Cody Toye and Toyebox Collections

Cody Toye is the author of two children’s books, The Adventures of Zorza the Alien: Book 1 The Journey and Toyebox Collections: Bedtime Stories. He lives in SW Missouri with his wife, Heather (the illustrator of his adorable books); his son, Gideon; weiner dog, Artie; and labradoodle, Rose.

Welcome to the blog, Cody. I love the Toyebox Collections cover. Your wife is very talented.
Tell us about Toyebox Collections. Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

Thanks, Susan. Toyebox Collections: Bedtime Stories is a collection of nine short stories. It features such characters as a magical roach genie, a traveling goldfish named Gurpie, and a boy on a mission to get back at his sister. These tales are filled with humor and mystery and will make you question “how is that even possible?” This collection is meant primarily for children age’s eight to twelve, but even parents will love these tales. It is currently only available in ebook and Kindle formats through http://www.smashwords.com. It was recently picked up through Trestle Press and needs to undergo some editing and formatting before being print ready.

Any current projects?   

After the release of The Adventures of Zorza the Alien: Book 1 The Journey, I started Book 2 Xander’s Demise. I kept getting sidetracked with other stories, which I put into Toyebox Collections: Bedtime Stories. I am now back on track with Book 2 of The Adventures of Zorza the Alien and hope to be finishing it soon.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

For now you can keep track of events and my books at http://www.Toyebooks.blogspot.com. I also make regular posts on my facebook page. I’m a big fan of Gelati’s Scoop which can be found at http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com/. You can find some of my information there.

I'm also a fan of Gelati's Scoop. Cody, do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?

Honestly, I take a bath. While I’m there, an idea pops into my head for a story. If, while I’m writing, I have a block…I take another bath. Our water bill is astronomical.

LOL! I often have my best ideas in the shower. That's funny. You must be the cleanest writer around.

Do you think your writing has improved since your first attempt? If so, in what way?

Yes, I think it has. For one thing, I have been paying closer attention to the spell check button. I think I have put more thought into the characters; I’ve made them easier to relate to. I have also infused more humor into my latest works.

What is your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

I would have to say, telling my son these stories at night before he went to bed. My son is my greatest critic; if I don’t get several giggles from him I know that I need to change something. When he asks to hear the same story the next night, I know I’ve done something right.

How special that must be!  Thanks for letting us get to know you better, Cody. Continued success!