Going Beyond the Surface: A Conversation with Monica Broussard, Author of 21 Tattoos

We all wear different masks as we go about our daily lives. Some of us are so good at donning these masks that we forget who we truly are beneath the surface. In her book, 21 Tattoos, Monica Broussard takes us on a journey of self-discovery that goes beyond the masks we wear and the skin we inhabit.

In this blog post, we will explore the themes of Monica’s book, the inspirations behind this metaphysical fiction novel, and the journey that led her to become a published author.

Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp? We all go through transformations in life. Some more extreme than others. When we are faced with a sudden change in our lives we each have our own way of handling it. I could relate to my character Dr. Derek Hollinger because he woke up one morning and his life was not the same after being covered head to toe in tattoos. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer, lost my hair and had a breast removed at 49 years old. How we evolve from our experience is life’s biggest challenge or reward.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? The hardest part is conveying the feeling of the moment. How the surroundings impact the senses. When I write I try to activate the readers 5 senses through my characters, thoughts and actions. Sometimes this can get quite complex, and I will then have to whittle down the verbiage to keep the reader engaged.

How many books have you written and which is your favorite? I have written two and almost finished my third. “21 Tattoos” is the first in a series of three. The second book is going into editing and the third book is 80% finished. Out of the three the third is the best. Each book’s storyline builds on the other.

If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why? From the beginning I pictured Ryan Gosling as Dr. Derek Hollinger. He is able to transform from the conservative guy next store to the renegade, bad boy. I even mention him in the book Kendal compares Ryan Gosling to Derek.

When did you begin writing? I became serious during the time I was taking Chemo and I was locked down because my immune system was low. I had a few reasons to start, I had the time and If I didn’t survive it at least I had done something I always wanted to do- Write a Book!

How long did it take to complete your first book? I have rewritten it a hundred times. And finally decided this would be my last. It took a while to have the confidence that it was good enough. I started in 2008 with the research and performed the last edit this year 2023. The good news is I have written so much material in the past years, I have written three books out of the material.

Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer? Frank Baum- The Wizard of Oz. When I was 6 or 7 years old I secretly ordered the Oz series by Baum. When they came to the house my mom about had a heart attack over the price. I was punished but she gave them to me a short time later. I carried a book from the series around with me for about two years. I still have the set in my library.

What is your favorite part of the writing process? Getting lost in my own imagination. I set times to write so that I can carve out the time every day and walk into my imagery world and have an exit time. My mind starts working usually between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. and then I must disengage myself to go out and exercise with my husband around 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Then I will move on with the rest of my day. I can go into an imaginary world for days and weeks at a time, just as I did during my chemo days. I remodeled my house to be the perfect writing sanctuary.

Describe your latest book in 4 words. A Transformative Life Journey

Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing? I now consider myself a professional author. I will finish the Tattoo Series (yet unnamed.) I am in the process of launching book 1 and finishing book 3. I also started a YA novel per my 12-year-old granddaughter’s request. I will feature the same values and lessons I write about in my Visionary writing but in terms a younger person can relate to.

Monica Broussard’s 21 Tattoos is a book that goes beyond the surface, delving into the deeper aspects of the human condition and our journey towards self-discovery. Through the themes of identity, self-love, faith, and spirituality, Monica shows us that there is more to us than what meets the eye. Whether you enjoy metaphysical fiction, Christian literature, or simply a good story, 21 Tattoos is a book that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. So, go ahead and take off your mask. Who knows what secrets you might find hiding beneath the surface?

21 Tattoos a Visionary & Metaphysical Fiction; Christian Fiction

Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SgUJFW

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

What if your deepest, darkest fears were inked on your skin for the world to see?

Famous plastic surgeon Derek Hollinger has it all: money, success, luxury cars, and an L.A. penthouse near the beach. Who cares if he has no friends or lovers? He doesn’t need anyone.

But Derek’s seemingly perfect life is shattered after a chance encounter with a mysterious old woman. When he wakes up covered in tattoos, the shadow of his traumatic past—one he can no longer outrun—looms large.

Aided in his desperate quest for the truth by the young nurse he once scorned, Derek’s only hope for redemption lies within his own damaged psyche. What do the tattoos mean? Are they part of God’s plan for him, a test of his lapsed faith…or a curse brought on by his own arrogance?

And can he get rid of them before he loses everything?

Meet the Author Monica Broussard – Visionary & Metaphysical Fiction; Christian Fiction

Writer, speaker, and certified life coach Monica Broussard is passionate about writing fiction that contains elements of fantasy and keeps the reader intrigued about the lead character’s motives. She also writes an occasional article for her hometown’s magazine, SeaCliff Living. She belongs to Toastmasters International and enjoys attending national writers’ conferences.

Born in North Carolina on a Marine Corps base, Monica now lives in “Surf City,” Huntington Beach, California, with her husband of thirty-seven years. She has enjoyed various occupations over the years, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing.

Twenty-One Tattoos is her debut novel. For more about her writing, visit her website, MonicaBroussardAuthor.com.