Author spotlight: Amanda Knight

We’re featuring a wide range of Australian authors participating in ARR2019 next year in venues across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. 

Today we’re having Elevenses with Amanda Knight, author of Situation Critical, an award-winning romance in the genre of romantic suspense. She will be attending ARR2019 in Sydney.

When did you first realise you wanted to be an author?

I had a most beautiful, life-changing second grade teacher who read a story I’d written and told me it was one of the best stories she’d ever read. She encouraged me to write every day, and promised she’d read my stories … from there, my love of writing, and the magic that comes from story telling (and reading!) was cemented!

Why romance and not a different genre?

I love the hope that the romance genre brings … when you read romance, you’re transported to a place and space, that even when it seems all is lost, there’s a happy ending that is in reach for anyone. It transcends all boundaries … I didn’t start out planning to write romance, but in each of my books, a love story has made its way into the fabric of the pages, whether I want it or not!

What was the first romance you read and why did you love it?

Hmmm—the first I recall reading in one sitting was Shirley Jump’s The Virgin’s Proposal. It’s a bit of a bad boy redemption story, one of my favourite tropes! I have to admit, post reading the book, I wrote to Shirley, and she was so very kind, supportive and sent some books and beautiful card that I still have!

What is the single most important characteristic for an aspiring author wanting to be a published writer?

Be humble, but determined … start as you mean to continue—be kind, respectful and professional from day one. Listen to feedback, pay forward your learning. This is a small industry, and your behaviour, your attitude will be quickly known. AND never, ever give up … keep writing, keep writing, keep writing!

What is your favourite part of creating a story?

Character creation.

What is your best tip for fighting writer’s block/ writer’s fear?

I love Stephen King’s tip, in his book On Writing, one of my go-to craft books: he says when suffering a block—‘add a problem.’ Make ‘tragedy strike your characters’ and then you’ve a new place to think/go/solve AND write about. I also love Nora Robert’s line—that there is ‘no writers block’ there’s only writing … so, a walk, a cup of tea, a cuddle with the dog, and then back to the page to write one word and then another! Regarding fear, living a life of wondering ‘what if’ is far more terrifying than following your dreams … feel the fear and do it anyway.

Pick a favourite (bold your preference)

• series or stand-alone?
• ebook, paperback or hardcover?
• first person or third?

Who has been an inspiration to you, in life or your writing career?

Different people for different reasons, but the most recent for me, is Brene Brown. In her book Daring Greatly she talks about showing up, having a go and living your truth, and that all dreams matter. She quotes Theodore Roosevelt’s Man In The Arena—I advise everyone to read it!

Tell us about your latest release in 100 words or less

Soldier, surgeon, traitor, dog … With the theme of redemption at the heart of this story, Situation Critical is a sensual and heart-wrenching romance within a fast-paced, military suspense. Filled with secrets, betrayal, murder and surprise twists, and the desperate search for a lovable, loyal dog, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

What else will you be working on in 2019?

I have another romantic suspense (also with a military small-town sub-genre), a Christmas novella and also, a psychological thriller—a big year planned!

Please recommend an Aussie romance you read recently

I’ve so many wonderful author friends, that I can’t pick just one! A great place to find an Aussie romance completely suited to your tastes—check out this site.

If you haven’t booked your ticket for ARR2019 yet, you can buy one here.