Interview With Author Toby LeBlanc
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mental health therapist in Austin, Texas. Writing is a way my own tales can have life alongside the countless stories of courage and strength of my clients. Dark Roux is my first traditionally published novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dark Roux came about after listening to an NPR interview with a Jewish author discussing his experience from inside of his culture. I realized we do not have something like this in Cajun culture. I wanted to show all sides of my culture: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I do anything too out of the ordinary. I have noticed that the muse is very fickle with me, though. Some days I will write for four hours straight. Other days I can maybe eek out four minutes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Toni Morrison, Cormac McCarthy, Eudora Welty, Arundhati Roy, Larry Brown
What are you working on now?
I have two different projects going on right now. One is a first draft novel of two neighbors who weather Hurricane Katrina and must escape its aftermath. Each have to overcome their racism to survive. I also just started another short story collection focused on a woman who is part of the first mission to colonize Antarctica after climate change.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really love local events. Books are all about connection, thought usually those connections are felt in private. The shared space of local events allows me to see who is seeing my words, discuss what they like and what’s important to them, and learn from them. It may not be the most wide reaching connection, but it’s the deepest one. Word of mouth is a solid referral source.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it’s a worn out saying, but do not give up. Persistence is the secret ingredient to getting books in the world.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before you open your mouth to share an opinion, ask yourself 3 questions: Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? Does this need to be said by me right now?
What are you reading now?
Horizon by Barry Lopez. I’m so upset I only learned about him after he passed.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I like writing about the intersection of climate change and culture. What constitutes our humanity is in flux as the world changes. I love being able to document it and speculate on it.
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?
Horizon by Barry Lopez
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
Author Websites and Profiles
Toby LeBlanc’s Social Media Links