Official Interview: Monica Omorodion Swaida

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features Monica Omorodion Swaida author of They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself, an upcoming book of the month.

View the Official Review

View Kindle edition on Amazon

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1. Who has been your biggest influence?

There are various, but I love self-made people. People who make things out of mostly nothing. Those who see the possibilities in everything they come across. I believe anyone can be influential if they stand out and do whatever works without hurting others to get to their goals.

2. What does your writing environment look like?

My best environment is in my bedroom at night. I am in my best state of mind at night when the world is most quiet.

3. Let's discuss your book They love you until you start thinking for yourself. Why did you decide to write your story?

In my book, I talked about going to look for my mother in New York. She was lost among others during 9/11. Her plane landed thankfully that morning, but because of the chaos of the world that day, she was lost there, and we found her 3 days later. The fear of never seeing my mom again and the fact that she would have left with no memories inspired me to one day tell my story for people to know and hopefully learn from. I have lived in over 14 countries and learnt so much. I grew up fast and I felt I have so much to share with my peers or those who have a mind to hear an alternative perspective point of view instead of the same old, same old story. My hope is to motivate others to dare and think of alternatives, to motivate others and to keep hope alive.

4. What was the most difficult part of writing your story?

Talking about my private life to the world.

5. At 17, you moved away from home to another country. What was the biggest culture shock?

The weather. I came out in the winter.

6. In the book you talk about race and segregation, in your opinion, what's the biggest racial issue we face today?

The fact that people use the color of their skin as a tool for division. Many want to move forward, but the world most times finds it profitable to make race an issue, hereby creating division. The best way to move forward in life is by focusing on love, respect, and acceptance. The best way to move forward is to stop talking about it and use it as a tool like race-baiting.

7. The book talks about your growth and resilience despite the odds. What was the biggest lesson you learned?

I learn from mentors. I agree with myself that there is no one out there to help me if I can't help myself first. For people to trust me, I must be coachable and understand first that cash is king. Without your own money, most will not believe in whatever you are selling. It all comes down to discipline.

8. What's next for you?

There are so many things on my plate as a multitasker. I am working currently on season 2 of my documentary Tales of Our Legends on Amazon and working on a new film. Book number 2 is cooking also. I am excited for the future.

I like to end with fun questions.

9. What's your favorite quote or motto?

Fake it until you make it.

10. What historical figure would you most want to meet?

Jesus Christ. I have so many questions.

11. What one article of clothing would you not want to live without?

None. There is nothing like freedom! Hahaha.

12. How do you unwind?

Watching Victorian movies.

[Gershon Allah]

The best way to move forward is by loving each other no matter the colour

[Gershon Allah]

As a human you are to learn from people because no one is going to help you unless you help yourself, sometimes you are to talk about your private life for people to learn from

[Online book club 10]

This is very helpful information

[Shubhangini Verma]

As i can read you've faced alot of things and it's difficult for you to open up about your personal life amd you wanted to motivate people in life that's a really sweet thing to do and I'd love to read more about ur work

[Fedorah]

Indeed one have to fake it until it becomes real......

[Danielle Steckbauer]

Sometimes, convincing ourselves that we can and will be successful (in my personal experience anyway) is the EXACT motivation/what it takes to push ourselves to the point of success!

Fake it until you make it!

is a much deeper quote than I feel many people take or view it as!

Also, choosing to share your experiences and intimate details about your personal life (with the intent or in hopes of helping, inspiring, spreading knowledge, love, kindness, etc.) with others, although it's very difficult at times; I believe is one of the most freeing and rewarding things someone can do! Showing others that no matter how alone they may feel in any given situation, good or bad. There is someone who has either, been there and fought through those days to a better time, or is currently feeling/dealing with those same things. Those are the things that make us all human and what connects use all! I thoroughly, enjoyed this interview and have your book on the top of my "To Read" list!

[nyalaziruth]

I find you inspiring and a daring soul

[Blessed Hope]

haha It's kind of hilarious to know your favorite quote is fake it till you make it . Racism is quite an emotive issue. You just have to remember the story of George Floyd and how senseless the murder was . Martin Luther King Jr was quite right, when he said nobody should be judged by the color of his skin instead by the content of their character.

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

I just love Monica's positive attitude to life. I just finished reading her book, what a journey.