Interview With Author Monica Hoopes
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Monica Hoopes I’m a former practicing criminal defense attorney with an M.F.A in Creative Writing. I am the author of the Seriously, Murder? series, and I’ve published two books thus far (hopefully with many, many more to come)!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is Seriously, Stoned?, and in it, recent law school grads and small-town lawyers Don and Alice have to fumble their way through a murder mystery case. As a former practicing attorney, I know that small-town law can be both ridiculous and frightening. I’ve dealt with feuding neighbors and property crimes, all the way up to arson and first-degree murder charges. As writers, we are talk to write what we know! This is my town, and these are my people (with a ton of creative license, of course).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In my books, I frequently reference a coffee shop, called the Cosmic Drip. The Cosmic Drip is based on a small coffee shop in my hometown called Factory Fuel, and it’s one of my favorite writing spots. In fact, almost all of the spots in my book are based on a real-life location in Flemington, New Jersey!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve definitely be influenced by Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. It was such a breakout series as far as humor is concerned, and I love what it’s done for the genre!
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the third book in my series (no spoilers, for now)!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I give away a ton of free copies of my first book! I am writing a series, so I hope that readers will be invested enough in my characters to want to continue.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Decide what you want and go for it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you gotta do and get back to me. My mom used to say it to me all the time, and in my mind, it translates to no excuses! You can focus on the hardships and put off your dreams, or you can go for it no matter what. It was a valuable lesson that she taught me from a very young age, and one that I will never forget.
What are you reading now?
My own books (lol)! Most of my free time is spent writing, but when I do get a bit of time in my schedule, I like to read other indie authors. Most recent reads are by M.A McNease, and I am currently listening to Designer Dirty Laundry by Diane Vallere. I love a good audio book, and Seriously, Murder is available as an audio book as well!
What’s next for you as a writer?
The next book in my series! I may eventually switch gears when I get bored, but I’m not there yet.
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?
It may be surprising given my current writing genre, but I love the classics. I would likely take Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, to kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Author Websites and Profiles
Monica Hoopes’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.