In my conversation with Monica Thomas, I started with the dreaded interview question: “So tell me about yourself!” Many apologies. It may be the worst question to lead with, although my intention was to let the conversation flow naturally. I find how a person chooses to first describe themselves can be telling about what matters most to them.

Monica led their introduction with a lovely family history: how her mother and father met when her father, a Milwaukee native,  was in the Air Force stationed in Japan. They were married in Japan, and later built a life together in nearby Oak Creek, WI. She included how she now owns and lives in the same home she grew up in as a child—”the memories are so lush of the past and [I love] being able to make new ones [in the space]”.

There’s something alluring about her story, as if creatively and carefully written by Monica herself. She also brings so much wisdom and reflection into every conversation; I particularly loved her insight on household chores and often leaving things just slightly unfinished—”I’m superstitious in ways; unfinished business is the guarantee for tomorrow.”

Monica is filled to the brim with rich stories, some highlighting their most prized moments: raising a beloved daughter and having completed her Bachelor’s degree in English after a nearly 20 year gap. She tells of her pride and excitement of having her daughter in the audience as she crossed the graduation stage.

Monica found volunteering when her daughter attended school in the inner city. Rather than make the commute back home to Oak Creek, she discovered opportunities to give her time and energy to things she believed in. From her, she began growing a sense of priority in her work and began “walking the walk” of someone who cared. It was around this time that Monica started to connect with Ex Fabula.

She joined the fellowship cohort of 2015-16, and has since become a regular volunteer and a storytelling coach.

MC: Monica, what led you to become involved with Ex Fabula?

MT: “I originally signed up to get an idea of how things worked [from the inside]. I also wanted to add myself into the community as a part of what makes people feel welcome here. Because I bring a mix of all that I am, I can help people make them feel like we all belong.

MC: And have you learned since becoming a part of the Ex Fabula community?

MT: “I learned to tell my story with confidence.”

MC: Do you remember your first story on stage?

MT: It’s blurry, but I do remember just shaking in my boots. I believe that when things are frightening, in a good way, it’s a call to develop yourself in that direction.

MC: I totally agree!

Since then, her confidence in her stories has only grown, both on and off stage. Monica’s creativity shines brightly through her artistic ventures, and even in her home decor! During our conversation, I noticed the wall behind them displaying colorful typewriters of all sizes. Monica is a literary artist, a lover of creative writing, poetry, and fiction. Her work leans towards the conceptual, always containing some element of “why.” They often ask themself “Why did I need to [create that]? What if I explore that a little more?”

She’s currently expressing her art through a number of different projects: co-editing the Tabi Po Literary Journal, working on a feature film, and collaborating with her daughter for her first time vending at Milwaukee Zine Fest. Monica says “things keep falling into place.” She expressed her dream of forever freelancing; “I feel so lucky, so freeing [to be able to do my art], and I welcome the challenge to see what happens next.”

Ex Fabula is so lucky to have Monica in our community. Her kindness, selflessness, and willingness to learn only elevate our mission to connect Milwaukee through storytelling.