Notably, her book EBONY was #2 on Fictionwise bestseller list for e-books for the month of July 2007, beating out Stephen King’s Lisey’s Story.
That's fairly impressive.
But I'm more impressed that her cat, Rocco, writes his own blog
Toni sent a request in, for the Six of A Story interview to be on her new release, but I was more fascinated by NO REST FOR THE WICCA, which Toni self-published and has been on Amazon's list of top one hundred in Occult since March 2011. That's pretty good company for your self-published novel to be in, but I was more impressed that Toni agreed to being interviewed around a different book than the one she requested.
Its not uncommon for me to suggest another book for the Six of A Story (it either holds my interest longer or its something unique for the blog, or it just has a good story behind it) however, it is common for authors to tell me, never mind.
I had a blast learning about Toni and her work.
NO REST FOR THE WICCA
Communing with the dead is an everyday occurrence for PI Morgan Hawkes. A half-Wiccan witch who can commune with spirits of those caught between worlds, Morgan uses her talents to exorcise the trapped ghost or demon as part of the Paranormal Investigation Squad – until a string of murders with a voodoo slant prompts the Special Forces Agency to ask for her assistance. Someone’s killing pureblood witches- and the SFA’s convinced Morgan’s heritage (her father was a voodoo priest) could be instrumental in solving the mystery. Teamed with dashing SF agent Cole St. John – an Inheritor Vampire that sets her blood racing – the two of them fight their attraction for each other as they race to stop a madman from unleashing a demonic force upon the world.
1. PI Morgan Hawkes, is a half-wiccan and her talents are exorcising and communing with spirits. Does she have any other talents? And will she have other stories?
Morgan will definitely have other stories – I just need to find the time to write them LOL. Morgan does have other, voodoo related talents that I plan to explore in upcoming adventures.
2. If Morgan were to plan an "All girls night", where would she take us?
Probably to the University for a lecture on voodoo and hoodoo, or some other related topic, or else on a “haunt” to talk to some ghosts. Up for grabs, really. Morgan’s not a braid your hair-talk about guys kinda gal. She likes her action!
3. Tell me more about this school with magic classes?
3. Tell me more about this school with magic classes?
The University is a school with courses in witchcraft, wizardry, and the occult – but it should not be confused with the wizard school from Harry Potter. It’s way different. People can take single classes (as Xia did) or go for an entire degree in one or more occult practices.
4. What is the Special Forces Agency? It sounds sort of military to me.
4. What is the Special Forces Agency? It sounds sort of military to me.
Not particularly military, but think CIA with lots of Others in charge J Cole might be considered its “James Bond”.
5. Why team your character up with a half vampire?
5. Why team your character up with a half vampire?
Why Not?
What makes Cole St. John stand out from all the other vampires?
His heritage, and the fact he has a lot of human characteristics – he’s not your typical bloodsucking vamp – he’s more sophisticated. Plus, he’s got a lot of patience (especially with Morgan)
6. What will readers find surprising about NO REST FOR THE WICCA, related to the characters?
6. What will readers find surprising about NO REST FOR THE WICCA, related to the characters?
I think the ending might surprise many, and the revelations at the end. Without giving too much away, I’ll just say sometimes the most obvious answer isn’t always the right one.
Thanks to Toni for sharing her work with us today!
To learn more about Toni LoTempio visit her website and her new release, RAVEN's KISS can be found here:
Raven Grace was a college senior with ambitions of a career in law enforcement when she met the demon Aega, whose bite turned her from mortal to Shapeshifter. Now a member of the Recovery Organization, Raven keeps the peace between humans and errant Hellhounds, trolls, wizards and the like – but her secret ambition is to track down Aega and bring him to justice. A chance encounter gives her the opportunity she seeks – in a universe that exists parallel to her own!
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Leave a comment on this post and throughout the week of July 25th, for a chance to win a weekend spot on the APA Blog.
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Would you like to be interviewed for Six of A Story? Please send all requests to cschamberlain2010@gmail.com with "Six of a Story" in the subject line. Include your website, book blurb and a quirky fact, open to all genres but Christian fiction.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to talk about WICCA! Hope you all will check in at www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com for news on upcoming releases, interviews and more!
ReplyDeleteThis looks FANTASTIC! Congrats, Toni on all your success!
ReplyDeleteA vampire with patience and a witchy PI...that sounds incredibly wonderful. Loved the interview :o)
ReplyDeleteRaven's Kiss looks brilliant, as well :D
I'd like to know more about your self-publishing, experience.
ReplyDeleteDo you think having self-published this book, helped you?
And what would you say to a writer who is really struggling and loosing confidence? (and worried about getting too old)
~~~Mary Kirk
Dear Mary Kirk:
ReplyDeleteI definitely think the self publshing experience has helped! I've learned to network,blog, and having a presence is just as important as good writing.
As far as getting too old - i don't think you're ever too old to do what you love to do. Me, as long as I can breathe, I'll write :) Believe me, there were many times when I wanted to throw in the towel,but I didn't. and there are just as many days when i sit down at the computer and the words just wont' come. So when that happens, I hand off to Rocco :) or do something else and then go back with a fresh perspective.
Never give up!
Toni
Thank-you!
ReplyDelete~~~Mary Kirk
You are welcome! And dont' forget to stop by www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com Friday, august 19. Wicca celebrates 25 weeks on Amazon's Occult best seller list, and there is a contest! You coudl win a$25 Amazon Gift Card!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to stop by www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com Friday, august 19. Wicca celebrates 25 weeks on Amazon's occult best seller list and there will be a contest!
ReplyDelete