Exclusive Interview with
Tori Shaw
When did you start writing?
I have always enjoyed writing but I never saw myself as an author. Several people asked me if I planned on writing a book so eventually, I decided to. So, I officially became an author in May of 2019.
What makes writing your passion?
How long have you been writing?
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
When my book released I was filled with excitement and shock. It just didn't feel "real!" Sometimes I'm still surprised by the fact that I have a published book! I am grateful God allowed me the opportunity to share my story in this way.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I've noticed that Amazon does not publish all the reviews submitted about my book. An entire month has gone by without a review being published but several people have told me they reviewed the book. With these Amazon reviews being so important for authors, it is incredibly frustrating that they will not submit the reviews people have taken the time to write.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
When I have a hard time getting my thoughts to come together on paper, I usually take a break for a couple of days and try not to think about the book at all. Then, when I sit back down to write, the words just flow.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
When the path feels difficult, my faith keeps me going. I know God has allowed this opportunity for me to share my story for His glory and the good of others. I remind myself that nothing is impossible with God.
For new authors, I would say, "Just go for it!" You'll probably never feel ready or confident in your ability to write a book but that doesn't mean you don't have a story to tell.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I do read all of my reviews. So far, I haven't received any negative reviews.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
The feeling of a good review is hard to describe. Reading a positive comment about my book encourages me, increases my confidence, and allows me to see the value in my writing.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
My book, I Had A Secret For Seventeen Years, is the story of my life. It is a non-fiction account of my life centered around the abortion I had at 17. Every thing in this book happened to me.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The cover of my book is an actual photo of me at the former abortion clinic where I had my abortion 21 years ago. I am hiding under the counter where the employees pieced back together the "products of conception." This photo was taken by Angela Forker of the After the Abortion Photography Series. I believe this cover goes perfectly with my story. It grabs the reader and gives them a peek into my past.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I absolutely love connecting with readers. It blesses my heart to know who has taken the time to read my story and to hear the way it has touched their lives.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Thrilled. Excited. Proud. Honored.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
My favorite author is Francine Rivers. She tells beautiful, attention-grabbing stories that are intertwined with truths from the Bible. Her Christian novels are my favorite books to read.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I would like to say, "Someone put their heart and soul into publishing that story. Why don't you try reading it with an open mind instead of tearing it apart and ruining it for future readers? And as my mom always said--if you can't say something nice, just don't say anything at all!"
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you for taking some of your valuable time to read my story. I pray that God will use it to bless you and remind you of His faithfulness.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I am married to my high school sweetheart and we live in North Carolina. We have four children, ages 12, 9, 6, and 3.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am a homeschool momma! That's a job and a half!
I am also the Founder and Director of Not Forgotten Ministries, a ministry dedicated to helping post-abortive women find healing, and helping abortion-minded women make a choice they won't regret.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I don't have much free time but I do like decorate cakes for my children's birthdays. I also do hand-embroidery and like to be crafty.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have two books that I am currently working on. They are unpublished and not quite complete. I hope to publish them in the future. One is a children's book and the other is post-abortive Bible study.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
I love to listen to worship music. No matter what is going in my life, worship music is uplifting and inspiring.
Share a secret with us 🙂
One thing that few people know about me is that I love for my kids to play with my hair. I think it feels amazing!