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 introduc