I always wanted to write. In the culture of achievement in which I was raised, writing novels constituted a nice hobby, but not a sustainable job and certainly not a career for an A student. Being a professor, a writer and a poet, my father published twenty literature and critique books and scrambled to survive until he finally became known. Determined to spare me his difficult times, he gave me three choices for the three positions he held in high regard: be a doctor, a pharmacist or an engineer. I couldn’t stand the sight of blood, and math was not my forte. Joining the School of Pharmacy became the logical decision to make my parents proud of their daughter.
For thirty years I stood at benches testing samples, then sat at a desk writing contracts and traveled to foreign countries to refurbish laboratories. And finally I decided that enough was enough. Down with chemistry. I quit my job, abandoned my career and let the stories pour out. But it wasn’t as smple as that.I had to learn how to write, punctuate, understand the shape of a story, and accept rejection. Workshops, mentors, critique partners, contests taught me to hone the difficult art of writing and find my voice.
The life of a writer is a lonely day-to-day battle waged against oneself, but we are lucky to build cyberspace friends on the many writers’ loops, and bond with others who understand our struggles, frustrations and joys.
Writing is my shelter. Hiding in my own world, I create people I love. With imagination and patience, I force them to overcome their inner conflicts, fight obstacles and make love triumph.
After two romantic suspense novels and three medical romance books published, and an Egyptian mythology paranormal story to be soon released, I can’t stop writing. My next book is set in France and has been submitted, and I’m finishing a foreign romance set in Greece.
Rx IN RUSSIAN
An American Pediatrician / A Russian Surgeon
A woman who lost a son and her illusions about marriage and family.
A man with four adorable sons who badly need a mother
Can attraction and love overcome guilt, duty, and a clash of cultures?
“Mona Risk writes heroes with heart, heroines with spunk in stories and settings that are simply unforgettable!" -- Roxanne St. Claire, Killer Curves, National Bestseller.
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23 comments:
It's alway great to read about writers who followed their dream despite the difficulties. Your former career seems to help you in your writing.
Hi Susan, my former career somehow led me to my first book. I always knew I would eventually write a book, but I never thought I would become so serious about my writing and be published.
I do understand! When my marriage was dying a slow death, I wrote. When my daddy was slowing failing, I wrote. When Mama passed away, I wrote emotional scenes! I still write.
Excellent post, Mona. I totally understand. You continue to amaze me with all the wonderful stories that flow forth. Sail on :)
I'm soooooooo glad you decided to pursue publishing!!!!! Writing can be very theraputic during times of stress; it creates an outlet. Looking forward to catching up on your back list!
Hahah...WV is 'beleve':)
I totally relate, Mona. Writing is my retreat from the world and is definitely therapeutic. It's a relief to be in control of what's happening -- more or less. Characters do tend to take over and run the story their way!
Hi, Mona! I love how you combine what knowledge you've learned into the stories you write. Congratulations on the paranormal!!
I think it's wonderful that you made your dream come true, and I know your fans are glad!
Mona, I know just what you are saying. Myself I spent 34 years working in medical and dental offices and I hated every single minute. I wish I had the guts to try writing a long, long, time ago. And you, heck you'd be next to Nora by now!!!! You are proof that it can happen!!
Mary M. we are doing the same. Writing to soothe our souls.
Tahnk you beth. I have so many stories in my head, but not enough time to write.
Hi Molly, thank you for your support.
Barbara, your books are on my Sony. I was about to start reading Sunrise In a Garden of Love and Evil when my daughter gave me a book she insisted I should read and blog abou: The road of Lost Innocence.
Hi Judy I like to write about the places I visited.
Hi Mary R. Inm a way it's good that we both persevere in our paying career. Now it's time to follow in Heather Graham's footsteps.
MONA--I needed this today. Your thoughts made me feel much better, as my day has begun with a little depression--I have a title for a blog today based on my thoughts today. I think you did the same thing, and in sharing those thoughts, inspired and helped me.
Thank you...Celia
Celia--I am glad I could help. I too had a lousy time last week, partly because it was a Mother's Day without mother, partly because I was disgusted with my typing, too slow, difficult and full of typos, and partly because I gained so much weight I defeated all last year's effort. The worst part is that when I am in that horrible mood I don't stop munching and gain more pounds. Writing that post helped. And now looking, talking and playing with my granddaughters is the best therapy.
I admire you so much, Mona. It takes a brave soul to take the leap and follow their dreams. I'm still trying to juggle real life and preferred life. Good for you! :-)
What a wonderful story of finding yourself and allowing your gifts to flourish. Even better that you were able to combine the two experiences and use your former career to enrich your stories today.
What an inspiring post. I can't "quit my day job" yet because the financial need is too great. Some days, trying to juggle it all really gets me down. Posts like this are a great reminder of how the stories themselves are our greatest reward and refuge.
Mona,
Writing is a shelter. It's a way to escape to your world and your characters and just recharge your batteries. A very inspirational post. It's not easy being a writer, but if one is determined, dedicated, and willing to put in the work, they'll see the rewards.
Smiles
Steph
Hi Mona - thanks for sharing your story - it's always inspiring to see someone take the plunge, follow their dreams and achieve success in their chosen field.
Maeve--You've done great and your writing career is launched the right way. Best of wishes.
Hi Liana--I guess it came at the right time. Being a workaholic, I was burnt out at my day job that was more of a day and night job. I needed something totally different and I was at a moment where I could afford to follow my dream.
Linda--don't quit your day job until you can afford to do it without stress. I quit may job as a chemist only after my kids graduated from college and started working. If you can write while working, then enjoy the writing. It's probably your relaxation, your shelter.
Steph--You are definitely an inspiration, so full of energy and determination. And you deserve all the success possible.
Hi Leigh- Thank you so much. I am glad you find my story inspiring. We all writers follow the same path more or less and, struggle non-stop before publication and even more after publication.
Hi Mona,I loved reading your blog. I have been fortunate to follow several of my dreams in my 66years. Wife and Mother. As a young girl;working on our ranch as one of the hands,rodeo,riding clubs,then later in life a research nurse,then Hospice RN.At 66 I am retired and following my other dream of writing novels.Hopefully,my dream of being published will also come true.
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