Urban Reviews:  How did the idea for this book come about?
Monique D. Mensah:  The detailed storyline for this novel did not come about until I began writing the book. I started with a general idea then I let my characters tell the rest. I began with Simone, a beautiful girl that is being sexually abused by her father. Then Jessica, a desperate housewife with a sordid past, and Ryan who is a sexy thirty-something contemporary career woman who suffers from depression. Once I had my main characters and their major themes in place, I let my characters run with the story and weave a complicated plot that brought their lives crashing together with a bang. I chose to write about these topics because they are common issues among women today and although these ideas have been written about before. I wanted to do so with a fresh, new prospective, and edgy plot, lots of drama and a little controversy.

Urban Reviews:  Why did you decide to go the route you did in regards having your book self-published?
Monique D. Mensah:  After composing the manuscript, I queried literary agents and publishers for about a year. Although I did get some positive responses, ultimately was unable to find a publisher or agent representation. That's when I decided to take matters into my own hands and start the publishing process myself. I'm glad I went that route because I had complete creative control. I was very hands-on throughout the publication process and was able to ensure that I created a product that was to my liking.

Urban Reviews:  What's been the hardest thing regarding your novel - Writing it, publishing it, or promoting it?
Monique D. Mensah:  The hardest thing regarding my novel is promoting and spreading the word to reach a wide range of readers. Being a self-published author, everything falls on me so I have to do what I can (within a budget) to market and promote. That includes doing local events, creating an online presence, getting reviews, and getting shelf space at local bookstores. It's a lot of hard and a lot of footwork, but it is very rewarding knowing that I am taking something that I created, nurturing it and watching it grow until it reaches it's maximum potential.

Urban Reviews:  What do you hope to accomplish with this book as well as any future works?
Monique D. Mensah:  When I started writing Who Is He To You, I did it with the sole intention to entertain. It wasn't until after I completed the manuscript and read the story in its entirety did I recognize the underlying messages weaved throughout the plot. Women too often count on the men in their lives to validate or complete them. For Simone it was her father, Ryan's boyfriend, and Jessica's husband. Women have to learn to love themselves, recognize their self-worth and learn to be happy instead of expecting a man to fill the gaps in their lives. In the future, my readers can expect more dramatic, intense novels filled with literary adrenaline. I will always provide original plots, real dialogue, and believable characters. I like to read the kind of books that make me want to flip back to the beginning after reaching the end. I hope to provide that same type of experience for my readers. My novels will evoke strong emotion and audible reactions. Overall, my readers can expect a unique experience.

Urban Reviews:  What things did you do to help prepare yourself for the book business?
Monique D. Mensah:  I made sure that I researched as much as I could about the book writing, publishing, and marketing process. I researched online and through several resource books for about two years, while I was writing and searching for agents. I also put together a budget to ensure that I had enough money to put into the project and market it effectively. I joined a local writers group for support and coaching. I also attended conferences and workshops so I could make valuable connections with other authors and people in the writing business.

Urban Reviews:  Do you have any ideas or plans for any upcoming projects?
Monique D. Mensah:  I am currently working on my second novel. The working title is Inside Rain. It is another dramatic novel that will take readers through a lot of twists and turns and shocking twists. I plan to self-publish this project as well. Inside Rain is set for an early summer 2010 release. Beyond that, I plan to keep writing and creating a career for myself as an author. So you can expect much more from me in the future.

Urban Reviews:  Is there one person that inspired you to try your hand at writing?
Monique D. Mensah:  My mother was a large influence on me and my decision to start writing when I was young. She is responsible for my love of reading. As long as I can remember she always had a book in my hand. She introduced me to African-American fiction when I was in high school and I fell in love. I knew I was going to be an author some day just like the those of the books I loved. When I started writing, she stood behind me 100% and encouraged me every step of the way. An avid reader herself, she gave me invaluable advice when I was writing Who Is He To You. She has been my biggest inspiration throughout my writing hands down.

Urban Reviews:  What things can you suggest to other writers that are thinking about self-publishing their novel?
Monique D. Mensah:  Do your research! Research every part of the process, from writing, to editing, cover design and typesetting, budgeting, printing, and marketing. What you don't know could mean the difference between your success and failure as an author. Also, be a professional. Self-publishing still has a bit of a stigma that gives the misconception of deficient quality of work compared to mainstream published authors. Don't cut corners and sell yourself short. Make sure that you use the necessary resources to create a polished work of art that is as close to perfection as you can make it. Overcome the self-publishing stigma.

Urban Reviews:  Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your novel?
Monique D. Mensah:  Just about every writer wants to make it to the bestseller list and I am no different. I want to be able to reach a wide range of readers and make my mark on the literary world. I am currently working on my second novel and I plan to keep going from there, making a successful career for myself as an author. My ultimate goal is to earn the privilege of being a full-time author. I look forward to the days when I will make a living from my passion.