Monica De Armas shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Monica, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think people secretly struggle with the feeling that they’re not enough. It can be in anything, like not being successful enough, not attractive enough, not smart enough, not “together” enough. Social media and societal expectations make it seem like everyone else has their life perfectly figured out, but behind closed doors, many are carrying anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of failure. It’s something rarely said out loud because we’re afraid of being seen as weak, but the truth is that silent comparison and pressure weigh heavily on a lot of us.
One of my blogs, “A Cubanita’s Travel Guide to Europe: Does Travel Therapy Actually Work?” I talk about how TikTok sometimes glamorizes travel therapy, and I wrote a particular line that says, “Social media does a good job of painting traveling as a great way to heal. Yet, the reality is you can feel more broken and even more lost than before embarking on that plane, train, or bus.” Never compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own story.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Monica De Armas, a Cuban-American fantasy author and educator from Miami. I recently released my debut novel, Dream into Amethyst, the first book in a planned trilogy set in the magical world of Gemma. The series blends lore, dragons, grief, and girlhood into a story that’s both escapist and deeply personal.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding the world of Gemma in future books, building my author brand around whimsical fantasy with emotional depth, and connecting with readers who, like me, have used imagination as a lifeline. I’m also passionate about being part of Miami’s growing literary scene. While Miami isn’t traditionally known as a literary city, I believe we’re on the rise, and I want to help build that momentum by uplifting local voices, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Whether through teaching, writing, or community events, my goal is always the same: to inspire others to believe in the power of stories, especially their own.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a quiet dreamer with a loud imagination, a little girl who believed in dragons, talked to the moon, and found magic tucked between the pages of library books. I felt everything deeply and clung to stories because they made me feel safe, seen, and understood. Unfortunately, life forced me to grow up fast. I had a turbulent childhood that demanded strength and survival. But even then, I never stopped believing in magic. That belief carried me, and it still does. It’s the heart of everything I write.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: Everything will be okay. I wish I could shield her from some of the pain and trauma she had to endure, but I’d also remind her that those experiences, though heavy, will shape her into someone strong, compassionate, and creative. She won’t stay stuck in the darkness. One day, she’ll turn it into light.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that everyone had good intentions and that if I treated people with kindness, they’d do the same in return. I still have hope for humanity, and I’ll always believe that people have the potential to be good. But life gave me a reality check: not everyone operates from a place of love or truth. As a friend once told me, “Reality is often stranger than fiction,” and I’ve come to understand just how true that is. The world can be harsh, and some people are capable of cruelty or manipulation. It doesn’t mean I’ve lost my compassion, but I’ve learned to protect my peace and trust my intuition.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What light inside you have you been dimming?
The light I’ve been dimming is my voice as a writer. I’ve been so afraid of people reading my novel and not liking it, like bad reviews, of criticism, of not being “good enough.” I’ve learned, though, that writing is deeply personal and completely subjective. Not everyone will connect with my story, and that’s okay. What matters is that it’s mine and it was told the way I needed to tell it. Imposter syndrome hit hard once people actually started buying my book, and I realized how much I had been holding back out of fear. But I’m learning to own my voice, stand in my truth, and let my light shine anyway.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://readmdearmas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readmdearmas/
- Twitter: @readmdearmas
- Other: Tik Tok: Monnyroxs
Image Credits
Natasha Perez for the professional photos: https://travelwithnat.co/photography
