Deidre Knight talks to BYS about her release, Parallel Desire.

What went Between the Sheets of this book?  Either what was happening in your life when you wrote it, or what was happening with the book as you wrote it.

This book proved to be the trickiest in the Midnight Warriors series, at least in terms of writing it.  But I think the end product shouldn't be too difficult for my fans! LOL!  Seriously, Parallel Seduction left off with time-traveling Jake Tierny stranded in our world out in Wyoming--not Earth ten years in the future, which is where he'd traveled from.  All my fans have been clamoring for his story, and Parallel Desire will be their reward for being patient.  Still, I have to say that writing a novel with two versions of the same character--one from the future, the other from the present--was definitely a healthy challenge.  In the end, I loved the book and I hope my readers will too!

How long did it take to develop your characters for this book?

The great thing about writing a series is that you keep introducing new characters along the way.  The heroine of Parallel Desire is Shelby Tyler, and she was introduced in the last book as the medic who took care of Scott Dillon after he was shot.  Right away this feisty alien with a Texas accent started taking over the pages.  I had to seriously swat her down a few times because that wasn't her book! But it also made it abundantly clear that she was going to need some serious page time.  Jake Tierny was also introduced in Seduction, and was seriously delicious.  Even I fell in love with him--not to mention my readers.  Of course what romance writer doesn't fall in love with their heroes?? Still, Jake's plight, and the tragedy in his past made it absolutely imperative that he wind up with a woman of his own.  And not only that, he needed a woman who could whip him into shape when he needed it. 

Were you an avid reader as a child?  What did you like to read?

I was an obsessive reader. I definitely remember curling up on the floor by the hallway so I could secretly read by the light that spilled from underneath the door.  And sneaking a flashlight into bed. Some of my childhood favorites were Island of the Blue Dolphins, Gone With The Wind, the Secret Garden, the Narnia Chronicles.  I was an avid reader of Maude Hart Lovelace’s Betsy, Tacy, Tibb stories too.  I remember being bowled over at our library to see that there were so many--it was like finding a literary feast!

Do you have time to read now?  What authors do you read?

This question is particularly interesting because I'm not only a writer but an agent as well, and I've had an interesting journey in this regard.  For a long period of time, I stopped reading for pleasure because as you can imagine there is *always* something to read in my pile.  But I began to realize that if I didn't continue reading for pleasure--even when my TBR stack was pretty high professionally--that I didn't bring as much to the table for my clients.  My creativity really fizzles if I don't keep stoking the fire with inspiration, and that's both as an agent and an author.  I find reading a great book when I'm a bit stuck, too, can totally reinvigorate me.  And of course with as many fellow authors as we all meet, it's lovely to be able to say, "I loved your book!"

How important is self promotion in today's publishing market and what do you do to promote your books?

It's more important than ever to self-promote, and I'm a big believer in online publication and networking.  In the era of myspace, yahoo groups, message boards, blogs, etc, it's less expensive than ever to reach the widest number of people.  Above all, just be yourself.  Let your readers get to know you a little bit, but don't let managing the promo side of your business take over your life.  It's most important to maintain enough time to write the very best books possible.  Do that, and if you're fortunate, the readers will definitely follow and spread the word for you.  But it also takes time.  There are few overnight successes in this business; most bestsellers write book after book after book, growing their following as they press forward.  So don't give up, and keep at it, always visualizing the end result of your dreams. 

What are you working on now?

I'm thrilled to share that I recently sold a brand new series to my publisher (NAL), and I'm just starting on the first book in the series.  I don't want to say much just yet, but for fans of my Midnight Warriors series I can assure you that this new set of books will be very much in the vein of my previous ones.  Well, without time travel and aliens.  But it will include some delicious Alpha males and have an atmospheric Southern flavor.   

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?  And how did you keep your spirits up until the first book was published?

I think the most important thing is to write consistently.  If you can swing it, write every day.  Now, for some people this just won't work, not given their schedules as mothers, wives, employees, whatever.  But if at all possible, do your level best to write something each and every day--maybe it's a journal entry, or just jotting some story ideas down.  It doesn't have to be for long. I'm a fan of the timer, too--I use my blackberry alarm clock when I write.  Set it for an hour, thirty minutes, whatever, and vow that you will NOT check your email or go fold clothes.  You will be focused for that set period of time, no matter how long. 

Anything special that you want to tell your readers about yourself?

I'm super excited about the above-mentioned series, so look for the first book in October 2008.  Also, I’ve got a wonderful discussion/fan e-loop. 

I love hearing from my readers! Please feel free to email me at Deidre@Deidreknight.com and let me know who you are and what you think of my books!


© 2006 Interview by BetweenYourSheets.com

---

< Prev		Next >