Sunday 18 October 2020

Monique De La Uz - The incredible power of Words

This is a classic article from my old blog, Author Alexander Greenwood.

I know this kind of seems to break my usual topic, mythology. But this is about one persons survival and growth In the modern world. The novel Eight Words is about danger in a modern society. A society that shouldn't have danger. And it's based on real experience my friend went through and was able to mold it into a brilliant thriller. That's what myths are made of. So, without further ado, my friend, Monique De La Uz.

Note: This article contains spoilers on the novel Eight Words. I highly recommend you to read it first!

Lately I've felt extremely lucky about the people I've met. Ever since I decided to be a professional writer and storyteller, I've found some incredible people in the same situation as me.

One of these is a Floridan author Monique De La Uz, who's just published her debut novel Eight Words. The novel is a drama-thriller based around a teacher Daniella Dean, who gets falsely accused for sexual conduct with her student. The novel is a masterpiece and hopefully, one day, it will be a classic. It's also very much in line with what has actually happened to Monique herself. As she says, the first seventy pages are one on one accurate to what actually happened.



Inspired by mental issues

De La Uz used to work as a teacher in a troubled neighborhood, just like her heroine Daniella. The protagonist is clearly based on Monique, but she's not the only character. During her time as a teacher she encountered several troubled students, some of whom even fell into a life of crime. The book introduces school shooter Jared, who has several traits of troubled youth she met. Monique reminds, that Jared's deed is a cry for help, though not necessary something he'd realize himself, as he is most likely a sociopath or a psychopath.

As it turns out, Eight Words is mostly about mental health issues. Something that's very current in today's America as well as Europe. Monique's state Florida is somewhat diverse and aware of these issues, but there's still work to be done. The characters project all the different stages of mental problems, with Jared being among the worst cases.

Daniella's thirteen year old brother John is bi-polar and has all variations of treatments from institutions to group therapy and medication. His family also suffers as they try to support him for the best they can. This is something Monique tried to include in Eight Words the best she could: The impact on family.

This and the other problems have given Daniella a situational depression, which might be the easiest of these problems. But it's still Something she has to fight to get out of. I won't spoil the story of Eight Words anymore, as you absolutely should read it. But seeing as Monique has clearly fought her way out of it and into success, it's safe to presume that Daniella can survive it too.


After survival

Currently Monique De La Uz lives a peaceful life with her family in Florida. It's been years since she worked as a teacher and had to deal with the false accusation, that started from nothing but eight words. When I asked, if she thought she would ever get back to teaching, the answer was clear "NO"

It might have taken eight words to try and ruin Monique's career as a teacher. But it's Eight Words that will give a strong start to her writing career. Nevertheless, it took years before she decided to write the book. But when she did, it took four and a half months to finish the draft.

After this it was time for beta-readers to have their say. And they certainly did. Monique had to learn to leave her ego at the door and just listen. Especially tough was one beta reader who had Monique rework almost entire book. But she was also right about 95% of what she said and thus gave Monique an opportunity to give us the best possible story.

Although the story of Eight Words is fictional, it's as true as the authoress herself. The characters too are also based on real people De La Uz has encountered during her journey. Some are directly inspired by an actual person, while others are a mix of different people.


What next?

Monique hints in both the book and our conversation, that this won't be the last we hear about these characters. She hinted about something revolving around John, Daniella's bi-polar little brother, who would arguably make a great protagonist in his own story. But right now, Monique is focusing on the marketing of the Eight Words. And well deserved rest. So, only time will tell what we'll get next.

Monique De La Uz is a living example of the eternal wisdom of storytelling: The story is absolutely the best, when it tells the truth. Monique has managed to tell that of both her life and those of her readers. And their numbers will grow in the future.

Thanks for reading!

Don't forget to get your copy of Eight Words. It won't fail you!

-Alex

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