#13 A LIFE REWRITTEN

All Eyes On > #13 A LIFE REWRITTEN

Live, Laugh, Love ... Write!

Monique Mensah

She/Her

IG: miss_mo_mo_

Reading time: 3 min 26 sec

Speaking time: 6 min 37 sec

After the tech glitches and a round of thank-yous, the conversation finally settled. That familiar breath of relief that says, Now we can really talk.

Introductions were easy: business owner, self-publishing consultant. A role that had become second nature after nearly seven years of helping authors get their books out into the world. And, just as important, full-time author. The two had always gone hand in hand, different sides of the same passion.

When someone asked what really sparked this whole journey, the answer came with a smile: it started young. Seven years old, to be exact. A teacher recognized the storytelling talent early on, handing out praise and encouraging readings at school events. There was even a little “creative shortcutting” through assignments..when the writing was good enough, teachers didn’t seem to care about the details.

At some point, that spark turned into a clear declaration: “I want to be an author when I grow up.” Life took its detours, as it always does, but the dream never disappeared. At 27, in the middle of a decent corporate job but feeling unfulfilled, a best friend offered a simple nudge: “Why don’t you write that book already?”

So, in 2009, the first book came to life. One a year for five years. Psychological thrillers that resonated, connected, and sold over 50,000 copies between the first two. Awards followed. Book tours. A radio show. A good run.

Along the way, other writers started asking for help: how to self-publish, who to hire, what to do. That’s when the business side began. Instead of just advising, the decision was made to offer a full-service experience: “Give me your book. I’ll handle the rest.” That’s how Make Your Mark Publishing Solutions was born.

At first, it was a side hustle. By 2019, after being laid off, it became the main focus. For two years, things ran smoothly. Business was good. But eventually, burnout returned. That deep feeling that something was missing.

At the same time, life shifted again. An empty nest. The daughter went off to college, leaving a quiet house and a heavy silence. Something needed to change. A casual Facebook post --Black women, if you could live anywhere, where would it be?-- led to an unexpected answer: Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

One woman said, “It’s affordable, there’s community, it’s beautiful, and it’s close to home.” That was all it took. Originally, the plan had been Atlanta. But after a short birthday trip to Playa in September 2022, everything changed. The energy, the beach, the pace—it just felt right. By November, the condo and car were sold, clothes given away, and a new chapter officially started.

On the flight over, the realization hit: This was the dream all along. To write by the beach. Not just some vague hope, but a goal that had been quietly manifesting since childhood.

The business still existed, but that inner voice made itself loud and clear: This is not why you’re here. The focus shifted. Writing moved back to the front seat. And in Playa, the creative flow returned. Two books finished: a new novella and a rewritten version of Nemesis, originally published in 2013. Back then, the story had potential but not quite the execution it deserved. Now, with more experience and clarity, it’s getting the second life it always needed.

That creative reawakening didn’t stop there. Something else was missing: Community.

Though life with a new partner was beautiful, there wasn’t much space that was just for writing. So the idea of a writers’ group came up, and not long after, WRITE NOW was born.

It started with a flyer. A few people showed up. Now, there are more than 50 members in the group chat, and the biweekly meetups are something everyone looks forward to. The space provides accountability, inspiration, and (maybe most importantly) a reminder that writing doesn’t have to be solitary.

People have said it’s helped them feel confident enough to call themselves writers, simply because they write. That’s powerful. And for its founder, it’s also a return to joy. A reconnection with purpose.

When asked what the pursuit of happiness looks like, the answer was refreshingly simple: enjoying life. That’s the filter now..whether it’s work, travel, relationships, or projects, the question is: Does this feel good? And if it doesn’t, the next step is figuring out how to shift. Change the circumstances if possible, or change  perspective.

It’s not always easy, but it’s become a regular practice. Check in. Adjust. Realign with joy.

There’s one more project on the horizon too. A book written originally for her daughter, now being adapted into something for a wider audience. The title?
How to Be Happy When Your Life is F*cked Up.

Because honestly, that’s when the journey really began. Back in 2013, when life felt messy and off-track, the real pursuit of happiness started. Not when everything was going well, but when it wasn’t. When joy had to be a choice, not a given! That’s the story behind the story. And soon, it’ll be in readers’ hands. And when it’s out, she promises, everyone will know.

She’s got stories to tell,and this time, she’s not putting them on hold.