Interview with Romance Writer Toni Blake

Toni Blake was born in 1965 in Covington, Kentucky. Toni Blake has penned numerous short stories. One of which got her a nomination for the prestigious Pushcart Prize in 1996.

In 1998, Toni sold her first three novels, all romantic comedies, to Kensington's Precious Gems line. She was featured as an "up and coming author" in the 1999 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market, and soon after served by special invitation as a writing instructor for Northern Kentucky University. In 2000 she made her first sale to Harlequin Temptation. She then went on to expand into the Harlequin's Duets line. She has also written for Warner Books, NAL/Signet Eclipse and Avon Books.

Her newest book that is currently on the shelves is "One Reckless Summer". The book is a Top 5 Romance of 2009 at Barnes and Noble Review and a 2009 Fave Contemporary Romance in Barnes & Noble Heart to Heart column.

One Reckless Summer is the first book in her new Destiny series. This series is a group of stand alone stories all set in the same small town of Destiny, Ohio. Go to Toni Blakes website to learn more about the book and to order a copy.

I spoke with Toni Blake about her writing career. I hope you enjoy what Toni has to say and make sure to read one of her books.

Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I actually started out writing literary fiction, but eventually figured out that I didn't really have anything big to say that fit within the usual literary interests and parameters. Then a friend shoved Jennifer Cruisie's first three romance novels into my hand and insisted I read them and that they were what I should be writing. I hadn't read any romance novels since high school - and even then had read only a few - and when I saw how smart and sexy and funny romance could be, I never looked back. I do have something to say to women in my romance novels, big things I believe in that I think come through naturally in every romance I write.

Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

Usually anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

Where do your ideas come from?

Right now, I'm writing a series of related books set in the same small town. So currently my ideas are growing very directly from the characters introduced in earlier books and my own knowledge of small town life.

What kind of research do you do?

Whatever is needed, basically. I do a lot of research on the Internet, but I've traveled to places to make sure I got the setting right, and I frequently try to find experts on topics I'm writing about if it's something I don't feel knowledgeable enough about on my own.

Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

No one and everyone. Not meaning to be cryptic, but in one sense, most everyone I've known or been close to has probably influenced it in some way, yet at the same time, it's something that grows very organically from within on its own.

What are your main concerns as a writer?

The state of the industry. The average person may not know what tough times the book industry is facing, but it has fared worse than many in the recession, and given all the new technology and the busy, fast pace of our lives these days, people just don't read as much as they used to and many traditional publishers are struggling to survive. So please encourage your readers to go buy a book - my book or ANY book.

What is your writing routine once you start a book?

Generally speaking, I work Monday through Friday, from about 8 to 6, with a short break for lunch, and I spend a few hours on weekend mornings catching up on administrative or promotional tasks. I also have an assistant who help with this kind of thing. Once I start a new book, I basically just keep at it every day until it's done. Then I read over it very slowly, polishing the work until it's as perfect as I can make it.

What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

I try to relax every evening with some TV and I also make quilts by hand. I have a convertible, and in the summer I'm very fond of heading out to a park with a book in hand. I also love to travel - which isn't always relaxing, but it's re-energizing for me.

Do you feel humor is important in woman's fiction and why?

I'm a generally happy, upbeat person and most people who know me seem to think I'm pretty funny - and so my sense of humor naturally finds its way into my books and is one element of my writing voice. That said, I seldom plan the humor in my books - it just happens. And if I wrote a book without humor, I would figure it was meant to be that way and would never force it. So I think it's one of those things that may or may not turn up in any romance or women's fiction novel, that it's individual to the writer and the book. I love plenty of novels that are funny and I love plenty that aren't.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

It's what I've always been driven to do, so the work itself is its own reward each and every day.

Also, when someone lets me know one of my books has touched them, or made them laugh, or cry, that's what it's all about for me - knowing I connected to someone through one of my stories and made their day a little better in some way.

If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

Good question. Possibly working in a library or in some other capacity with books.

Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Open yourself up to learning craft. No matter how good you think you are when you decide to write a book, you can improve. Maybe a lot. At least a little. Also, don't give up. Most people do. If you don't, you're ahead of the odds.

Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Good ones make my day and make me feel Like I've really accomplished what I wanted to.

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

A lot. But not in ways anyone would ever recognize. I feel almost any writer has to draw on their own life, emotions, etc., to form a story. We all have our own unique worldview that has grown from our experiences, and no matter what you're writing, your worldview will come through on the page.

When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first manuscript?

I wanted to be a novelist from the age of ten, and even told my mother at that time that I was going to be a writer when I grew up. So I dabbled in different sorts of writing from my childhood on. However, I stopped writing after high school after some discouraging words about it being virtually impossible to make a living as a novelist. I started writing again in my early twenties, however, upon realizing I didn't want to wake up one day when I was eighty wondering if I could have done it. And doing it wasn't easy by any means, but I'm so glad I did. And once I resumed writing, I began submitting my work regularly as well.

What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?

I don't have kids and my husband is at work during the hours I write, so it's not really an issue for me.

How does your husband feel about your writing?

He's very supportive and proud of me.

What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?

No - I personally find them the easiest parts of the book to write. For me, they're critical in writing a romance. Romance leads to sex - it's inevitable and natural - and to close the door on the couple when they're at their most open and intimate would feel like cheating the reader, equivalent to leaving the scary parts out of a horror movie. And part of what I really hope women feel when they read my books is that it's okay - and even good - to embrace your sensuality and be comfortable with it.

Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?

I've written erotica under another name, and I would love to write some historical romance someday.

Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

Right now, given my series, the setting definitely comes first. Prior to that, the setting and characters often came to me simultaneously, and often when traveling. I've really enjoyed setting some of my earlier books in places based on travel destinations - seeing new places very much inspires me and broadens my sense of the world.

Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

I control them.

Please tell the readers about the next book Sugar Creek that is coming out May 25,2010

SUGAR CREEK is the second book in my Destiny series, set in the small fictional town of Destiny, Ohio. Here's the back blurb:

Welcome to Destiny, Ohio-where two families have been at odds as long as anyone in town can remember.

Rachel Farris returned to her childhood home with one mission in mind: get Mike Romo out of her family's apple orchard business and out of their lives. But hard-nosed and totally hot Mike, who happens to be the law in Destiny, is convinced the Farris clan stole the land from his family fifty years ago and he's not backing down. Even when shapely trouble shows up in a pair of designer blue jeans. However, neither the hunky cop nor the sexy prodigal hometown girl can anticipate the electricity that heats things up whenever they're together-adding new sizzle to an ongoing feud that's raged for generations, and soon putting both their hearts at risk.

While the book starts out being about a family feud, it's really about issues like how your family makes you into the person you are, and about getting past certain images of yourself or of success, to lead the life you really want.

How do we find out about you and your books?

Pretty much everything a reader could want to know is at www.ToniBlake.com. And I'm also on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

How may readers contact you?

Contact information is on my website, and Twitter and Facebook are also ways I communicate with readers.