Tonya Spitler

Tonya Spitler is the author of the Focus Journal The Caregiver's Journal for Avoiding Burnout, as well as the upcoming journal Living Life Through Cancer: A Guided Journal Through the Journey of Treatment and Beyond.  She is also a contributing author to the anthology Along the Shore: Strategies for Living with Grief edited by Cheryl Lynn West.

Tonya writes fiction under the pen name Tia Marlee. Tia is the author of several sweet, small-town romances featuring all the swoon with low to no heat. Her series Piney Brook Wishes can be found on Amazon. 
Currently, you can find Tonya at her website www.anovelchoicellc.com or on Instagram @anovelchoicellc or Facebook. 
Find more about Tia Marlee at tiamarleeauthor.com

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Interview with Tonya Spitler

Thank you, Tonya, for taking the time to chat with me. 

When did you know you wanted to become an author?

I fell in love with reading very young, and shortly after I started making up my own stories. I'd handwrite or draw pages and pages of my own creation. I think I've always wanted to be a writer in some capacity, I just didn't always know it was possible. 

​When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Not until I published my first book. Even now, I sometimes deal with imposter syndrome. 

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration are the other authors I know! Their dedication to their craft is definitely inspiring. My daughter is my biggest motivator. She's always pushing me to be my best.

​How do you come up with your ideas?

Sometimes, they are inspired by things I see or hear. Sometimes they come to me when I'm washing my hair. Just depends. 

Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?

Some of my characters deal with things I've experienced or witnessed in real life, but the characters themselves are unique.

What comes first, the plot or the characters?

For me, it's usually the story line that comes to mind first, then the characters tell me all the ways I'm wrong. 

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I usually have at least two drinks beside me.

How did publishing your first book change your writing career?

It validated that I can do it! Gave me the confidence to keep pushing, even when it's hard.

Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?

YES!! UGH! I will try and call an author friend and brainstorm or go on a walk. Spending time in nature is so essential for me.

What are you working on now?

I'm currently working on a sweet romcom with the multi author project The Coffee Loft. Next up, a brand new series featuring life on Apple Blossom Ranch

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Never quit. Find a writing group and plug in. Work on your craft. Be a student of the industry. 

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I like to spend time with my family. I have three teenagers, and I'm soaking up the memories before they're adults and out on their own.

​What are three things that are unique about you?

• I grew up on a farm in Northwest Arkansas for most of my childhood.
• I adore gnomes.
• I collected clown figurines as a child.

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Caregiver's Journal for Avoiding Burnout

Living Life Through Cancer