Monica M. Brinkman, Author of “The Turn of the Karmic Wheel”

What is your book about?

The Turn of the Karmic Wheel is the theme of good versus evil, with a bit of a twist. It is speculative fiction containing suspense, horror, the paranormal and spirituality, hence the Karma.

Set in a small college town in the Midwest, we follow the characters for one weekend where they will answer to the choices made in their life when Universal Law takes over.

For example, the ‘bad guy’s’ have no idea what is in store for them as they go about their ordinary tasks. Soon that tube of toothpaste, car radio or DVD will become an object of loathing, pain and humility. Voices from no discernable source whisper in their ear, music as dark as midnight surround them, urging them to ignore what is right in front of their face. And this is just the beginning of the physical and mental pain they shall experience at the hands of karma.

We also have the ‘good guy’s’ hearing angelic voices, mystical music and experiencing visions until they can no longer ignore the mission set before them. For these good people now hold the key of releasing the power that can save or destroy those who live by greed.

Moreover, from what source does all this come?

What inspired you to write this particular story?

My main reason was to show others that the acts and deeds you perform in life do mean something. I hear many people say that the greedy are the ones who have everything. However, do they really? What if at this very moment, we had to ‘pay the piper’? What if a person’s true self or soul were exposed for all to see. Would they act differently or continue on the same path?

Tell us a little about your main characters.

Angela Frank, late 20’s, a tiny petite woman is a wife, mother of twin girls, psychiatrist and a very reluctant psychic.

Monty Frank, also late 20’s, is Angela’s husband. Not what you would call handsome being overweight and balding, Monty adores his family so much he keeps his true feelings hidden deep inside his soul. He works at home as a Debt Consolidator.

Euclid Hannigan, Widower, late 50’s with a thick head of gray hair is short and stocky in stature. He speaks with a thick Midwestern accent and is considered, by most, a simple countryman. He also believes he is losing his mind.

Rosie Richards, middle-aged, carrot red hair, extremely overweight is brash in character and with the use of makeup. She is the town’s most profitable Realtor and very self-absorbed.

Karmin Shelton, early 50’s, a bit overweight, frizzy hair, thick glasses and not what most men would find attractive, works as a nurse in the local hospital’s psychiatric ward. She has never been married and performs charitable service on her days off.

Joshua Allen, mid 30’s, black hair, blue eyes, 6’2 and strikingly handsome works in the local bank as an investment broker. He views women as something to use for his own sexual needs and the people of the town as morons. He has it all, looks, the gift of gab, money and prestige.

Who is your most unusual/likeable character?

The most likeable and unusual character would surely be Euclid Hannigan. He is a simple man who at 55 lost his wife and his job at the auto factory. He is boisterous with a great spirit and speaks with a heavy Midwestern accent. Euclid is the neighbor who is always there to assist when needed. He is the solid, likeable grandfather whom the children of the neighborhood adore. His laughter would fill an auditorium and his recent acts would fill your heart with horror and fear. He believes he is losing his mind as the story begins, yet is he?

How long did it take you to write the book?

Writing the book took approximately 6 months but editing took another 3 months, so total would be 9 months to completion.

Is there a message in your writing you want readers to grasp?

Definitely. I want the reader’s to understand each of us is accountable for our own decisions made in life and that these choices affect others lives as well. I also wish to give hope and value to those who are giving and caring; that it does mean something when you make the right choice.

What challenges did you face as you wrote this book?

My main challenge was deciding wither to keep the writing simplistic or not. I opted to write it as I felt it should be written, in a way every person could understand with, hopefully, just the right amount of literary indulgence.

What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day?

I wish. My schedule is quite busy with hosting the Two Unsynchronized Souls radio show which involves reading many author’s books. How I handle my writing schedule is to write when the moment hits. The words and story then easily flow from my fingertips onto the screen. So, some days I’ll write 5,000 words, other days a mere 500 or so.

What are you working on right now?

As far as novels go, I am writing the sequel, ‘The Wheel’s Final Turn.’ If anyone has read the first book, it reeks of a sequel, leaving it open at the very end for yet another adventure. I also write articles, poetry and enter contests to enhance my writing. The more your write, the more you learn.

What words would you like to leave the world when you are gone?

‘Don’t be afraid to be ‘the fool’.

You see, people live their life in fear of what other’s think of them or they put aside their own passions in life and merely ‘get by’. I want people to live their life and not just exist. Quit worrying about what everyone else thinks of you or what you are doing. If you love dancing, then dance. If you enjoy music, then play. The joy in life is entirely up to you.

Thank you.
Monica M. Brinkman,
Author, The Turn of the Karmic Wheel
Into The Tunnel of Darkness
Host of the Two Unsynchronized Souls Radio Show
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http://theturnofthekarmicwheel.blogspot.com