This week we were lucky enough to get to talk to the very talented Erotic romance Author, Morticia Knight, about her life as a writer, as well as taking a glimpse into her latest book in The Hampton Road Club series, Hesistant Heart.
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was about twelve, it could’ve been earlier than that. But that was about the time that I became incredibly serious about everything. I got a subscription to Writer’s Digest and bought the publisher’s guide – I was determined to be a famous published author immediately. I also began writing my first series, a very sarcastic detective series with me and my best friend as the protagonists.No wonder everyone at school thought I was a complete nerd – it all becomes clear.
2. How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the length, but a short novel (approx. 150 pages) takes me about 2 – 3 weeks. During that time I do what I call ‘binge writing’. I’ll take entire days and write for 10 – 16 hours with maybe only a couple short breaks. You can’t believe how amazing the continuity is and how it keeps the character’s emotions and their arc together so authentically. The sleep deprivation also does wonders for stripping those filters away. *wink*
3: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
This is assuming, of course, that I do anything other than write. *ahem* If I’m not writing, I’m reading. If I’m not doing either of those things, then I make sure to spend time with my friends and family. Movies, going out to a restaurant, road trip, taking a hike – any of those types of things would be on the list. Oh…and Rock Band.
4: What does your family think of your writing?
They’ve been incredibly supportive. I don’t hide what I do from anyone. I’m proud of it and the people who love me are proud of it as well. In the end, that’s all that matters to me.
5: Do you have any suggestions/tips for aspiring writers and authors you’d like to share?
I always say the same thing: Write! It’s really that simple. The more you do, the better you get and the more confident you’ll be about sharing it or presenting it to a professional.
6. Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower)?
Hmmm. I gotta try that shower thing – hadn’t thought of it.
I’m not sure how strange my habits are – it’s difficult to discern from all of the other strange things I do – but I do have quirks. I gotta have the drinks in a certain order (hot first – cold later). Healthy snacks – I refuse to eat sugar or most carbs when I’m on deadline and pulling long hours. I have to have a good selection of DJ trance/electronica to listen to. And I talk to the lizard a lot. Okay. Maybe that’s a tad strange.
7. What book do you wish you could have written?
The Stand by Stephen King. Unbelievably complex – but entertaining, suspenseful and as chilling as hell.
8: How would you describe your latest book?
It’s the beginning of The Hampton Road Club series, and is set in the 1920’s. Hesitant Heart tells the story of eighteen year old Sam who’s escaped his bully of a father and landed in Hollywood. His incredibly naïve and innocent, and is rescued from a horrible bathhouse situation by the older and sophisticated Aaron.
From there, Aaron introduces Sam to physical pleasure and teaches him what it means to submit to another man. The whole series is set around the sadomasochism club on Hampton Road, and Sam and Aaron are the first couple who get to have their story told.
9: What are you working on now? What is your next project?
I’m currently in the middle of completing the second installment of Hampton Road. But I do have a short story – Biking Bad – coming out in the Hard Riders Anthology at Totally Bound very soon.
10: Do you have a day job as well as writing?
I do currently, but my writing schedule is so full that I’ve stepped down at work. As of 2015 – writing will be full time for me (my inner twelve year-old finally got her wish!)
11: If you only had one word to describe yourself, what would it be and why?
We’ve already established that I’m strange, so for this question I’ll go with ‘intense’. I write stories with intense situations and am creating characters who are at a point in their lives where a lot of intense emotions are occurring. Falling in love is epic!
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to talk to us Morticia. Just in case you need a reason to purchase the The Hampton Road Club series, here is an excerpt from Morticia’s latest Hesitant Heart:
“Come along, little Sam. You can say goodbye forever to this…” Mr Rubenstein waved his hand around as if searching for the right word. “Filth.”
Sam dutifully followed him out of the bathhouse until they reached the most amazing motorcar he’d ever seen. It was bright red with a black leather top that Sam was sure could be folded down. It was long and sleek and very manly. Before he could stop himself, he ran his hand along the side as if he was stroking an exotic pet. Glancing up, he spotted Mr Rubenstein’s amused expression as he watched Sam.
He yanked his hand away. “I’m sorry. It’s just so nice. What kind is it?”
“Don’t apologize for appreciating beauty, Sam. It’s a Stutz Bearcat.”
“Oh my. That’s the perfect name for it.”
Sam was fairly certain that Mr Rubenstein hid a smile behind his hand. He seemed to regain his composure then plucked a pair of black leather gloves from his pocket before pulling them on.
“Hop in, Sam. We’re going to pick up your belongings then get you settled into your new home.”
“Oh no, Mr Rubenstein, you can’t. You mustn’t.”
His benefactor froze in the middle of hoisting himself onto the vehicle’s runner. “Truly? I’m not accustomed to anyone telling me that I can’t do something. You must be very powerful, Sam.” He finished launching himself into the car. “Regardless, get in, and do call me Aaron.”
“I…but…you…” He couldn’t catch his breath again.
“Breathe, Sam. Now please do as I say and get in the car. Once you’re safely ensconced where I can be reasonably sure that no harm will come to you, I can answer any and all of the questions you have. Are we in agreement?”
It sounded very fair. “Okay. Agreed.”
There was a hint of satisfaction in Aaron’s eyes. “Excellent. Come along then.”
He climbed in, admiring the matching red leather, padded bench seat. It would be wonderful to sit close to Aaron, but he stayed on his side. His father’s car was much larger, definitely not as sporty. Sam preferred the sportier one.
You can purchase your own copy of ‘Hestitant Heart’ simply by clicking HERE!