Haitian-born author, Luna Charles’ mission is to motivate and inspire the women around her and women all over the world. Being the eldest of five children from a young age she has known that plenty of dedication and hard work can overcome any struggle put forth before her. Wisdom comes with age, but it can also come by the experience of this thing called life. Deciding to become a writer for the love of the craft and a love of reading, Luna made it her mission to learn the industry’s ins and outs after being turned down by publishing companies. Creating her own company, Hardcastle Enterprises Corporation and releasing her first novel, Men Are Not The Problem, Luna maximized her chances to get her work out there. Upon releasing her second novel, Love, Laugh and Live with Passion, Parlé Magazine was granted the chance to speak with Luna to get in touch with the brains inside the beauty.
Parlé Magazine: How did you get your start?
Luna Charles: I have always written. I came to the US when I was nine from Haiti and I didn’t have many friends. There was a stigma about being Haitian, so I used to always carry around composition notebooks of my writings of what I felt because I had no one to talk to. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to use my talent and pursue writing as a career.
Parlé: How did you get your foot into the door?
Luna Charles: I started my publishing company. I spoke to many agents and they loved what the story was about but they wanted to change certain things and I wasn’t trying to fit the stereotype that they were trying to portray. I researched and decided to start my own publishing company.
Parlé: Was it hard to start your publishing company?
Luna Charles: It wasn’t hard but it was a lot of knowledge that needed to be acquired. It was a lot of late nights and my daughter was just a few months old when I started. It was a lot of legal documents, seminars and talking to people who started their own businesses.
Parlé: What is more difficult, the business side of everything or writing?
Luna Charles: I think the business side is much more difficult because I love writing and carry a journal everywhere I go.
Parlé: What intrigued you about becoming an author?
Luna Charles: I felt I had a story that needed to be told. There were things I was experiencing and I thought if I wrote the book I was sure there were people who felt the same way. I felt I needed to help other people through my writing.
Parlé: Does your upbringing influence your work?
Luna Charles: Yes, when I was younger my mother raised me with a lot of negative reinforcements but I forgive because that was the way she was raised and no one every taught her how to be positive. What I try to bring to my work is the understanding of how people react to their environment.
Parlé: How did it feel to release your first novel? What were your expectations?
Luna Charles: I am an over-ambitious person. I expected my first novel to win a Nobel Peace Prize. You need those kinds of expectations to survive because even if you don’t make it to the other side of the mountain at least you know you’re half way there. It was an immensely fulfilling moment. I went through five years of writing, rewriting and people doubting me that it was a great feeling when I finally released the book.
Parlé: What audience were you trying to reach?
Luna Charles: I wanted to reach women who were going through trying times in their life and they can read the book and say that they can change.
Parlé: Do you want to transcend genres or stay in your lane?
Luna Charles: I always thought I was going to write horror novels but self-help and inspiration came out. What is coming through me is giving women the chance to be inspired and know that they are worth more than they think they are. For now this is the genre I’m going to stick with.
Parlé: Where was your mind state during writing, Love, Laugh and Live with Passion?
Luna Charles: I wrote it for my friends because I was getting a thousand excuses as to why they can achieve and obtain their goals. I wrote the book to help with the follow-through of reaching your goals.Parle: Do you practice what you preach?Luna Charles: Yes, yes I do. I am ridiculously ambitious.
Parlé: What is your ultimate goal?
Luna Charles: My ultimate goal is to be a world-wide bestselling author, a motivational speaker and open up a school in Haiti that focuses on positivity and encouragement that there is more to life.
Parlé: Thank you for your time and good luck on your endeavors!
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