How long does it really take to write a novel? Can do you it with kids underfoot? What’s the best way to learn how to write a novel?

Today I’m excited to introduce inspirational fiction author Toni Shiloh, who will answer these questions and more about her path to publicaction

Toni, welcome to my blog!
Thank you so much for having me!

For starters, what genre do you write? How did you pick it?
I’m a contemporary romance writer. I’m not sure that I actually picked the genre, more like it picked me. My characters often pop up in my head and introduce themselves. From there I get an idea of who they are and where they’re from. So far, they’ve all be in the contemporary setting.

What are your favorite genres to read? Why?
I read all things Christian fiction – historical, contemporary, speculative, suspense, etc., and if they have a romance thread, all the better. 🙂

How long did it take you complete your first manuscript (published or not)?
It took me nine months to write my first novella. I have two kids and when I wrote it they were 4 and 7, so they kept me on my toes. Now, it doesn’t take that long for me to write the first draft.

Have your follow-up novels been easier or harder to write? Why do you think that is?
Both, lol! I know what I’m doing, but every story is different. Some characters talk to me more than others. Sometimes I get stuck in the middle. There is always a struggle, but not like it was when I wrote the very first book.

What’s surprised you the most about the book-publishing process?
Great question! Probably that it was relatively easy, lol. I say this only because my first book was Indie published. I wrote the story, got it edited, and published it. Sure it took months to achieve that, but hitting the submit button was just a click away. Now that I’ve gone through a small-press, I understand that process a lot more.

What’s been the most challenging part of getting a book published?
Knowing when your book is good enough. You can look at it and look at it and look at it some more and still have doubts. Even once it’s published, nerves attack and you await for those reviews to trickle in and let you know if you achieved success or not.

What’s your favorite part of the publishing experience?
The book cover! As a reader, I buy books solely based on its cover. If it attracts me and is in my favorite genre, I’ll buy it. As an author, I love watching it get developed and finding the right one!

For learning the writing craft, which do you prefer – books or conferences? Why?Conferences! A lot of teachers use the aid of power point or white boards and I’m able to visualize what they’re saying. Craft books often confuse me.

If you could recommend one writing conference, what would it be? Why? (If you haven’t attended one, which one would you like to attend? Why?)
ACFW Virginia Conference. I’ve been twice and each time I leave with so much more knowledge. The instructors are amazing and kind and willing to share the knowledge they’ve gain. Also, the fellowship and networking opportunities are great. I’ve learned the most at this conference. I would love to attend the national conference for ACFW one day and meet all my author friends from online.

If you could recommend one writing book, what would it be? Why?
Susan May Warren’s book, The Story Equation: How to Plot and Write a Brilliant Story from One Powerful Question.

If you could pick any of your novels to be made into a movie, which one would you pick? Who would you want to play the lead roles, and why?
I’d pick Finding Love. It is probably my favorite in the Maple Run series so far. I would pick Aisha Tyler to play Delaney Jones and Henry Cavill to play Luke Robinson.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you again for having me today! My next book, Finding Love, releases June 28. It’s book two in the Maple Run series.

To learn more about, or to connect with, Toni online, visit her website at http://tonishiloh.weebly.com, or check out her social media links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+ToniShiloh
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tonishiloh
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonishiloh
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonishiloh
Blogs I’m part of: http://puttingonthenew.com  ; http://heartwingsblog.com  ; http://diversitybetweenthepages.wordpress.com ; www.acfwvirginia.com/blog

Finding Love
Delaney Jones has finally started to pick up the pieces of her shattered life after the death of her husband, Parker. Just as life enters a new normal, in walks Army soldier, Luke Robinson. Just when she makes the decision to trust him, life deals her a heavy blow.

Sergeant First Class Luke Robinson can’t get over his part in the death of Delaney’s husband. In hopes to assuage his guilt, he offers to lend a hand. Only, he never counted on the feelings she evokes with just a smile. Will his secrets widen the gulf or will he finally find absolution?