#AuthorInterview :: Beautiful Collision by @MsToriAlvarez

About the Book:

Check out the Book on Amazon

They are both running from their family legacies…

Raised on the wrong side of town with a mother who fell for every man with money, Toni refuses to fall for a pretty face. Her mom did a great job of showing her men were only good for heartbreak. She will depend on no man to be her knight in shining armor. They are only a means to an end to escape the life she is destined to live if she does not claw her way out.

Due to inherit his dad’s cattle empire, Garrett trusts no woman. They fall all over him to get closer to his last name and money. He is searching for his equal—one he can care for but who is able and willing to do it on her own.

Neither of them is honest about their pasts or families. One is looking for true love and the other is avoiding it at all costs. Will this cowboy be able to soften her hardened heart?

An Interview with Toni Alvarez

When did I realize I wanted to be a writer? 

To be honest I’m not sure. The idea had come and gone for several years. In my 20’s I wanted to write children’s books, but did not know an illustrator. I had many thoughts and stories, but didn’t know how to make them come to fruition. Then one day while I was waiting for my daughter at practice I decided to start writing. And now here we are.

How did you come up with your current story? 

I’m a school counselor so I meet a variety of people and students. I met this mom many, many years ago. She was so self involved and absent for her kids. I then created a story for a child who makes it despite who her mother is. It’s kind of weird how I got inspiration for the leading lady from a minor secondary character.

Tell us about your writing process.

I don’t have one. For my first two books I let the story and characters lead me. My current work in progress I have made a loose outline and am following it, but I’m still in the beginning so I don’t know where it will lead me. I usually have big scenes I know will happen throughout so the rest of the story flows between those events.

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks? 

Yes. Sophia in Naïve in Love has my personality. I am a true introvert and most of my best friends have had bigger than life personalities. When I was younger I would be envious of their ease in social situations. It took many years learning to be comfortable & confident with myself.

Do you read? Who are your favorite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?

I am an avid reader. I tend to read mostly romance, but love a good thriller too. I have many favorite authors. Colleen Hoover influenced me to start wriing. I read an interview with her where she talked about how she began writing at her boys practices. I decided to use that time in the same way. I love Rebecca Donovan. Her Breathing Series sucked me in. I aspire to write those heartfelt, suspenseful, tear jerker scenes. I think everyone has their own style. Their own voice. You can aspire to be able to evoke emotion, but I think the style will always be all your own.

What is the best piece of advice you would give someone that wants to get int writing?

I would say it would be to write. Sit down and get the words out. It may not be good at first, but that’s when you can go in and begin polishing. So many get stuck with planning or researching so the words never get written. Also, hire an editor. I learned this one the hard way.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list? 

Travel the Greek Isle. I love to travel and explore new cities and countries. Many of the things on my bucket list revolve around travelling.

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.

a. 1. I am a wine lover. My husband and I love to try new and different wines. I have travelled to the Napa Valley to explore different vineyards. I also live about an hour away from the Texas Wine Trail (Highway 290). We are wine members at a vineyard there so we head up there a few times a year.
b. 2. Keanu Reeves has said my name in his movies. First and last name in two separate movies. In A Walk in the Clouds he screams ‘Victoria’. Then in Point Break he speaks in his walkie talkie before they raid the drug house, ‘Alvarez, Alvarez’. It’s silly, but I always get excited thinking about it. And yes, he is my celebrity crush and has been for many, many years.
c. 3. I am a Cheer Mom. My daughter (my only child) is an All Star Cheerleader, so that means I am chauffeur to all practices and competitions. January began Nationals season, all the biggest competitions, so I have been running around like crazy. And February holds two more out of town competitions.


About the Author:

Tori is the author of Naïve in Love, her debut novel, and Beautiful Collision her newest release. She is a Texas girl, born and raised, but living in many different cities/towns within the great state.

Tori is a high school counselor by day and writer/reader by night. After many, many years of daydreams/mini made up movies floating through her head, she began to write them down. A full novel was written with two scenes she envisioned. Tori is also an avid reader. Romance reads are the preferred genre, but thriller/suspense come in a close second.

Her life is full with a wonderful husband, teen daughter, a yorkie named Becca and cat named Samantha. Traveling and wine tasting are two of her favorite things.



Toni Alvarez on the Web: 
Website * Instagram * Facebook * Twitter

Giveaway:

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