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Home / Writer Spotlight: M.B. Tosi

Writer Spotlight: M.B. Tosi

Greetings Readers! Is it possible to meet someone on Twitter and find real common ground – enough to strike up an online friendship with true depth? Well, in the case of M.B. Tosi, I discovered it is possible. We crossed paths several months ago through a Tweet that led to a really nice and real Facebook exchange (real meaning I can tell she’s down to earth, warm and generous). So I asked her if she’d be my next guest on Peace Garden Writer and she agreed. Not only that, but she’s offered to give away a copy of her book, The Sacred Path of Tears.*

I like to keep these things simple, so just leave a comment and you’re automatically entered. I’ll announce the winner here two weeks from now on Wednesday, December 14.

And now for some words of wisdom from our guest!

Author M.B. Tosi

 Developing a Writing Theme by M. B. Tosi

One morning a year ago, I woke up with a burning desire to finish a dusty manuscript tucked away in a dresser drawer. My children had been raised, life’s major problems had been faced, and suddenly there was a gift of time to pursue my love of writing. As I picked up that unfinished manuscript, however, I realized my approach to writing had changed over a lifetime, and that is what I want to share with you.
When I was younger, I wrote simply because I loved to write. In retrospection, my writing was unfocused, but fun. Now that I’m older, I have experienced life’s deepest emotions and known heartache and disappointment. I’ve also found peace in the midst of my troubles, love where I least expected it, and courage when I most needed it.
My life had developed a theme that no matter what problem I faced, I could summon an inner courage through my faith. Suddenly, I felt moved to develop a theme for my writing based on my lifelong experiences.
Drawing on my journalism background, I began developing a plan for my writing and defining the audience I hoped to reach. The next step was writing out my goal to write inspirational fiction that helps readers find a path of peace, love, courage, and faith during the times of trouble we all face.
Because of my interest in Native American culture and my love of doing research, I chose to focus on the historical times of the Indian Wars in the late 1800s. I realized that people in every century face the same challenge of how to find an inner courage to face life’s difficulties.
In choosing this time period, I had unknowingly developed a goal to present Native Americans in an honest, unbiased light with a rich culture of traditions and family life. Soon, another goal evolved. Was it possible I could help Native American schools through my books?
By setting goals outside of myself, my writing took on a new life of its own. My unfinished manuscript from twenty years ago was completed within a month. Instead of one manuscript, new ideas began spinning off into an entire series called The Indian Path Series. Soon, I had completed the first four manuscripts of the series, each focusing on a different Indian tribe during the Indian Wars.
The most exciting thing is that the first book of the series, The Sacred Path of Tears, has been published. It is about a young Cheyenne woman torn between two worlds at war after the Sand Creek Massacre and the two men she loves. The second book of the series, The Secret Path of Destiny, will be out in 2012.
My theme remains constant for everything I write. I want to inspire my readers to discover that hidden well of courage during their times of trouble just like my characters. My focus has changed from the mechanics of writing to my readers. It’s been a very freeing experience, and one that excites me every day.

      Finding a theme is well worth the time it takes. For me, my writing has become more fluid and focused. By writing with a sense of purpose and following my goals, the words can’t flow fast enough. Writing has become a joy again.
Author M. B. Tosi, The Sacred Path of Tears, www.mbtosi.com 

* [From book jacket:] The Sacred Path of Tears is a journal written by a young Cheyenne Indian woman, nicknamed Mokee, during the Indian Wars in Kansas in the late 1860s. After Mokee and her companion observe the Sand Creek Massacre, they warn the other Indian camps along the Smoky Hill River. They take cover in a barn near Salina, Kansas, where they are discovered by a widow and her two sons. Mokee’s companion leaves to join the fi ght against the white soldiers but hating war, Mokee, with her lighter coloring, gains a safe haven with the widow’s family. She finds a mentor in the well-educated widow and embraces the opportunity to read and write English. As her life unfolds, Mokee is torn between two worlds at war and the two men she loves, one a white settler and the other her companion, who has become a Cheyenne Dog Soldier. Though war is her constant shadow, Mokee tries to find the purpose for her life and a path of peace in her war-torn world.

Q4U: What are your thoughts on writing themes? Any questions for M.B. Tosi?  



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Comments

  1. Congrats, M.B. Tosi on your new book series!

    I’ve always been fascinated by Native American history! “Indian Captive” by Lois Lenski was one of my favorite books as a kid. (I still love it!) It breaks my heart how the white settlers treated the Indians. Though American history has many embarrassing and horrifying events, I think nearly wiping out the Indians is one of the most shameful.

    Fingers crossed I win M.B.’s wonderful novel! Either way I’ll definitely be reading the series!

    Reply

  2. Laura, you would be the perfect candidate for the giveaway. And you might just win if no others join in. Maybe it’s meant to be. That said, I hope a few others will comment. It’s not as much fun doing a drawing of one. Less suspense. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!

    Reply

  4. Your book sounds so exciting, Mary!! I’m really looking forward to reading it! Thanks so much for the guest post and giveaway:) I’ve got my fingers crossed that I win a copy!

    jwitt33 at live dot com

    Reply