Let's meet Toby Smythe, a die-hard fairy god-father

It is Mother's Day and we celebrate by welcoming Silver James and Toby Smythe from Fairy Tales Can Come True a September 2010 release for the Class of '85. We heard a little bit from Toby last week during the interview with Big Mike Doogan. Today, we'll learn a bit more about him.

Where are you from, Toby?

I started out life in Bohemia, New York. That’s on Long Island. Now I call Milan, Italy home. That’s where all the fashion happens, honey. Not to mention that’s where the boss lady set up shop.

Tell us about “Fairy Tales”.

It's about Alex finding the bal…*cough*…fortitude to stand up and be her own person.

What did you think the first time you saw Alex, the heroine and Deke, the hero?

Oh. My. God! Alex was such a mousy little thing. She absolutely cowered whenever Alexander the Great *rolls eyes* glowered. But even he recognized she had terrific vision when he let her behind the camera. There’s this whole long story about how Alex changed her name to match his, you know. Just too-too cutesy, even for me!

The first time I saw Deke? Oh, honey! I just went all weak in the knees and wondered where all the good men had gone. *fans face*

What was your second thought?

I had the feeling that Dorothy Alexandra Reagan was gonna hit big in the fashion world if she’d ever get out of Alex London’s shadow. I worried when they got married and they became Alex London and Alex London. *shudder* But I was right. She’s an amazing fashion photographer.

Did you think it was love at first sight?

I wasn’t there when they actually met again for the first time, but from the stories I’ve heard? Oh, yeah. Deke swears he went brain dead because the blood all rushed someplace else. Alex just gets this stupid smile on her face and moons over the big hunk.

What do you like most about them?

Oh, honey! You do not want me to go there. What is there not to like about Deke Carpenter? He might bat for the other team, but let me tell you… Well, maybe I better not. Besides, he is so totally into the whole Prince Charming thing and Alex just goes all girly-girl whenever he walks into the room. They’re so cute. Like rainbow sprinkles on whipped cream.

How would you describe them?

Alex is a total sweetie. She’s got a backbone now, which is a good thing but sugar, that woman can make a plain girl look like a fashionista diva on film. She has this innate way of finding the beauty in everyone. Deke? *deep sigh* Honey, that man in a pair of board shorts could bring the dead to life. But he’s got brains and heart, too. Just what Alex needs. He loves her but he doesn’t let her get away with shit. He makes her stand on her own two feet.

How would they describe you?

Alex calls me her fairy godmother. Hey, if the shoe fits and it’s featured in Vogue, I’m there! Deke just sorta snickers but he knows who runs Alex’s show. I’m her right hand. And her left.

What made you choose assistant to a fashion photographer as a career?

Oh, please! I can’t walk in high heels so I sure couldn’t be a drag queen! I grew up trying on my sisters’ clothes. Then I started accessorizing them. What else is a boy with fashion sense and who come from Long Island going to do?

What is your biggest fear?

That I’ll wake up to look like Snookie. Her fashion sense is just so wrong on so many levels. Honey, that would just ruin my day!

How do you relax?

I watch America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway! Those shows totally rock my boat!

Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

Sookie Stackhouse. That girl’s got it goin’ on! Course, I wouldn’t kick Eric out of bed for eating crackers, either.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. I mean, really! It’s the big stuff that makes or breaks you. The little stuff just irritates.

To Silver: What movies or books have had an impact on your writing?

I read everything I could get my hands on growing up. Mary Stewart, Ian Fleming, Andre Norton, and Robert Heinlein were all early influences. So was Louis L’Amour. Toby told me I’m a cross-genre dresser and I think he’s right! There’s a little romance, mystery, and magic in everything I write.

To learn more about Silver James and the stories she creates go to: http://www.silverjames.com

To purchase “Fairy Tales Can Come True” or “Promises, Promises”, go to http://www.thewildrosepress.com/silver-james-m-674.html