FindBooksandAuthors
Toni Kief

Toni Kief

   Toni is a small-town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. She joined four generations of the maternal family in Marysville many years ago. The plan is to stay for the view, trees, family, and friends.    Toni was the first woman independent casualty insurance adjuster in Florida, and continued the work in Washington. A longtime civil rights activist, she is known to share stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists.    Toni defines her genre as OA –older adult, aka Matron and Boomer fiction. She is now diving into history. She continues to gather stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni ...
View Profile
FindBooksandAuthors

At FindBooksandAuthors , we’re passionate about helping readers discover amazing books beyond the mainstream. From indie treasures to future bestsellers, our platform connects curious readers with talented authors from around the world. Whether you're in the mood for romance, sci-fi, thrillers, or children's stories — you'll find your next great read right here.

Join our community. Discover the undiscovered. 📚

FindBooksandAuthors

Inside the Mind - Toni Kief

  • What inspired you to start writing?
    I was about to retire and a friend dared me.
  • Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
    I have just published More than a Lady, the stories of the First Ladies of the USA. Not much attention to the husbands, although at times I thought we should have elected her.
  • How do you create your characters?
    In my fiction, I truly belive I simply thought of Mildred Petrie, and then she took over my life and dictated what went on.
  • What does your typical writing day look like?
    I start around 6 to 7 in the morning, if I don't go walk in the cemetery with my cat. My goal is always 10 minutes a day, which usually ends up being several hours. I play NPR in the background, because music is too distracting with the urge to dance. So I spend my days marketing, writing, and no murder mysteries until after 4 pm.
  • What has been the most rewarding part of being an indie author?
    I'm amazed by the number of books so far, as I never thought of being an author. Also the positive feedback keeps me going. Love a good review, and I was recognized in The Dollar Store, as the author she had been reading.
  • What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your writing journey?
    Trying to fit into genres that are constantly expanding. Plus marketing and coming up with the next idea.
  • Do you have any favorite writing tools or apps?
    I'm a Baby Boomer, I am always grateful I don't have a typewriter, and can actually edit, and change things on the same machine.
  • What advice would you give to new or aspiring indie authors?
    Don't judge yourself, and go for it. You don't have to imitate any established author, just be truly yourself. Remember Ernest Hemingway's quote, "The first draft of anything is shit" and he was able to make a living.
  • How do you handle book promotion as an indie author?
    Promote every day and be ready to reach out, and be there. Name recognition is vital.
  • What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book?
    I am working on a new book. I have been walking in the local cemetery since the pandemic started, and now I'm gathering stories for my new project, Every Stone is a Story. The local historical society has begun to back me up and help gather information.