Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written 5 books. The first, a contemporary romance set on Nantucket Island, published in February 2016. Book 2, Breaking Tides, will be published this spring. There will be multiple books in this series, and I’m very excited about them.
I live in New England with my family, and I work as a Medical Assistant in my day job. I’m wife and mom of 3, and have 2 beautiful grandsons, ages 3 and 6.
We have 1 old Labrador Rocky who is the mayor of our neighborhood, and 6 chickens. They lay delicious eggs when they darn well feel like it!
I love writing, and hope you enjoy my books. I’m working on a series of novellas as well.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Breaking Tides, which will be out soon. This book is inspired by my desire to take a serious, emotionally closed off businessman and pair him with a vivacious, energetic yoga instructor. She’s got wild red hair, a compact, fit body and more energy than Michael knows what to do with. I wanted to show how he learns to relax, laugh and play. Most of all, I wanted him to find the love of his life, and have him live it passionately.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think about my stories all the time. If something comes to mind, I’ll write notes in my phone, or on scraps of paper and stuff them into my lunchbox. I like to talk to people constantly because real life is what makes books come alive.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, boy. More than I can name. Jennifer Probst, Robyn Carr, Nora Roberts, Jennifer Proby, Abbie Zanders, Lisa Gardner and so many more!
What are you working on now?
After Breaking Tides, I plan to work simultaneously on a novella series and Tides of Rain, which will be book 3 in the Nantucket series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve spent more than I can afford on paid advertisement. My current experiment is to put my books out on all free advertisement sites I can find and make a solid comparison. Then I can formulate a concise business plan and utilize those sites where I’ve seen the best results. I’ve done well with Bargainbooksy, Choosybookworm and MyBookCave. I also run Amazon ads all the time.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write constantly, find writers who open their hearts and share with you, remembering to give back whenever possible. Also join writer’s organizations and enter contests, because placing in them is beneficial. Get a great website. Find ways to connect with readers and be your genuine self with everyone you encounter.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Join RWA, Romance Writers of America. Also, the best advice is from a friend of mine, the wonderful writer, now retired, Katherine Sutcliffe. Every time she helped me plot out a story line, she’d ask me why? I’d give an answer and she asked why? Over and over until I went deep enough to have a story worth writing.
What are you reading now?
The Virgin River series by Robyn Carr. Totally addicted! I’m on book 6 and I’m thrilled to say there are tons more to go.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying my best to take my writing to the next level. Be more recognizable and find ways to increase readership.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Shanna by Kathleen Woodwiss and Jude Deveraux’s The Black Lyon are a tie!
Author Websites and Profiles
Dawn Tomasko Website
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