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| Author Toni Shiloh |
Why is A Life to Live dear to your heart? It’s the first novel I ever completed. The sense of
accomplishment I felt was overwhelming. To see it in print is a reminder that
dreams can come true.
Tell us a little about
who you are. How would you define yourself?
A wife and mom. I’ve been married for ten years and a mother for almost eight.
These relationships have changed me, made me a better person. My goal every day
is to be the best wife and mother my family could ask for.
This is the best goal a
woman with family can have. What do you hope readers will take away from this
book? That forgiveness is
necessary for ourselves as well as for others. It causes such heart ache and
turmoil, but if we let God help us forgive we will experience a freedom only a
forgiving heart brings.
How would
you rate this book: G, PG, or PG 13? And tell us why. I would
rate this PG because it has adult subject matter. There’s no obscene language
and there is a kiss or two in the book.
What keeps you the most
humble as a writer? Keeping God as
the focus of my writing. I want to glorify God and use stories to help others
see Him in new ways.
Is your writing journey
as you envisioned it? If not, how is it different? That’s a great question. I don’t think I had a lot
of expectations on my writing journey, even so, it has been an eye opening
experience. There’s so much that goes on beyond writing the book.
What motivates you to
get out of bed and head to your keyboard?
The characters in my head. They keep
talking to me until their story is done.
Those pesky characters!
What have you learned recently about yourself, and how has it affected your
writing? I’m a passive person and keep things bottled
in sometimes. I learned recently about having an active voice and the
importance of letting yourself be heard. The great thing about writing is it
allows me to be uninhibited with my thoughts and share some things I believe.
What
gives you the most satisfaction in your writing—besides "The End,"
that is? Having someone tell me
they like it. I know that may seem like a simple answer, but having people from
all walks of life tell you your story touched their heart…there’s nothing
better than that.
Oh, I so
agree, Toni. What sparks your
creativity when feeling drained?
Music! I love music and I listen to it while I write. Sometimes the song’s
words will fuel me and keep me going.
Tell us a few things
about yourself some folks may not know. My first duty station when I served in the Air
Force was in England. My first day there, my fellow Airmen (aka coworkers) took
me to dinner to introduce me to everyone. I met my husband that day and we’ve
been together ever since. The only problem with my husband is that he’s a
Saints Fan. As a die hard Cowboys fan, there is a little tension during football
season. Our boys have chosen sides so our house is divided in the fall and
somehow it still stands.
Who was the greatest
influence for you as a writer? Oh, wow. There are so many great authors out there. Strictly
romance wise…Becky Wade. Her writing grips your heart and doesn’t let go until
your finish. Every novel I hope to do the same for my readers and to improve.
Thanks for the tip. I’ll look up Becky
Wade’s books. How did your writing career begin and how long did it take to
publish your first book? It started while I was getting my degree in
English. I took a creative writing class and my professor was so encouraging. I
have always loved reading and thought I could write a story, but her
encouragement turned my thought into a dream and dream into a reality. In 2014
I made a New Year’s resolution to finish a novel—something I had never done
before. I accomplished my goal and self-published it March 2015.
What
parting wisdom do you wish to give those of us not book published? Don’t give
up. If God has placed a story on your heart, write it. If it helps just one
person, entertains another, then it’s a success.
Author bio –
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer.
She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an Air Force
veteran, and a member of the body of Christ.
She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their
two boys. She likes to volunteer at her children’s school. When she’s not
writing, she’s reading. An avid reader of Christian fiction, she writes reviews
on her blog and enjoys helping other authors find readers.
She self-published a Christian contemporary romance novella, A Life to Live, and is at work writing her next novel.
Book Blurb –
Mia is headed to the famed Nottingham for a month long
vacation. She never imagined she’d run into her high-school sweetheart
thousands of miles away from her home town. Why would God throw them back
together?
Caleb always regretted the way things ended with his
high-school girlfriend, Mia. After a chance encounter in the streets of
Nottingham, Caleb feels God is giving him a second chance to right the wrongs
he committed. Unbeknownst to him, Mia has secrets that may require his
forgiveness. Will her past overshadow his wrongs? As Mia and Caleb work through old hurts and broken hearts
will they let the blessing of forgiveness redeem their relationship?
Buy links – e-Book version available for .99 cents until Valentines Day
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/jb3r3pt
Social media links –
Website: http://tonishiloh.weebly.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tonishiloh
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonishiloh
Blog I’m part of: http://puttingonthenew.com
Thank you for joining us here at Feature Friday, Toni.
Until next time . . . let's all read an inspirational book.
Thanks so much for having me, Jean!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Toni. It is my pleasure.
ReplyDeleteI am sure i am going to read this one.....
ReplyDelete