Interview With Author Melissa Knight
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My dream when I was growing up was to either be a spy or run a dog kennel, but I settled on teaching kids, not a bad compromise! I have taught kindergarteners all the way up to high school seniors, working most of the time with disabled students.
I love writing from the perspective of a high school student, and wanted to create a character who would approach the normal ups and downs of being a teenager with a Christian perspective. In my High School 101 Series a variety of topics are covered, from first love and romance to discussing premarital sex, family trauma and grief. Though sensitive stuff is reflected on, the books are still clean and positive! The High School 101 Series has four books so far, and the fifth is in progress.
On the personal side, I’m an oil patch wife currently living in West Texas. My own two kids are on their own and building their lives, which makes me happy though I’m currently searching for a puppy to “mother” a bit. My husband and I love exploring state and national parks, eating good food and just hanging out together.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Breaking News”, Book Four in the High School 101 Series. Each book in the series is loosely centered around a different high school class which most teens take or are familiar with, and in “Breaking News” this is a Journalism/Newspaper class. Each chapter begins with a quote which is both relevant to the class itself and also to the things going on in Casey’s life (the main character).
Here are the classes focused on in the other books:
Book 1, “Feelin’ The Chemistry” – Chemistry, of course!
Book 2, “Just The Facts”- English
Book 3, “Follow The Signs”- Driver’s Ed
Book 5 will be called “Making History” and you can probably guess what that class will be!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Define “unusual”.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I loved the “Christy Miller” series by Robin Jones Gunn, as well as her other series and stand-alone novels. The Mitford Series by Jan Karon is a favorite. The Bible is, and always will be, my north star and guide to the only success that matters in the end.
What are you working on now?
Book 5, “Making History!”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning how to do this and welcome all tried-and-true suggestions!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Pray, write, repeat. Have fun with your writing! It’s hard, but try not to take yourself too seriously.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep Jesus at the center, and everything else will fall into place. (or something along those lines)
What are you reading now?
My Kindle is loaded to the max with, let’s see, Christian romance, historical fiction, nonfiction, YA…
What’s next for you as a writer?
Please don’t stress me with that question!
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?
My Bible, a book about how to build useful things on desert islands, a book about how to find food on desert islands, and a book about all other survival skills on desert islands, duh.
Author Websites and Profiles
Melissa Knight’s Social Media Links