Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m R.A. Monday, a genre-bending author who was born into humble beginnings, the daughter of immigrant parents who made their way to the U.S. in 1960. My mother cared for the children while my father, a farm laborer, worked the farm fields in New Mexico. Toys were very few, if any at all, and books were made available through our elementary school’s library, so it is little wonder that I spent my early years reading and imagining exciting stories of good vs. evil and faraway lands. I vividly remember listening to the great stories told by my much beloved mother. Ever since my earliest days, I loved to read and write. I would read everything I could get my hands on, from the classics to the most involved piece of literature. When I wasn’t reading, I’d be doing chores around the house or riding horses. I grew up on a working farm with many animals. During the summer months, I would work alongside my mother and older sibling picking onions in the farm’s onion fields to help provide for our school supplies and clothing.
My life has been everything but dull. It’s been a life filled with life and death experiences, personal danger; from surviving sibling abuse, to being held at gun point, then at knife point and most recently, surviving Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. I’m a firm believer, in “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” I believe my life is a testament to that. I am strongly rooted in my faith; a faith that has led and carried me through many a storm in my life. I comes from a long line of strong, god-fearing women. Story telling is ingrained in my colorful heritage; a heritage steeped in Spanish folklore, traditions, and rich in culture. I am Hispanic and Lipan Apache. I honor both my Hispanic and Native American heritage and have been referred to as a “Shadow Walker”, meaning one who walks between two worlds.
On my father’s side of the family, I am a descendant of the Founder of the Chimayo Sanctuary in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Fr Bernardo de la Encarnacion Abeyta. On my mother’s side of the family I am the grand-daughter of a child survivor of the 1873 Attack on Remolino, Coahuila, Mexico. This unauthorized attack on Remolino became more widely known as McKenzie’s Raid. My maternal grandfather was a part of Juan Castro’s Lipan Apache N’de that never regrouped and assimilated into the Mexican population. My grandfather died in 1929 in a small town in Mexico.
I’m a seven- time published Author & Book Illustrator, a former Writer/Interviewer for Native Hoop Magazine and WNC Magazine, a Wearable Art Clothing Designer for Legaleriste.com, a Fashion Design Company based out of Montreal, Canada, and a Visual Artist in my hometown of El Paso, TX.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled, “Paradise Quilt” inspired by true events in my life and my parents legacy of sacrifices made and our journey into a new country. It’s my autobiography written in short story-form.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m restless by nature and tend to move around quite a bit, so I have “writing niches” as opposed to having a room designated as. an office. I can write with or without noise while multitasking on my Art Designs or other projects.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I first began writing, I wrote poetry. So I was influenced by some of the greats, like Edgar Allan Poe, Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, etc. Some of my poetry is featured in Poetry Anthologies, here in the USA and in the UK. Then I was challenged to write a full length book and it was then that I began writing Novels, Children’s Fairy Tales, Historical Paranormal, etc. I was influenced by numerous Children’s Books and Non-Fiction Historical Accounts.
What are you working on now?
I am currently assisting a soon-to-be-first-time Author with their literary project, but I hope to soon engage in my own writing project that’s been a long time in the making. It will be about my grandfather’s journey
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon and word-of-mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is not for the faint of heart, but the journey to achieving your goals is priceless. Persistence and Perseverance are key. Patience is also a plus.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
With God all things are possible. Stay Fearless when facing adversity. There is nothing you cannot do as long as you have faith, believe in yourself even if no one else does, and always be grateful for what you do have.
What are you reading now?
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
What’s next for you as a writer?
There are still several stories inside of me, so more novels are on the horizon.
What is your favorite book of all time?
It may sound strange, but Heidi will always be my favorite book.
Author Websites and Profiles
R. A. Monday Amazon Profile
R. A. Monday’s Social Media Links
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