Love Makes The World Go Round--Michelle Monkou

Once again, St. Valentine's day, is almost upon us. A day where we express our love for that special person in our life. We may get or give flowers, candy, and jewelry. Whether it is celebrating friendship between friends or a romantic relationship between a couple, Valentine's day is that symbolic poke to remind us to say I LOVE YOU.

This year I experienced the Mid-Atlantic winter storm with just me and my kids, while my husband was stuck in Florida after the Super Bowl because flights were cancelled and stand by on available flights was near to impossible with the large amount of stranded passengers. The first snow storm brought close to two feet of snow, which took 2 1/2 days to dig from my door to the street. Then the second snow storm hit and dumped another 1 1/2 feet of snow. By the time I got to the street, there was a large hump of snow-turned-ice from the snow plow that shoved the barrier along the width of my driveway. At this point, cupboards were getting bare, the refrigerator shelves were emptying, and I was tired of eating the large quantity of spaghetti, I'd made at the beginning of the first storm. Luckily the nearby Pizza Hut delivered and we were the family standing in the street at the end of the driveway waiting for their driver.

Now, I'm settled down, waiting for that block of ice to melt. My husband is due home tomorrow. My kids and I have bonded. Thank goodness for computer games-LOL. And so Valentine's Day will arrive without much fanfare because I haven't had time to go out and get anything. But you know what? It doesn't matter. I've had the best Valentine moment laughing and joking with my husband over the phone, hours of shoveling snow with my son, watching episodes of Bones and CSI with my daughter, even the cat has been affectionate. So there is no need for expensive greeting cards, flowers, chocolates or jewelry to say how much I love my family.
I'm also reminded that while I may have felt the discomfort of a winter storm, I need not complain given what the people of Haiti have suffered and will have to endure in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. Many are without home, clothing and other basic necessities. Unfortunately, many are without their loved ones.

This Valentine's Day share that expression of love with a donation to a Haiti Relief Fund. A little demonstration of love for humanity can certainly be a part of the St. Valentine's tradition.

Namaste,

Michelle Monkou

Trail of Kisses - Available NOW

Count Your Blessings--Michelle Monkou

Happy New Year, 2010!

The new year, beginning of the next decade, came in with a blast of cold temperatures and lots of snow for many parts of the U.S. But why shouldn't it come in with fan fare. Life shouldn't be blah and boring, right?

Despite disappointments, sacrfices, even loss, there are so many things about life that call upon our gratitude and appreciation. Family, friends, career and my faith keep me going.

I love my family. They make me laugh. We enjoy each other's company. We are very close and like to do things together like traveling, going to the movies, playing Beatles Rock Band, and even exercising.

I love my friends. They accept me with all my imperfections. We really really laugh a lot together. Our getaway trips are fun and memorable. Each person has a special place in my heart.

I love my career. Yeah, sometimes, I may whine. But talent shouldn't be abused or taken for granted. I learn to appreciate the good, with the not so good. I treasure the opportunities that have been afforded me and the many readers that I meet along the way.

Life is good. I plan to enjoy every minute. I will continue to laugh. I will continue to love.

What are some blessings you'd like to share. A random winner will receive my new February release - Trail of Kisses. All commenters will receive a bookmark, pen, and a one page calendar of Kimani Romances 2010 Hotties. Please have an email contact in your profile information.

Take care,

Michelle Monkou

Monkou wraps up the Ladies of Distinction series with an emotional powerhouse of a story. Each character's heartaches and triumphs are well depicted...This story is a definite keeper. - 4.5 from RT Reviews

Finding The Perfect Setting -- Michelle Monkou

Setting has always been a crucial element with my fantasy of a romantic interlude. As a child, the stories about the heroes and heroines always had a wonderful backdrop--the castle sitting high on a mountain top, the family house as a firm immovable part of large acreage, or the expensive home perched at the shoreline of a fantastic beach.

When I started reading the early romances, the settings more than the back blurb pulled my attention. I was always partial to the Australian outback, the Italian countryside, the ranch set in Montana, Wyoming or Texas. Remember those gothic romances? Loved those creepy manor homes sitting close to that always-needed cliff. Love it.

When I started plotting Trail of Kisses, I gave great thought to my location. After all, the characters were pretty much city dwellers. So I needed to think outside of the box and pulled out a U.S. map. I paid attention to geographic details because the setting does play a role in the story. Maybe the wild landscape underscores the hero's wild ways. Maybe the craggy rock facing is part of the ugly, dangerous backstory of the heroine.

Then I looked at the types of weather extremes for that place. Will I need a snow storm, hurricane winds, a drought? Will this weather bring them together, challenge them individually, almost tear them apart, or bring one to sacrifice a part of them to save the other?

So I took Asia Crawford and Trace Gunthrey to the Colorado Rockies in the spring. Earth's renewal with blossoms and vivid green landscape has a daily battling pushing the cold and snow conditions away. Some days, it's successful and, as we've seen with a late season snow storm, the push can be unsuccessful.

Then I gave the couple a beautiful cabin that looks rustic and natural on the outside, but is beautiful and modern on the inside. And won't you know? The place has been double booked. The heroine decides to be a Good Samaritan and allow the hero to stay, but only out of the goodness of her heart. Because she doesn't want to admit that it could be for the other reason like he can spark a swirl of emotions that makes her want to turn her charitable act into something more . . . sinfully delicious.

Of course, a setting can only do so much. A story still needs a hero willing to step up and display good hero material, along with a heroine who isn't afraid to be strong, romantic, and self-sufficient.

I introduce you to Trail of Kisses, now available for pre-order from Amazon.com, Borders.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

Michelle Monkou