Dr. Charles N. Toftoy talks to AEP about his EYES series and his newest book, Amazing Fireside Talks

DR. CHARLES N. TOFTOY
Q: You have two award winning novels in the thriller category. The new book you are working on is in the inspirational category. What inspired you to make such a drastic change?
People are down in the dumps. I felt that it was more important, during these tough times, to inspire people. Everybody: older, young, youths, men, women…regardless of race or where they live in this world.
Q: I don’t believe anyone has ever written a book covering the numerous topics this one will. How did the idea come to you and why did you choose the topics you chose to write about?

You’re right…it is a first. I chose the most important personal issues we face, in my opinion. Of course, my choices are not all encompassing. There are others, but these are the main ones.

Q: You do a lot of research while writing your books. Research takes a lot of time. How do you decide what information to use and what not to use?
I dig in depth: group discussions with people of varied backgrounds, one-on-one interviews, books, newspaper articles, journal articles, internet information, blogs, and other. I pick out the key points and keep a log. It takes time. For example, to choose one quote that pertains directly to a topic, I might research 200 quotes in order to pick just one.
Q: Your first novel was inspired by a true event. What was that event?
One of the top students in my business class was raped and brutally murdered by two scumbags. That stuck in the back of my mind for a couple of years until I realized that I need to write a book dedicated to her. That really got me started into writing novels. Up to that point, I just wrote journal articles and papers for business conferences. Boring. It’s tougher to write a novel. It takes heavy research to do it right. Like tons of interviews with homicide detectives and others. Visiting places you are writing about. You can’t turn research over to young interns or have others do your writing for you. It’s got to be you 100% or dilution occurs. That’s happening with a lot of the big name authors.
Q: How did you come up with the Alpha Team idea?
Good question. Just using imagination combined with reality. I needed a stud as the sleuth so I picked Lars, former Vietnam vet, professor who knows how to kill and lead. Tiger served with him in Vietnam…says whatever he wants. Jokes to break up things now and then. Works in a funeral home because that was needed for the novel. Brenda…Washington Post criminal reporter. Valuable to draw out killers. Black belt. Pretty and tough. Doris…former FBI profiler fits in great with her background and psycQ: You are using the Alpha Team in this third book. That’s also a new twist since it’s not the same genre as your first two books. What approach are you planning to use with the team and why?
They are close. Tight bond. Great to have them as a discussion group. Rather than writing a book with just me telling the reader this and that, it comes from the group members. There’s nothing worse than a book where the author is telling you what to do. And every statement made by my characters is chosen for that particular character and said in the way he or she talks in real life. I feel that my characters live inside me. I mean it.
Q: What topics will you be covering in Amazing Fireside Talks and how did you determine them?
The most important issues we face. Not complete but my choice. Never done before this way in the literary world to the best of my knowledge. Usually a book covers one topic for personal guidance. In this case I cover many topics giving inspiring bottom-lines, leaving out fluff. There’s about 25 areas covered. A few are: denial, depression, anxiety, love, happiness, trust, suicide, hope, patience, dignity, humility, character, and others. Some interesting areas are: scared space, vision quest, and rescue yourself. Again, everything is written TO the reader and FOR the reader.
Q: You are a highly decorated veteran. How did it come about that you decided to teach at GWU?
To be honest and I’ve never said this before, but frankly Vietnam drained me. Two tours in close combat. Mild PTSD followed, even though I was a hard core Ranger-Paratrooper. But lots of firefights, faced with everything you can imagine. Wounded twice…2 Purple Hearts, surrounded three times, shot down in a helicopter, blown off a tank due to an RPG. So, I needed a complete change. I thought that I had enough experience to help students. My best accomplishment was in changing students’ lives for the better. I taught for 17 years in The Business School. I had students take on real life projects where they helped CEOs in small-midsized businesses in the Metro area. Helped over 1,500 businesses in 17 years. I just loved that and so did the students. Fond memories. Big challenge too.
Q: What do you hope the readers will take away from this new book and why?
To never give up. Take away some of these thoughts discussed and apply them as appropriate. The thoughts are provide d to help the reader or someone the reader is helping. Honestly, if the book helps one person, I’ll be happy. It will have been worth the effort.
Q: Do you have any plans for more books?
Not right now. I’m interested in getting this book out to the world…not just the USA. The helpful tips apply to everyone wherever they are. But I am thinking of another thriller that has something to do with members of Congress. Then again, I may write a book for children. Just love new challenges.  Since the time of this interview, Dr. Toftoy has begun work on a third novel in the "EYES" series, titled Reversed Pursuit. Watch for updates here!