Meet Romance Author Toni Sue VerSteeg

Meet Toni Sue VerSteeg. Isn't she adorable?! I met her through a local writing group, Ozarks Romance Authors, in Missouri. Toni Sue has done very well for herself and has even co-written with Gemma Halliday.

Toni Sue writes romantic comedies which I love to read and watch on the big screen! Let's get started with her fun, new release, MY EX-BOYFRIEND'S WEDDING. Just by the title, you can imagine how hysterical this will be. Most of us can relate to having an ex and possibly (surely not!) trying to get even with him or her. I haven't yet read Toni Sue's novel but I'm looking forward to it. Let's ask her some questions and be sure to comment. Toni Sue is giving away one FREE copy of her new release, plus an awesome writer button for EVERYONE who comments! (See photo of the buttons below.)

Q. Tell us about your new release. What was the inspiration? What’s the genre?

My Ex-Boyfriend's Wedding is a romantic comedy. It's about a very stubborn redhead (which may or may not be loosely based on my youth *whistles and looks away*) who can't back down from a challenge by her two-timing ex. I mean, we've all had someone in our lives who knows how to push those buttons.  Jemma's no different. She accepts the challenge...and struggles with her choices. Then she meets Tony, the bride-to-be's cousin, and things get really interesting. I wrote this book to work out revenge on an ex of my own. It was very therapeutic. 

Q. How long have you been writing?

 

Forever. In a serious capacity, for about fifteen years. It's been a wild ride.

Q. What is your typical writing day?

I'm a pantser, so it's usually a 'fly by the seat of my pants' kind of session. I know that some people claim you have to write every day to be a 'real' writer. Well, If this is a fact, I'm not a 'real' writer. I write when I have a scene or scenes worked out in my head. I've tried to sit at the computer each day, hoping for inspiration. All this accomplished was some wasted time. Facebook can be such a naughty Siren when you don't have the words at the ready. ;)

I write the same way. I never know if this is spelled correctly--panster or pantster. And about Facebook...I know exactly what you mean. We have a love-hate relationship, for sure.

Q. Tell us something quirky about you that we may not know.

I am a giant mass of quirkiness. Let's see... Most people are befuddled that I can't eat any type of meat with a bone in it. I...just can't. *shudder* And if you have to crack it open, just don't. Not around me.

LOL. I'm the same way. In fact, I won't buy roast if it says "shoulder" or "butt" because I don't want to know which body part I'm eating. I'll only buy stuff that's non-descript so I totally get your no-bone thing.

Q. Do you use a pen name? Why or why not?

I do, but it's my maiden name. At first, it was just a way to make sure people from high school recognized the name when I 'hit the big time', and it was all in fun. Well, it was unique and tsueversteeg.com was available...of course. So, I went with it. 

Q. What is your favorite marketing tip/promotional advice?

ARCs! Advanced Reader Copies are an author's best friend. Offer those free books to people willing to post a fair/honest review on a major site like Amazon or B&N when your book comes out. It helps generate a buzz and gives you something to post about on social media without having to toot your own horn. 

Good to know. Thank you!

Q. I love first lines. Post your first sentence. Hook us!

My first book has my all-time favorite first line of anything I've written. "Men suck!" How can you top that? Especially when the man-panion is working on that very last nerve. ;)
Love it!

Q. What’s your next project?  

I have several in the works right now. The most pressing is the sequel to Luck Be A Lady. Gemma Halliday and I are working on Hey Big Spender. Tessie finds herself helping her childhood nemesis prove her innocence in her husband's death. Tate will, of course, steal the show in most scenes. I just love him.

 

That's quite an accolade working with Gemma Halliday. Big congrats on that and the sequel sounds great. Love the title!

 I'd love to give away a book and some buttons. :) Thanks again for hosting me!

 

Thanks for coming by and for offering those cute buttons and one free copy. I can't wait to read your novel. Here's the blurb for MY EX-BOYFRIEND'S WEDDING:

 

BLURB

Agreeing to photograph your two-timing ex's wedding... What could possibly go wrong?

Most women have them: those two very distinct, very different voices in their mind. One can usually be chalked up to common sense, the other to mischief, mayhem or just plain morbid curiosity. Both are always there, though, ready with their two cents worth.

Jemma Keith is no exception to the rule. She doesn’t have a problem agreeing to photograph her cheating ex-boyfriend’s wedding. The dilemma, however, is what to do once she gets there. Common sense feels like taking the high road; she can handle being the better person. Mischief wants to slither in, crashing the whole affair down around his worthless ankles.

What’s a woman to do when she can’t make up her mind? 

At least both sides are in complete harmony about the bride’s cousin, Anthony Giovanni: he’s hot, handsome, and oh, so tempting.

Join Jemma as she weaves through a web of lust, temptation, revenge, and maybe even love.

