Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in Germany in 1976, I moved to South Africa in 1991. Although I have spent much of my working career in the timber wholesale business, I am also an accomplished horse rider, have a diploma in project management, photography, and nutrition, and have a passion for books and all things fantasy. I also believe in dragons!
From a young age, my dream has always been to put my imagination into words – give the stories life. When I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2013, I decided life is too short not to follow my dream. So, with the support of my husband and three children, I began writing book 1 of the Elemental Trilogy in January 2015.
The Elemental Saga is a fantasy world spanning over 35 books. These stories all take place on the various Life Planets of the Milky Way galaxy. The first 4 books were published between 2016 – 2017, with 5 more books coming in 2018.
The Andromeda Saga takes place in the Andromeda galaxy and will be a mix of sci-fi and fantasy. Hopefully, by 2020, we will see the first books of this saga published.
I am also currently writing a dystopian fantasy, and my first novel, Resilient, is due for release in 2018.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have been building my worlds for as long as I can remember. When I became sick, it gave me the motivation (and the courage) to share my stories with the world. My head literally is a fantasy world all on its own and I cannot write my stories fast enough, LOL.
Book 1 and 2 of the Elemental Trilogy are already available. (Elemental Rising and Elemental Betrayal).
I am currently writing the final installment, Forbidden Elemental, and hope for a publishing date in April 2018.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write, I step into a completely different world. I like it quiet. No music, no TV in the background and my husband takes my phone away so I don’t get distracted by social media.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The book that started me on reading was “The Black Stallion” by Walter Farley. I read all his books when I was a kid.
I also read “The Lord of the Rings” when I was very young and have since read it many times over. The Earth Children series by Jean M. Auel also played a big part in my reading life.
My favourite fantasy author is Robin Hobb and I love reading her work.
Recently, I have stumbled on some amazing South African authors as well and, although they don’t write in my favourite genre, I absolutely love their work. (E.g. Ashleigh Giannoccaro, Sian B. Claven)
What are you working on now?
Forbidden Elemental – book 3 of the Elemental Trilogy
Jasmine In Love – book 3 of the Elemental short stories (release date 14.02.2018)
Luke – book 4 of the Elemental short stories (due before mid-2018)
Rebirth – book 5 of the Elemental short stories (due before mid-2018)
The Blade of Death – book 6 of the Elemental short stories (due before mid-2018)
Resilient – my first dystopian novel
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a few social media account where I promote my books:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortonicox/
Twitter: @ToniCoxAuthor
Instagram: @tonicoxelemental
Website: www.tonicoxauthor.com
(My website also features my blog and you can sign up to my newsletter via the website)
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up – anything is possible.
By 2015 I went almost everywhere in a wheelchair. Writing has given me a new lease on life.
And just write. It may all seem like hard work sometimes, but at the end of the day, it is all worth it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What are you reading now?
Written In Flames – by Ashleigh Giannoccaro
Master of Dragons – by Chris Wraight
Zaria & Zauran – by Poppet
Happy Holidays Anthology – 14 different authors (my story featured in it is called “A Forgotten Christmas”)
What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides releasing 6 books this year, I am also working hard on my marketing technique. It is like having a second job … but is a vital part of being an author.
I will also be part of my very first international book signing, which is being held in Cape Town at the end of September this year.
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?
I would probably take pen and paper and write my own … nothing more inspirational than a desert island.
But, there are some that I enjoy reading over and over:
The Host – by Stephenie Meyer
The Valley of the Horses – by Jean M. Auel
Mort – by Terry Pratchett
Eragon – by Christopher Paolini
Author Websites and Profiles
Toni Cox Website
Toni Cox Amazon Profile
Toni Cox’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account