As most of my readers know, I do enjoy highlighting authors, and when it comes to independent authors, I royally salute each one of them. All too often, their readers have no idea the amount of work they invest behind the scenes to bring that final product to the general public, and these creatives are regularly involved in more endeavors than writing alone. Lorraine Toth is a talented author with whom I have had an acquaintanceship for some time, and it is my honor to finally have the opportunity to feature her on my site today in celebration of her newest romance novel (which is on sale this weekend for a limited time).
RH: Please tell us a little about you and your background. What was it that led you to pursue a career in the arts?
LT: I am a single mother who lives in Upstate NY with my son. I have always been artistic and creative; there are photos of me from eighteen-months-old and up that show me holding a paintbrush and painting. Personality-wise I am a bubbly, happy, energetic type person who thinks the glass is always half full.
Art has been a part of my life and is the way I truly express myself. I have a gift and feel compelled to use it. I draw, paint, photograph professionally, write books and poetry, make short films, create TV pilots and write lyrics to songs. Basically – if it involves anything creative – I do it!
Since you have had several careers throughout your life thus far, please give us an outline of how those careers have led to where you are now.
All of my self-employed careers have been creative in one way or another and have taught me so much about being a successful businesswoman and self-care. Photography is something I started in 2007 and still do frequently. My baking business just rebooted in August 2019, and I am thrilled to have it back. It is a part of me.
Since you are a filmmaker, please detail a bit more about this part of your life. What are the benefits of being an independent filmmaker in today’s world? What are the challenges?
I attempted short film making and production with zero experience. I wanted to make a short film based on my first book RUN to inspire others. We made the film on an iPhone and filmed in one day.
The benefit of making a film in today’s world – anyone can do it! You don’t need expensive equipment to start out. My storytelling ability helped me to know the direction I wanted to go for the film. If you tap into emotions, it makes for a great short film is what I learned. My first short film won an award and my second one was nominated for an award. Both have less than a 4% chance in film festivals, so it was an honor.
I took this last year off from filmmaking to reboot my baking business, but am eager to get back this year.
Please tell us more about the books you have written and published up to your most recent one. What has been the reaction from your readers and your reviewers?
I have written and published three books. My first book RUN was an autobiography and very like something you would find on Oprah’s book club or the motivation shelf of a bookstore. The end of that book had poetry and drawings in it I also did. My second book was an erotica novella called Project Passion. My third book, Psychic Serendipity is a fictional romance with some humor and true to life pieces mixed in.
The reactions for all three books have been vastly different since they are all totally different genres. The recent book has been getting rave reviews since coming out on Valentine’s Day. It is my best work yet and truly helped me develop as a writer and storyteller. People are asking when the next one is coming out because they were so sad when they finished reading the book!
You have recently published a book entitled Psychic Serendipity. What is the backstory to this book?
The backstory of this book is that it all started when I myself got a psychic reading predicting when my soulmate would come into my life. I believed so much in the psychic’s prediction that I sort of went on a wild goose hunt when I found the person that she described to be the “said soulmate”. He turned out not to be, which led me to question: do we write our own fate? I began writing as my own life unfolded and I went through dating woes and then I was able to write the happily ever after ending I wished for in this novel.
Many of my readers love clean romances. Why do you believe they would enjoy your most recent book release?
Yes, my book is 100% a clean romance. There is only a little kissing even so it is very G-rated/Disney/Hallmark-esque. They would love reading this because it involves such true human nature and character flaws, but in the end, love wins. It is a feel-good romance that many can identify with and that leaves the reader happy.
I understand you have a TV show called Baking With Baby. Please tell us a little about that show as well and where we can watch it.
Yes, I have a TV show that I developed and created called Baking with Baby. It is on Amazon Prime.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
I have another TV show pilot idea I would love to film called Through the Lens. I am now working on my fourth book that will be a very “Hallmark” novel. I hope to find an agent to pitch my most recent book to be made into a feature-length film. I can very much see it as a movie.
As a successful (but busy) woman in the arts, what is your advice to other women wishing to pursue a career in the arts?
I say go for it! You may fail but at least you tried! All of my projects…ALL OF THEM….started with me having ZERO experience in them. I figured it out as I went along. I learn each time. My third and recent book is “light years” better than my first. My second TV show pilot was far more entertaining and I was more relaxed on set than the first. You get better each time you try. The trick is to not give up.
I am also HUGE on manifesting! I truly believe in the law of attraction. When I have something I really want to achieve, I write it down; I manifest it…I visualize it until it becomes a reality.
Also, know that rejection will come. I have gotten rejection letters from film festivals and book agents I was hoping to work with….but I didn’t let that stop me.
Lastly, learn from the greats – I read constantly to get new ideas. I listen to business and entrepreneur podcasts. I watch business and motivation type documentaries. I am always trying to continue to grow mentally. The brain is a muscle that needs to be worked!
In truth, Lorraine is one hard-working, skilled lady who desires to provide some relief and escape at this critical, unusual time when most of us are isolated at home with little else to do than watch Netflix or some other streaming service for some much-needed escape. Due to her vast experience within the world of the arts, I am happy to present her and her works to all my readers today. In addition to ordering her book this weekend, I would invite you to check out her links below and follow her where applicable. I have consistently found her posts to be uplifting and inspirational, and I know that an independent author like Lorraine will appreciate all the support you can give her, especially during these difficult moments through which the world is living now.
FOLLOW LORRAINE
