Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is Katie McKnight. I published a suspenseful-romance in August 2013. This is my first published book. I am currently working on my second novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My suspenseful-romance novel is entitled Secrets Revealed. The creation began six years ago through a dream. The vision lasted fifteen seconds, but haunted me until I put my thoughts on paper. Seventy thousand words later, I completed a story about Melanie O’Shaughnessy and the revelation of a secrets she kept for ten years.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
[laughs] I literally throw myself into the scene to authenticate it; especially during times of conflict. Acting out the scenes is my embarrassing secret that you have now revealed.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I loved the duel point of view in the novels The Help and The Time Traveler’s Wife. These books encouraged me to write my novel in the same fashion.
Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, inspired me to submit my book for publication. In a blog she wrote, she mentioned writing her books on the sports field during her sons’ practices and how her mother and sister read drafts of her novels. I thought, her life mirrors my own. Maybe I can publish this book. I thank her for giving me the courage I lacked.
What are you working on now?
I completed the first draft of my women’s fictional novel and am in the re-writing stages. Once again my mother and sister are reading and reviewing the manuscript. The book is about a woman who learns her five-year marriage is a farce and tries to escape her lying husband and start over. His web of lies continue to pull her back into the unhappy life they built together.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I started promoting the book through Facebook. Fearing my family and friends would “unfriend” me, I invited those interested in the novel to “like” my author page. I played games with fans of the page in preparation for the release date. I also submitted articles to different neighborhood newspapers advertising the release and held a huge party where I sold and signed paperback books.
I am now excited to work with Awesome Gang and hope to meet interested suspenseful-romance readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. A career in writing is difficult and requires a think skin. Your job is to entertain others and your work is always being reviewed by others. Not everyone will like your work. It doesn’t mean you should give up. An author recently contacted me about a review she received. The harsh words crushed her. Since the review was not directed at me, I was able to see positive aspects of the review. For starters, the reviewer noted that romance is not her genre and she compared the writing to a highly successful author (whom she doesn’t enjoy). From my opinion, the stars were low, but the review awesome.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Turn every writing adventure (good and bad) into a learning experience.
What are you reading now?
I am reading a couple books on marketing your e-book. Divergent is in my suitcase waiting to be read on vacation.
What’s next for you as a writer?
In between work, college interviews (for my son) and everyday life, I hope to complete my latest novel and shop it around to publishing houses. My goal is to finish it next Fall.
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?
Something written by James Patterson and Mary Higgins Clark – because I love mystery novels
Marketing your e-book workbooks so I can get to work after my rescue
My own book – hoping to introduce it to someone else should they make the same mistake I made and land on a deserted island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Katie McKnight Website
Katie McKnight Amazon Profile
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