Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Tori Ross, and I write romantic comedy and steamy contemporary romance. My book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and I’m currently working on my first romantic suspense.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

Other books in the series, specifically from book 3 on. I have a small attention deficit problem, so sticking with something long term is hard for me.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Honestly, I just take a break when I need it. The good thing about my series, The Traveling Calvert Sisters, is that they can be read as standalones. Each novella features a different sister, so that keeps it fresh. All eight of the sisters have different personalities and different love interests.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Give yourself grace and set your goals when you go into this. Everyone says that, but I didn’t realize how true it is until I started publishing. This career is more of a marathon than a sprint, and you need to set realistic goals to keep yourself on track.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

I write for two to three hours a day. I’m incredibly disciplined with it, and I’m a morning worker. These days, marketing takes more of my time than actual writing.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

I can’t get Jasper Nicholas from All I Wank for Christmas out of my head. I also still have a massive crush on Liam Lane from Contact High. For some reason, I have more emotion for my male characters than my female. I often talk to my male characters in my head when I’m working on a book, even if I’m not actively writing.

What is your definition of success?

Having people enjoy my books. It’s not about the money for me, although it’s nice when I have a decent royalty month. I like the idea of taking people out of reality for a little bit.

What are your social links?

I’m on Instagram and Facebook at @authortoriross and on Tik Tok at @author_toriross. I’ve also recently started using Pinterest, and I think it’s something a lot of authors don’t appreciate enough. I love posting graphics and videos.

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

My website (you can click on the Books tab in the menu for my work: https://smuttybooklady.com/
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tori-Ross/author/B09BTK1DV2

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?

They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com

$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*

$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.