I had the good fortune to be introduced to the lovely Deidre Knight by her awesome PR person, Nancy Berland. I had worked with Nancy in getting author promo material for our bookstore and done interviews with several of her clients. So when she started telling me about Deidre, I listened. When Nancy told me that Deidre was the President of The Knight Agency, a very sought after agent and now an author, I knew I really wanted to meet and interview this wonder woman!
I emailed Deidre and introduced myself and explained my interest in doing an interview with her. I expected her to be nice but what I didn't expect was to find that wonder woman, aka Deidre Knight, was real!! First let me say that Deidre is one of the sweetest, most awesome people I have ever met. She welcomed me into her world, treated me like a dear friend and absolutely awed me with her ability to do it all.
[Deidre Knight] You are so sweet!!
Not only is she an awesome author and agent, Deidre is a fantastic mom of two adorable girls and wife of published author Judson. Yes folks, I don't know how, but she does it all. Wonder woman has a name and it is Deidre Knight.
Deidre has made time to share a little of her life and love of writing here on our blog. We are going to do an interview and then we will open the blog to Deidre for questions and comments.
Interview
Deidre, welcome to Deb's Book Nook! Thanks for taking time out of your hectic schedule to visit with us.
Introduce yourself to our readers. Give us some background info, family, pets, previous jobs, etc. Basically what makes Deidre Knight tick.
[Deidre Knight] Thanks so much for having me here! Let’s see, to tell you about me I should confess that I have a new obsession—crocheting! My co-worker Julie Ramsey and I recently went to a conference in Houston, Texas and she was working on a blanket while on the plane. For some reason I thought, “This is something I might enjoy.” I used to be big into needlepoint when I was younger, but never tried crochet. Now I’m totally into the new hobby! I only wish it were something that *unlike* writing involved getting off my behind and actually exercising, but still, it’s a great new relaxing hobby. I’m also teaching my eight year old, although she becomes a bit frustrated with it, so we have to teach her in short bursts.
I’ve also recently taken up participating in walk/run events—which took hold when I participated in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in October. That event was sixty miles in three days, and although I didn’t walk ALL the miles, I did complete about half of it. When my toe nails started getting loose and my baby toes were entirely blistered and swollen, I had to take a shuttle. Anyway, after that event, I immediately signed up for a 5K at the local botanical gardens and will be running in our local jingle jog in early December.
What’s the common denominator here? I think that I’ve hit a point in my life where I want to push myself to try new things, to break out the boundaries a bit. And I hope that will carry over to my writing where I like to believe I’m learning to trust my instincts and take big chances.
For readers unfamiliar with your awesome paranormal romances, tell us a bit about your books.
[Deidre Knight] Absolutely! I write romance—a unique genre that I’m starting to think of as “fusion romance” (maybe I’ve spent too long in fusion restaurants!) But seriously—think of paranormal, science fiction, and fantasy romance all blended together. The series is set on present day Earth out in the Tetons of Wyoming where an alien king, Jared Bennett, has a secret military base and is battling to defend Earth against the same enemies that devoured his home world. Only problem? Earth officials think HE is the enemy. Our aliens have a secret weapon hidden deep in Yellowstone Park, a device that control time itself. That device, the mitres, is at the center of the series because as they try to alter their destiny, they wind up creating parallel worlds. Heroes in one book might be villains in another and vice versa. Basically, think SLIDING DOORS where each time they play with time, results play out differently… and the stakes get higher and higher.
The heroes are heartstoppingly sexy, with important destinies and sexy alien mating rituals (I mean, they look completely human but the sex is literally out of this world!) The heroines know how to kick butt and save the universe.
Are any of your characters or storylines ever based on real people or events? Do you think you incorporate various personality traits into your characters from real people?
[Deidre Knight] I think writing/books is always a bit of a tapestry where you color in a bit from real life and from people you know, but my characters are never people I know. They’re real to me, but not out of my real life. I do try and use names, though, that reference back to people I care about.
How did you choose the location/setting for the Parallel books? Was this an area you had explored in your travels?
