Book 2 in the 21 Tattoos series
Visionary/Metaphysical Fiction; Speculative Fiction; Christian Fiction
Date Published: forthcoming September 18
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
What do a comatose old woman, a dying gang member, and a brutal assault on a teenage boy have in common? Derek Hollinger isn’t sure, but he knows they’re all connected to the mysterious tattoos that suddenly appeared across his body.
Determined to untangle the web spun by the vicious thug known as “Spider,” Derek embarks on a journey of redemption that leads from his lavish L.A. penthouse to the seedy world of underground fighting and human trafficking. But as he ventures deeper down the rabbit hole, the self-exiled plastic surgeon realizes that the answer lies within his heart and mind … and soul.
Faith is the key to reclaiming his life, but choosing God may be difficult for Derek, who has spent his entire career valuing material success over spiritual growth.
In this thrilling sequel to 21 Tattoos, Derek must face the hard truth about where his tattoos came from and an even harder truth about what it will take to be free of them once and for all.
Interview with Monica Broussard
Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?
C.S. Lewis once gave this advice on developing a writing style that I keep in mind when developing a fiction plot: (a) know exactly what you want to say and (b) make sure that's what you're saying. Remember that the reader does not start out knowing our intended meaning. If our words are unclear, our message will be lost.
How do you select the names of your characters?
Choosing my characters' names is a process that evolves as I get to know them in my research. As I describe their thoughts, emotions, and physical traits, their names can change until one emerges that seems to naturally fit.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Breadcrumbs are scattered throughout the books, both for the characters to recognize and for the readers to decipher. I will say that there are specific themes and messages that I try to weave into my writing, sometimes subtly and other times more overtly. It's my way of connecting with readers on a deeper level- if they choose to see it.
What was your hardest scene to write?
The fight scene was the most challenging to write about in The 7th Dimension. I strived to capture the tension, apprehension, and adrenaline of my fighter while also conveying the thrill of the spectators. Countless hours were spent researching Muay Thai fighting styles. I closed my eyes and allowed the images to unfold in my mind like a film, bringing this intense scene to life. The buildup to the fight scene was not just about violence; it delved into the characters' struggles and inner turmoil. It revealed the aftermath of choices made and the fallout of the decisions that followed. After reviewing these scenes in their final form, I hope my readers will experience the same intensity and emotions as I did while writing them.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
As I write, my goal is to create a bond between the readers and the characters. While each book can be read on its own, the series as a whole weaves together like a web, connecting all of the storylines and creating a cohesive arc.
What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My objective is to convey the significance of having a strong foundation when faced with unexpected challenges in life. Regrettably, my protagonist lacks this foundation and is currently grappling with a crisis. Moreover, my narratives illustrate how a personal crisis can ripple out and impact the lives of others. While navigating through his struggles, readers can glean valuable lessons that may resonate with their own experiences.
What inspired you to write The 7th Dimension?
The 7th Dimension is a byproduct of the extensive written material that came about while I was working on my first book, 21 Tattoos, which is part of The Tattoo Series. During this time, I was undergoing intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments for Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Through this challenging experience, I wrote a story of self-discovery and rebirth as I grappled with the traumatic impact of my diagnosis and treatment. As someone who never saw the appeal of tattoos, I used my own journey to create a narrative full of metaphors that delve into the significance of these permanent markings and their role in my character’s quest for self-discovery after experiencing personal turmoil and transformation. With this second installment in the series, I continue to explore how to rebuild a shattered life using the metaphors I have created in the form of tattoos that profoundly affect my character’s identity and expression. Through my research, I delve deeper into the impact of using the meaning of tattoos to reconstruct a shattered life and how to fundamentally reshape my character’s identity through spiritual awareness.
Can you tell us a little bit about the next books in The Tattoo Series or what you have planned for the future?
In the third book of The Tattoo Series, my characters continue their search for answers in life. Through physical and emotional challenges, they embark on a journey of self-discovery that pushes them to the limits of life and death, both physically and within their relationships. Building upon the previous two books, this story sheds light on the struggles and growth involved in the physical and spiritual journey of finding oneself. Setting the stage for the development of the remaining 21 Tattoo characters that still need to be delved into.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in The 7th Dimension?
The 7th Dimension presents a new antagonist and a new protagonist in dire need of assistance. A young man becomes the target of a ruthless drug cartel intertwined with human trafficking and must rely on my original protagonist to help him escape danger. This chance encounter allows my main character to shift his focus onto someone else's well-being and offer aid in their time of need.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The pure joy of immersing myself in a world of self-discovery and character development is undeniable. It allows me to escape into a realm where anything can happen while still holding onto the grounding aspects of reality. My ultimate goal is for my readers to join me in this journey of self-discovery with my characters and relish in their growth and fulfillment as they navigate through their lives.
About the Author
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-eight years. She has enjoyed various occupations over the years, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing.
Her debut novel, 21 Tattoos, was published by Acorn Publishing in 2023. The 7th Dimension is Book 2 in the 21 Tattoos Series.
Contact Links
Instagram: @monicabroussardauthor
Purchase Links
5 comments:
The cover looks really good. Sounds like a good read.
Great interview. This looks really good.
Thank you
Stunning cover!
looks like a fun one
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