Toby. A. Williams: The BROOKE LYNN Adventures Series Has Achieved Several Book Awards & Recognition.
1. Can you start by telling me a little bit about yourself?
Married to my best friend and husband for over 28 years, we enjoy travel, golf, helping in the
community, and of course, reading and writing. My favorite place to write is on my laptop at the
dining room table…favorite place to read is anywhere in the warm sunshine. I am originally from
Nashua, New Hampshire, and still refer to myself as a New England girl. For the past 30+ years,
we have resided in the San Diego area of Southern California.
2. When did you first realize that you wanted to be an author and when did you publish your first book? How many books you have published so far?
In early 2018, a dear friend of mine and published poet, encouraged me to publish a story I had
written for my great-niece, Ava. A simple story about a ladybug, a little girl and the friendship
bond between them was the premise of this one-time special gift from her Aunt Toby. However,
it soon progressed into a rhyming Series, The BROOKE LYNN Adventures. My first published
children’s book was in December 2018, MY LIL’ LADYBUG FRIEND. This Series currently consists
of five (5) books and to date, has achieved several book awards and recognition. It has been
featured in the San Diego Central Public Library, Local Author Spotlight program.
3. Where do you get your inspiration from and can you tell me about your writing schedule? Like how many hours per day do you spend on your books?
The inspiration for this Series originated from my great-niece’s first experiences with a bit of
wild imagination from my own childhood.
My weekly writing schedule consists of a minimum of 6 hours a day (early a.m. and late afternoon/evenings), 5 flexible days a week. Between writing, editing, research, marketing/promotional creating, helping fellow authors, advertising plans,
and specific posts for my books on social platforms to name just a few, there is an endless
learning curve in between each task!
4.Can you tell me a little bit about your books? What do you intend to achieve through your books and where can people purchase them?
The BROOKE LYNN Adventures series is a collection of playful rhyming verses with hand-drawn,
vibrant watercolor illustrations enhancing each sweet story. Although stimulating the Early
Reader was my main objective, underlying lessons on Kindness, Courage, Inclusion and
Responsibility are conveyed through examples by Brooke Lynn. Promoting child literacy is
important to me. ��
My books may be purchased through Amazon, Ingram Spark, Barnes and
Noble (Grossmont Centre – La Mesa, CA) and through expanded distribution globally by all
online booksellers.
5. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I’ve been retired for a number of years which offers the flexibility of carving out my schedule to
fit around my passion for writing. The warm climate offers a plethora of year-round outdoor
activities. Playing golf with a few ladies on Tuesdays, a round of golf with my husband every
Friday, meeting up with old friends for coffee and Toby Time for any personal care
appointments all create balance for me. When we travel, my laptop and/or thumb drive comes
with me offering the flexibility I desire.
6. What have you learnt in creating your books so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned to date is to remain teachable. Just when I think I’ve figured it
out, I realize how little I know. The research prior to publishing is critical, albeit plentiful, it takes
grit, determination, humility, and patience. Accepting constructive criticism about one’s work is
a big nut to swallow but getting past it, and then learning from it…I end up with a better
product. I can see the progression of my craft through each book and it’s nice to see how far I’ve
come.
7. What advice would you give to other authors?
My advice to aspiring authors just getting started, first put on your Patience cap and join several
FB Author Groups to watch, read, and learn as though you were back in school. I didn’t consider
it a pop quiz cramming session but a slow, well-researched thesis. Second, I started a filing
system to refer to the data I collected. Knowledge. Then I started participating by signing up for
webinars, and free or nominal online classes by self-published authors. Do the research first
before committing to make sure it’s a good fit. And once again, check that your Patience cap is
still firmly in place ��
8.Do you provide other services to help other authors?
Through several writing groups I am affiliated with, I offer input based on my experience if
asked. I have reviewed hundreds of books, donated to a few Kickstarter campaigns, helped
promote to the best of my ability other fellow authors, and for the most part – it’s a reciprocal
effect. I help others because I want to – not because I expect something in return.
9.How do you market your books?
My marketing strategy is simple. I set a budget based on each promotion and try to stay within
it. I run several ads for each book on Amazon, a handful of ads on FB & IG each month and post through several online groups when running Free eBooks. Occasionally collaborating with
children’s book authors for themed promotions can be a terrific source of exposure. I’m not
alone when I say it’s an area where you can never strategize enough. In other words, your book
is finished and published but the Marketing NEVER ends.
10. What are your plans for the future? Do you have more publications on the way?
Upcoming Works: In the Fall 2020, I created a conceptual idea about a middle grade series for
my main character, Brooke Lynn. The first book is tentatively slated for a late 2021 launch with
Book 2 following closely behind. Well, it’s a plan and a goal…happy writing, right?
Follow Toby :
Email: tawilms@outlook.com
6. Author Website: www.tobyawilliamsauthor.com
All the best Toby. With Love Audrey xx