Book 3 in the 21 Tattoos Series
Speculative Fiction; Visionary and Metaphysical; Christian Fiction
Date Published: September 17, 2025
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
How far will a man go to save his very soul?
Derek Hollinger has walked a long, hard road since a fateful encounter with an
Indigenous shaman woman turned his life upside down. Now married to Kendal,
his angel and savior, Derek desperately wants to be the man she deserves. But
his obsession with his tattoos—what they mean and how to get rid of
them—is tearing down everything they’ve built together.
Paralyzed by depression and self-loathing, Derek is convinced that only one
person can help him now: the granddaughter of the shaman whose power inked him
from head to toe. Enlisting the aid of his loyal friend and spiritual advisor,
Father Mike, Derek treks deep into the heart of the Amazon jungle, where a
final reckoning between good and evil awaits.
But God’s plan for Derek isn’t what he expects. And coming back
alive—whole in mind, heart, and spirit—will require every ounce of
his fortitude and faith.
Interview
Can you tell us a little about the process of getting this book published? How did you come up with the idea, and how did you start?
I began by researching everything related to the process of publishing my book. I also went to writer conferences and joined writers’ clubs and associations. I joined Toastmasters for three years to develop my ability to speak intelligently and fluently with confidence. I practiced my elevator pitch. When I met my publisher, the first question was “So what is your book about?” I was prepared. I answered with confidence. I had the answers to all her questions. I had thought about, written about, and spoken about my book. My first pitch was a home run. The idea of 21 Tattoos had been with me most of my life. I recall an advertisement for the Outer Limits on TV for "The Illustrated Man" by Ray Bradbury. The music was a shrill thriller, and it stayed with me. I never saw the show but the impact was with me. As time went on and tattoos became more popular, I would see people starting to adorn their bodies with tattoos. I kept asking the question, “What would make someone do that to themselves?” That took me on a deep dive into the psychology behind tattoos and their meanings. I incorporated that into a story about a man, a plastic surgeon, whose business is beauty, waking up covered head to toe in tattoos, and a book was born.
What surprised you most about getting your book published?
Once it was published, it made me feel like I was truly an author. It granted me the sense of legitimacy
Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t writing.
My husband and I enjoy traveling. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, as well as working for our family business. I am a member of ACFW and serve as the treasurer of our local chapter. I serve on the board of the local Newcomers Club and occasionally write articles for a local magazine.
As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?
My first book signing. It solidified my position as an author.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?
My inspiration comes from life. I'm analytical by nature—certified in Life Coaching, actually. When something captures my attention, I find myself digging through every layer, examining it from all angles until its true nature reveals itself to me. These revelations inevitably find their way into my writing.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
Your book doesn’t sound very interesting to me. I don’t want to read about tattoos. I explain to them that the book is ultimately about recovering from trauma and self-discovery, not tattoos.
What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?
Meeting wonderful, caring, and generous people who are so willing to support my writing. I have found a community of kindred spirits whose encouragement has sustained my creative journey beyond what I could have achieved alone.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Right now, I have three. But I have outlines for many, many more. Whenever I have an idea for a book, I name it and create a quick outline, so I always have material to start new projects.
About the Author
Monica Broussard
Writer, speaker, and certified life coach Monica Broussard is passionate about
writing fiction that contains fantasy elements and keeps the reader intrigued
about the lead character’s motives. She also writes an occasional
article for her hometown’s magazine, SeaCliff Living. She belongs to
American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and enjoys attending national
writers' conferences.
Born in North Carolina on a Marine Corps base, Monica now lives in “Surf
City,” Huntington Beach, California, with her husband of thirty-nine
years. She has enjoyed various occupations, but her favorite job is the one
she’s doing now—writing.
The 6th Heaven is book 3 in the 21 Tattoos Series.
Contact Links
Author Website
FB: MonicaBroussard
IG: @monicabroussardauthor
Purchase Links
Amazon
B&N
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