Monique's parents led very interesting childhoods and recount endless stories of their youth. Both parents come from very large families themselves where storytelling was a great pastime. Their background is predominantly French (from France). Monique's beloved husband, Kurt passed away in 2014, the day before his 62nd birthday. Monique's extended Penner family, who share stories of their beginnings in Russia and Ukraine add flare to her tales. She loves to travel and learn about the places she visits. This is where many new ideas for creative writing arise. When Monique isn't thinking up love and adventure in the Nevada historical west, she loves to play Bridge-if she could get paid to play cards, she would do it all day long. She has a unique collection of more than seven hundred Joker and Wild cards from around the world and is always on the lookout for new ones when she travels.