When I first started writing Mr. Monkey Loves You, I had my dad in mind from the very beginning. I wanted to capture something about him in the story.
My dad is one of those larger-than-life people. He doesn’t always say the right thing or show love in the “right” ways, but you know deep down that he’d do absolutely anything for you. Growing up, I always knew he loved me to death. Still, I often felt like he loved me in the way he thought was best, not necessarily in the way I needed or wanted.
That difference stuck with me. I’ve always believed that the best way to love someone is to love them the way they want to be loved. That belief became the heart of the story.
When the book was done, I gave it to my dad and told him, "It’s kind of about you." He read it and guffawed, then said: "See? Because of me, you ended up writing a real good story. So being the way I am, it’s not all bad." And he was right. In his own way, he gave me the perfect inspiration.
So for anyone out there who’s in love or wants to be, here’s what I’ve learned: respect the person you love and ask how they want to be loved. Please don’t assume, but communicate because that’s love, too.
Which is what I'm doing with you all right now: communicating. I can't wait to come back and communicate with you more. Until then.
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