Taking the Pressure Off: An Interview with Tosca Lee

Tosca Lee is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of multiple Christian thrillers and co-author of the Books of Mortals series with New York Times bestseller Ted Dekker. In addition, she may soon have one of her works turned into a TV series. So let’s move on to learn more about why and how she writes.

What made you decide to write suspense thrillers? 

As an author, it’s so fun to pull readers to the edges of their seats. We all remember times we’ve said, “Just one more chapter…” and then suddenly it’s the wee hours (or dawn) and we’ve read far longer than we intended. I love those times—and giving the same kind of excuse to read far too long or late to my readers! 

How much time do you spend researching your stories? 

For the research, it really depends on the book. I’ve spent months and months researching some of my novels, including trips to the locations (as for Iscariot and The Progeny/Firstborn, my most recent duology). 

Have you ever found something especially surprising in doing research?

And I think one of the biggest surprises that happened during my research was for The Progeny when I learned I was distantly related to Elizabeth Bathory--the most prolific female serial killer of all time. Aieee!  

You’ve done multiple books with Ted Dekker. What is that process like?

Each book was different, with the first one taking the longest and the last one taking a very short amount of time (just a few months). Sometimes I wrote the first draft of a chunk of the story. Sometimes we switched off chapters, or characters, or wrote most of a section except the parts we didn’t feel like writing or felt the other person would be stronger at.

I know many authors who have co-authored with others, and it seems that every partnership is different. The most important part of writing in partnership (or any partnership) is knowing your strengths and what you’re each bringing to the table.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

All of it. Just getting that first draft out. It’s such a messy process! Yes, there are occasional moments, pages, or scenes where everything just flows so nicely. But those are definitely the exceptions. Once I get that first draft out and have something to work with, I feel a lot better.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?

I’ve had several different editors in the last few years, though I have one editor friend I always enlist to read my work before I turn it in. He knows my tics so well at this point that I’ve begun to search them out before he sees it. But in general, I’ve learned a great deal about deleting unnecessary stuff. 

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

Letters from readers. Awards are great. Hitting lists is great. But the connection with readers is everything. 

We have all experienced rejection. How have you learned to write past it?

My #1 Rule of Writing: Write like no one will ever read this. Because it completely takes the pressure off.

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing? What frustrated you the most? 

Getting to do this for a living surprises, delights, and humbles me every day. Probably the most frustrating part is just the business side of things—the publishing business is constantly in flux, and many things are outside of your control as an author. 

What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give?

My best advice for writers is to simply finish the work. Don’t keep fixing the beginning, don't worrying about how to market it, get an agent or an editor, or self-publish it until you are done. Finish the book. When you have and while you’re busy trying to publish that first one, write the next.

Are there any other points about writing that you would like to add?

Surround yourself with a cadre of writing friends. Enlist a mentor. Have fun. :) 

What is the next book that will be coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

I’m actually working on a book for writers designed to help them power through fear and finish their projects! I’m hoping to have that out this summer. (So please be sure to sign up for my newsletter for upcoming news on that.)

My next thriller is called The Line Between and is coming out this winter. Synopsis from Goodreads (where I just noticed it’s already up!): 

In this frighteningly believable thriller from New York Times bestselling author, Tosca Lee, an extinct disease re-emerges from the melting Alaskan permafrost to cause madness in its victims. For recent apocalyptic cult escapee, Wynter Roth, it’s the end she’d always been told was coming. 

That’s all for today’s interview. If you’d like to read Tosca’s books and learn about future ones, you can start with her website: www.toscalee.com. You’ll find all kinds of posts about her books and tips on writing, as well as sign up for book updates and her writing newsletter. 

Let's Talk Christmas Books with Beverly Nault

What inspired you to write Christmas Bells?

I wanted to strip the “excesses” from the holiday, and find out what it would be like if everything screeched to a halt, and folks had to focus on the bare minimum instead of the busy-ness. At first, the snowstorm seems like the worst thing that could possibly happen, but when the main character, Grace, gets past the shopping, fancy meals, and even the games and “fun,” she realizes what really matters is simple and pure; relationships with others, and on Jesus’ birth. The peace of the season reigned.

What else will readers find in Christmas Bells?

I sprinkle in humor, faith, then mix in some unexpected, as well as poignant, scenes. Oh, and lots of cooking. Grace is a baker, and she’s always making muffins.

While we’re on that popular subject, between my books and my website, I share many yummy recipes and links to other writers whose cooking I admire. One of my favorite recent discoveries is Moonshine Butterscotch Pecan Pie, from Joanne Bischof, who writes the Cadence of Grace series set in Appalachia. (If you’re opposed to the “likker,” you can leave that out.)

Is there a real Cherryvale?

Only in my head! Seriously, I believe there is a little of “the ‘Vale” in all of us. Cherryvale is a little gentler, a little kinder, and perhaps a bit more quirky than our own community. It’s a place where humans are real, but the problems are real. I believe in telling stories that readers can relate to, enjoy a laugh or two, and walk with someone through a personal journey of discovery. Each book has a theme. In Christmas Bells, putting others’ interests over one’s own comfort is the underlying theme.

I get emails from readers who say they linger in Cherryvale and never want to leave. That encourages me to keep writing more stories about the little town.

This is just one of the books in the Seasons of Cherryvale, what are the others? Do they need to be read in order?

The books can be read in any order without confusion. Fresh Start Summer was the first one I wrote. When a movie unit arrives in Cherryvale, the townies argue over whether or not it’s a good idea to allow their “evil” Hollywood influence. That one’s about how prejudice can swing both ways.

In Grace & Maggie Across the Pond, the main characters travel to England where they end up helping out a friend who needs an extreme makeover for herself, and her entire outlook on life changes. The theme in that one is starting over despite hardship.

In Autumn Changes, we return to Cherryvale for some chaos surrounding the Autumn Festival, and Hearts Unlocked is a sweet Thanksgiving romance novella.

Cherryvale has an interesting feature you call The CherryPath. How did you come up with the idea for The Path?

I wondered what it would like to live in an old fashioned community where people actually knew their neighbors. The CherryPath is an artery that loops through town, stitching lives together. Where people wave to each other from squeaky porch swings through swarms of fireflies while sipping large quantities of tangy-sweet lemonade. Well, you get the picture; Norman Rockwell meets modern suburbia.

When I added the challenge of living with humans “stitched together”, a colorful quilt of characters, the roller coaster rides began! I recently had an illustrator paint an aerial view of Cherryvale, and you can see The Path winding around the locations described in the books. It’s been lots of fun sharing that on my website.

Any parting words?

Bev: Thanks for having me, and I hope you and your readers have a blessed, and very Merry Christmas. I’d love to connect with everyone on my website, blog, and other social spots, and while you’re there, check out what Grace is cooking up next!

To learn more about Beverly and her writing : website  or Facebook