Friends of 'One of a Kind' author Michelle Monkou ask some burning questions

Every day should be one of celebration. Whether it's a tiny treat or massive accomplishment, toss up the confetti and dance with absolute delight. As such, I'm in full party mode for my newest release, One of a Kind, which ushers in a new family series — The Meadows and the backdrop of the Meadows Media company.

By way of introduction to One of a Kind and my writing process, my writer friends have offered a few questions for my consideration. I tried not to pick only the easy ones.

Friend of Michelle: I love the concept of the media dynasty. What inspired you and how did you come up with the Meadows Media idea?

Michelle: With Oprah's success and ongoing legacy still on a high, I often wonder: What is her transition plan? How do you keep an "empire" on a survival path? And also, what is the burden of such a responsibility for the person who does take over? Short answer: No matter how much we think that our life or our abilities are forever, there is the reality that says otherwise.

In One of a Kind, Dana Meadows, the youngest grandchild, is the heir-apparent. This means that the matriarch Grace skipped her daughters and the older cousins to go with the one whom she feels has the knowledge, but also the passion (and guts) to take the business to the next level. Grace knows firsthand that passion carried her through some of the darker days of running the business and raising her family. As a result, sacrifices had to be made. Those life lessons she hopes to pass onto her grandchildren.

Friend of Michelle: There seemed to be a lot of family drama stirring up. I hope this is going to be a family series and if so, which one of the cousins/characters is next? Belinda? Fiona?

Michelle: This is definitely a series about the family. I've committed to writing four books. After they've been released, we'll see if the series will continue. Right now there is a bigger story that spreads throughout the four books centered around Grace's 80th birthday. And the not-so-ideal conditions include that the family is fractured, there are secrets to be uncovered and there is forgiveness to be experienced all before Grace's birthday celebration. Each story occurs over a three-month period leading to the big birthday bash. Next up is Belinda in One to Love.

Friend of Michelle: What kind of research did you do for One of a Kind? What was the most interesting thing you learned?

Michelle: There were snippets of research necessary for various parts of the book. For instance, the running of a media empire with all its various entities, some run as part of the parent company and others take on a more independent culture. Then there is the job of an executive coach who provides not only business-related insight and assistance, but also looks at the personality and mind-set of the client for a well-rounded approach. There were also the little things, like the style of Grace's house. I used George Eastman's (from Eastman Kodak fame) house as the model. But I do tend to go searching for houses on sale because the sites provide pictures of the interior and great views from various rooms. And then I add my touches to make it home for my characters.

The most interesting thing that I've learned is that of my growing desire to live in England. I just have to put a year on it, and go. I'd like to hang out with my family a bit.

Friend of Michelle: I enjoyed the loving relationships between Kent's mother and stepfather and Grace and Henry. Will you consider doing a prequel to show us how Grace and Henry got together and how she started Meadows Media?

Michelle: I'm toying with writing stories for certain characters like Conrad, Agatha, and even Henry and Grace. If and when I do, you'll be the first to know.

Friend of Michelle: What inspired you to make your hero a gorgeous British hunk? Do you have a thing for Brits? Tell the truth: Did you have Idris Elba's sexy accent in your head every time your hero spoke?

Michelle: I'm British-West Indian or a West-Indian Brit … either way, I was born in a London hospital. Both my birth and adoptive parents came from West-Indian heritage. When I write my stories, I think about my life and the many places that I've lived. I think about the romance stories that captured my heart many moons ago and all the places they took me (free of charge, no TSA, and I could keep my tweezers, nail clippers, and have my soda from home). So I will always write about places around the world and a few imaginary spots, too.

I've got a long list of Brit hunks. Idris is up there. But Kent, my hero, was actually modeled after Colin Salmon, who played Charlie Robinson in three James Bond films with a long acting history that goes back to 1992 when he debuted in Prime Suspect 2.

Friend of Michelle: What's the most important thing readers should take away from One of a Kind?

Michelle: That the heart and head don't always have to be at war. When you release the angst and the self-doubt, your path is clearer and less cluttered. Love is free to enter and encouraged to stick around.

And on that note, I'll return to writing up my Monday book recommends. Catch me on Facebook, Twitter (@michellemonkou) and michellemonkou.com.

Here's the blurb about One of a Kind (courtesy of Harlequin Kimani):

She's like no woman he's ever met …

Acting CEO Dana Meadows is being groomed to one day take over her family's multimillion-dollar empire. She doesn't need a perfectionist executive coach to take her through the paces … even if he's the sexiest hunk she's ever laid eyes on. But Kent Fraser isn't taking no for an answer — in business or in pleasure.

Kent's orders were clear: transform Dana into an inspirational leader who sets an example for her employees. But is the fiercely independent heiress apparent tough enough to become a media mogul? And is Kent strong enough to resist the desire that's flowing between them? A tempting passion that could turn their collaboration into a partnership for life …