Blog Archive

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Read in the Genre You Write: Author Interview with Toni Shiloh

My interview today is with Toni Shiloh, who is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel, 
Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love was a 2020 Selah Award finalist. Read on to learn more about how she writes.

What made you decide to write your first romance novel? 
I wanted to finish a story from start to finish. In creative writing classes I took in college, I never finished the stories. Just started them and I wanted to push myself. Writing romance was a no brainer for me because I love everything about love. 😉 

What is the hardest part of writing for you? 
I think the hardest part is revision process. The first draft usually comes easily to me (though I may struggle in the middle). But revising to make it better takes all of my brain power.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?
Oh, good question. I think it depends on the book, it's not something that is the same for each one.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Notes and reviews from readers who see the heart and the message I was trying to convey.

What has surprised  or frustrated you the most in writing/publishing? 
What has surprised me the most is how badly I wanted to stick with it despite early frustrations, rejections, setbacks, etc.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
That my craft would improve with each book. I think knowing that might have made me start writing sooner.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Don't give up if this is your passion! Keep reading, keep learning, and keep writing.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Read in the genre you want to write it and see what works and what doesn't then put your own spin on it.

What is the next book coming out? 
I have two collections I'm in this summer, Once Upon a Summer and Always a Wedding Planner.

If you'd like to learn more about Toni's books and writing journey, use one of these links!

Website: tonishiloh.com 

2 comments:

  1. I appreciate your books Toni. I always have a hard time starting a paper.

    ReplyDelete