Monique Fisher is a theatre and comic book geek who always has her hands glued to the keyboard conjuring up happily ever afters. She writes modern, fun, real life romances set in cities and small towns featuring a diverse cast of big hearted, lovable characters. When she isn’t writing, she’s busy trying to create shelf space for other Black authors. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Joe, their two boys, Michael and Alexander, and their canine babies, Abraham aka Hammy and Maya aka Pie. Her dream is to write full time without the aid of a nine to five. Fingers crossed!

We had the opportunity of sitting down with Monique to discuss her publishing journey:

What inspired you to step into your power as an author and share your story with the world?

I have always wanted to be a creative in some way, and writing was something I always loved doing. It took me a minute to find the medium that worked best for me, and now that I have found it, it’s been a tremendous experience. I think the moment I wanted to be a writer happened when I read “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.” It was my first book by a Black woman.

Every great book starts with a spark. What moment or message led you to begin writing your first book?

Two things led me to write “Where There is Smoke…”. First, I wanted to write an epic love story, but in Black and make it contemporary. I noticed that often when we think of an epic love story, it’s historical and very white. Also, I wanted to show what happens after the HEA (happily ever after). A lot of romance books go by a particular formula, and I’m not knocking it; the formula works, but for me, I like to go further. The books usually go that they meet, like each other, get together, break up, and get back together. The End. I wanted to use that formula, but have them get back together sooner, so the readers can see what happens after they become a couple. I wanted to show the ups and the downs, and how the love and devotion Smoke and Kara had for each other is what made them go the distance.  

The publishing journey isn’t always easy. What challenges did you face bringing your book to life, and how did you overcome them?

I remember a month before the publishing date for “Where There’s Smoke…”; I had to do a major rewrite before sending out the ARCs. I sent out an email and was very apologetic, and the ARC readers were very understanding. There have been more hiccups along this journey, but I recognize that as an indie author, the buck stops with me, and challenges arise all the time. You have to trust your instincts and not be afraid to ask for help.

As women in business, visibility is everything. How did you approach marketing and positioning your book to reach your ideal readers?

I was blessed enough to hire some incredible artists. My covers are all illustrated by very talented people, who do not use AI, and I have found that showing the artwork gets folks’ attention. I have been posting about four times a week. I found that even if I post the same thing, different people will find it. Now I just have to figure out how to make my reach wider.

Storytelling is a form of influence. How do you hope your writing empowers or impacts women who read your work?

I hope that seeing strong, intelligent, and beautiful Black women of all age ranges helps them see themselves. I hope that seeing these ladies in healthy and safe relationships gives them joy. That’s the business I’m in. I’m providing joy, coziness, and comfort to a demographic who rarely feels those things.

Behind every successful author is a tribe. Who or what has been your biggest source of support throughout your writing and publishing process?

The Black women I have met along this journey. My friend Presh, who goes by the pen name Bella Jay, was one of the first friends I made in the Black romance writing space. She and I will meet up and chat. We bonded over our mutual love of “Living Single.”

My friend Mia and I talk almost every day. We see each other on social media and have meet-ups on Zoom. She and I just finished an event called #20kinfivedays, where we met up with other writers and chatted and wrote and cheered each other on.

I don’t know what I would do without the friendships I have cultivated.

From manuscript to movement: how has your book opened new doors for you personally or professionally?

Personally, being a published author has done wonders for my confidence. I don’t think I have ever been this secure in myself ever.  And professionally, in three and a half years, I have been invited to conferences, I have spoken on panels, and I have been nominated for awards. It’s done wonders. I feel like I’m living my dreams, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Balancing purpose and profit can be tough. What advice do you have for women who want to turn their passion for writing into a brand or business?

Find your tribe. No one does anything alone. Use Issa Rae’s advice and network with your peers. They’ll be building their brand right along with you, and you can lean on each other for support.

Your story is your legacy. What do you want readers to remember most about your message and your journey?

Cozy, sweet, sexy, and spicy books can do more than just tell a story; they provide a glimpse into what’s possible for people who seek to find their other half. I’m not a fan of when people degrade romance or call it unrealistic. Portraying two consenting adults, especially Black adults, with dignity, warmth, love, and respect will never be unrealistic.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you as a writer, creator, and woman on a mission?

My next book, Make Room for Heather, is coming out July 17, 2026, and the final book in the Richardson Sibling Trilogy comes out in December. I am currently working on setting up selling books directly from my website and adding a blog to my Substack account, so be on the lookout.

Social Media Handles: IG/Threads: @moniquefisherauthor; tik tok: @monique.fisherauthor; Substack: @moniquefisher

Website: moniquefisherauthor.com