Hi Zoe and welcome to my blog! Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions :)
tell me about yourself, and your writing.
I’m a dog-loving, latte-drinking, reality show addict who loves to lose herself in a good book. I write about relationship woes that I believe most readers can relate to.
How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?
I feel as though I’ve been writing my entire life. I remember writing short stories back in grammar school in between classes. In high school I wrote a novel which never made its way out of my 5 subject notebook. To date, I’ve only published one work, Living in Glass Houses, which I’d describe as contemporary women’s fiction.
The sequel, which will follow the story of Blair and Vaughn, is in the works. I expect it to be available by November 1st.
Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?
So far, I’ve only written chick-lit, but I’d love to write a mystery or a psychological thriller. I’ve got a few ideas brewing.
Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?
Definitely from the seat of my pants. Before I start writing, I set up the characters and their conflicts, but the details and subplots come to me along the way. Typically, I’ll have the beginning and the end in mind, then I just fill in the blanks.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
I try to write every day, but it’s not always easy. When I’m inspired, I drop everything and start jotting down my ideas, even if it’s just on a piece of paper or in my iPhone. If I’m drawing a blank, I’ll go back and re-read or edit what I’ve already written. Anything to stay invested in the story while I wait for new ideas to strike.
Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?
I’m a big fan of Emily Giffin. My favorite genre is probably historical fiction, I’ll read anything by Philippa Gregory. My all-time favorite books are ‘The Color Purple’ by Alice Walker, ‘The Coldest Winter Ever’ by Sister Souljah, and ‘The Boleyn Inheritance’ by Gregory.
What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?
To land on the New York Times Best Seller list would be phenomenal.
If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?
The ability to transport myself through time. I’d love the opportunity to go back in time, to see how people lived during pivotal points in history. I’m sure it would give me a lot of perspective and make me grateful for all I have.
If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?
Pegasus. She’s a multi-purpose pet. She can travel quickly on ground and can fly. It doesn’t get better than that.
Tell us a little about your latest release.
Living in Glass Houses is about the gray areas of life. It follows three adults in their 30’s who are trapped in relationship woes. It’s about deciding between following your heart and playing it safe.
I think relationships are the one thing that brings out the best and worst in people. I wanted to dramatize some of my observations (and dare I say experiences) to explore the lengths people will go when it comes to love and passion.
What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members)
My iPhone. I can’t be away from it for more than ten minutes without experiencing a mild bout of withdrawal (sad, I know). Oh, and lip gloss. I feel naked without it.
Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?
I’m not sure if I could. Writing for me is a pretty personal process. I think co-writing might mess up my flow.
If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them?
That’s easy. King Henry VIII. I’m mildly obsessed with him. I’ll read or watch anything about him I can get my hands on. I’d use my transporting ability to shoot back into 16th century England to have ‘an audience’ with the King. Not sure what I’d ask him, but I’d just love to watch him in action for a few hours.
What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?
I’m a huge online browser. I get a kick out of surfing my favorite websites and creating wish lists, although I rarely go back and purchase any of it. l love to comparison shop and read customer reviews. Other than that I like watching movies from the 80’s and hanging out with my two dogs.
If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?
My book, Living in Glass Houses. A bit biased of a reply, I know but I really think it would make for a great film. One day . . .
What is a talent you wish you had, but don't?
I wish I could sing. I’m always impressed by powerful vocals.
Favorite color?
Definitely Gray
Weather: Hot or cold?
Hot
Favorite place to read?
On a long train ride.
Favorite meal
Jambalaya
Favorite non-alcoholic drink.
Eggnog latte from Starbuck’s
If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?
I’d go on a world tour, spending at least three months living in each country. My stops would include: London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Venice, Sydney and Rio.
BLURB:
Living in Glass Houses is a contemporary story about three friends, all at a crossroads after discovering that even the best laid plans don’t always result in the life you want. It’s about navigating the murky waters of relationships and friendships and having the courage to make those hard, life-altering decisions which mark the difference between existing and living.
Jonathan is a do-gooding college basketball coach in a relationship with a woman whose Park Avenue upbringing is at constant odds with his Main Street way of life. It’s a life he’s conceded to accept until he meets a woman who awakens in him everything he's been missing and is now uncertain he can live without.
Elle is a NYC editor whose type-A personality has afforded her a fulfilling lifestyle in which she rarely doesn’t get what she wants. That’s until a failed relationship causes her walls to come crashing down around her. The man, who everyone agreed was her perfect other half, leaves her confused, insecure and incapable of moving on, even after she meets someone who’s nothing like her, but who completes her in the strangest of ways.
Blair is an optimistic good girl, turned jaded wife. After ten years of a disappointing marriage, she decides to reclaim her happiness and fill the void left by her wealthy, philandering husband. Just when everything she’s ever dreamed of is finally within her grasp, she’s haunted by her past, forcing her to make a decision which will forever change the path of her life.
Review Rating: 4 Lightning Bolts
Review: Living in Glass Houses is a contemporary fiction novel that anyone can relate to. The book centers around three central characters: Jonathan, Elle, and Blair. The points of view shift between the three, giving us a glimpse of their feelings, emotions, and tribulations. This story is so true to every day life- people going about their day, thinking about the future, what it holds for them, and what they can do to make things happen. As a woman in my 30's it made me think, that's for sure. It's a story about relationships, life, love, family, forgiving, and so much more. I'm intrigued by Ms. McNight's story and hope to read more soon. The dialog is zinging, witty, and hits with reality at times. I enjoyed the story. If you're a contemporary fiction fan, check out Living in Glass Houses.
Author Bio:
Zoe McKnight was born and raised in New York City. When she’s not writing she can be found reading or satisfying her reality show fix. Her two favorite things are eggnog lattes and the love of her neurotic ten-year old cocker spaniel. Living in Glass Houses is her first novel. The sequel, ‘Til Our Lies Do Us Part, will be released later this Fall.
Connect with Zoe!
GIVEAWAY!!!
To be entered, leave a comment or question for Zoe. The winner will be drawn randomly and can chose between a print or ebook copy of Living in Glass Houses. Good luck!
Terrific interview. Congrats on your book Zoe and also the one releasing soon. It sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI liked your answer about where you'd go if money were no object...you picked some of the same places on my list...but living in each spot for 3 months would be perfect!
Fun interview! Congratulations to Zoe on her first published book and good luck with your upcoming release. Thanks for the review for Living in Glass Houses - I had not heard of this book before but I'm adding it to my list - I think what the characters are going through probably takes place throughout all of our lives regardless of age....I'm in my forties and just the blurb made me think...lol
ReplyDeleteThanks so much ladies!!
ReplyDeleteLIVING IN GLASS HOUSES looks wonderful. It must feel amazing to have your book out in the world.
ReplyDeleteKing Henry VIII does fascinate.
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