1672: Medieval Adventure Novels and Poetry with Stewart T. Monti Sr.

Meet Stewart T. Monti Sr., a prolific author whose background includes graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, flying C-130s for 2,000 hours, and earning two master’s degrees. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, he shares how a love of storytelling led him to write historical fiction, poetry, and books that encourage readers to believe in themselves. The Sir Edward Saga began with stories Monti wrote for his son’s Dungeons & Dragons games. Those early ideas grew into Mary and Sir Edward, a tale set in 12th-century England about a courageous young girl who helps a wounded knight. Mary’s compassion leads her family into danger and sets in motion events that shape the future, showing how one good deed can have far-reaching effects. Monti says the story blends medieval adventure with historical inspiration and the Golden Rule. After the book attracted interest from a Canadian company that developed a screenplay adaptation and producer pitches, advice to write a sequel helped the saga expand. In Hillary and Sir Edward, Mary’s daughter Hillary grows up learning to cook and sew as well as blacksmithing, riding, and swordsmanship. When Sir Edward needs a page, Mary suggests Hillary, who disguises herself as a boy and begins training at King Henry II’s castle. Hillary’s journey challenges expectations about what girls could do in medieval England and celebrates courage, skill, and determination. She later rides in a jousting tournament in Sir Edward’s place when he is ill. The story also draws on the historical conflict between Henry II and his sons, as Hillary helps defend the king and is made a knight. Monti describes the book as an inspiring adventure for young readers who want to pursue what they believe they can accomplish. Its message is that, with self-belief and persistence, people can find a path toward goals others may consider impossible. https://youtu.be/l42Ri5qDLC0?si=hblB2i9m269OvNC5 The third installment, Hillary on Crusade, follows the young knight Hillary and her squire Geoffrey as they join Richard the Lionheart on the Third Crusade. Monti says he is finishing the book for the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany, scheduled for October 7–11, and that Chinese and Spanish translations and audiobook editions are planned. His collection 135 Poems for Today brings together poetry about everyday life, faith, love, birthdays, pets, occupations, and other subjects. Monti shares that he began writing poems for a men’s prayer group and also gathered poems to share through his Lions Club service. He reads a poem about the work and commitment of police officers, illustrating how his writing reflects people’s lives and service. The conversation also covers his marketing efforts, from YouTube and Facebook to billboards, conventions, and book fairs, including a recent showcase in Beijing. Readers can find information about the books, trailers, merchandise, and social media through Monti’s author website and look for his work at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Frankfurt Book Fair display from Explora. Quotes: “If you believe in yourself, you can do it. That is what is important. Find the way to make it happen. Find the path that works for you.” “Sometimes one good decision can create consequences far greater than we ever imagined, even changing the course of history.” “I just enjoy poetry, and I like to write poems for people. It’s just a little knack I have, I guess.” Contact Details: Discover the Stories Behind the Poetry: Explore Stewart’s Books Follow Stewart T. Monti Sr. on Instagram for Poetry, Stories, and Inspiration Join Stewart T. Monti Sr. on Facebook for Stories, Poetry, and Life’s Deeper Moments Mary and Sir Edward on Amazon Hillary and Sir Edward: A Steadfast Narrative for Readers of All Ages on Amazon Mary and Sir Edward: A Medieval Narrative for Readers of All Ages on Amazon