Welcome to Readers Write to Know! I asked you, my readers, what questions they would ask their favorite authors if given the chance, and the authors visiting my blog answered them! This week, I’m pleased to have fellow Inspy Romance contributor Toni Shiloh as my guest. It’s always fun to have someone I interact with regularly as my guest here, because it’s like I get a chance to show off my friends. I hope you enjoy her interview as much as I did. Read on to see how you can enter to win a set of five Christmas wedding stories!
Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m a native Texan who now lives in northern Virginia. I’ve been married for fifteen years and we have two awesome young men we’re raising. If I’m not writing, then I’m probably reading or playing video games with the fam.
Tell us about your current release. Something Borrowed is a novella collection of 5 Christmas wedding stories. My novella, All the Moore, features Leilah Anderson and Reggie Moore. Leilah and Reggie met online playing video games. Leilah loves the anonymity of online presence because she can be herself and not be judged or pitied for being in a wheelchair. Reggie is intrigued by her and once he meets her face to face, wants a romantic relationship. But they’re thousands of miles apart. And oh yeah, Reggie has no clue of Leilah’s disability.
If you knew ahead of time your book would benefit only one person on their spiritual journey, would you still write it? Without a doubt. It’s actually a question I answered early in my career after attending a writing conference where this was the subject.
What do you think is lacking in Christian Fiction? Nothing. And the reason I say that is because there are a vast array of authors who all bring something different to their writing which covers the spectrum. So if someone wants to read a lighthearted romance for entertainment purposes, there are those. If someone wants something with heavier topics, that can be found too. Do I believe there are more of one particular issue could be more prevalent, yes. And I’m doing my part in bringing more diversity to the genre.
With all those characters in your head screaming to get out how do you write fast enough to get it all down? I don’t, lol! I have a file of ideas with characters who wish to become a reality. What I do is write the characters who are screaming the loudest.
Who was your first Screen/Musical Crush? Probably Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block. I remember having their tape, listening to it on my boombox, and wearing their t-shirts and singing loudly (and most likely, very badly).
Do you have your plotline and character development already laid out before you begin writing a book, or do they develop as you write? I know my characters before I start writing. I try and figure out as many details about them before I start writing. Sometimes little things pop up as I write and I learn more about them. As for plot, HA!!!, I have no idea other than it will end in a happily ever after.
Do you have pre-determined length in mind when you first begin a book? Always. Once the idea pops in my head, I know what length I want to make it. And I write accordingly.
Who were some of your favorite authors as a child? I read so many series as a child. Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew & the Hardy Boys, Baby Sitter’s Club, Sweet Valley High, and many more.
Here is where you can find Toni online:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorToniShiloh/
Toni is giving away an ebook to a reader! See below how to enter to win:a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Toni is such a joy! Love her spirit and her writing.
Thanks, Teresa!
First of all, I love the book cover! So clean and eye catching! Second, we read all the same books growing up! The Babysitters Club were my favorite!
Weren’t they the best?
I am excited to check this out: Christian fiction + gaming = a great story!
Rebekah recently posted…Rebekah Reads: Stronger Together, Weaker Apart Powerful Prayers to Unite us in Love by Tony Evans – Book Review
Thanks, Rebekah!
What was your favorite childhood book?
I’m not sure I could just pick one.
I love how Toni state nothing is missing from Christian fiction, there is something for eveyone!
I really enjoy all the authors featured in this collection so I’m really looking forward to this one. Thanks for the chance to win!
Good luck!
I find it fascinating that you know the length of the book, but not the plot; but it obviously works for you!
Lol, yeah I’m an odd ball. 🙂
I enjoyed this interview and getting to know you better.
What a fantastic interview. I love the sound of Toni’s new book too!