Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an ordinary girl that could no longer keep her story bottled up inside. I reside in northeastern Ohio, am married with five children and eight grandchildren. My degrees were earned from Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University. Currently, I am completing my Masters in Social Administration at Case Western Reserve University. I am a licensed social worker and love to travel as much as possible.
Despite My Odds is my first book under my name. I have co-authored two children’s books with my husband.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Despite My Odds: A Memoir, combines an autobiography and memoir. It details the struggles I encountered being alone, referred to as ugly and being subjected to many experiences that caused trauma in my life. The book speaks about self-esteem, promiscuity and relationship challenges. It also speaks to growth, self-confidence and self-worth. I felt that too many individuals were experiencing the challenges I had finally overcome. I love to give back, to see others reach higher heights.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What is unusual to some may be perfect to others! I love to write before the birds chirp. I prefer crisp, wet weather. I write on everything, from store receipts to papers lying around. I prefer to have a cup of hazelnut coffee in hand and I like silence in my room. Sometimes, I will go to the lake and record the birds flying and waves crashing in order to set my mood.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that influence me the most are Mary Higgins Clark. Nora Neale Hurston, Dean Koontz, Vanessa Miller, Mary Monroe, Walter Mosley, Jill Shalvia, Danielle Steel, Sista Souljah and Alice Walker. A scenic setting is very important to me as it is fundamental to get the story to take off. These authors have the ability to capture my interest, oftentimes, from the very first line.
What are you working on now?
I will be releasing a novel which involves a wealthy married couple and an agreement gone bad. While I don’t want to give too much more, just yet, know that it will be a mind twister. I am also working on a few short stories which will speak about the challenges that some women face with fertility, money and relationships.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I utilize a variety of social media platforms to promote my work. You can learn of my books, my husbands works, and purchase merchandise on our website at www.theocavi.com
I am also constantly giving away free books to women I encounter that struggle with self esteem issues. Recently, I donated several books to a local women’s shelter. Amazon and Goodreads are also platforms I use to connect with readers. Recently, I have been contacting bloggers to gain access to their platforms.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
We all have a story in us, just write it. Discipline yourself, write something each day. Set goals-small and large. Maybe you are the type to work on a chapter at a time, maybe you like to write all over the place. Find what works for you and commit. Know that It’s okay to fail. My error with my first solo book was not reviewing my author’s copy before releasing it to the public. I beat myself up, reissued copies to those that were affected after fixing my work; The errors did not change the amazing story within my book. I didn’t let it beat me down or make excuses-I just made adjustments. It’s okay to grow.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I was interning for a local youth group, a visitor expressed that he lives by the model: “Preparation plus opportunity equals success.” He states his dad told him that every morning until he died. I use this often. To me it means always be prepared because opportunity can knock at any time. When it does knock, you will soar because you were ready for the moment. I stay prepared with keeping several copies of my book on hand when I’m out. I stay prepared with keeping a writing tablet in reach.
What are you reading now?
My preferences for reading include several books at a time. Usually, I will leave one in my office, and the other by my bedside. My sister gave me a copy of “The Hate U Give,” by Angie Thomas, and I am enjoying the read. I will begin “Stories We Were Never Told” by Sonja Yoerg, as soon as it arrives. Sometimes I will read two different genre’s at the same time. I am also reading “Successful Self Publishing” by Joanna Penn.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My writing will continue. I have some decisions to make regarding publishing as the marketing aspect is tedious and time consuming when you work a full-time job and are a parent of young children. Nevertheless, I will write until I can write no more. English has always been my favorite subject in school. Stories amaze me and I love to get lost in the imaginative mind of a good story teller.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Grace,” by Natasha Deon, would be choice number one as the scenes are so detailed you feel like you were there during these tumultuous times. Additionally, I’d grab a Nora Roberts book and one from Stephen King. These combinations will keep my mind off of my current situation.
Author Websites and Profiles
Denise Monique Website
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