[Deidre Knight] When I was eighteen my family went to Yellowstone and it was one of the most spectacular things I’d ever seen. I’ve been really blessed—I’ve been to Europe six times, traveled to all but three states in the US, but I would still say—these many years later—that the Jackson, Wyoming area is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever visited. I wanted to capture some of that in the series, that kind of spellbinding majesty. It’s not a region you see in that many books (it’s the least populated state in the union, even less than Alaska!) So I thought it would be a fresh place to set the series. Much more than that, I NEEDED a really remote and empty place for it to be believable that aliens were actually hiding there. Parts of Yellowstone back country have literally never been walked on by man (I was told this by a park ranger there). That’s how vast and immense the region is and how easy it would be to hide there.
Tell us about the research you do for your books. Approximately how long does it take you to research your books or is this an ongoing process? What kind of research materials do you use and is this something you enjoy doing? Do you travel to explore the settings of your books?
[Deidre Knight] Well, it’s a tough life, but I’m heading out to Jackson in three weeks to interview an FBI agent who has helped me a ton. You know, got to go do that PERSONAL kind of research. J I’m a big believer in interviewing, and have been fortunate that a number of FBI agents with different areas of expertise have been willing to share with me.
I believe your Mom encouraged your desire to write at an early age. How did you get started in your writing career? When did you seriously start writing for publication? Did it take long for you to be published?
I emailed Deidre and introduced myself and explained my interest in doing an interview with her. I expected her to be nice but what I didn't expect was to find that wonder woman, aka Deidre Knight, was real!! First let me say that Deidre is one of the sweetest, most awesome people I have ever met. She welcomed me into her world, treated me like a dear friend and absolutely awed me with her ability to do it all.
[Deidre Knight] You are so sweet!!
Not only is she an awesome author and agent, Deidre is a fantastic mom of two adorable girls and wife of published author Judson. Yes folks, I don't know how, but she does it all. Wonder woman has a name and it is Deidre Knight.
Deidre has made time to share a little of her life and love of writing here on our blog. We are going to do an interview and then we will open the blog to Deidre for questions and comments.
Interview
Deidre, welcome to Deb's Book Nook! Thanks for taking time out of your hectic schedule to visit with us.
Introduce yourself to our readers. Give us some background info, family, pets, previous jobs, etc. Basically what makes Deidre Knight tick.
[Deidre Knight] Thanks so much for having me here! Let’s see, to tell you about me I should confess that I have a new obsession—crocheting! My co-worker Julie Ramsey and I recently went to a conference in Houston, Texas and she was working on a blanket while on the plane. For some reason I thought, “This is something I might enjoy.” I used to be big into needlepoint when I was younger, but never tried crochet. Now I’m totally into the new hobby! I only wish it were something that *unlike* writing involved getting off my behind and actually exercising, but still, it’s a great new relaxing hobby. I’m also teaching my eight year old, although she becomes a bit frustrated with it, so we have to teach her in short bursts.
I’ve also recently taken up participating in walk/run events—which took hold when I participated in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in October. That event was sixty miles in three days, and although I didn’t walk ALL the miles, I did complete about half of it. When my toe nails started getting loose and my baby toes were entirely blistered and swollen, I had to take a shuttle. Anyway, after that event, I immediately signed up for a 5K at the local botanical gardens and will be running in our local jingle jog in early December.
What’s the common denominator here? I think that I’ve hit a point in my life where I want to push myself to try new things, to break out the boundaries a bit. And I hope that will carry over to my writing where I like to believe I’m learning to trust my instincts and take big chances.
For readers unfamiliar with your awesome paranormal romances, tell us a bit about your books.
[Deidre Knight] Absolutely! I write romance—a unique genre that I’m starting to think of as “fusion romance” (maybe I’ve spent too long in fusion restaurants!) But seriously—think of paranormal, science fiction, and fantasy romance all blended together. The series is set on present day Earth out in the Tetons of Wyoming where an alien king, Jared Bennett, has a secret military base and is battling to defend Earth against the same enemies that devoured his home world. Only problem? Earth officials think HE is the enemy. Our aliens have a secret weapon hidden deep in Yellowstone Park, a device that control time itself. That device, the mitres, is at the center of the series because as they try to alter their destiny, they wind up creating parallel worlds. Heroes in one book might be villains in another and vice versa. Basically, think SLIDING DOORS where each time they play with time, results play out differently… and the stakes get higher and higher.
The heroes are heartstoppingly sexy, with important destinies and sexy alien mating rituals (I mean, they look completely human but the sex is literally out of this world!) The heroines know how to kick butt and save the universe.
Are any of your characters or storylines ever based on real people or events? Do you think you incorporate various personality traits into your characters from real people?
[Deidre Knight] I think writing/books is always a bit of a tapestry where you color in a bit from real life and from people you know, but my characters are never people I know. They’re real to me, but not out of my real life. I do try and use names, though, that reference back to people I care about.
How did you choose the location/setting for the Parallel books? Was this an area you had explored in your travels?
[Deidre Knight] When I was eighteen my family went to Yellowstone and it was one of the most spectacular things I’d ever seen. I’ve been really blessed—I’ve been to Europe six times, traveled to all but three states in the US, but I would still say—these many years later—that the Jackson, Wyoming area is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever visited. I wanted to capture some of that in the series, that kind of spellbinding majesty. It’s not a region you see in that many books (it’s the least populated state in the union, even less than Alaska!) So I thought it would be a fresh place to set the series. Much more than that, I NEEDED a really remote and empty place for it to be believable that aliens were actually hiding there. Parts of Yellowstone back country have literally never been walked on by man (I was told this by a park ranger there). That’s how vast and immense the region is and how easy it would be to hide there.
Tell us about the research you do for your books. Approximately how long does it take you to research your books or is this an ongoing process? What kind of research materials do you use and is this something you enjoy doing? Do you travel to explore the settings of your books?
[Deidre Knight] Well, it’s a tough life, but I’m heading out to Jackson in three weeks to interview an FBI agent who has helped me a ton. You know, got to go do that PERSONAL kind of research. J I’m a big believer in interviewing, and have been fortunate that a number of FBI agents with different areas of expertise have been willing to share with me.
I believe your Mom encouraged your desire to write at an early age. How did you get started in your writing career? When did you seriously start writing for publication? Did it take long for you to be published?
[Deidre Knight] I started writing for publication in 2003 and sold in early 2005, so it was about two years from the time I seriously thought I wanted to be published and actually sold something. But I wrote for YEARS and millions of words before I decided I was ready to go for it.
I hear you have an awesome agent who also happens to be your sister and fellow agent at The Knight Agency. How is it to work so closely with her as an agent and as an author. Do you think your relationship changes when she is in her agent mode?
[Deidre Knight] Pamela and I grew up working in a family business so it actually comes very naturally to us to wear a variety of hats. We definitely flip in and out of different roles—some days I’m very much in the lead, but others when I’m struggling, she puts that big sister hat back on once again. I do know we both tend to be very protective of each other which is probably a great thing because the agenting business can be very wearing and even brutal at times. It’s good to be in the trenches with someone who loves you without reservation and also someone you want to work with because they’re your best friend!
Let's talk about your debut book, Parallel Attraction. I have to admit that when I first read it, I was blown away. It definitely didn't read like a debut book! I was really impressed with the crisp clear writing and the way you pulled me into the story and didn't let go. Did it suprise you that PA was so popular and received such great praise and reviews? I know I loved recommending it to our customers about it and hearing their reactions to it when they came back into the store.
[Deidre Knight] I think it always surprises writers when their work is finally out there. I mean, you want to believe that people will get and understand your vision, but it never ever gets old hearing the way people respond. And thank you, thank you for all those kind compliments (and for promoting my books to your readers!)
What was your reaction when you first saw it on the store shelves? Know I would have been over the moon.
[Deidre Knight] I think it sounded like this: “Squeeeeeee!!!! There it is!!” It’s still completely exciting every time I see one of my books. That will be great from now on!
Are you a plotter or more casual in your writing style? How do you keep up with all your characters traits and storylines? I know if I had your busy life I would definitely need something to keep things straight for me.
[Deidre Knight] I have a bizarre brain. It’s true! LOL! Seriously, I have a “big scope” brain which I think is pretty typical for entrepreneurs who are always projecting ten years ahead, plotting and planning where they want their business to go. It’s that same part of me that plots out a big tapestry for this series. I know exactly where we’re going and have laid the groundwork out to book six of the series. Not saying it would end there—so long as my publisher wants it to continue! Just saying I know where we’re headed. On each individual book, though, I’m more of a plantser. I write some by the pants and with some plotting, and kind of bring it all together.
Lets do some fun favorites....
Favorite color?
[Deidre Knight] Purple and red.
Favorite food?
[Deidre Knight] Oh, can I just say FOOD!? LOL! Probably Mexican food.
Favorite genre of book?
[Deidre Knight] romance, women’s fiction and literary commercial fiction.
Favorite author(s) or book(s)?
[Deidre Knight] Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, Judith Ivory, Susan Grant, Catherine Spangler, Lisa Unger, Nelson DeMille, and Audrey Niffenegger.
Favorite past time?
[Deidre Knight] Apart from writing, I’d definitely say crochet, which I mentioned above. J
Favorite movie or play?
[Deidre Knight] I don’t think I can even answer because I’ve got the world’s longest fave list of movies. Why don’t I say favorite television shows at the moment? LOST, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and HOUSE.
Favorite song?
[Deidre Knight] LAYLA by Derek and the Dominoes
When you are writing, do you use a real person as model or song/soundtrack to inspire your work or do you prefer to write in peace and quiet?
[Deidre Knight] I used to write to music and it always helped, but it’s bizarre… as time’s gone on, I need real quiet. Maybe the creative process is cyclical or something, but it’s definitely changed for me in the past few years.
Tell us about the Walk for Life you recently did. How did you get involved in this and even though the walk is over, how can we still help?
[Deidre Knight] Ah! I mentioned this earlier before seeing the question. We will be launching our next year’s walk very soon, and I’ll be posting links to it. Breast cancer research is a cause I feel very strongly about because my mother is a breast cancer survivor—and, ironically, the week after I finished the walk we had another scare with her, but it turned out to be okay. It’s something that touches so many of us, I truly believe it’s one of the most important health causes facing us today. I hope everyone will join our newsletter to follow news on the next event. Just go to www.deidreknightbooks.com and click on the newsletter.
Do you find time to read for pleasure? I know you do a lot of reading in your job with TKA, does it get hard to find a book unrelated to your clients stories? Do you ever find yourself comparing storylines as you read?
[Deidre Knight] Nephele Tempest (another agent here at TKA) and I were just lamenting this issue the other day. It becomes very hard to immerse in a book for pleasure because you disconnect over a lot of different variables. Comparing books, plots, and then of course sometimes wondering why a particular book sold and became published when a project that *I* shopped never did sell! On the other hand, there are times when I magically escape into a book like I once used to do, and really experience that magic of reading. Those books are a special gift and make it all worth it.
Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Do you try to write a certain amount each day?
[Deidre Knight] Well, the funny thing is that there isn’t a truly typical day because one thing about agenting is that every day is different. I’ll tell you about today, though. It’s the holiday week and basically all the publishers are out. We had a pre-K Thanksgiving breakfast at school (this after getting up, showering before the kids were up, then dressing them and getting them to school.) Anyway, did the pre-K breakfast, and was going to head to the office (which is only a few blocks away), but because our holiday treat for our TKA ladies is for them to get massages, well, turned out the massage table was in my office. So I headed home and am at present answering a bunch of agency emails, just read and replied on a submission, and am taking a moment to do this interview. Because I’m at home, I have a movie on quietly in the background just because I’m a believer in “white noise.” It was the weather for a while earlier, now it’s apparently going to be “Be Cool.” In a bit, television will go off (once the interview is finished), and will settle in to read a few submissions, then I have three critiques I need to get out the door. Later today, will email with Elaine Spencer about deals we need to announce (and have already been emailing with our accountant about creating a financial forecast.) In short? It’s a VERY quiet day with TKA today. It’s basically a holiday week, so it’s quiet catch up time.
When it’s a busy, cranking day, well, I may go back and forth between counter-bidding editors on a project, my phone ringing some 25 times in one day between just those two editors. Or we might exchange that many emails over the deal. Once the deal is closed, we might start hearing from film people, and we’ll put the word to our foreign agents. And this, of course, assumes I’m in the middle of only one deal at a time. The truth is, I may be negotiating several deals, reviewing contracts on previous ones, going over royalty statements for even older ones, signing checks and so forth. It is always a circus, but a great one!
What was the best advice anyone ever gave you in regards to your writing career?
[Deidre Knight] It’s hard to think of any one great piece, but I guess I’d say it was understanding that it’s important to experience life in order to write about it. Someone told me that at a young age and i think it’s always influenced me to “live large.” To take chances and do unusual things and that always helps as a writer.
If you had a piece of advice to give to a new writer, what would it be?
[Deidre Knight] Trust your instincts and be true to yourself. Don’t try to follow the market, but listen to your own internal voice and the success will follow.
Is there any other genre of book you would like to write in the future?
[Deidre Knight] I have a great YA idea and I’m dying to focus on it, but just haven’t had time yet. I also have some women’s fiction ideas that are really high concept and sharp, but again, no time to focus on them now. I honestly hope that as time goes on, I’ll have more time to budget for writing.
Deidre, thanks so much for stopping by to chat with us. We look forward to you blogging with us!
I hear you have an awesome agent who also happens to be your sister and fellow agent at The Knight Agency. How is it to work so closely with her as an agent and as an author. Do you think your relationship changes when she is in her agent mode?
[Deidre Knight] Pamela and I grew up working in a family business so it actually comes very naturally to us to wear a variety of hats. We definitely flip in and out of different roles—some days I’m very much in the lead, but others when I’m struggling, she puts that big sister hat back on once again. I do know we both tend to be very protective of each other which is probably a great thing because the agenting business can be very wearing and even brutal at times. It’s good to be in the trenches with someone who loves you without reservation and also someone you want to work with because they’re your best friend!
Let's talk about your debut book, Parallel Attraction. I have to admit that when I first read it, I was blown away. It definitely didn't read like a debut book! I was really impressed with the crisp clear writing and the way you pulled me into the story and didn't let go. Did it suprise you that PA was so popular and received such great praise and reviews? I know I loved recommending it to our customers about it and hearing their reactions to it when they came back into the store.
[Deidre Knight] I think it always surprises writers when their work is finally out there. I mean, you want to believe that people will get and understand your vision, but it never ever gets old hearing the way people respond. And thank you, thank you for all those kind compliments (and for promoting my books to your readers!)
What was your reaction when you first saw it on the store shelves? Know I would have been over the moon.
[Deidre Knight] I think it sounded like this: “Squeeeeeee!!!! There it is!!” It’s still completely exciting every time I see one of my books. That will be great from now on!
Are you a plotter or more casual in your writing style? How do you keep up with all your characters traits and storylines? I know if I had your busy life I would definitely need something to keep things straight for me.
[Deidre Knight] I have a bizarre brain. It’s true! LOL! Seriously, I have a “big scope” brain which I think is pretty typical for entrepreneurs who are always projecting ten years ahead, plotting and planning where they want their business to go. It’s that same part of me that plots out a big tapestry for this series. I know exactly where we’re going and have laid the groundwork out to book six of the series. Not saying it would end there—so long as my publisher wants it to continue! Just saying I know where we’re headed. On each individual book, though, I’m more of a plantser. I write some by the pants and with some plotting, and kind of bring it all together.
Lets do some fun favorites....
Favorite color?
[Deidre Knight] Purple and red.
Favorite food?
[Deidre Knight] Oh, can I just say FOOD!? LOL! Probably Mexican food.
Favorite genre of book?
[Deidre Knight] romance, women’s fiction and literary commercial fiction.
Favorite author(s) or book(s)?
[Deidre Knight] Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, Judith Ivory, Susan Grant, Catherine Spangler, Lisa Unger, Nelson DeMille, and Audrey Niffenegger.
Favorite past time?
[Deidre Knight] Apart from writing, I’d definitely say crochet, which I mentioned above. J
Favorite movie or play?
[Deidre Knight] I don’t think I can even answer because I’ve got the world’s longest fave list of movies. Why don’t I say favorite television shows at the moment? LOST, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and HOUSE.
Favorite song?
[Deidre Knight] LAYLA by Derek and the Dominoes
When you are writing, do you use a real person as model or song/soundtrack to inspire your work or do you prefer to write in peace and quiet?
[Deidre Knight] I used to write to music and it always helped, but it’s bizarre… as time’s gone on, I need real quiet. Maybe the creative process is cyclical or something, but it’s definitely changed for me in the past few years.
Tell us about the Walk for Life you recently did. How did you get involved in this and even though the walk is over, how can we still help?
[Deidre Knight] Ah! I mentioned this earlier before seeing the question. We will be launching our next year’s walk very soon, and I’ll be posting links to it. Breast cancer research is a cause I feel very strongly about because my mother is a breast cancer survivor—and, ironically, the week after I finished the walk we had another scare with her, but it turned out to be okay. It’s something that touches so many of us, I truly believe it’s one of the most important health causes facing us today. I hope everyone will join our newsletter to follow news on the next event. Just go to www.deidreknightbooks.com and click on the newsletter.
Do you find time to read for pleasure? I know you do a lot of reading in your job with TKA, does it get hard to find a book unrelated to your clients stories? Do you ever find yourself comparing storylines as you read?
[Deidre Knight] Nephele Tempest (another agent here at TKA) and I were just lamenting this issue the other day. It becomes very hard to immerse in a book for pleasure because you disconnect over a lot of different variables. Comparing books, plots, and then of course sometimes wondering why a particular book sold and became published when a project that *I* shopped never did sell! On the other hand, there are times when I magically escape into a book like I once used to do, and really experience that magic of reading. Those books are a special gift and make it all worth it.
Give us an example of a typical day in your life. Do you try to write a certain amount each day?
[Deidre Knight] Well, the funny thing is that there isn’t a truly typical day because one thing about agenting is that every day is different. I’ll tell you about today, though. It’s the holiday week and basically all the publishers are out. We had a pre-K Thanksgiving breakfast at school (this after getting up, showering before the kids were up, then dressing them and getting them to school.) Anyway, did the pre-K breakfast, and was going to head to the office (which is only a few blocks away), but because our holiday treat for our TKA ladies is for them to get massages, well, turned out the massage table was in my office. So I headed home and am at present answering a bunch of agency emails, just read and replied on a submission, and am taking a moment to do this interview. Because I’m at home, I have a movie on quietly in the background just because I’m a believer in “white noise.” It was the weather for a while earlier, now it’s apparently going to be “Be Cool.” In a bit, television will go off (once the interview is finished), and will settle in to read a few submissions, then I have three critiques I need to get out the door. Later today, will email with Elaine Spencer about deals we need to announce (and have already been emailing with our accountant about creating a financial forecast.) In short? It’s a VERY quiet day with TKA today. It’s basically a holiday week, so it’s quiet catch up time.
When it’s a busy, cranking day, well, I may go back and forth between counter-bidding editors on a project, my phone ringing some 25 times in one day between just those two editors. Or we might exchange that many emails over the deal. Once the deal is closed, we might start hearing from film people, and we’ll put the word to our foreign agents. And this, of course, assumes I’m in the middle of only one deal at a time. The truth is, I may be negotiating several deals, reviewing contracts on previous ones, going over royalty statements for even older ones, signing checks and so forth. It is always a circus, but a great one!
What was the best advice anyone ever gave you in regards to your writing career?
[Deidre Knight] It’s hard to think of any one great piece, but I guess I’d say it was understanding that it’s important to experience life in order to write about it. Someone told me that at a young age and i think it’s always influenced me to “live large.” To take chances and do unusual things and that always helps as a writer.
If you had a piece of advice to give to a new writer, what would it be?
[Deidre Knight] Trust your instincts and be true to yourself. Don’t try to follow the market, but listen to your own internal voice and the success will follow.
Is there any other genre of book you would like to write in the future?
[Deidre Knight] I have a great YA idea and I’m dying to focus on it, but just haven’t had time yet. I also have some women’s fiction ideas that are really high concept and sharp, but again, no time to focus on them now. I honestly hope that as time goes on, I’ll have more time to budget for writing.
Deidre, thanks so much for stopping by to chat with us. We look forward to you blogging with us!
Do you have questions or comments for Deidre? I'm sure she will be popping in now and again to check comments so please go ahead and ask the questions you always wanted an answer to!
You can visit Deidre at her website at www.DeidreKnight.com
