Q: Who is Toni McBride, the author of these stories?
A: I’m Toni McBride, a romance author who’s always been a bit of a dreamer. Growing up in a multicultural household with incredibly creative parents, I’ve always been encouraged to dream big and follow my imagination. I was surrounded by stories and inspiration, and as a natural daydreamer, it wasn’t long before I found my way to writing and I’m thrilled to share my stories with you.
If you’re here, I hope my stories spark your imagination as well, and your heart too. There’s so much more to come, and I’d love for you to join me on this journey. Whether you’re into swoon-worthy romances, heartwarming connections, or passionate tales, I’ve got plenty more stories up my sleeve. Follow me to stay updated on all the new releases, behind-these-scenes peeks, and exclusive content coming your way.
Q: What inspired you to write your first book?
A: Honestly, I was reading a cute little love story and it made me think that I could write one too. Now, whether or not I actually believed myself when I first had that thought is something on its own; but almost immediately after that, this story began forming in my head and I just had to get it out.
Q: What do you enjoy most about writing romance?
A: I like being able to imagine myself somewhere in the story and that helps me visualize everything. If there’s a scene describing a restaurant, I’m there, at the hostess stand looking around waiting to be seated. If it’s a scene talking about music being played somewhere, I’m there on the dance floor feeling the rhythm and the beat. This, I hope that translates back to the reader so they can feel like they are somewhere in the story too.
Q: What was the most fun part about writing this book, and why should readers experience it for themselves?
A: Writing this book was a little exciting for me – mainly because I got to create a world where love is messy, beautiful and full of surprises, just like real life. I loved watching the characters come to life as I wrote them. Honestly, some of the moments had me laughing, some had me ready to get my boxing gloves, and some moments even made me swoon just a little bit.
What made it even more fun was knowing that every page was filled with a little bit of my heart – and I hope that comes through as you read. My goal was always to have my readers feel like they’re right there with the characters too, cheering them on through every twist and turn. Whether it’s the butterflies, the drama, or the sweet moments, I hope it makes you smile, laugh, and maybe even swoon just a little bit too.
In the end, I just want you to feel the same kind of excitement and joy I felt while writing, and if you do? Well, that’s the best part of it all. I can’t wait to share more of these fun romantic journeys with you!
Q: Which character from the book would you most want to hang out with for a day, and why?
A: Hands down, I would pick Samantha. She’s got the perfect mix of snark, confidence, and I love how unapologetically herself she is. She’s embracing every opportunity that comes her way and living her best life on her own terms – she doesn’t need anyone to define her at all. Who wouldn’t want to spend time with someone so fearless and full of life?
Q: What do you hope readers will feel when they finish your book?
A: When you turn that last page, I hope you’re left with a big goofy grin on your face and hope that you feel like you’ve made a connection with the characters, like you’ve been rooting for them the entire time and maybe even feel like you’ve just made a couple of new, quirky friends (aka my characters). And if you’re already dreaming about their next adventure or wondering what they’re up to after the final page, then we ‘re definitely on the same page!
Q: What’s one thing you’re most excited for readers to experience in the next part of the series?
A: Where do I even begin? In the next part of the series, I can’t wait for you to dive even deeper into the lives of the characters. There are more twists, more swoon-worthy moments, and trust me, you’ll be hanging onto every word. I’m especially excited for you to see how their relationships evolve, because let’s just say…they’re about to face some seriously heart-thumping, edge-of-your-seat moments that will leave you wanting more.
And of course, there’s a whole new layer of drama, passion, and surprises in store that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. I can’t wait for you to join me on this wild, romantic ride – so buckle up, the next chapter is going to be one you won’t forget.
Q: Is there a chance for readers to influence what happens in future parts through your blog?
A: Here’s the fun part: I’d love for you to have a hand in what happens next in the short story series. Through my blog, I’ll be sharing some sneak peeks, fun behind-the-scenes tidbits, and even polls where you can vote on things like character decisions or plot twists. I’m always curios to hear what you think and what ideas pop into your head.
It’s your chance to be a part of this journey with me, and I can’t wait to see where your thoughts help take the story. So, keep an eye on the blog – you never know when you’ll get the chance to help shape what happens next!
Q: If you weren’t writing romance, what genre would you write?
A: If I wasn’t lost in the world of love stories, I’d probably dive into the world of clever “whodunits” or something in the style of a Guy Richie film. Think snappy dialog, unexpected twists, and a whole lot of chaotic fun. I’ve always loved stories that keep you guessing and make you wonder how everything ties together in the end. Like a puzzle you can’t stop trying to solve. So, if I ever switch gears, expect an attempt at a fast paced, twisty, adventure.
Q: Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
A: So, one of my “weird” writing habits is that I dream about what should or could happen in my stories. I’m talking full-on-scenes, plot twists, and character moments that pop up in my sleep. So, when I wake up, I’m usually reaching to grab something to jot down whatever wild dream just came to me. It’s like my subconscious is writing my next chapter sometimes.
And when I’m awake? I replay scenes in my mind over and over, tweaking and imagining new twists, until they feel just right. I’ll even reread what I’ve already written, diving back into the words, making sure everything flows the way I want it to. It’s like a constant loop of brain rewrites and imagination that never stops.
Q: What advice do you have fore aspiring writers?
A: If you’re thinking about becoming an author, you’re already on the right path. The best advise I can give is to just START WRITING. It mights not always come out perfectly, and there’ll be moments when you question everything, but don’t let that stop you. The words won’t write themselves, and sometimes you’ve just got to dive in and see where the story takes you.
Embrace the messy process. Writing isn’t always glamorous. There are days when the words flow, and others when you feel like you’re staring at a blank page forever. But that’s part of the journey. Keep going, even when it feels tough.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every writer, no matter how successful, had to start somewhere, and they’ve made their share of mistakes along the way. Learn from them, keep improving, and most importantly, KEEP WRITING.
