This week CFRB is featuring Leaps of Faith a Christian Sci-Fi Anthology. Now Sci Fi isn’t usually my thing nor short-stories but like food I’ve found everything deserves a shot before I rule it out. I’m just starting in on these stories but they are looking promising.
Now for today’s installment – an interview with Susanne Marie Knight who is one of the contributing authors for this anthology. She is also a Regency author along with a number of other historical and contemporary romances, time-travels, paranormals, mysteries, suspense and of course sci-fi like Leaps of Faith contains. Her published works include both novels and stories.
I apologize to both Susanne and my readers for posting so late in the day. My foray into the world of politics this morning exacerbated an already nagging headache but the ballot did get dealt with and turned in. I am now quite relieved to be done with elections and voting for the time being.
The Writers Cafe Press (November 1, 2008)
(ISBN#9781934284100 , 216pp, $12.99)
Now to the meat of this post the actual interview with Susanne.
1. Who do you want to meet and why? I would love to time-travel back to the past and meet my father’s father, Alex. He died when my father was very young. After his death, my grandmother had a photo taken with her young son, then had the photographer insert a picture of Alex so that she could have a family heirloom of the three of them. I’ve always treasured that photo, and now it hangs in my house.
2. What’s your favorite comfort food?
Yummy comfort food! That’s hard to choose, but I’d say a lovely slice of extra cheese pizza. :))
Personally I’m not a big fan of Pizza but the cheese does definitely rate as Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup is a favorite of mine.
3. What would be your dream vacation?
As a child, my idea of a perfect summer vacation was to have lots and lots of books to read. Now my perfect vacation also includes… being on a cruise to do the reading!
LOL I go NOWHERE without my books. Friends have often commented they’re not sure they’d recognize me without books in my arms.
4. Is there anyone who has influenced / encouraged you to write other than God who ultimately gives us any talents including creativity? Who and how / why?
Several people, actually. I still admire the authors I read as I was growing up. For powerful stories that stretch the imagination, I thank Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein. For the elegance and charm of Regencies, I’m indebted to Georgette Heyer. For the challenge of a juicy murder mystery, I applaud Agatha Christie. Also, I’d like to commend Stephen King on his story-telling ability, his willingness to experience the world of electronic publishing, and his determination to overcome a horrific accident. I particularly enjoyed his book, ON WRITING. And I can’t forget my mom, for her passion for reading.
I love Regencies too and while I haven’t read Heyer yet I’ve been told by those in the know that she is the quintessential Regency author. I’ve also heard that all her books are being reprinted by I believe Harlequin. I am planning to keep an eye out and either borrow copies from somewhere or get my hands on the reprints to add to my TBR.
5. Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first piece of fiction?
I’d been writing for seven years before I got the “call†for one of my books. That important telephone call is something you never forget! I’d sent in my manuscript, and shortly thereafter, I got a call from the editor. Of course I was in a daze, and was delighted to hear that the editor enjoyed my book. After hanging up, I did what any normal person would do: scream, jump up and down, and dance around the house.
6. What else have you written / are you currently writing (including unpublished works)?
I have a long and varied list that I hope will keep growing.
SOJOURN THROUGH TIME
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE
Uncial Press, www.uncialpress.com
REGENCY SOCIETY REVISITED, 2007
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE, 2007, Golden Wings Award Winner
Wings ePress, www.wingspress.com
JANUS IS A TWO-FACED MOON, 2007
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
COMPETITORS!, 2007, Dream Realm Award Finalist
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
HAVE CHRISTMAS CARD… WILL TRAVEL, 2006, EPPIE Award Finalist
Uncial Press, www.uncialpress.com
LUCKY 13 (anthology), 2005
Fictionwise.com, www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/SusanneMarieKnighteBooks.htm
THE CONTRARY CONTESSA, 2004, EPPIE Award Finalist
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
THE COMING, 2004, Dream Realm Award Winner
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
PAST INDISCRETIONS, 2004
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
ALIEN HEAT, 2003
Wings ePress, www.wingspress.com
TIMELESS DECEPTION, 2002, 2006, P.E.A.R.L. Award Nominee
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD, 2002
Wings ePress, www.wingspress.com
LOVE AT THE TOP, 2002, 2005, EPPIE Award Finalist
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
THE MAGIC TOKEN, 2002, EPPIE Award Finalist
LionHearted Publishing, www.lionhearted.com
JANUS IS A TWO-HEADED GOD, 2002, EPPIE Award Finalist, Preditors & Editors Award Winner
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
GRAVE FUTURE, 2001, 2006
Awe-Struck eBooks, www.awe-struck.net
TAINTED TEA FOR TWO, 2001, 2006, Ariana Award Winner
Uncial Press, www.uncialpress.com
LORD DARVER’S MATCH, 2001
LionHearted Publishing, www.lionhearted.com
Coming soon:
Jan. 2009 PAGING MISS GALLOWAY, Awe-Struck eBooks
7. What first gave you the idea for your story in LOF?
The idea for “The Convert” started with the phrase “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” If this was to be the beginning of my story, I then wondered why the speaker needed God’s forgiveness or blessing. To give the tale a science fiction twist, I created an unusual dilemma for the main character, Father Wren. The question “The Convert” asks is: who is the real convert in this story?
8. What else would you like to share with readers about yourself or your contribution to LOF?
I’m a self-confessed incurable romantic… and so is my writing. When I was growing up, the one thing I thought that was missing in most novels I read was romance–romance wasn’t heavily emphasized. So when I started to write, I had to add my own dash of “happily ever after.†My motto is: Romance Writing with a Twist!
Cool another Romantic – I’ll definitely have to check out some of your other stuff when I have the time to read it since I’m a bit of a Romance Junkie when it comes to books. LOL
9. Share with us one of the craziest things you’ve done or that’s happened to you?
Here’s something that was crazy, as in stupid. I lived in Miami when a high intensity hurricane was due to hit. Instead of evacuating, I chose to stay in my high-rise apartment. The good Lord was looking out for me because during the night, the hurricane changed course and bypassed that part of Florida. I had no damage except wet drapes. It could’ve been *much* worse!
10. What five books would you take with you to a desert island?
First off, I’d bring a book entitled something like, HOW TO SURVIVE ON A DESERT ISLAND! Then PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, something from Agatha Christie, the World’s Best Science Fiction Stories, and THE PHILOSOPHER’S DIET.
Quite a diverse selection there but of course being a Romantic it wouldn’t be complete without at least one Jane Austen.
11.What concept or scripture is God revealing more deeply to you in this season of your life? And how is that revelation influencing your life?
I’ll quote the scripture Father Wren mentions in “The Convertâ€, Matthew 19:4-5. “… and the two shall become as one.†Now that my husband and I are almost empty nesters, we are growing closer, and are enjoying more things together.
12. Why did you start writing and when?
I’ve always enjoyed writing, be it a novel, short story, or even a business letter! For me, writing is a form of fantasy–a chance to live vicariously by experiencing things perhaps I’ve only dreamed about. Where else can I travel to the center of the galaxy, journey back in time, or hold conversations with a Shakespeare-quoting ghost and still be home in time for dinner?! I write to express myself, to tell stories, to see how my characters interact with each other, to discover a compelling tale. I love to stretch my limits and see if I can deliver on a plot or theme–perhaps in a different genre. I’ve been writing professionally for twenty-one years, combining fantasy with my own particular kind of reality, thus my motto: Romance Writing With A Twist.
I feel the same about reading and books. Give me a good book and some chocolate and it will trump even the worst day for at least a short while. Without the “comfort” of chocolate and the escape a great story provides I don’t know how I’d manage sometimes. Oh there’s my faith of course which is ultimately the solution but sometimes I just need to get away from it all and books do that without having to leave home or spend ridiculous amounts of money getting away somewhere.
13. How do you choose names and get to know your characters?
Names can be very important to get to know the character. I wrote an article entitled: The Name Game, which provides some helpful hints on this topic.
14. What’s your favorite character / scene from your books or stories (so far)?
For female characters, I’d say Lexia Cappello from THE CONTRARY CONTESSA. She is the one heroine most unlike me. I truly enjoyed “living†in her world. What a saucy minx! This Regency is flavored with Sicilian cooking, giving it a special little twist. Also, Sophia (Sam) McLaren, from JANUS IS A TWO-HEADED GOD. She is extremely devoted to her sick brother, a quality I find very admirable. I had fun with her intergalactic journey to the fabled center of the galaxy.
As for a male character, I’m in love with all my heroes! How can I possibly choose?
Well being a Romantic I don’t blame you. Wonderful heroes are impossible to play favorites with. Although I do have a couple of specially enticing picks from favorite books I’ve read.
15. Do you have any teasers you can share for your next piece to be published?
Certainly! My next book will be published in January 2009 by Awe-Struck eBook. It’s a Regency, entitled PAGING MISS GALLOWAY. Here’s a teaser:
MORE THAN SHE BARGAINED FOR
Danielle Galloway is determined to visit her convalescing brother. She won’t let her father’s lack of permission stand in her way. Disguising herself as Danny, a servant boy, she takes to the road to begin her grand adventure…only to have her money stolen and her face battered by street ruffians. Now how will she get to the resort town of Bath?
MORE THAN HE BARGAINED FOR
The Earl of Trelaine rescues a down-on-his-luck young lad. Against his better judgment, he takes Danny on as his page as he journeys to Bath. But this boy harbors a shocking secret. What’s the earl going to do when he discovers his latest act of kindness might hurl him into the parson’s mousetrap?
16. Are there any closing remarks you’d like to share?
Thank you, Melissa. I hope you and your Bibliophile’s Retreat visitors have a very happy and healthy holiday season!
Codicil:
Thank you Susanne for taking the time to share with my readers and you’re welcome. Readers be sure and check out Susanne’s website which includes information on her other books and stories by clicking on her photo. Purchase a copy of Leaps of Faith using the bookcover. Visit other CFRB members posting about the book this week. And don’t forget my interview with Karina (another LOF author and one of the editors) yesterday and my review on Friday. See buttons below for links to other CFRB members posting original material this week and when you visit the Leaps of Faith site check out the listing of other bloggers touring the book this month.
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