Can you share the inspiration behind the Billionaire Blind Dates series and specifically how you came up with names and the storylines? With your latest novel, Ryker what sparked the idea and motivated you to start writing it?
I wanted to branch out with this series and make it bigger, something more than small town romances. When it came to Ryker, I enjoyed getting to spin their romance through the first three books and build up to their story. It was fun to have two established characters get to have their HEA together.
Can the novels in the series stand alone?
Yes, it’s best to read them in order to maintain the backstory, but each can be read alone.
Authors often draw from personal experiences or interests in their work. Is there a particular aspect of your life or passion that influenced the themes or characters in your novel?
Part of why I wanted to create the billionaire series is as a stretch for me as I don’t know any, sadly. I think the underlying characteristics of the character are pulled from myself or my experiences, definitely not all of it, but I try to weave what I can in.
You have several series, how do you maintain creativity and avoid mixing them up as well as the potential burnout, or writer’s block or fatigue?
I have several notebooks and apps that I use to keep my characters and settings as straight as possible. I also work on more than one story at a time to help combat fatigue and writer’s block. It allows me to flip between stories when I am stuck on one. I think it’s helped me a lot.
Many authors have unique writing rituals or habits. Could you describe your writing process? How do you get into the right mindset to bring your stories to life?
I do best on a deadline. My favorite way to write is a sprint with a set time. It gives my mind a chance to focus and I know that in 30 minutes I am going to take a break and then start again.
Writing styles can evolve over time. How do you think your writing has changed or developed since your first novel, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
I believe it’s become a little more polished and thought through. I am plotting more and I have a goal with each section. You’d have to check with my editor but I think I’ve cleaned up some of the grammatical errors that had become a habit, lol!
Writing a novel requires consistency and dedication. What keeps you motivated to stay on track with your writing goals, especially during challenging moments?
This goes back to my deadlines. The way I work on a deadline is so much better. I need the pressure and that helps me be motivated. Some deadlines are self-created, some are to get to the editor, or maybe finish edits, they don’t have to be release deadlines for me. I actually have 2 edited works that are completed and I haven’t even created a release plan for them yet.
The publishing industry is dynamic and constantly changing. Can you share your experience navigating the process of getting your novel published and any advice for aspiring authors in today’s market?
I would say do your research first and don’t just go for it. Look into all the steps before you start and create a plan. I honestly went in blind and did some things that I would change if I had to do it over again.
What advice can you give upcoming writers when they start to doubt themselves and their abilities. What strategies do you use to keep the momentum and creative flow moving?
Write your story. You can worry about everything else later, but nothing can happen without the story. Also do the writing your way, if plotting works for you, great! If it doesn’t, that’s great too! There’s no right or wrong way to start.
I want to thank Toni for taking the time to answer my questions. She has pique my interest in her Billionaire Blind Dates series. There will definitely be a follow up interview as her responses have created a few more questions! Stay tuned!
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