Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Stuart Knott, I am a PhD graduate from the United Kingdom. I grew up watching action, horror, and science-fiction movies and playing too many videogames and I have always had a love of writing.
So far, I have written six short stories (which have been collected into one volume) and a full-length novel. Like a lot of my stories and books, I worked on these over a period of about eighteen years while I was busy studying.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is called “Nightshade: The Inception”. It’s something of a coming-of-age story about a troubled teenage boy who, after suffering a break-up, lashes out and end sup adopting a vigilante person in his increasingly-violent home town.
Like a lot of my stories, this is largely based on my time as a troubled, angst-ridden teenager as well as pulling from influences of the media (movies and comic books, mostly) that I have absorbed over my life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing massively unusual. I sometimes jot down story ideas (especially from nightmares or dreams) in a notebook in my bedside cabinet, as well as in a comprehensive Word document. Consistency and continuity are a major emphasis for me so I have put together an Excel document listing all of my characters, locations, and stories so I can map out their relationships and progress.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Primarily Stephen King; I am a big King fan and enjoy his blending of the normal and mundane with the fantastical and horrific. I’ve also been influenced by the likes of Bret Easton Ellis and Douglas Adams, especially the way they combine humour (often dark humour) and portray characters through dialogue.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a novella based more around horror and featuring some younger characters uncovering an age-old conspiracy in their quiet home town.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do a lot of promotion through Twitter, mainly, using writer’s lifts and such, but I am also quite active on Instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Mainly just stay focused. Even if you hit a wall or have a bad day, it’s better to write something than nothing as you could potentially salvage something that you’re not proud of. Don’t let the blank sheet intimidate you; just be productive and work towards your goal. Also, be prepared to network and plug your work as hard as possible.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve had a lot of advice over the years but it mainly boils down to staying on track and making the best use of your time. You have to give yourself a break because writing can be hard; if you’re not feeling it, take a break but always try to write something down, even if it’s a character synopsis or ideas for a future chapter or book.
What are you reading now?
I just started reading “Insomnia” by Stephen King, which is one of my favourites of his.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a couple of other potential ideas for short stories at the back of my mind and even some longer books that I might develop depending on feedback from this book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
It by Stephen King
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers by Grant Naylor
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