Kindle:http://tinyurl.com/prmtp2g

iBooks:http://tinyurl.com/nhrpbkn

Nook: http://tinyurl.com/nzvtrzw

Kobo:http://tinyurl.com/qz57hw9

Paperback print:http://tinyurl.com/nmp7rph

 

You can visit me at facebook.com/tsvbooks or if you want to get to know me better, I am also at facebook.com/tversteeg. Tweet me at twitter.com/tsueversteeg

 

 

Author Swag

While thinking about my upcoming release, THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, in just over two months (eek!), I'm researching swag to give to readers.

First of all, who knew the title of my novel would narrow this down for me? I certainly didn't plan it that way BUT it's turning out to be very helpful.

I will want a launch party on a Thursday, for sure. That's a given EXCEPT there's one tiny problem. My novel releases on August 13, 2014, which is a Wednesday. I'm torn between having the FB launch on that Wednesday or having it the next day, which is also my birthday. I think it's important to have sales the first day so I may need to stick with Wednesday. But I'll have another launch party on a Thursday when the print books come out.

Secondly, I'm looking for all things coconut! I've found coconut-flavored coffee, scrubs, and soaps for gift baskets and give-aways and am also researching some other fun things. I'll let you know when it's all finalized.

I found some coconut cups similar to those mentioned in THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS. They look a little cheap (plastic) but I may order them anyway because they're so darn cute. Look at the cover above. There's a drink served in a coconut cup--all mixed drinks are. I also found palm tree/coconut pens. The only problem is they aren't imprinted. I suppose I could make labels... I'll order some first to see how they look.

Since I have hippies in my novel, I could incorporate some peace signs and tie-dye. See, how fun this is? And I have a wedding planner, so I could have some romantic give-aways and did order some for my daughter's wedding that weren't used so I'm set with those. There's a lot to consider.

How about you? Do you tie in with your title or the theme of your book? You should! That gives you a starting point and just makes sense. Think outside the box when it comes to author swag. Of course, I still think bookmarks are always handy, and business cards are a must. What are some unique author swag items you've seen?

Who Can I Blame?

I finally made it here to my poor, neglected blog and don't have anyone to blame but myself. However, I do have a lot of EXCUSES.

First, we're away from home and are trying our hand at being snowbirds. (Yes, we have a house sitter and are heading home soon, so no worries.) While in sunny, warm Florida, many of our cold-weather friends joined us, extended their visit or made return trips. Who could blame them?! So, we've been very busy entertaining, doing laundry, getting groceries and seeing the sights. That's one reason I haven't been blogging or writing.

Secondly, my daughter is getting married in May. I'm hosting a bridal shower for her in April, so I'm madly ordering gifts, favors, sending out invitations, working on games, and so on. It's an exciting time, and of course, you know me. I am a perfectionist to the hundredth degree.

Third, I'm getting acquainted with my fellow Soul Mate Publishing author friends. They are very friendly, informative and helpful. These conversations equal at least 30 (if not 50) emails a day. Whew. And I've been working with the cover artist on my debut women's fiction, THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS. I'll be revealing that very soon!

Finally, we're tackling some renovations which includes tile, wallpaper, paint, and landscaping. Why in the world did I think I had time for that?

So, who can I blame? No one but myself. I hope to get back to a regular routine now. What projects are you juggling? What are your excuses?

And I Dreaded 2013

I really dreaded the year 2013. I'm a tad superstitious. Okay, more than a tad superstitious. But it turns out 2013 was a big year, a REALLY big year! (Sound familiar? Remember Ed Sullivan?!) Maybe I need to rethink my fear of the number 13, black cats, walking under ladders, throwing salt over my shoulder when it spills. You get the picture.

To prove my point, here are three big highlights from 2013 (in order of occurrence):


My first-ever holiday picture book, SANTA'S SECRET, was published and I had several book signings in Springfield and Branson. Barnes & Noble even carried my book! I enjoyed school visits, especially going back to my former elementary school, York, where I donated copies to first graders.

My novel, THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, was picked up by Soul Mate Publishing. This is a life-long dream. I'm still pinching myself and cannot wait to see my cover art and hold that book in my hands! My release date is tentatively Summer 2014 (I asked that it be moved back. Crazy, I know, but read the next bullet point for an explanation.)

My daughter, Amy, got engaged! She and Chris will be married in Los Angeles on May 30, 2014. We couldn't be more thrilled! I'm having a shower for her in April and am trying to assist her long distance with wedding preparations. It's a fun, life-changing time for all of us.

Now, we're well into 2014. (Where did January go?) So, what's up for this year?

Several events will carry over from 2013--the release of THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS including marketing, book launches, launch parties, book signings and conferences.

The WEDDING in May and all the happiness that will ensue for my precious daughter and her soon-to-be husband.

And either another children's picture book, finishing the sequel to THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, continued work on my haiku collections or my non-fiction marketing book for authors. Decisions, decisions.

What were your top three events in 2013 and plans for 2014?