Why do you want to travel with your readers?
I love travel, and two of my memoirs (Open Road and Passages) are travel memoirs! I also love reader events, and getting to know readers as friends through book clubs and other interaction. As a therapist in my background, I genuinely like and am curious about people. . It’s a natural extension of that to think that traveling with readers would be fun. Book people are my people! I look forward to the new reader friends I’ll travel with
Why are readers joining you on this trip to France and Spain ?
My readers know I love travel and interesting places, since I write about them so often! I also have a reputation in social media as a friendly, fun person to get to know.
“What are some of the perks/advantages of traveling with you?“
Every traveler will be given a signed book of their choice from my library of 50+ books in the genres of mystery, thriller, romance and memoir, plus a travel tote to use to collect beach treasures!
I love getting to know readers and sharing sources of inspiration with them. I want our trips to be amazing and memorable for those who travel with me; a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us to savor for years to come. I’m a therapist as well as a writer, and am always interested in hearing others’ stories. I even do some professional author coaching, and if guests wanted to, we could do a Q & A and brainstorm projects. Dinner conversation will never in short supply!
Do your readers approach you for writer’s advice? If Yes, what kind of advice?
They do, yes, and I do a small amount of author coaching, as well. Most often, people want to know how to become not just a writer, but a successful one. I have plenty to share on both topics!
Do your readers ask you about your sources of inspiration?
They sure do! And most of my mysteries are inspired by real life crimes or events.
Will the participants be a source of inspiration? If so, how?
Because I’m curious and love learning, I find traveling with others stimulating and fun. I’m hoping to be inspired to include more destinations in my writing, and colorful characters for those stories are all around us, and may even be in the group!
How do you plan to make this trip special for the guests?
I believe people enjoy being truly seen and heard, and as a therapist it’s my gift. I like deep 1:1 connections with people, as well as fun social parties. Afterward, yes, I need a nap! I lead a fairly solitary life as a writer and I like a balance of alone time and time together. I plan to make the time special with readings, Q&As, and sharing the journey as friends.
Can guests who have not read any of her novels join you on this trip? If so, why
I’ve been on a trip with an author I didn’t know, and so I understand this! I wanted to get to know an interesting, thoughtful and erudite person whose books I hoped to be inspired to read. That’s what I plan to give anyone who travels with me.
If you would like to join best-selling author Toby Neal on her Readers’ trip to France and Spain’s coastline in Basque Country
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Beachcomb three Atlantic beach shorelines in search of coastal treasures or unusual objects to take home
- Delve into the lives of Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens in prehistoric caves
- Discover how the exquisite makhilas (traditional Basque sticks) have been hand crafted in the family owned workshop for 7 generations.
- Stroll the exquisite gardens and visit Villa Arnaga, the former residence of Edmond Rostand author of Cyrano de Bergerac
- Admire the architecture and stunning modern art at the UNESCO World Heritage Guggenheim museum
- Meet with skilled artisans and learn about the traditional Basque berets, espadrilles and fabric weaving.
- Eat the “pintxos” finger food to your heart’s delight in San Sebastian
- Chat with an artist in her workshop while nibbling on Bayonne’s best chocolate.
Pop in and visit Toby Neal here:
