Author Spotlight: Tonya Penrose

Author Tonya Penrose (pen name) is a storyteller who believes in the power of humor and narratives to touch her readers’ hearts. She’s always been moved by how a story can invite personal exploration and leave a lasting impression on those who read it.

When Tonya sits in her favorite writing chair gazing at a lake, she aspires to create beguiling characters that leap from the page and capture a reader’s fancy. Her characters aren’t just words on a page. They become real, breathing people with their own flaws and quirks. She enjoys sprinkling her romps with moments that offer readers grins or even bursts of laughter.

But for Tonya, it’s not only about the characters or the humor. The dialogue is where her stories shine. As a multi-genre author, she feels that engaging dialogue provides the heartbeat for any truly wonderful tale. It breathes life into the narrative and allows readers to feel they’re with the characters in every conversation.

Tonya invites readers to explore the familiar and fantastical settings with her. To uncover secreted truths, share inspiring moments, and awaken to her deeper message—that living in the now is how.

Tonya’s fiction and non-fiction stories are published in numerous anthologies, e-magazines, local press, and literary magazines.

Find Tonya Penrose listed in the Poets and Writers Directory.

A little bit about Author Tonya Penrose…

I wrote and illustrated my first book when I was around six years old. Judging by my parents’ expressions as they tried to figure out my drawings, I knew words had better be my forte. It was many years later, following a long stint in the business world, that I returned to writing. And there’s a funny story that goes with that I’ve shared at interviews. Suffice it to say, it’s good to be back with my quill to scribe.

This is Author Tonya Penrose’s writing and publication journey in her own words…

Inspiration to start writing…

I suppose the best answer to what inspired me to write is the desire to express, entertain, and enlighten has always been present. Writing became my chosen method to deliver on the calling. My way of writing is atypical. I don’t seem to possess a drop of loyalty to any one genre. My stories flirt around with multi-genres. A reader will find romance, mystery, humor, inspiration, and magical realism, well you get the idea. Typically, one genre will dominate the novel, and the others tag along, adding color and zest.

Tonya’s works…

Old Mountain Cassie: The Three Lessons

A Secret Gift

Welcome to Charm

Venetian Rhapsody

A Shocking Murder Releasing 2025

A Brush With Murder Releasing Dec. 2026

�

The Shell Isle Mystery Series:

Baubles to Die For

Red, White, and Boom

Murder by Numbers

Teatime Trouble

�

Venetian Rhapsody Blurb

In a glancing moment, Eduardo and Sofia experience a chance encounter that alters how they see their world and ignites a grand love. A romance where the barriers of time’s constraints fall away…leaving them with an unfolding mystery around their powerful connection. Two encounters a year apart bring plenty of complications, smiles, and undeniable love. A companion album, Venetian Rhapsody, by award-winning composer and musician David Bazo highlights the story’s unfolding. Find the album at: www.davidbazo.info.

One of Tonya’s favourite scenes from Venetian Rhapsody…

Taking the last sip of her coffee, Sofia’s gaze is drawn to a table a few yards
away. A strikingly handsome man in his early thirties looks her way and smiles.
She observes the emotions play across his face. Recognition is replaced by confusion.
He nods, and the smile returns. Sofia’s breath catches as he seems to move her way but
veers off to greet a dapper gentleman.

Unexplainable disappointment fills Sofia as she returns to the college campus, trying to
dismiss her curious reaction. Caught in a deluge of rain, Sofia runs toward the college
library. Her laptop case snags an unforgiving force. Thrown off-balance, she slides into
a shallow mud pit. Staring at the source of her misfortune, she recognizes the dirt-splattered
face she’d been drawn to moments ago. A humor-laden interaction ensues between Eduardo Diaz
and Sofia. While they attempt to untangle themselves, fate conspires to entangle them.

Connect with Author Tonya Penrose

Website: http://www.tonyawrites.com

X: @TonyaWrites

Instagram: @TonyaPenroseWrites

Threads.net @TonyaPenroseWrites

Bluesky @tonyapenrose.bsky.social

Substack @TonyaPenrose

2 thoughts on “Author Spotlight: Tonya Penrose”

Lisette Brodey says:
July 28, 2025 at 11:33 pm

I absolutely love Tonya’s work. I’ve read seven of her books so far, and only time has prevented me from reading them all.

Her characters and humor, couple with twisty plots, are wonderful.

Can’t wait to read her upcoming mysteries!
Tim Alan says:
August 1, 2025 at 8:56 pm

Thoroughly Enjoy Tonya’s Writing’s, Specifically “Venetian Rhapsody” Delightful & Mystical Love Story – As I have shared many times to my media colleagues… This Book is Certainly Destined for A Streaming Mini Series Likely sooner than later 📚✒️🎥🎬 Tim Alan CEO Third Day Entertainment