Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have just release my debut book, a memoir called “I’m Not the Only One”. It has received a Canada Book Award for the content.
I was born and raised in Canada, specifically Ontario. I was a competitive athlete throughout elementary, high school and finally university. I have been involved in different charitable organizations over the years.
I have a love of animals, with a dog and cat of my own.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As mentioned above, my book is titled “I’m Not the Only One”. It is a memoir/self-help/non-fiction that focuses on the topic of sexual assault.
The inspiration for my book came one night when I couldn’t sleep. I had considered writing a book someday, but that day came without warning. I started to write down my thoughts so that I could get them out of my head. The initial pages were in no particular order and just a long dialogue to myself. Something though was present underneath the disorganized first thoughts. I worked with it over a period of 7 months and the end result was what we have today.
As I started to write down my thoughts I was realizing how frustrated I was that the discussion around assault seems to end at the assault itself. There never seems to be further discussion on how this impacts the victims/survivors. The media seems to forget we are human beings and that trauma continues after the intimate event. While I was healing, I felt abandoned by those around me. I felt alone and I felt worthless. I had to rebuild my life to what it is today. If I could help someone else going through the same thing, feel a little less alone, I wanted to do that.
I also grew from the writing experience. There were things I didn’t appreciate I hadn’t let go, or healed from. When I finished the first draft and submitted it to the editor, I felt this weight release. A weight I didn’t even know I was carrying around. It was almost magical.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I type everything out and jump around as thoughts come to mind, but for the most part it’s pretty uneventful.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For this topic I would say none. It is not really a topic that you go looking for inspiration. It is there, or it isn’t based on your own experiences.
What are you working on now?
At the moment, nothing. I am starting the marketing process for this book. I would love to write children’s books someday, but I am not there yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram has been the best method for me. I like that I feel connected to a community. I try not to push the direct promotion of my book too much, but rather build a group of supporters and individuals looking for that connection themselves.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid.
What are you reading now?
A Willing Murderer by Jude Deveraux. Murder mysteries tend to be my go-to reads.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Promotion of my current book.
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?
One or two of the last Harry Potter books
One or two James Patterson books
Author Websites and Profiles
Tori Hill Website
Tori Hill’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile