Interview with Renee Knwles

 

Hello Renee and welcome to Manic Readers. Grab a cappuccino and let the readers get to know more about Renee Knowles.

 

On your website, your tagline states ‘sassy, sizzling women’s fiction & romance’. It appears you write more than one genre. Can you tell MR more about what you write?

I write in three main genres. My current release is a spicy chick lit published by Siren Publishing, called Going Topless. I like to write chick lit because I love the journey of self-discovery for the heroine.

This year I have a new erotic contemporary series coming from Siren Publishing called Pleasures, Inc. Erotic romance appeals to me on so many levels. I love the freedom to explore one’s sexuality, but also the love and romantic storyline that goes along with it.

And another genre—one I have a special place for—is sexy Regency historical romances. All the romance of the time and witty dialogue. Plus, you just know there was more going on behind closed doors than they let on. I recently finished a novella set in this period, and it’s out on submission.

Do you find your books draw you in and it is hard to let go once you have finished?

I feel very drawn in while I’m writing the manuscript, thinking about it constantly. But after I finish, it’s almost as if I’ve read the book and finished it for real. I am ready to move on. I have so many new characters running through my head, that I am ready for my next challenge!

How long does it normally take you to finish a book?

For a long novel (75,000+) it takes me about 4-5 months, depending on how much research I need to do. But for shorter works, it is only about 2 or 3 months.

Do you have any bad writing habits?

Probably too many. I guess my worse one would be not doing extensive plotting. I have a plot/chapter outline when I get started, but it is very sparse. Although I need to know where I’m going and what the turning points are, I like to have the story take me where it will.

Can you tell us something about you that makes you different?

I have traveled all over the world, and lived in both Europe and Asia. I am also very interested in the political world and must have been a strategist in another life.

Oh, also, I am a HUGE football fan. Love pro and college and am always home on Sunday afternoons in the fall to watch the games.

While writing, how does the story develop for you? Title and characters first, or do you use some other method?

Characters always seem to come first. Usually they swim around in my head and bug me until I can’t take it anymore and I have to write them. Then the title begins to take shape. Funny enough, but if I’m not happy with my title I have a hard time writing the story.

Is there a hero that tugs at your heart more than others? Why?

Hagen, the hero from my debut release Going Topless, definitely tugs at me. He is European and sexy as hell, of course. But what I really love is, because it’s a chick lit, I find him very real. Very down to earth. And because it’s not told from his point of view but from the heroine’s, we get to see his sensuality from her side.

Plus, he’s a whole lot younger than the heroine and I think that’s hot!

How do you keep your ideas fresh and imaginative?

I guess just by thinking about what I call the “what if?” factor. I try to place my characters in interesting situations, and then ask “what if?” What if this happened to my heroine? Or what if the hero decided to just walk away from the family business? That sort of thing. And really, ideas are everywhere to me. I have too many of them and not enough time!

Besides writing, what is your favorite thing to do every day?

Yoga. Without a doubt. It helps me keep in balance and handle all the everyday hassles we all deal with.

Do you have an all time favorite of all the stories you’ve written, published or unpublished?

I guess the Regency novella I have out on submission, Courting Trouble. It’s such a fun, sexy story with great, full characters. I had a ball writing it.

Who has been the greatest support for you throughout your writing career?

My husband. He is always there for me, encouraging me, and even still loving me when I am frantically trying to finish a story and not giving him the attention he deserves. He is the best.

Which room in your home would you say is your favorite? 

Any room my computer is in. J

Do you have a website other than (list website addy) that you would like to share with your readers? 

My MySpace addy is http://www.myspace.com/reneeknowless Come friend me!

You’re invited on a cruise that takes you away from all your troubles. What six items (can be people and pets too) would you absolutely have to have with you?

My husband, books, (I know I’m supposed to be getting away from it all but…) my computer, yoga mat, more books, oh, and more books.

 

Thank you so much for sharing time with us today, Renee. Please check out Renee’s website at: http://www.reneeknowles.com to read more about her releases. While there, be sure to check out her news page, she’s got an interesting contest going on right now!  

Interviewed by: Manic Readers.