Born and raised in Tampa, Florida Ebonee Monique was the baby of her family and the apple of her parent’s eyes. Always being an outgoing individual Ebonee was quick to make friends and memories out of any situation. Born with an outstanding vocabulary and imagination it wasn't a surprise when the, then, 5-year old Ebonee wrote her first book titled: "Goldie the Goldfish" for her kindergarten class. "I
don't necessarily think all writers are born with the passion and desire to be writers- - you know, some are taught- but I know I was born with this." With her grandmother and mentor, Margaret Naomi Curle, already a published poet and author Ebonee drew on the guidance placed before her. "I saw what she went through and I saw the obstacles she had in her way and I made mental notes; I wanted to make sure I learned from her in every way." Throughout elementary, middle, high school and college Ebonee continued penning soul-stirring, personal, humorous and deep poems that she often only shared with friends and family members. It wasn't until her sophomore year in college, at Florida A&M University, that she woke up one night with a story to tell and a blank computer screen. "I can remember the day I started my first story like it was yesterday; it was a nagging feeling; it was almost like I couldn't ignore it." And ignore it she didn't. In the confined spaces of a dormitory Ebonee began writing her first novel titled "One Last Try". Five years, a degree in public relations, a dabble in radio and the purchase of a home later, her first fiction novel, "Suicide Diaries" will finally hit readers hands and hearts February 2009. Along with her grandmother, the author drew from people close to home in order to keep her motivated. "Both of my parents were successful in their fields (Dad is ex-NFL player Council Rudolph)" Ebonee says pausing as if to reflect on her parents Council and Anne Rudolph. "Between the sacrifices and challenges that my parents- and grandparents- endured, I didn't really have a choice on whether or not to pursue my dream; they laid the blue print and who was I not to take the chance and run with it?" Ebonee says growing up in Tampa gave her the inspiration to follow her dreams of writing. "I saw so many of my peers who were scared of what they could do and what they could accomplish that I wanted to set out and say "Look it's okay to leave the nest and do what makes you happy". But I love Tampa to this day!" The 26 year old author is elated at the feedback she's received from numerous people who've given the book reviews. "I'm not one of those people who gets angry with negative reviews...it only makes me better and tunes me into what my people want to read." With a total of 10 books, not counting "Suicide Diaries", lined up to be written, the energetic music enthusiast is confident that people will be able to recognize the blood, sweat and tears that are in this book. "I didn't grow up in the hood so I'm not going to front like I did; write a "hood anthem book" just to make a quick buck." Ebonee says referring to the ever growing number of authors penning the trendy "Urban Lit". "It's not a knock on those that do it- because I have read some really, really good 'hood novels. But I've got to stay true to who I am and where I've been." She says confidently. "What I can write about is real-life as I see it and that's girlfriends, men, work, sex, music and drama!" Ebonee laughs. "I can guarantee the drama!"
Who I'd like to meet: You, if you give me the chance!
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