Meet The Author

Monica De Vargas, in her debut novel, “The Typing Room,” explores an entirely different approach to the world of Alzheimer's patients and the nearly 16 million family caregivers in the United States whose lives are profoundly affected by this disease. "I call it 'A Comedy of Alzheimer's' in a completely respectful way, because the situations I create in the novel – some dramatic, some comical, many magical – were inspired by my mother's own gift for story-telling, sense of humor and dignity as she progressed down this painful path." In this work of literary fiction, Monica writes from the point of view that asks the questions, "What if?" and "Why not?" spurred on by a dream she had six months after her mother's death from a nearly 12 year battle with the illness. "It unveiled itself daily, chapter by chapter, as if I were simply putting down on paper a story already written on my heart." Monica has worked for some of the largest ad agencies in Los Angeles as a self-described "Office Mom." After a thirty year career, she and her husband relocated from Venice Beach to a farm in rural Oklahoma. They now live in Tulsa, with their three canine companions.

1. What do you like best about writing?

I love the freedom to create my own universe and all the people, places and events in it.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

My mother would have said, "Since she could hold a crayon."

Monica De Vargas