Biography

My earliest memory of writing is about age 6. My older brother, Kevin Sharrock, began writing mystery stories in which he played the lead character. His name was Detective Sharrocko. Being the annoying little sister that I was, I firmly believed that I could do anything he could do – even better. So I began writing my own mysteries. Since he was

already using our last name, he forbade me from using it or any variation of it. Needlesstosay, I was heartbroken, believing that since my heroine wouldn’t have a name as cool as his, I had already failed. He took pity on me and not only gave me a name, but introduced me into one of his stories. With his blessings, I set out to write my “spin-off” of the "Detective Sharrocko Series" and, thus, "The Adventures of Ms. Monica" (my middle name) was born.

I wrote dozens of mysteries and even long after Detective Sharrocko had retired his pen, I continued writing. In the second grade I entered my first essay contest entitled, “If I Were A Congress Person…”. I won first prize, was pictured in the New York Daily News and was awarded at a special ceremony by then Bronx Congressman, Herman Badillio. From that day forward, my pen became my sword, my solace and my salvation.

For me, writing is just plain fun. I enjoy inventing people, placing them in situations which are at times precarious, or at the least, challenging, and at the end, delivering them. I do it almost by rote. I have no control over the stories and characters which creep into my head and feel it’s my duty to find a home for them. The bonus of writing is the fact that every now and then something I write about, some character I develop, will touch someone’s life. It may make them think, feel or act, which is truly the icing on an already delicious cake. I recognize that my ability to spin a tale is a gift and I thank the Creator every day for it.

While perfecting my craft, I have spent the last 15 years working as a legal secretary for prominent New York City law firms. I am currently a high school English teacher and am loving every minute of it. I am a wife and mother of two beautiful children. In my spare time I serve as a member of the National Council of Negro Women. In addition, I am part owner of my family’s restaurant, Nana’s, where we specialize in Southern and Jamaican Cuisine www.eatatnanas.com. With the newly recognized title of author to add beside my name, I have truly realized my dreams.