Featured Interview With Toi Powell
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
By day, Toi Powell lives a double life like that of secret spy, working in New York City as an interactive digital advertising manager. Yet, under the cloak of night, she fulfills her soul’s purpose as a writer, passion pursuer and motivator. 10 years after finishing the initial draft of her first novel, Blood of a Queen, she pushed herself to no longer self-doubt, and to finally complete her book and self-publish.
Born in Jamaica, Queens New York to a family deeply rooted in music, Toi developed a love for music and art. Her humble upbringing enlightened her to important issues within her community. No matter how deep the struggles, it was apparent that there was healing in the power of art & music. Pairing the Blood of a Queen novel with her own original music written and performed by herself was a natural and unique idea for Toi. She’d never seen it done, so she was willing to be the first to explore this new frontier of literature, music and digital content.
By utilizing the 3D-augmented app, Layar, Toi gives the reader exclusive digital content like music, videos and updates to enhance the readers experience, simply by scanning the books cover. Working in the digital atmosphere has inspired her to bring popular technology to a demographic of readers who are eager to learn and experience a whole new world inside and outside of a book.
When she’s exploring new passions, Toi can’t help but to share and inspire those around her to do the same. She also takes joy in motivating young women and inspiring them to aim beyond the stars; becoming better, stronger and more compassionate individuals. Toi set out to build The T.O.I House where she aims to inspire others to take on innovation.
By launching her first fiction novel, Blood of a Queen, Toi brings to life unique circumstances through the eyes of her characters by using past experiences and common socio-economic issues within the urban community. She is releasing her debut fiction novel in summer 2016, video blogging her social book launch journey episodes along the way. She resides in Central NJ, never too far from close friends and her loving family.
“Knowing that our past choices have molded us into who we are and shaped our futures into where we stand, gives us the opportunity to embrace this miraculous moment of realization. This moment, if we let it, can be the catalyst that propels us into the people we choose to be moving forward.”
– Toi Powell
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My fascination with books came much later than my fascination of making up stories and characters, acting them out using siblings, friends and family to create my cast. I started writing short stories and poetry in grade school, looking forward to essay assignments in English class. Early this year, when I embarked upon my book launch process, I decided to document my journey in YouTube episodes found here! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1G1qx9lLJ0inzTurWAyCZFByUAiU3pZA
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are James Patterson, J.K Rowling, Blake Crouch. I love reading fiction novels and getting into the heads of other creatives. Suspense, Sci-Fi, Thrillers and African American Lit.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My book ‘Blood of a Queen’ came to me 9 years ago in 2007 and it took me 1 year to write the entire 3-part series. After years of self-doubt, I decided to overcome my publishing fears and release BOAQ for the world to read.
This book offers you great digital experiences using the 3D- augmented Layar app! Download the free app at https://www.layar.com/mobile-download and scan the BLOOD OF A QUEEN book cover for hidden digital content.
A secret so deadly, she should have stayed hidden. A young woman’s newfound independence takes her into the heart of a dangerous city in New York; a place her parents forbade her to return to. Ruby, beautiful, yet, sheltered and naive, unearths a web of deception, betrayal and love triangles. She stumbles upon a family secret so deadly, she makes it her mission to prove the serious accusations against her family untrue. A forbidden love interest emerges on her quest for truth and Ruby struggles between following her young heart, or remaining loyal to a long lost childhood friend who has recruited her help to solve a crime; a crime that will turn her family’s lives upside down. With the help of her cousin Sheila, the duo uncovers hidden secrets from not only her past, but those closest to her; resetting the wheels in motion to overthrow a troubled, yet, powerful Kingpin upon her arrival. Dangerous, thrilling and seductive, the Blood Of A Queen Series is a tale of an insatiable thirst for freedom and hidden truths that will take you on a journey to the deepest darkest places in New York to find it.
There is even more to ‘Blood of a Queen’ than you think! There is a soundtrack written and performed by myself available on iTunes, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon mp3 & Tidal. Also, there are book trailers, video documentaries, and more found in the links below!
Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/2cVsKWE
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/-MMOYI2yVR0
Documentary Video – https://youtu.be/ffNtkTtYFoA
Book Launch Event Recap: https://youtu.be/xys6vh9qVwQ
Amazon Author Pg: amazon.com/author/toipowell
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/toistori
MUSIC: (Available on Google Play, Amazon, iTunes, Apple Music & Tidal)
Music Video: https://youtu.be/y0D20o6GClM
Amazon Music: http://amzn.to/2aKBYZd
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1139096342
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1139096342?ls=1&app=itunes
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: TheToiHouse
IG: TheToiHouse & ToiStori
Youtube: TheToiHouse
Facebook: TheToiHouse
Pinterest: ToiHouse
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles