Today I got to hang out with Kim Knight to talk writing, characters and her book, Havana Heat!

When did you realize or decide you wanted to be a writer?

Kim Knight -AMazon

I’ve always loved to write from my school days, but never really fiction. I journaled a lot and realised I was pretty good with words! After I read everything Jackie Collins ever wrote, and discovering Martina Cole in my early twenties, I had a thirst for the genre I write. It was not until a life change happened a few years back that allowed me, or pushed me you could say to write… then a 90,000 word  romantic suspense novel popped out! 

What has been your best experience as an author so far?

Becoming an award-winning author, I just never thought about it or that it could even happen to me. I put writing for the love of it first, rather than titles. To be nominated was enough, but to win? That shit blew my mind I’m so proud of myself yet humble.

What sort of challenges have you faced as a writer? How did you overcome them?

Ah, wow good question, publishers! My first book deal I ended up pulling my book back and republishing. I was not happy with the quality of the work they did, or did not do I should say, or the guidance I got as a first-time author. I overcame this by learning everything I could about publishing, formatting, editing and revamped!

How do you research and plan your books? Do you find outlining helps or hinders your process?

Yes, I’m a plotter to the bone, I outline everything characters, plot then colour in with words and chapters. I can do the whole “panster writer thing”. I normally do this when I write with my co-author Didi Oviatt. However, when I go solo I plot, plot, plot. That’s part of the whole thrill of writing for  me.

Have you learned anything really cool or interesting while researching your books? What’s been the weirdest research you’ve ever had to do?

I had to research a bit about Greek mythology and folklore when I worked with my co-author. I have no clue about this.  In order to finish writing my half of the story I had to know what she was going on about when I read the first half. We’ve published an anthology with a twist. One of us starts the short story based on writing prompts readers voted for, then the other will finish it. We don’t discuss it or plan it. One will just write and send it to the other the finish it’s pretty fun! We’re writing the second volume of short stories… highly addictive.

Learning about Greek mythology which she clearly loves was more than interesting, I found myself really wanted to know more about this world.

What advice would you give to new writers in the field?

Seriously, be the best you can be. Don’t write like a chump give it some heart. Learn all you can about the craft and do your own thing. Meaning, don’t try to write like someone else do you as everyone else is taken!  Not everyone will like your style, and those that don’t, don’t worry about there is a reader for you. Don’t be reserved in order to please. If you want to write a sexy piece do it, if you want to write a violent piece do it. Lastly write for the right reasons… not fame, for the love.

Rejection can be a bitch but don’t worry about that either take the feedback that’s helpful and leave the rest. The same can be said for reader’s reviews. Learn a whine from genuine feedback that can help you with your craft.

Tell us a little about your writing nook! Favorite tea/coffee/writing snack?

Music is a must to write to. Depending on my mood and how much pumping up I need. Classical, Motown, hip hop anything goes. Normally I have a cup of coffee and some chocolate if I’m feeling daring 😊

Havana HeatOf all of your own characters, who would you most want to date?

Nicholas D’Coix in A Stranger in France… Goddamn that man. I have had feedback from readers more than once that he’s “every woman’s dream.” He sure is mine.

What project are you currently working on?

I’m carrying out my editor’s role for Conscious Talk Magazine which launched in August. I’m writing the third book of my Romance Set in Paradise series. You can get a free copy of Havana Heat, which is book one of my steamy romance series set in exotic locations here on Amazon. And I’m also working on the next co-author works too.

What’s next for you?

Finishing off the romance series, then go back to a thriller I started to write a few years ago, I feel ready to put that baby out for readers. Also, working towards putting Conscious Talk Magazine in print format as well as online.

About Kim

Kim is thirty four (born in 1983), and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful toddler, a proud award winning author (awarded Best Romance 2017 title for A Stranger In France), and the editor of Conscious Talk Magazine.  Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author after she scored a publishing contract with a USA based publisher. She was over the moon! However, it became clear to Kim that things were not as she expected. Therefore, she set out on her own journey, she dived head first into the world of self-publishing and republished two of her fictional stories, and became a proud self-published author also. Something great was unleashed, she’ll never look back in regret. 

As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, fashion, drawing, make-up artistry, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make –up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.

Find Kim on TwitterFacebook or at www.kimknightauthor.com