Meet Toni Keniston, the creator behind the Modern Divinity Oracle Deck and the viral Weary Writer’s Tarot Deck.
We’ve all been there. We’ve all experienced writer’s block in one way or another, and Toni’s latest deck – the Weary Writer’s Tarot Deck – is the sassy kick that we all need. Raised over $15,000 against its $2,500 goal, the deck gained so much popularity in a short period of time.
I’m so grateful that Toni has taken some time off her busy schedule after the success of yet another Kickstarter campaign, the Campfire Oracle.
Could you introduce us and tell us a little about who you are, your work, and your background?
Yes, hello! My name is Toni Keniston and I’m a Professional Psychic-Medium, Artist, and Creative Consultant. In the last few years, I’ve found a passion for creating and helping others create Tarot and Oracle decks from conception to distribution. I’ve worked on about half a dozen projects to date, published 2 decks and 2 expansions, and helped other Mystics bring their projects through the Kickstarter process.
As a BIPOC, Queer, and AuDHD adult, taking a traditional path was never really a possibility for me. I’m self-taught in all areas including art and business and have been really blessed to work with incredible clients and mentors along the way!
What was the inspiration for you to create the Weary Writer’s Tarot Deck?
Well, not many know this about me, but I used to write Harry Potter fanfiction! During the years I spent writing, I met some of the most incredible authors and editors all of who wrote simply for the love of the craft. I’ve published over one million words of fanfiction and shared some of my happiest memories with the fandom community.
This deck was my love letter to the fandom writers who saw me through my darkest days and through Covid. I specifically added the Smut Writer’s Expansion for them!
I wanted the deck to be the no-nonsense kick in the ass you need when you’re avoiding writing.
I love that the deck is kinda sassy, who did you have to channel for that?
Oh… her. Hah! She’s a joy, isn’t she? She is the most unmasked version of myself. She has dropped all the niceties to tell you what you need to hear but probably won’t listen to. She is me without a filter… It’s a mess in here!
Was there a card that you found either rather easy or more difficult to create?
Oh, that’s a tough one! Honestly, I probably found the hardest time with my favourite cards. I have so many messages associated with the sequence of Tower, Star, Moon, Sun and so keeping it just to what I could fit on a card was tough.
Which card, in either or both decks, do you resonate with the most?
Tower, Star, Moon, and Sun!! It’s my favourite point of transformation in all of Tarot. If I have to pick ONE, it has to be Moon because there is a sense of surrender and faith that needs to happen to complete the journey. It’s where I struggle most, when night falls and light is scarce so when I get that card it’s like a hug that I’m not as alone as I think! I could go on and on and on!
With the success of the Weary Writer’s Deck and several other decks, I’m curious if there is anything that surprised you along the way.
Truthfully, the success of WWT surprised the hell out of me. I was praying we’d meet funding by the end of 2 weeks. We hit it in 12 hours! By the end of the campaign, we were over 600% funded. I learned SO much and I’m excited for my next projects but I will forever be surprised by the outpouring of love and support I’ve received as an independent creator.
Would you be willing to share a little more about the challenges of creating this deck (especially through Kickstarter)?
I could go on and on! I consult on other decks to help them through the Kickstarter process because it’s a beast to take on! The challenges were few for me, thankfully. However, the distribution and manufacturing process is no joke. Prepare yourself for a lot of work both before the campaign and also prepare to have your project shared and loved and supported like never before!
If funding is what’s holding you back from creating the project of your dreams, don’t give up! There are options out there.
What’s next for you?
The Campfire Oracle is available for pre-order on my site and is being shipped out this summer! It had a wonderful Kickstarter campaign and shipments should be arriving by the summers end.
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