An Interview with Toni McBride
Toni McBride was born into a delightful mix of British wit and Southern hospitality. Her unique perspective comes from her rich family heritage: a mother from Manchester, England, who was a passionate advocate in the Disarmament Protests, and a father from Birmingham, Alabama, who made his mark in the Civil Rights Movement. She now finds herself living in New Jersey, perfectly nestled between the vibrant cities of Philadelphia and New York City.
A loving wife and mother of two, her journey led her to Rutgers University and then to a career in education. When she’s not busy inspiring her students, savoring family time, or enjoying the beautiful chaos of life, Toni loves escaping into the world of her characters. Toni’s stories are a heartfelt blend of humor, romance, and the occasional twist. She draws from her diverse background and observations of daily life to weave stories that reflect her own belief in the power of true love and how both magical and wonderfully unpredictable it can be.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title came to me really early on—one of those gut feelings that just felt right, even before I knew exactly where the story was headed. What’s funny is, the title isn’t really used anywhere in the book, but it still fits the tone and heart of the story perfectly. It was like naming a feeling more than a scene, and somehow, it stuck
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
Seeing my book cover for the first time was surreal. It felt like watching a daydream come to life—except even better, because the design team really listened. They didn’t just hand me something random and say, ‘Here’s what we think you meant.’ They welcomed my ideas and helped shape my vision, not some wonky interpretation of it. And when I finally held the finished book in my hands? It was like, wow—this thing I imagined, wrestled with, and poured myself into… It’s real. It exists. That moment is something I’ll never forget.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
This story really just formed in my head—there wasn’t a particular person or book that sparked it. I’ve always loved reading, especially stories that pull you in so deeply you feel like you’re living inside the world alongside the characters. That’s what I try to create for my readers—to make them feel like they’re not just reading a story, but in it. Funny thing is, I had a summer writing class when I was 17, and the teacher once told me she could see me becoming a writer. At the time, I kind of brushed it off—it felt random and unexpected. I didn’t think about it again until after I finished the book. And then I was like, wait… maybe she saw something I hadn’t realized yet.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Most people know I’m a teacher now—it’s in my author bio—but before that, I was deep in the world of food service. I worked in the back of the house, cooking and baking, and even went to trade school to become a pastry chef. I have an associate’s degree in Pastry Arts, which surprises a lot of people. I think there’s a similar creativity in both baking and writing—you’re working with structure, but also intuition, trying to get the perfect balance. So even though it seems like a big career shift, both paths are all about creating something from scratch and hoping it leaves a lasting impression.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The most rewarding part of publishing my book was holding that first physical copy in my hands. It made everything—years of writing, rewriting, doubting, and hoping—feel real and worth it. Beyond that, knowing that my story is out there now, connecting with readers and maybe even making a difference in someone’s day, that’s what really means the most to me.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
My book actually has music woven throughout the story—it’s a big part of the characters’ world and emotions—so creating a playlist felt natural. I even included one at the end of the book. It’s a mix of smooth R&B, classic soul, and a touch of hip-hop, all songs that either capture a moment in the story or the energy of the characters. Floetry’s “Butterflies,” Beyoncé and André 3000’s “Party,” and even a little Miles Davis. Each song was chosen with care, not just to set a mood, but to deepen the emotional thread of the scenes they’re tied to. It’s like a little soundtrack to the experience.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
What I really hope readers take away from my book is that they feel connected—to the story, to the characters, and to the world I’ve created. I want them to get so invested that they can picture themselves right there, experiencing everything alongside the characters and their friends. My perfect reader is someone who gets lost in the story, feels like they’ve made a few new best friends, and can’t wait to see what happens next—someone who’s checking the blog and eagerly waiting for Part 2.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m still living in the world of this trilogy. Book 1 is out, Book 2 is already written, and I’ve started going through it again—editing in my own way, adding things, tweaking things, giving it that little extra ‘joog.’ But I’m holding off on setting a release date because I’d really love for Book 1 to get a bit more love before I move forward. In the meantime, I’ve been having fun exploring the lives of the side characters through short stories. I’m releasing them monthly on my author blog, and it’s been such a creative way to expand the world and give readers even more layers to the characters they’ve met—or maybe just glimpsed—in the main story.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Working with Atmosphere Press has been a really great experience. From the moment I submitted my manuscript, they believed in my story, and that faith meant a lot. Their guidance and expertise throughout the process were invaluable—I honestly don’t think I could’ve navigated this journey successfully on my own. For other writers thinking about publishing, I’d say find a team that trusts your vision and supports you every step of the way, like the Atmosphere Press team did for me. That kind of partnership makes all the difference.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
