Author Raykel Tolson wrote her first book in the 5th grade and gifted it to her grandmother. Raykel writes both romance and nonfiction books that enlighten, encourage, and entertain. Her nonfiction book, Why Are Church Folk Poor, is an easy-to-read reference that forces the reader to examine their relationship with money. Raykel’s inspirational romance, Undefiled, is a thought-provoking novella that seamlessly weaves themes of forgiveness, acceptance, love, and intimacy. Her latest novella, I Need a Christmas Angel, is a Christmas romance inspired by her mother’s love for Christmas movies and her own obsession with Hallmark Christmas movies.
Raykel and her adult son, Larenz, have co-authored two children’s picture books, Renz Bedtime Prayer and Renz Affirmations (God is Good and So Am I). Raykel attributes her son’s resilience to him knowing that he is created in God’s image. They decided to publish these books to help other parents to raise resilient children.
Raykel is a featured writer for Living Day by Day Community Magazine and podcast host of Blessed: Mindset Matters on WYTV7. She currently lives in Los Angeles.
Amazon link: https://bit.ly/INeedaXmasAngel Barnes & Nobel link: https://bit.ly/INeedaXmasAngelBN Walmart link: https://bit.ly/INeedaXmasAngelWalmart Get the song on Amazon https://bit.ly/XmasAngelsong or iTunes https://bit.ly/XmasAngelitunes
What books do you have available? Can you give us a short description of them?
Why Are Church Folk Poor: Elevate Your Thoughts & Exercise Your Faith to Live an Abundant Life is an easy-to-read reference that forces the reader to examine their relationship with money.
Undefiled is a thought-provoking inspirational romance novella that seamlessly weaves themes of forgiveness, acceptance, love, and intimacy.
Raykel and her adult son, Larenz, have co-authored two children’s picture books, Renz Bedtime Prayer and Renz Affirmations (God is Good and So Am I).
Do you stay in one genre when you write or do you find yourself veering toward others?
I write inspirational nonfiction, romance, and children’s picture books. I love writing and reading romance.
Are you a panster, planner, or someone in between?
I’m a planner or plotter. I like to outline my ideas and do character sketches.
What is your writing routine like?
Very undisciplined which is why I don’t have more books.
Tell me about your favorite character that you’ve created?
BB the heroine’s mother in I Need A Christmas Angel
Where do you get your ideas for world-building?
People I’ve meet and conversations I’ve had. Also songs. I Need A Christmas Angel started off as I song I had written. Then the rest of the story came to me after listening to Wrapped In Red by Kelly Clarkson.
Do you add romance to your writing? Is it steamy or clean? Yes and clean.
What was your favorite scene to create? The typical interrupted kiss like that found in a Hallmark movie.
Where do you get character inspiration? People I know and my own life experiences.
What genre do you prefer to read? Romance because I need all the hope I can get.
Do you have any specific authors you follow and try to craft your work after? Debbie Macomber’s Christmas books.
Do you have any recurring themes in your book? No. I just try to inspire people think about what they think about and why
What does your editing process look like? I try to edit after I write the first draft
Do you have a preferred drink or snack that you eat/drink while writing? No
When is your favorite time of day to write and why? Morning because I am at my best
What is your favorite vacation spot? At my desk in front of window
Marvel or DC? Do you have a favorite character? Marvel Shuri from Black Panther
What hobbies do you have? I host a podcast and am not getting money, so I guess that’s my hobby.
Where can our readers find you?
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