Monique grew up in a small town in rural Australia, where the summers were hot and dry, and the winters were mild. Her childhood was spent devouring books and making up fictitious stories which rarely seemed to end.
Through high school, Monique would fill sheets of paper with angst-ridden words, many of which ended up burned to ash in the living room fireplace. Twenty years later, she thinks she’s finally starting to understand the importance of sharing what we write.
After finishing high school, Monique moved to Melbourne and somehow acquired a Law Degree which she no longer uses. In 2004, despite that fact that she had never before in her life seen snow, she worked a ski season in the United States where she met her husband Michael. Their shared love of travel ultimately led them to accept the completely outlandish offer to move to West Africa – an arrangement where, for 12 weeks every year, they are free to travel the world.
The pieces you will find in the Hutch wander the spectrum between autobiographical and creative non-fiction. Each piece, regardless of style, length or content, has been cultivated from something real – some mere observations, others personal experience and even a few deep dark truths.
In addition to reading and writing, Monique enjoys exploring new places and drinking wine with family and old friends. She hopes you enjoy your time in the Hutch.