Toni Kief
Marysville, Washington
USA
Good morning, Toni, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the site dedicated to art and authors and those who like to write and draw and those who like them. What have you written?
When I was 60, I was pondering what I would be when I grow up. A friend dared me to write. I started with flash fiction and short stories. I then wrote Old Baggage: Never too late for a new beginning. It was inspired by an older woman walking on the side of the road cussing and kicking dirt, I thought, “That miserable SOB got 49 years, he ain’t getting 50”.
After that I thought of a name, Mildred Petrie, and I swear she wrote the next 4 books in the Mildred Unchained the Unexpected Series. The first, Mildred in Disguise with Diamonds was a standalone, and then there was another. Each book was the last, but Mildred just doesn’t rest. I released #4 in 2020. Working on #5, but the pandemic seems to be kicking me around.
I invested some years of research from genealogy research my dad’s cousin did. Finding Susanna White-Winslow who was a survivor on the Mayflower sent me to work, and I have released Saints, Strangers and Rosehip Tea – which is a historical fiction with the women’s side of the migration.
I have also released some of my short stories and writing prompts with “Dare to Write in a Flash”.
I would love to do a collaboration with someone about women lost in history.
What is your favorite genre to write?
I made up my own genre, OA (old adult) but it is more Crime/humor with an older protagonist.
Favorite food.
Changes through the day, but I realize that I’m responsible for the death of 52 chickens a year, I don’t have a running count on how many broccolis or pumpkin pies. Okay, here is a well know secret. I love marshmallows, even my grandchildren would bring me their peeps at Easter and the grimace when I celebrated their short lives.
Tea or coffee?
Tea – It took me almost a year to quit diet coke. I have become an unsweetened tea aficionado. I have to write well to get the high-quality English Breakfast otherwise it is the 2 for $5 ones from Safeway Grocery.
Pizza or ice cream? This is a cruel question. I demand both, but not on the same plate and maybe about an hour apart.
Wine or beer or soda or what?
I have one glass of wine after 7:15 in the evening. I have no idea where the time came from. There have been some nights it is a very large glass. It helps me sleep (I tell myself).
Where would you like to visit?
The world- although right now I would love a cruise of Norway. Thanks to my genealogical research I have connected with cousins in Norway and with a cruise, I could meet them but not have to be a tiresome guest that doesn’t speak “Norsk”.
Favorite musical artist.
Sam Cooke, I discovered him when I was still in high school. He was
already gone, but I have bought all his albums (note that tells you how
long I have loved his music). I did buy the Beatles first 45 in the US
(not an album yet) and vowed to never see them in person, because
Paul would love me so much, he would quit music and the world needed
his genius. You are welcome.
Do you listen to music when you write?
No, too many memories. I tried, but would get distracted, quit writing and
sing or dance. If it is silent, I worry about every noise in the neighborhood. What I turn on is NPR (National Public Radio) and it becomes almost a
white noise in the background.
What makes you laugh?
Damn near everything. I was raised by brilliant funny parents, and I’ve noticed that all my siblings are the same, we will make a joke, play on words or whatever it takes to keep things positive.
Favorite work of art or sculpture. I share a birthday with Picasso (not the same year), but he isn’t it. I love Vincent Van Gogh and took my grandchildren to his exhibit when it was in Seattle, WA. I also went to Rome with a friend who only wanted to shop. We went to a multitude of museums and I stood in the Sistine Chapel and could barely believe I was there. I would try to make Michelangelo like me.
How old were you when you started writing?
Over 60. My first book was published at 68.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I’m what is called a pantser, and sometimes a baggy pantser. I allow my characters to lead me and I’m often as surprised as they are. Although I’ve been stuck this year and have the scene of my book drawn on a white board. It hasn’t helped, but it was a good stalling tool for one day.
Describe your perfect evening.
I sit and look back and the perfect evening has been as varied as possible. Now that no one asks me to dance anymore, I’d say a bottle of Prosecco, and my brother and sisters. We laugh, and share memories, and since I’m the eldest, I correct them. We might need two bottles and a pie.
Where do you get your inspiration?
If I knew, I’d go there and give her a shake. I am more productive when I interact with people and have my private time too.
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I have had trouble with the pandemic and inspiration. I’m an extrovert. So, I took a Masterclass from David Sedaris, he said I should walk. I thought that had to be wrong, so I took one with Dan Brown, and he told me to walk. I have now walked 763.2 miles and picked up over 800 bags of trash as I go. It is stunning the old songs and ponderings that go through your mind.
Who is your favorite author?
It varies from day to day. I love Vicki Leon’s books on women’s history- they are hilarious. I also read all of Dan Brown’s books. But to really dig deep, I’d have to say Alice Walker, no - Tony Hillerman. (I came back a day later to check commas and decided it is Liz Gilbert, er Maya Angelou. I’ve been to Papa Hemingway’s house and drank in his bar.
Best book you ever read.
This is very difficult as you can tell from the previous question. I have only reread one book ever, The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker. But you must realize that when I read 1984 it was way in the future. One book that has stayed with me the longest is The Grapes of Wrath. I was grateful I read it but felt I should get a prize for finishing. I read all the banned books in my sophomore year of high school (they are classics now). When I was 23, I read the books I had faked the book reports on.
Last book you read.
I read every night, and mostly indie authors. Last week’s favorite was Submerged Hopes by Chloe Holiday. I’m not usually a romance fan, but this was brilliant and not your usual characters.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I was an independent insurance investigator for 43 years. The first woman outside adjuster in Florida. I started writing before I retired. My husband at that time owned the business, but we couldn’t work together. So, I’d send him to the racetrack, and run the business. When I moved to Washington, I already had years of experience. Every catastrophe I see, I’m grateful I’m retired.
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
My father, Bob Kief was a firefighter and went to college at the age of 45. They kept him there and he retired from Illinois State as a trainer and worked with athletes. He was beyond brilliant and was naturally funny. Just being around him made you bolder and positive. We all developed his outgoing personality and ability to make most any situation better.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
Mary Magdalene and a translator. I have questions.
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Read, read, read, then do it. Realize it won’t be perfect and rewrite and edit like a maniac. I found a small error in Gloria Steinem’s book and knowing she lunches with editors every day gave me permission to publish. Oh, and then write some more.
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
http://tonikief.com
https://www.facebook.com/tonikief8author/
https://twitter.com/tonikayk1
Still figuring out Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonikief/
Amazon Author page link: https://www.amazon.com/Toni-Kief/e/B01CR8V3RG/
WOW you didn’t delve into my FBI file!
Toni, you are a riot. I love the Mildred books. We at Vision and Verse wish you continued success in all your endeavors. Come back and see us again.
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