a steadfast presence in his life. Whether it’s navigating challenges or simply listening, Kendal is always there for him. This role offers Derek a sense of stability and security, much like a rock provides a firm foundation. I would like to experience the excitement of a new relationship once more, one that extends beyond the romantic context and develops into a strong friendship, creating a familial bond that offers unwavering love and support.
What message or takeaway do you hope readers carry with them after finishing one of your books?
The takeaway I want readers to have after completing one of my books is that life-changing crises, whether anticipated or not, serve as critical junctures that require our immediate and full attention. These crises, such as a sudden upheaval in health, the unexpected loss of a loved one, or betrayal by a trusted friend, demand that we step back and pause. It’s at this pivotal point, when the familiar becomes foreign, that we must reevaluate our lives from the foundation up. This isn’t a simple exercise, but an essential one, where we need to examine the emotional structures, we’ve built for ourselves and decide what is worth salvaging. It is less about the crisis itself and more about the potential for transformation that it offers. Indeed, revaluation becomes a catalyst for change, prompting us to see new pathways where none existed before. When we approach a crossroads, having faith can be a source of profound strength and clarity. Spiritual resources such as having a strong relationship with God can serve as a compass. He can help guide your decision-making during turbulent times. The spiritual resources you obtain biblically can help illuminate whether we will emerge stronger and more resolute or succumb to being overwhelmed. Ultimately, the outcome of any life-shattering crisis hinges on the choices we make in response.
Embracing the tools at our disposal, we find that the path from turmoil to peace is navigable. Even when the journey is fraught with uncertainty, the decision to confront or concede is ours alone. This reflection aids in the transformation process, and having the right resources is vital.
What do a comatose old woman, a dying gang member, and a brutal assault on a teenage boy have in common? Derek Hollinger isn’t sure, but he knows they’re all connected to the mysterious tattoos that suddenly appeared across his body.
Determined to untangle the web spun by the vicious thug known as “Spider,” Derek embarks on a journey of redemption that leads from his lavish L.A. penthouse to the seedy world of underground fighting and human trafficking. But as he ventures deeper down the rabbit hole, the self-exiled plastic surgeon realizes that the answer lies within his heart and mind … and soul.
Faith is the key to reclaiming his life, but choosing God may be difficult for Derek, who has spent his entire career valuing material success over spiritual growth.
In this thrilling sequel to 21 Tattoos, Derek must face the hard truth about where his tattoos came from and an even harder truth about what it will take to be free of them once and for all.
