How long do you typically take to write a book?
A: My debut book took 8 months from start to finish. However, I didn't start
with the intention of writing a book. I had written a ton of material for two
different tabletop games that fell apart due to scheduling problems. I
channeled my creative frustration into my note-taking app on my phone before
bed every night, and by December, I had a terrible first draft of a manuscript.
My husband encouraged me to finish the book and publish it.
If you were to watch your favorite book (which hasn’t been turned into a
real-life motion picture) turn into a movie, which would you choose? Or would
you rather it remain as a book?
A: There's some recency bias here, but I adore Empire of the Vampire
by Jay Kristoff. The book has a unique frame story where the main
character is being interviewed by one of his vampire captors, which I think
would work nicely on film.
Have you ever taken any advice from other writers? What’s the best advice
you’ve received?
A: I'm a huge fan of Brandon Sanderson's advice, which he shares on social
media. I've adopted his outline framework for the sequel to Glintborn Fools and
found the outline tool to be wildly helpful.
Q: Who are some of your favorite authors that influenced you to write?
What impact have they had on your writing?
A: It may be a bit cliche, but I always loved the writing in the first Harry
Potter book. The writing is simple, direct, highly accessible, fast, and fun to
read while still painting a detailed picture of the world. I aim to achieve
this same effect in my writing. However, I still have a lot to learn!
Q: What was the highlight of writing this book?
A: When I held the printed book in my hand for the first time. Aside from my
two incredible editors, I did everything from writing, doing the interior
layout, making the book cover, and recording the audiobook. Pulling the book
out of that white Amazon package and seeing my hard work manifest was
incredible.
Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
A: You can follow me on Goodreads and Amazon, or join my newsletter for more
updates!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0D92YQGNZ/about
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50974939.J_L_Knight
Newsletter: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecJ42MyHKNPYpYy4UCScjgUUA-TWeSB-kx-_Mj82sENGJEzw/viewform
A: Anything pretzel, especially if it's stuff with peanut butter.
Q: What is the best part of your day?
A: In the evening, after the kids have gone to bed, I can play video games.
Q: Would you rather live in a haunted mansion or live in a un-haunted cottage?
A: I don't mess around with ghosts. Give me the cottage!
Q: Movie or book
A: Why not both?
