Author Interview: Toya Richardson

Tell us a little about yourself & your background

For anyone who doesn’t know me I write Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense, and Friends to Lovers. I live in Suffolk UK, originally from Essex. When not writing or reading I love watching Formula One racing and darts, live gigs, travelling, rock music, cinema, gardening, and spending time with my friends. I also have a large collection of skull related items, but not real ones lol!

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

Probably from about the age of 10. I’d always been an avid reader, encouraged to do so by my mum.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

I write because it makes me happy, and I hope that readers enjoy my work. I’d love to be able to write for a living. If that never happens, I’ll keep on enjoying creating stories.

Can you tell us a little about Mishaps and Romance?

This is a romantic comedy set around Ali’s disastrous Valentine’s Day dating history. There are lots of hilarious accidents along the way in her search for true love.

Can you introduce us to your main character?

Ali Stone has almost given up on love. Her best friend keeps setting her up on awful dates, they look great on paper, but in real life, not so good. She lives with her two cats, Romeo and Juliet and is an editor for a monthly magazine for cat owners. She’s given up on love, until her new neighbour moves in. A series of funny moments finally bring them together.

Do you have a favourite quote or scene from your book?

One scene springs to mind. Mike and Ali are about to get physical for the first time when one of Mike’s cats steals the last condom. It’s a very funny moment, but obviously not for the couple lol!

Where did you find inspiration for Mishaps and Romance?

I’d written a 5k piece for a monthly competition in a writer’s community I’m part of. I won it and my editor, the lovely Karen Sanders, suggested I made it into a longer story. So I did.

Are you more of a plotter or a panster?

Panster. Honestly, I used to write plots for my work and as soon as I can to write them, the characters decided to take the story in a completely different direction each time. I gave up in the end and now allow my characters to drive the stories.

What is your writing routine like? How often do you write?

I honestly don’t have a set routine. I’d never suffered from writer’s block, until Covid hit. I found if I tried to just sit and write the words never came. Now, I write when the muse takes me. Fortunately, she’s in full-throttle now so I write every day, when I have a spare moment.

How much research did you have to do to complete Mishaps and Romance?

It depends. I write a lot of paranormal romance. For this genre, as you create your own world, you can do whatever you like. Of course, if it’s set in the ‘real world’, I’ll do research on places etc if I need to. For my contemporary ones, I do a little more. I have several books set in real time, and I always make sure I do my research on places. I’m in the middle of writing a rom com set in Tenerife, I go there regularly, so always do research when I’m there to make the book feel real.

What was the hardest thing about writing this book?

If I’m honest, there weren’t any problems with this book. But trust me, that isn’t always the case. I think this story was a one-off.

Why did you choose self publishing?

I’ve had experience with 3 publishers. Two have now closed down, and one I’ve just got my rights back as I’d like to re-write them at some point. Although it’s expensive to self-publish with, cover design, formatting, editing, and marketing costs, you have total control over everything. And trust me, after some of my past experiences, it’s well worth doing it yourself. I know everyone is different, but self-publishing is it for me.

What has the publishing process been like for you?

It’s been a steep learning curve, and trust me when I say, I’m still learning! It helps if you have supportive people around you, which I do, and I always try and help others too. I’ve certainly had better self-publishing experiences than being with a publisher.

What are you currently reading right now?

I’m re-reading Southern Charmer by Jessica Peterson, I love this book!

Who are your biggest idols?

That’s a toughie, there are so many amazing authors out there. K M Lowe, a fellow indie author, is an amazing talent. She’s also helped me a lot and has become a great friend. I love Jessica Peterson’s work, Roxie Ray, and Andrea Simonne, to name but a few.

Do you get writer’s block? How do you deal with it?

I don’t try and force the words. The best thing that I do is leave it, go for a walk, read a book. I also find if I think about anything else, other than the work I’m struggling with, the ideas come flowing back.

If you couldn’t be a writer what would you want to be?

I’d love to work as a guide in one of the big stately homes, or in a library.

What do you get up to when you’re not writing?

I love Formula One racing, darts, keeping fit, travelling, reading of course lol, cinema, going to see live bands especially rock bands, and walking.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

The main thing, which an author told me at a workshop many years ago, “Write because you love to write. If you’re doing it for the money, forget it.” So very true. Also, get beta readers who you trust to tell you the truth, and hiring a great editor is crucial.

Finally, what’s the most exciting thing about the rest of the series? What can we expect?

This isn’t a series, although I toyed with another novella for the wedding/honeymoon. I’m working on two paranormal romances series at the moment, so we’ll see lol.

You can get your own copy of Toya Richardson’s Mishaps and Romance below & follow her on socials!

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