Today I’d like to introduce Toni Cox

Tell me about yourself. What inspired you to write?

I’ve always loved reading. From a young age I had my nose stuck in a book, and it never changed. Writing a book was on my bucket list, but then life happened, kids happened etc. But, when I fell ill, I decided life is too short not to follow my dreams, and I started writing. I published my first book in 2016. Now, I’m about to release my 23^rd.

Describe your desk / writing space.

It’s an old Pine desk my son used to have in his room. It has a big flat-screen TV on it that I use as my screen, with my laptop sitting beside it. I have an ergonomic keyboard, which helps with my arthritis in my wrists and hands. Besides my note pad and pens, my desk is usually uncluttered, but my coffee cup and water bottle are pretty much a permanent feature.

Do you have a writing routine or do you write when inspired?

I try to write at least some words every day. My goal is 1000 words on weekdays and 3000 words on Saturdays and Sundays. The rest of the time I do admin, graphics, ads, and a whole lot of other things that authors need to do to maintain their business. I don’t always achieve the 1000 words during weekdays, but that’s okay. I then make them up on the weekend.

What was the hardest scene for you to write? Which scene was your favorite to write?

Fight scenes and love scenes are always hard, yet I write them fairly often. I’ve never really thought about what my favourite scenes are to write. Probably where my main character kicks ass. Or where I’m about to reveal something to the reader.

What are you working on next?

I’m currently writing books 4 & 5 of a series (The Immortal Descendants), and after that I’m writing an urban fantasy duology about dragon shifters.

What authors or books have influenced your writing?

Jean M. Auel, JRR Tolkin, Robin Hobb, Walter Farley, and many others.

How do you come up with the title to your books?

Once I have a concept for my book, I do some research of what’s popular and/or trending at the moment. I check on Amazon/BookBub etc to see how my book can fit in there to make its title discoverable. Once I have some keywords that are popular on those sites, I work them into a title that will work with my concept, and then I have the title for my book/s/series.

What inspired your book/series?

The voices in my head, lol. I’ve always had an active imagination, and I built the world for my first series (The Elemental Trilogy) from when I was young and taking my dog into the forest for walks. I have hundreds of stories in my head, and not enough time to write them.

Who is your favorite character from your book and would you get along?

I usually like my main characters, but my two favourites are Maia (Elemental Rising) and Erika (Resilient). I think we’d get along great. Both are strong and independent, but had to grow and fight to become like that.

If you could live anywhere, in this world or fantasy, where would you live?

Definitely in a fantasy world. Preferably Elveron, the world my elves live on in my Elemental Trilogy.

What is your favorite meal?

Because of my health, I’m mainly a vegan. And I’m gluten intolerant. So, I have several favourite meals, but I can’t eat them anymore. The one thing I do love (and so do some characters in my books) and that I can make vegan and gluten free, is mushroom ragout, served with rice/potatoes/or gluten free bread/pasta.

Coffee or tea? Wine or beer?

coffee with honey – no milk, or maybe tea with honey if I’m in the mood, but I love water (at least 3 liters a day)

Describe yourself in three words.

Determined, kind, stubborn