Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m just a regular person who always wanted to write a book, faltered many times, but finally decided to go through with it. I love anime, video games, and for the past three years have slowly been converting to a healthier lifestyle with small changes that stick (thank you NerdFitness!) This is my first “completed” novel; I’ve attempted and failed at others and still have a prior manuscript that I finished, but will likely totally revamp in the future to fiction. I’m a newbie/novice in every sense.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chaos (un)Controlled is my recent baby. Years ago I had a dream that I visited a library world in the sky in another dimension. It stuck with me so much that I used it as a base. I also once had a dream that a mysterious figure was sleeping beside me at my aunt’s old house in Brooklyn; that’s a major incorporation in this story as well. I try to keep a dream diary of my most poignant dreams because they get pretty story-worthy. Sometimes they have their own soundtrack and it’s like one big movie reel. But I pull a lot of elements from my past and fictionalize them: my upbringing, my job at the New York Public Library (best job EVER!), my experience with RPGs in gaming. I love the storyline I created so much, I knew I had to at least let others experience it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m kind of a lazy writer. When I’m into it, I need to stay hooked, otherwise, I’ll lose interest. Chaos (un)Controlled took me about 5-7 years to finish.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I HAVE to mention J.K. Rowling because Harry Potter was magic. Her writing is magic. But the last great novel I read was Ready Player One by Ernie Cline. It is hard for me to be impressed and I was BLOWN AWAY by that book. He has earned sensei-status.
What are you working on now?
Promoting Chaos (un)Controlled. It’s hard when you have multiple hobbies that you love. Whether you’re into a book, finishing a 90-hour RPG, trying to complete a lengthy anime-series, writing or being active, you have to juggle and some hobbies simply have to take a backseat at the moment. Pokemon GO was definitely a time-sucker last summer. My dedication lost me 14 pounds, haha.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m hoping to learn, as this is my first time going through all of this. I don’t want to stress too much, because I’m doing this more for fun than money. You reach a certain point and realize, if your work is your heart, then it can’t be about money anymore. I’m satisfied with that.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The truth makes the best writing.
What are you reading now?
Please tell me how to read and focus on your own book at the same time. I imagine it’s like deftly rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Ready Player One by Ernie Cline
Memoirs of a by Arthur Golden
The Thief of Always by Clive Barker
The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King
-Just one Harry Potter would be torture without the series so I have to omit. 🙁
Author Websites and Profiles
Quandra Toney Amazon Profile
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