I think every little girl dreams that really they aren’t an ordinary little girl, but a princess. That somewhere in the world there was a kingdom whose king and queen were missing a
princess. The perfect fairytale. *Sigh* This month’s Author Highlight and Giveaway features Toni Shiloh, a writer of modern-day fairytales — fairytales with “umph.” What do I mean by “umph?” Political intrigue. Deceptions. Secrets. It’s not just about castles and beautiful gowns with servants who wait on royalty, hand and feet. That’s Toni’s style of storytelling. Real. In her book In Search of a Prince there’s plenty of fairytale and plenty of real-life drama to fill a castle — and our hearts.
Sequel coming in September!
In Toni’s sequel, To Win A Prince, a prince, Ekon betrays the new queen, and subsequently loses his title — and all that goes with it. The queen’s best friend, Iris is now stuck with the no-more-a-prince as her “consultant” for her new business. Sparks fly and her new business is in jeopardy. Is he a spy sent to cause the business to fail?
Toni’s publisher, Bethany House Publishing, introduced me to this wonderful author and her beautifully woven stories. So, when Toni agreed to be my featured author, I was so excited. If you’re new to Toni and her amazing books, you’re going to enjoy getting to know her as much as I am. Before we get to her bio, you might want to check out my YouTube Book Pre-Reviews and Book Review.
Book Pre-Review — To Win a Prince
Now, let’s learn a little more about Toni with her bio.
Short Bio: Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance
Toni’s FIRST Book Signing at Barnes and Noble!! Love the tiara, Toni!
author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about his goodness. Her novel Grace Restored was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, and Risking Love is a 2020 Selah Award finalist. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and also a member of the ACFW Virginia Chapter.
Now, let’s get to know Toni a bit more.
What was your inspiration for writing in general—why did you choose writing?
I took some creative writing courses when I went back to college to get a degree. My teacher said I was really good, and I enjoyed the creative process. Once I graduated, I had a conversation with God about it, asking if this was a way I could glorify Him. The rest is history.
I love when God opens that part of us that connects with His creative side.
What did you read as a child? Or, what did/do you read to your children/grandchildren?
I read everything! Huge fan of Nancy Drew, The Babysitter’s Club, Sweet Valley High, etc., I probably tried every children’s or teen author at least once.
Well. Shoot. My daughter read all of those books. I keep forgetting I’m old. Ha-ha!
Do you have any strange writing habits/quirks?
I do love to make a music playlist before I start a story. The songs I pick relate to the characters or to the struggle their facing. Sometimes the songs fit the setting as well. Once I do this, I’m able to write.
That’s cool. I just can’t write and listen to music, so I admire folks who can. Certain songs will definitely set a mood.
What is something God taught you while you wrote your featured book?
That we are all the prodigal son. I think a lot of us look at our life story and some of us think we never rebelled against our parents. We never did anything “bad” growing up. But what we don’t realize is the ultimate parent-child relationship is between us and the Lord. We have rebelled against Him at one point in our past or we will in the future. But the moment we turn our trajectory back towards Him, He is ready to meet us with open arms.
How beautiful. I love your insights, Toni!
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my next book to be published by Bethany House. It will be book one in a new series that I’m so giddy about. I’m enjoying the process.
YAY! I can’t wait to hear more!
Toni at the Nats vs Astro game. Not to be confused with the Plotters vs. Pantsers!
What is the least helpful writing tip you ever received? Why wasn’t it helpful?
To plot before I write. There were so many craft books and classes talking about the plotting process. I thought that how I did it (know my characters and wing it) was wrong. Then I discovered others like me and embraced how I write a story.
Yes, there are two camps: the Plotters and the Seat-of-the-Pants writers. I do a bit of both.
The July’s Author Highlight Giveaway!
Toni has offered a charming and delightful giveaway this month! Not only a signed copy of In Search of a Prince, but also these beautiful, hand-drawn character notecards!
How delightful! And you could be the winner? How? Well, by entering! And you can enter up to six times (see below) Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to this newsletter and receive two free gifts from me.
NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?
Check out my YouTube Author Highlight interview with Toni. Because, in the video interview she will answer different questions–including some insights into her debut novel. Plus you don’t want to miss one very exciting little known fact about Toni. By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry. Sharing the video, another entry. Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.
The Deadline is July 14th!
Author Highlight with Terri & Toni
That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!
Be sure to tell your friends! See you there!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Toni! I know I sure did!
Next month’s Author Highlight is a NY Times bestselling author with so many awards, I’ve stopped counting, the wonderful Dr. Angela Hunt! (Yes, she earned that PhD. Find out more, next month!)
Thanks for stopping by! God bless and KEEP READING!
