An Interview with Kristina Knight

Today we have the wonderful Kristina Knight with us. Please welcome her today and share her interview with all your friends.

Where can your readers find you?

http://www.kristinaknightauthor.com

http://www.facebook.com/kristinaknightromanceauthor

http://www.twitter.com/authorkristina

http://www.pinterest.com/authorkristina

Where’s your favorite place to hang out online?

Twitter

Tell us about your latest book, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they?

The Saint's Devilish Deal is a contemporary, reunion romance set in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Esmerelda Quinn has been looking for a place to belong since her parents were killed in a car crash when she was young. The closest thing to home has always been Aunt Constance's villa in Puerto Vallarta, so after a string of dead-end hotellier jobs, she's coming home to run the villa.

Santiago Cruz has called the villa home for as long as he can remember. In between surfing events, Constance has always had a room for him. Color him surprised when Constance decides to retire - and leaves a joint interest in the villa to both Santiago and Esme.

Esme isn't thrilled to share ownership of the villa with the the youngest Cruz brother - especially when she learns Santiago's brother has been after the villa for years. But Santiago has grown up while she's been away at school and soon she finds herself falling for the rich boy down the hall.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I'm hard at work on my next two novels for Crimson Romance, both are books linked to my debut romance, What a Texas Girl Wants. I don't have release dates just yet, but I am loving how the books are turning out!

How do we find out about you and your books?

My website is the best place for news and book updates – I also share excerpts and have a few free reads up on the site. Aside from my official website, I can usually be found on Twitter and Pinterest – I have a sliiiiiight addiction to both!

Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I've had a love affair with romance novels since I was a kid – my mom started me out reading fairy tales, I was a voracious reader of YA romances throughout junior high and traded in YA angst for Harlequin Romances in about 8^th grade. I knew I had to try writing my own romance at some point and I'm so glad I did!

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

I hope my personality shines through in my books – I like to have fun, I'm a bit sarcastic and irreverent and I love to try and experience new things. But I've never taken a specific happening and put it into a book. Yet.

Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

I have a schedule that goes with the flow! I try to write in the mornings when my daughter is in school, but depending on where I am on a deadline, I may write into the night to stay on track.

Where do you start when writing? Research, plotting, outline, or...?

My books usually start with an idea. I'll write a scene that pops into my head and move forward 30 or so pages, just to see where I'm going…and the research begins once I think I have a usable story arc in place.

What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?

They know…but it doesn't stop them! I long for the days when my 4-year-old knows that when Mommy is at her desk it really does mean Do Not Interrupt. Unfortunately, that day is not here. Yet.

What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?

I read. A lot. In the summer months I can be found floating in our pool or out for a drive and I love going for walks and taking in the scenery.

How do you come up with ideas?

Like a lot of other writers, a snatch of conversation can spark an idea…but a lot of times, I'll see a scene or a character in my mind and the story will flow from there.

Do you feel humor is important in fiction and why?

Yes! I think humor is important for life, in general, so why wouldn't it be important in fiction? Humor helps us through tough moments, heart breaks and absolutely wonderful occasions. I think it's the same in fiction – a touch of humor can give a character an edge that constant seriousness just doesn't offer.

Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I'm married to my own romantic hero – he proposed on a beach at sunset, if you can believe it! We have a wonderful 4 year old daughter who is awesomeness personified…even when she's doing things she shouldn't be doing! I love writing, reading and talking books, but I also sew (moderately well) and can shop like a fiend. Finding a great pair of shoes is a thing to be celebrated in our house! Oh, and I'm terrified of the zombie apocalypse so I keep a baseball bat handy at all times.

What are some of your favorite things to do?

swim, read, go for long drives, investigate new cities and just hang with the family.

List two authors we would find you reading when taking a break from your own writing.

Nora Roberts and Jayne Ann Krentz – both of these amazing writers do things with character that boggle my mind. I just love their work!

If money were not an object, where would you most like to live?

On a beach, somewhere warm. I usually think Hawaii, but lately I'm thinking a more secluded place would be great. But I'll take any location that has RadioMan (my husband) and bebe (the kiddo).

What song would best describe your life?

I love music, all sorts. But the song What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong holds a special place in my heart. I try to live that song – seeing beauty in the ordinary – every day.

Leather or lace? – leather. Less chafey

Black or red? - red

Satin sheets or Egyptian cotton? – Egyptian cotton. Sooooo soft!

Ocean or mountains? – Ocean. Love, love, love the water!

City life or country life? – Country…but close enough to the city to enjoy a fun night out from time to time.

Hunky heroes or average Joe? – Hunky, all the way.

Party life or quiet dinner for two? – Quiet dinner for two…with a party thrown in from time to time.

Dogs or cats? – Dogs. Gotta love that unconditional love. Plus, I'm not so sure cats aren't behind that whole zombie apocalypse thing.

Dessert. – cheesecake. Any sort. Except coffee. Coffee-flavored cheesecake is a crime against humanity. Or maybe just a crime against Kristina.

City. – Las Vegas – a little bit of all the fun places on earth!

Season. – Spring – who doesn't love new beginnings?!?

Type of hero. – Alpha but with a bite of humor attached.

Type of heroine. – Strong, feisty and oh-so-slightly sarcastic.

Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police – no she wasn’t a trouble maker, she was a journalist. When the opportunity to write what she wanted arose – business and family/parenting articles – and to focus more energy on the stories in her heard, she jumped at it.

And she’s never looked back. Now she writes articles for magazines and such by day and writes romance novels with spice by night. And any toddler-free, five minute break she has. She lives on Lake Erie with her husband, 3 year old daughter and 20 year old fur-kid. Happily ever after.