Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a lawyer-turned writer. I grew up in Phoenix, AZ, but spent most of my adult life working as a lawyer in New York. I recently moved back out west to focus on writing. I now live in the Los Angeles area.
I’ve written four books total now. The first, Swallow, is women’s fiction, about a young female lawyer suffering from the psychosomatic disorder, Globus Hystericus. And, I just published a three-book contemporary romance / new adult series, Fever, which is set in the world of ballroom dancing, of which I was a part for many years!
I’m working on more romance novels set in the same studio, called Infectious Rhythm, in which the Fever books are set. They’ll all be part of the Infectious Rhythm series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Fever novels were inspired by my experiences as an amateur Latin ballroom dancer. I had such a blast doing it! I met so many fabulous dancers, and so many really talented and sexy men, and I just felt one of them would make such a perfect romantic hero!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really unusual. I just make sure I spend at least a few hours every day writing!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My absolute favorite novels are “Wuthering Heights” by Emile Bronte, “Dreams of My Russian Summers” by Andrei Makine, “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love” by Oscar Hijuelos, “Juliet” by Anne Fortier, and “Dancer” by Colum McCann.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the second series within the Infectious Rhythm series. I’m not sure yet if it will be more than one book or not. But it is focused on another couple who dance at the Infectious Rhythm studio in Hollywood, where Fever is set.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know all that much yet! My first book came out so long ago, when everything was different. Now there are so many new websites. Right now I’m using Goodreads and Facebook a lot, and I try to write on my blog regularly about my books or other romance novels I’m reading or dance-related things that I think my readers would be interested in.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can in your genre (and outside of your genre as well, if you have the time). Read book blogs and review sites where books in your genre are reviewed. Become part of the community of readers and writers and get to know what your readers are connecting with in the books they love. And reading in general teaches you so much about good writing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I once saw this Swedish proverb somewhere – I think in a poster shop – and love it. So true! โFear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours.โ
What are you reading now?
I recently returned from the Romantic Times BookLovers Convention and came back with so many books! I’m actually simultaneously reading “Sweet Filthy Boy” by Christina Lauren, “Overruled” by Emma Chase, and “Captivated by You” by Sylvia Day.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish writing several more books in the Infectious Rhythm series, and then maybe turn to another series. Right now I’m so caught up in my love of dance ๐
What is your favorite book of all time?
I have a lot of favorites, but I really, really love Wuthering Heights.
Author Websites and Profiles
Tonya Plank Website
Tonya Plank Amazon Profile
Tonya Plank Author Profile Other Bookseller
Tonya Plank’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account