TOBY TATE …….. Author Spotlight

Toby Tate was the first Author that I met on FaceBook. Great guy, super nice, and a great author. So I thought it fitting to pick him as my first Author Spotlight. Toby is the author of High – Octane, Sci-fi, Fantasy and Horror novels. I have read everything that Toby has written, and he never disappoints. Toby currently has 3 books available…

GOD PARTICLE – A Chloe Johansson Thriller. Chloe is a 16yr old MIT student. While she’s in school, her dad goes missing. She hops a plane and goes to her mom in Geneva to help with finding her dad.

THE BLACK CHURCH – Spooky short story. Full of the occult, and curses. About a rug thats more then just a rug.

LILITH – Something is aboard a state of the art super carrier. Its taking over the crew. It must be stopped, and time is running out.

Each book is great. Each book scared me and left my heart racing. 🙂 Loved them.

Toby took the time out of his busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions …. here’s that interview now.
1. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I’ve been writing off and on since I was around 12, but I didn’t really consider it as a full-time job until a few years ago when I was working on my English degree. I started writing a novel in college and actually finished it and then found a publisher.

2. What authors influenced you and your writings?

I think my biggest influences were probably Ray Bradbury, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King.

3. What are some of your favorite books and authors?

That’s a toughie! Well, I really love Arthur Conan Doyle’s THE LOST WORLD, and have probably read it several times. I’m a huge Michael Crichton fan, as well, and have read most of his books. There are some classics that I love – ANIMAL FARM, BRAVE NEW WORLD, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, LORD OF THE FLIES, ATLAS SHRUGGED. As for modern authors, I’m a huge fan of James Rollins, James Patterson, Nelson DeMille, Brad Thor, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child and Lee Child

4. If you weren’t a writer, what would you likely be doing?

In addition to writing, I’m also a musician and songwriter and have worked in recording studios in the past as an audio engineer. I’d probably be making a living doing all of those things on a regular basis. Either that or teaching – ha ha!

5. Growing up, did you read a lot?

Yes. I was a voracious reader. I read constantly. My parents used to get annoyed at me for reading at the dinner table and made me stop because I would read instead of eating. So I started reading the labels on all the condiment jars.

6. Do you have a favorite childhood book?

Favorite childhood book? Hmmm. Probably DRACULA by Bram Stoker. I loved that book.

7. Away from writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Spending time with my wife and daughter, reading, playing and writing music, watching classic sci-fi and horror movies.

8. What does your typical day look like when you write?

I get up around 7 a.m. and take my daughter to school, then usually go for a long walk to clear my head. I come home and take care of our various animals (dogs and rabbits), wash up last night’s dishes, clean up the house, etc. Then I start in on checking and answering email, Facebook posts, Twitter feed, etc. and then check the news to what’s going on in the world. After that, I read through the previous day’s writing and do some editing, and then start on the manuscript. If I haven’t started a new manuscript, then I’m doing research or making phone calls to people I’m consulting for my next book. I usually continue writing after everyone else is in bed. Then I get up and do it all again!

9. From start to finish, how long does it take you to write a book?

Depending on the length and complexity of the story, anywhere from three to six months.

10. If you could co-write a book with anybody, who would it be?

James Patterson. I have this fantasy that he calls me and says, “Toby, I’ve decided to go the supernatural route with my latest story and wanted to see if you’d be interested in co-writing a book with me.”

11. What kind of book do you think it would be?

Probably a supernatural thriller.

12. Any new releases coming out soon?

My next releases will be: THE LILITU – April 5, 2016; PRIMORDIAL – May 10, 2016; THE CAIN PROPHECY – June 14, 2016; and DIABLERO – Sept. 6, 2016. All will be released by Permuted Press.

But I also have three books out – LILITH, GOD PARTICLE and THE BLACK CHURCH, all available on Amazon.

13. Toby, I know you have a daughter. What kind of advice would you give her, or anyone starting out … that wants to be a writer?

Read a lot. Read the classics. Keep up with who is writing what in your chosen genre. Try to do something different, don’t jump on the bandwagon, so to speak. Study your craft and learn all you can. I learned how to write on deadline and to say what I needed to say with the fewest words possible by becoming a newspaper journalist. That was an invaluable experience. Also, try to travel as much as you can and see as many places as you can. Meet people. Do things. Get life experience. That will help your writing immensely.

14. What (if any) book are you currently reading at this moment?

Right now I’m reading two books – ANCIENT ENEMY by Michael McBride and MORTAL THREAT by A.J. Tata. Next up will be the latest James Rollins book, THE 6TH EXTINCTION.

Anyone that would like more info on me or my books can check out my website at http://www.tobytatestories.com or follow me on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks for the interview, Tina!

You are very welcome Toby. Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me.