Exciting times abound because today, debut author (and one of my best friends) Toby Wise has dropped by to talk about their first book, Ageless Fate, which is the first in their Mpreg shifter romance series ‘A Collection of Stray’s’.
1. What inspired you to write Ageless Fate? Can you tell us a little more about the story?
As soon as I started reading omegaverse I was hooked. I loved the world building, I loved the dramatics, and I most of all loved the idea of fucking with gender norms.
I’ve always enjoyed world building and making interesting characters so I wanted to write a story where I could make my own world and my own lore. Ageless Fate deals with instalove and true mates and mpreg of course, but it also deals with adoptive family, mythical creatures, witches, and hunters. It’s lighthearted and (hopefully) humours while also having this fun, new world you can get lost in.
2. Can you share something with us about the book that isn’t in the blurb?
In this book, Dakota has a pregnancy craving, Rainbow Chip Frosting. Most of his kids AND his mate all think it’s gross and tease him about it but Dakota eats the stuff straight from the can. It’s Dakota and Cameron versus the rest of the family. Have you ever tried the stuff because personally, I’m a huge fan of the sweet treat!!
It’s so yummy – I’m definitely on Dakota’s side too!
3. What was the hardest scene to write?
Personally, I write in chronological order. I like to start at chapter one and write each chapter in order. There was one scene, where the family goes into the woods and enjoy a family run in their animal forms, I had to go back and add after I’d finished writing everything else and it was tough to get back into the mindspace of these characters and what they were going through at that time again.
4. What did you edit out of this book? Or really want to include but it just didn’t fit?
There’s a scene where Charlie and Dakota celebrate Charlie’s very first published book. And by celebrate I mean sexy times! It didn’t really fit in the book but I WILL be releasing it as a little bonus chapter after the book comes out!
5. What or who (or both) has influenced you most as a writer?
The very first omegaverse series I ever read was The Northern Lodge Pack by Susi Hawke. I’d read a lot of omegaverse in fanfiction but I hadn’t realized there were original books in at genre. From that moment, I dreamed of writing my own books and publishing them. My best friend encouraged me so finally, I sat down and began seriously writing this series and here we are today. (Thanks Bestie!)
6. Dakota’s family is pretty large and filled with some interesting characters, what is the future for them? Do you have any plans?
So many plans… I’m currently working on writing ‘A Collection of Strays Book Two’ which will be Elwood’s story. I have plans for six books in this series so each character will find their mates and have their happily ever after.
7. What sort of challenges did you face writing this book?
There’s so many things you don’t know about the world of self publishing until you’re in the middle of it. I had no idea how to format my book so it looked pretty on paper, I didn’t know how to set up my author account, I didn’t know how to get a cover done. It’s just the little things you have to figure out along the way. Obviously I’ve (somewhat) figured my shit out now and hopefully the second book will be a tiny bit less stressful!
8. If we made Ageless Fate into a movie, who would be your dream casting for Dakota and Charlie?
Oh man. I love and hate this question! I think everyone who reads the book is going to picture someone different and that’s half the fun. Personally, I imagine Dakota as a sexy silver fox, someone like McSteamy aka Eric Dane. That bit of grey in his hair and beard… *sigh*. Now Charlie I picture someone with dark hair, strong, very sexy of course. Basically I picture Chris Hemsworth haha. *active all the heart eyes*
9. What have you learnt from the whole debut writer process? Do you have any advice for writers working on their first novel?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I kept trying to figure everything out on my own and things would have been so much easier if I’d just asked for help. Also, don’t take yourself too seriously? Right now I’m still at the stage where I am just filled with awe and wonder that this is real. I’m publishing a book and making my dream come true. If I take myself too seriously I might lose that sense of wonder and I NEVER want that to happen. I wanna stay humble and grateful that I get to do this.
10. What is your favourite childhood book?
Probably Green Eggs and Ham. Mostly because when we read it in school, our teacher always made greed dyed eggs with ham! Sell me anything if food is involved.
11. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Do you have a secret passion or hobby that we don’t know about?
I’m a stay at home parent so if I’m not writing I’m almost definitely drinking coffee and spending time with my kiddo. (He’s almost three so therefore an energetic handful <3 )
12. Finally, what’s your favourite dinosaur?
LAWL. I cannot think of a single dinosaur…… so I’m going with the first one that comes to mind. The one from Meet the Robinsons who shouts, “I got a big head! And little arms!” Seems kinda fitting for me haha!
I was so super tempted to include that gif here!
Thank you so much for dropping in to answer all of my fiendish questions! I can’t wait to read the rest of this family’s adventures.
Ageless Fate is available now and you can also get your paws on
Before Fate, a FREE prequel that introduces you to all of Dakota’s family!
You can also find Toby on Twitter and join their super fun Facebook Group: Toby’s Wiseasses.
