Welcome Renee Knowles

Welcome Renee Knowles, who's book just came out yesterday!

Christmas In July Interview Questions

So, tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a huge romance reader, devouring just about any book I can get my hands on. I’m married with a newly adopted son and we live in the Mountain West. I love to do yoga and to spend time with family.

Along with novel writing, I am a freelance writer and editor and give writing classes to groups all over the country.

What is your typical day like?

Well, until we adopted our little one a couple of weeks ago, it was about writing and yoga and reading and coffee shops! LOL. Now, it’s about chasing after him and playing a little with publishing business in between!

When did you start to write and how long did it take you get published?

I started writing about 4 years ago, and my first book was contracted last August by Siren Publishing.

How many stories did you finish before you were published?

I had written two full manuscripts and the second one is the manuscript that sold.

How did you break into publishing?

Well, actually, I was an editor for the publisher of my debut book, Going Topless. And when I pitched the book to the publisher, she was very interested. And from there I received an offer very quickly. She is a wonderful and thoughtful publisher.

What influenced you to write?

I guess it is my love of books. Books have been a part of my life since I was a child. I used to hide under the covers with a flashlight as a kid so I could read after my parents thought I was asleep. I’ve just always enjoyed stories and creating characters in my head.

What inspired you to write romance?

True love, a handsome man, obstacles to overcome and a happy ending…what is not to love?! I’ve always been a big romance fan. It’s a genre I feel is the perfect escape J

What motivated you to write your current book?

My current release, Courting Trouble, is a Regency historical romance. I adore the Regency period and am a Jane Austen addict. This is a sexy, true romance, and it’s a story about two friends who become lovers. I really enjoy “friendship” romances because there is a lot at play there.

The idea came to me as I was thinking about Emma (Jane Austen’s book). In that novel, Emma and Mr. Knightley are close friends but all their interaction hints at more. I love the sexual tension when the hero and heroine are thrown into each other’s path so often. And I wanted Courting Trouble to have the same feel but with a modern sensuality.

What are you working on now?

I am working on the second book in a new erotic contemporary series called Pleasures, Inc. that I have coming out with Siren Publishing. The series revolves around a male escort service where the hottest men fulfill your steamiest fantasies, and they are there for your pleasure only…

The first book, Guilty Pleasures, will be released on August 4th. It’s a hot story and I’m really excited about the series.

How do you write? Are you a panster or a plotter? Is it your characters or your plot that influences you the most?

I am mostly a pantser. I do have a loose outline and an idea of the main turning points, but I let a lot of the story happen organically.

As for characters or plot, I am most definitely character-driven. My characters drive my story and my plot. I need to know them very well and think that creating my characters is one of my favorite parts of plotting.

If you could spend an hour talking to anyone from any time in history, who would it be? And Why?

A few weeks ago, I would have said Jane Austen. And I still think that would be an amazing conversation. She had a brilliant mind, and it would be incredible to meet her.

But now, I think I would also have liked to spend one hour speaking with Tim Russert before his untimely death. He was a sharp man and a gentle one. He had a lot of depth, and I am a huge fan of the political drama that goes on in our democratic system.

Tell us some of the things interviewers are saying about your story or stories.

Thanks for letting me brag a bit. Here are a few tidbits from interviewers:

“Renee Knowles is a brilliant author…” --Two Lips Reviews

“Renee Knowles is hot, hot hot!!!”—Sensual Reads

“Renee Knowles is definitely in touch with her feminine side…”—Euro-Reviews

What is your all time favorite book?

Pride and Prejudice hands down. Give me Darcy any day!

What advice would you give aspiring writers today?

Keep persevering. And remember that you are marketing yourself in everything you do.

How do you like your fans to contact you?

I love to hear from readers! They can contact me at renee@reneeknowles.com

~Renee


~Anna Kathryn