Tell us about your book
The Ice House is my first book and it was released in November. It tells the story of Louisa, who has been snowed into her apartment building for months due to a climate event. Her neighbor and former close friend, Luke, is the only kid her age around. The new realities of this climate disaster have not only affected Louisa’s family, but when Luke’s dad has an ice-related accident and it’s unclear if he’ll recover, both families’ lives are turned upside down. Desperate to find an escape from the grief plaguing their homes, Louisa and Luke build a massive snow fort in their yard. But their creation opens up an otherworldly window to what could lie ahead, and sets them on a mission: to restore the universe to its rightful order, so the ice will melt and life will return to “normal”.
Which books did you enjoy growing up?
Some of my favorites were The Westing Game, Little Women, Ramona Quimby, Junie B. Jones.
Tell us about your pets
I recently welcomed my puppy Mungo into my life – my first pet! He is a very sweet and playful puppy who keeps me very busy.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Visit museums, try new restaurants and coffee shops in Brooklyn, illustrate, and take walks with my puppy.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
So many things! At different times a gymnast, a baker, an artist, an interior designer, a teacher, and a writer. I’ve been a teacher and a writer so far 🙂
What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?
Cultivate patience and persistence. Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint, and as a very impatient person it’s been a great opportunity for me to practice patience. Write as often as you can for as long as you can – sometimes that means hours a day, while other weeks it might be a few half hour bursts. Be patient with yourself and remember that your book has value; you are the only one who can write with your unique voice and perspective.
You can find Monica online in these places: