Please welcome today our Guest Author — Michelle Monkou
Happy New Year! from Author Michelle Monkou
On January 1 and for the first few weeks, thereafter, I’m sure you heard “Happy New Year!”
It’s customary and that means sometimes the greeting is taken for granted—you say offer the greeting; the other person returns the greeting and life goes on.
This year, I decided to actively listen when someone said, Hi Michelle, Happy New Year and to sincerely open my heart and mind to the message. In those three simple words, the directive is powerful.
It meant (to me) celebrating every day, no matter what those 24 hours brought. Not every day will be roses, but the message pushes me to look forward and to be renewed.
I am a wife and mother. I am a writer and a reader. I am a friend and colleague. Each facet of my life deserves that burst of energy to celebrate and create new chapters and new beginnings.
My writing which brings so much joy is always celebrated. From my first book Scandal, Secrets and Seduction (originally published as Open Your Heart) to my latest book, One of A Kind, I have received that renewed energy at the beginning of the new year to continue with this literary passion.
Hearing from readers is a cosmic link that is appreciated. Writing stories about families, about 
love after pain, about opening hearts and lives is my lifelong purpose. With equal delight, I love to read and love when readers recommend books to me. (Romance) Stories are the soul’s vitamins.
Meeting my fellow authors and readers at conferences and book festivals is how I like to spend some of my free time. It’s a time to recharge the batteries, catch up on what’s happening, and networking. And I will never meet my fill of readers. This year, I’ll be attending the Frederick Maryland Book Festival in Maryland, Romance Slam Jam in New Orleans, and Romance Writers of America in San Antonio. So if you will be attending any of those events, maybe our paths will cross and I can wish you a happy new year.
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” – Oprah Winfrey
Celebrate Love, Celebrate Life
Michelle Monkou
Thanks, Michelle, for joining us today. We’ve enjoyed you being here.
Thanks, Leanne. And may YOU have a Happy New Year.