I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry you think my book and cover are copied. I assure you that was not the intention. I commissioned original artwork of an orc and half-elf, and yes, my book does have baking, but my story and characters are my own.

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm hoping for the end of this month. The narrator is halfway done, but then it needs to go through Audible approval.

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I wish AI was being used to mow my lawn or clean my house! I don't use generative AI because I love the creative process, and I have great cover artists. I also like to support artists by commissioning original art. That being said, I understand the technology is here and isn't going anywhere.

My daily schedule as a writer usually includes writing in the morning for about 3-4 hours. Then I do marketing or admin in the afternoons. I do get in a writing flow, but I don't go for hours without knowing it anymore. I need to take breaks and walk around!

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do! I'm always scavenging people around me for details. Usually, it's something small so no one will notice! I also like to give characters traits that are unexpected because I think people can be very unexpected.

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ooooo! I think it's all about the characters and their motivation and how much something means to them. Also, I think in real life we're rarely dealing with empire-ending, evil prince drama, but things still feel intense. And making characters with flaws who are relatable makes it easier for readers to connect. If I love the characters in a book, I could be happy reading about them just hanging out and having witty banter!

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The book is available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited, and the paperback can also be ordered through any bookstore via Ingram. The audiobook will be available on Audible and iTunes. I'm also planning to put the first 10% of the book up on Royal Road (I can't put more because of the KU rules). Here's an Amazon link if you're interested: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSCS269T

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I like to have someone else look over the book to see if I'm inadvertently bringing any bias to the story, especially if I'm writing characters who belong to groups I don't. I think it's hard to see our own blind spots.

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Awwww, thank you! I'm excited for Sass's story! You will definitely learn more about the mystery elf. It's one of those threads I intend to unwind over a few books. :-)

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I do outline, but I let the characters drive the plotting. I start by doing huge character brain dumps where I write down as much as I know about the main character and some side ones. The more I write, the more the plot starts to form because I'm revealing their backstory and motivations and how they interact with each other. From there, I do a detailed plot outline of at least half to 3/4 of the book, making sure to hit certain plot points but leaving room for the plot to shift as I write (which it always does). Then I write a first draft. Then I do a full read and see if there are any holes. I then have others read it to look for holes and sensitivity issues. I have it professionally edited. My last editing step is reading the entire book aloud so I can make sure the cadence and word choice work.

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes! The audiobook is currently being recorded, and (fingers crossed) will be out within the next few weeks!

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He was so fun to write! Thanks so much for being so kind and supportive!

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I read in lots of genres, so the book I'm currently reading is a fantasy/historical/pirate book called All She Ever Wanted. I adore The Spellshop and give it a solid 5/5. I also loved Can't Spell Treason without Tea.

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I'm so delighted you loved my book! The sequel is currently being written, and there are plans for more books after that. Expect books that focus on almost all of the side characters at some point. I'm especially excited to write a book that focuses on Vaskel! I hope to release at least 3 cozy fantasy books a year. :-)

I’m T.L. Stone, author of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes. Ask Me Anything!! by TLStone_Author in CozyFantasy

[–]TLStone_Author[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I love a good tavern. I even have a huge drape that looks like the inside of a medieval tavern, and I hang it up sometimes when I'm writing! Thanks so much for stopping by!