Getting to Know You

Start by telling us a little about yourself. Where are you from?

I am originally from Upstate New York. I moved to Texas for a while and now live in Colorado.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Hmm, everything and anything! I wanted to be an Olympic gymnast, or a professional ice skater. But when I realized I had no athletic aptitude, I turned to books. Reading became a huge passion for me, and I made up stories for the characters. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a writer.

What authors inspire you? 

I am inspired by authors who create amazing, relate-able characters and build believable worlds. Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, and Jane Austen come to mind.

Do you have a favorite book or series?

My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice. It is the ultimate romance novel.

When you’re not writing, do you have any hobbies or interests?

I am into yoga. I try to make sure to get a practice in everyday. I also love to travel and have lived in Europe and Asia. Of course, I read a lot! And in good weather, I love to take a nice walk.

Tell us more about your latest release, Going Topless. What’s it about and what inspired you to write it?

It’s an erotic chick lit set in Europe. It follows the story of three women as they go on a journey to find love and themselves. The main character, Susannah, is a 39 year-old widow who rediscovers her sexuality with a sexy younger man.

 

I was inspired to write it when I was sitting at a canal cafe in Amsterdam, looking out at the beauty and romance of the city. I thought it was the perfect place to set a story about women who escape their ordinary life for an exotic adventure in Europe.

What’s coming out next from you? Our readers will want to mark their calendars!

 

I have a new erotic contemporary series coming out in 2008 from Siren Publishing. The series is called Pleasures, Inc. and revolves around a male escort service–where the hottest men fulfill your steamiest fantasies, and they are there for your pleasure only.

 

The first book in the series, Guilty Pleasures, will be out sometime toward the middle of the year.

Do you come up with your characters first or the plot of the story?

The characters are first for me. Usually they swim around in my head until I can’t ignore them! Then I start making notes, and the plot flows from their hopes and dreams and goals.

Do you believe characters find you?

Yes! And they are very insistent I write them when they do.

Do they have names when you “meet” them?

Usually the name comes easily. But sometimes, especially for secondary characters, I need to think about their names longer.

Do you have a favorite book or one that’s closest to your heart that you’ve written?

I guess I would say, Going Topless. It holds a special place for me because the characters are real women who have the same hopes and fears as most women do. They embody modern women who are passionate about life, but also know how to laugh at themselves.

Random Questions

If you were stuck on an island, what 3 things would you take with you?

Hmm, books, computer (I’d use it until the battery died!), and my husband. Um, not necessarily in that order.

Give us 5 words that describe you.

Humorous, witty, fun, crazy, caring, and sports nut

What’s your favorite movie?

A & E’s version of Pride and Prejudice. Actor? Tie between Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey (I mean, come on, ladies. They are both to die for.) Actress? Renee Zellweger–she seems very real and down to earth.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Australia. Because I was supposed to go there twice in my life and it didn’t work out. It’s a gorgeous country with such a wonderful mix of city and outback.

Do you have a beverage of choice? 

I love a nice glass of sparkling water with lime in the summer, and hot tea in the winter. Something you can’t write without?

Do you write to music or the TV?

I actually can’t have any noise. I really want to feel like I am in my character’s heads.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

I would say Christmas. It always seemed so magical when I was younger, and I like to think that there is still a little magic in the air at that time of year.

Do you have any advice to new writers?

Keep working on your goals. Publishing can be a tough and sometimes painful business. But perseverance pays off and if you keep striving, you will reach your dreams.

How can readers get in contact with you?

They can visit my website at www.reneeknowles.com, or e-mail me at renee@reneeknowles.com. I love to hear from readers!

Is there anything we didn’t cover that you’d like to mention?

I’d like to end on a quote from famous yoga trainer and guru Baron Baptiste, from his book, Journey Into Power, “You can stay stagnant in your comfort zone…but in order to transcend yourself and gain wisdom, you need to go through the fire, walk on hot coals, travel through the desert of your own mind, and come through on the other side transformed.”

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