Welcome everyone!
Today we have a special guest here at Books by Rose.
Meet Toby A. Williams. She’s the author of the Brooke Lynn Series.
Let’s get started so you can learn more about her wonderful stories.
Hi Toby, tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Nashua, New Hampshire, I currently reside in the San Diego area of Southern California with my best friend, who also happens to be my husband of many years. We enjoy travel, golf, helping in the community and of course, reading and writing. My appetite for writing was nurtured by my silly and vivid imagination as a child, along with my mother’s quirky fun storytelling. Most of my writings over the years have been for my personal enjoyment. My favorite place to write… at the dining room table, mostly on my laptop.
What inspired you to become an author?
It wasn’t until I wrote My Lil’ Ladybug Friend that I truly felt re-energized to write again. It was created as a gift for my great-niece, Ava. With a bit (okay – a lot) of prodding by my dear friend, Sue Campion, in December 2018, it was published as my first rhyming picture book. The inspiration for The BROOKE LYNN Adventures series was based on Ava’s first experiences, i.e., seeing-touching-smelling the ocean, first day of school jitters, wanting a new pup and meeting scary Santa. All were new “Ava” adventures as told through the eyes of Brooke Lynn. The series highlights kindness, sharing, perseverance, being brave, responsible, and staying positive. With several book awards, along with local author spotlight recognition in the San Diego Central Public Library, I am grateful my books are helping early readers thrive.
Recently, you published a middle grade book called, “The Case of the HIDDEN SHOE,” (The BROOKE LYNN Mysteries Book 1.)
Tell us more about this book and what’s to come?
Oh, what a blind hurdle… jumping from rhyming picture books to middle-grade fiction. But when a few friends and fans asked if there would be additional stories about the main character, Brooke Lynn (we all wanted more), I made the leap. I envisioned this fun-loving child blossoming into a spunky, curious pre-teen. Drawing from the previous books, her pup, Samantha Sue (aka Sam) and best friend, Mike accompany her on the middle grade adventures.
About the Book: The Case of the HIDDEN SHOE (The BROOKE LYNN Mysteries – Book 1)
Middle-grader Brooke Lynn is curious – a new housing development is being built in her sleepy town. Rumors spread about the new homeowners and sightings of celebrities. When the crime-busting duo, Brooke Lynn and Mike, stumble upon a red-stained shoe hidden in one of the vacant homes, a new mystery unfolds. Is the stain blood and more importantly, why is it there? But it’s not just the new homes making Brooke Lynn curious. Her best pals, Mike and Susie seem different and her parents are getting strict! Will she be able to get to the bottom of not only the hidden shoe, but also the changes in her life? This cozy, exciting mystery full of pre-teen angst will have you guessing until the end.
Credits: Cover Design – Corrina Holyoake (@corrinaholyoake); Editor – Lor Bingham, Calico Editing Service (@laurabingham)
Available in eBook, paperback & hardcover on Amazon.
You used the amazing illustrator, Corrina Holyoake with all your books. Tell us more about how you two met and how you managed your partnership in this publishing journey?
What a delight to work with Corrina Holyoake these past few years! We were introduced by my mentor and dear friend, Sue Campion. After researching several other illustrators, Corrina’s conceptual ideas were in sync with my vision and an agreement was reached with the first book, My Lil’ Ladybug Friend. Once the 2nd rhyming story was written, we agreed to extend our relationship for the entire series. She was thrilled to jump back in with the new MG series. Her cover concept for The Case of the HIDDEN SHOE was spot-on!
What was the process in finding an editor for your story?
I worked with a new editor, Lor Bingham of Calico Editing Services (@laurabingham)
Without her help, knowledge, polish and inspiration, this book would not have been possible. She has an uncanny way of knowing exactly where and when to assist during the entire process. Her warm yet professional style is what truly got me through this project and I am grateful to have her on my writing team.
What is one message you would like to send out to your readers?
Each story I have created carries a positive and kind resolve after experiencing new or uncomfortable situations; and if the reader stays immersed in the storyline itching to turn the page, then I’m a happy writer. #childliteracy #sharingkindness #gratefulheart
Toby, your new book is so great! I placed an order and have loved every bit of your story.
Here is my 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review:
“I was so excited when, “The Case of the HIDDEN SHOE (The BROOKE LYNN Mysteries Book 1)” by Toby A. Williams’s book arrived in our mail.
Middle grade readers will enjoy this book. It has so many levels of great events to follow. Williams has painted a wonderful imagery with the characters and their feelings, along with the descriptive settings in this mystery tale.
Brooke Lynn and her longtime friend, Mike, have been the detective duo in their neighborhood for years. Now, things are changing a bit as they grow older. When a new housing development is being built in their area, they are curious as they hear rumors of celebrities moving in.
As they investigate, they find a red-stained shoe in one of the buildings, but that’s only half of it. How did it get there? Who does it belong to?
Not only does Brooke Lynn have this mystery to worry about, she has to deal with Mike, who seems different nowadays, her best friend, Susie, who is changing, too. Her parents have become stricter by the day, not to mention how hard it is for her to concentrate on her school subjects.
I highly recommend this book as readers will go on adventure, turning the pages to the end to see how this mystery is resolved.”
To find more about this book and Toby’s other books, visit the following places:
Contact Info:
For additional photos, videos, book trailer and new release updates, please visit Toby’s website.
Thanks for stopping by today, everyone!
I have some exciting news to reveal in this month of September. Keep watching.
Happy Reading,
Rosie
So interesting to hear other writer’s creative process and publishing journey. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Julie, you are so right, it is fun to watch how other authors do what they do.
Thanks for stopping by today. 🙂
Great post and great review!
Hi Jessica, thanks!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a great weekend. 🙂
Hi Rosie, I am really enjoying your author interviews and learning about other writer’s journeys. Like Julie said, this reminded me of you and Cat working together to write your first MG novel. Thanks fo another fascinating post.
Hi Sandra, there are so many great stories out there about how authors do what they do. I find it so interesting, too.
You have done much of the same thing with your children’s book and your MG books.
Thank you for always stopping by, Sandra.
Have a great weekend.
So much fun to read about other authors. Her story reminded me of you and Cat’s jump from authoring children’s book to co-writing a book for pre-teens. I’m a big believer of trying out different genres – so kudos to all of you for coming out of your comfort zone to try something new!
I love hearing about other author’s journeys too, Julie.
Thanks for your kind words. I think the more we do this, the braver we get? Or, so it feels sometimes.
Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you get to do something fun.