My heroes wear combat boots. If you like your freedom, thank a veteran. It matters.

My family came to the southeast long ago. I have a mixed heritage. I'm part Italian, English, Irish, and Scottish. I know what Audrey Hepburn meant when she said, "If I were I dog, I'd be a hell-of-a mess."

Chapter One. I am born! Oh wait, sorry. I was channeling Charles Dickens. I was southern born, southern bred, and when I die I’ll be southern dead. Just like in my novel, Unwritten, I am from a small town in western North Carolina- Franklin. It’s very close knit, warm, friendly, and picture-resque. I left it for a short time for a foray of living in Paris and then in Atlanta. I missed my home, so I returned.

After being bitten by the creative bug at an early age due to injuries, I took pictures and wrote stories. I didn’t think anything would ever come of it. Little did I know, those passions would eventually pay the bills. Thanks be to GOD! I felt so creatively stifled behind a desk. I hated every single job I had. I recently retired from wedding photography after ten years. I work as a small business consultant.

If you are involved with a Veterans organization and would like help with photography, websites, or promotion, please contact me. I will be happy to donate my time.

 

Did you know?

Monica's book has some real life inspiration. "John, Noah, David, Daniel, Holly, Rachel, Katie, and Sonny are all real people. Some are actors, some are dear friends. Art is imitating life in that respect. And I respected these individuals and their talents so much that I wrote them into the story."

Monica wrote in the car she dreams about owning one day- an Acura RL. In real life, just like Caroline, she drives a Jeep.

Caroline is actually another form of Carolyn, her real life mother's name.

Sonny is really the name of Monica's father. He's a Vietnam veteran, serving in the 101rst Airborne division.

Monica likes spending time at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.