Thursday, December 21, 2006

New Contest!


Romance Junkies is putting on quite a fun giveaway for Deidre this holiday season. Now, you'll have to work just a little for this one. There's a trivia question involved. But, it's well worth the signed copy of PARALLEL HEAT and a gold ballotin of Godiva chocolate.

Here's some more info! Check it out today!

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Blog Tour



“Come Moonrise” by Lucy Monroe featured in UNLEASHED
(Berkley, December 5, 2006)

Ty MacAnlup has seen the tragedy that a mating between a werewolf and a human can bring and he wants no part of it, no matter how much his body and heart ache for a taste of Frankie's softness. Frankie has loved Ty for years and while she doesn't know he's a werewolf, or even that such things exist...she does know that to her, he's always been more than a mere man. Ty's hidden beast wreaks havoc with his determination to stay away from Frankie when they are trapped together in a small cabin in the snow bound wilderness.

EXCERPT:
http://www.lucymonroecotm.com/excerpt_cm.htm

ABOUT LUCY MONROE:
Award winning author Lucy Monroe sold her first book in September of 2002. Since then she has sold more than 30 books to three publishers and hit national bestsellers lists in the US and England. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten. Whether it's a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy single title for Kensington or a steamy historical or paranormal for Berkley, Lucy's books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all.

WEBSITE: http://www.lucymonroe.com/ and http://www.lucymonroecotm.com/

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Back in Business (Blackberry-wise)

Regarding the following post, Deidre's blackberry is now functioning without a hitch. You should not be receiving any more bouncing email messages

Please do not panic if you receive notification that your email to Deidre Knight has bounced. It is only a problem with her blackberry. She is receiving ALL emails on her laptop just fine. So, don't worry your email is safely tucked in the server til Deidre pulls it to her laptop.

Thank you for your patience in this matter! I will have it solved as fast as I can... in the meantime just know your email IS getting to her and she knows of the problem.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Blog Tour Day!

INFERNO by Vivi Anna
(Kensington, December 2006)



Vivi Anna's gorgeous, leather-clad heroine, Kat, is back in another wildly erotic adventure set in a future world where passion has no rules — and no limits ... Kat needs to find a scientist rumored to have created an antidote to a deadly virus, but he's hiding out in the violent underground city of Inferno. Her one-time lover Hades will take Kat where she needs to go, but only if she promises to be his, body and soul.

REVIEWS:
Combine two star-crossed lovers, a deadly virus, a passel of Dark Dwellers, and an underground nemesis bent on destruction and you get one heck of an adventure. This follow-up to Hell Kat will have you cheering for the good guys all over again — and laughing out loud while you do it! A fun, sexy romp that leaves you crying out for more. – 4 stars, Romantic Times

EXCERPT:
http://www.vivianna.net/inferno.php#excerpt

ABOUT VIVI ANNA:
A BAD GIRL at heart, Vivi Anna likes to burn up the pages with her original unique brand of fantasy fiction. Whether it's in ancient Egypt, or in an apocalyptic future, Vivi always writes fast paced action-adventure with strong independent women that can kick some butt, and dark delicious heroes to kill for. Once shot at while repossessing a car, Vivi decided that maybe her life needed a change. The first time she picked up a pen and put words to paper, she knew she had found her heart. Within two paragraphs, she realized she could write about getting into all sorts of trouble without suffering the consequences. When Vivi isn't writing, you can find her causing a ruckus at downtown bistros, flea markets, or playgrounds.

WEBSITE:
http://www.vivianna.net/

Monday, November 20, 2006

$10.00 Gift Certificate Opportunity for Turkey day

How you ask? Deidre Knight is running the 06/E-Turkey Day tell a friend newsletter drive. If you can provide five e-mail addresses of individuals who are confirmed signed-up for the Deidre Knight Newsletter between November 20-23rd, then you will be awarded a $10.00 gift certificate for Amazon.com.

Here the down and turkey details:

Tell your friend to subscribe to the Deidre Knight newsletter here: http://deidreknight.com/newsletter_signup.html

Then, send an e-mail to Rae@RaeMonet.com with the e-mail addresses of the five people you referred to sign up. That's all it takes to get yourself a $10 gift certificate to Amazon.com for holiday gifts or a little gift for yourself!

Rae will confirm the individuals actually signed up on the newsletter. No repeat names, only one entry per person. Once Rae confirms your referred friend has, in fact, signed up for the newsletter you will receive at $10.00 gift certificate from Amazon.com, via e-mail. This newsletter drive will only run from now until Thursday, November 23, midnight PST.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Factoids, factoids, factoids!


So, I’ve been tagged by Kristen Painter and I’m supposed to reveal five interesting things about myself. This, of course, assumes that there ARE five interesting things for me to reveal. Snort.

I’m going for it:
1) I once cut myself out of a Winnie the Pooh turtleneck that was stuck across my face. I was nine years old and felt personally betrayed by the cuddly ole bear.
2) I was first published at the same age when my essay on Barbie dolls was printed in our local newspaper.
3) My house was the first in our town of Madison, Georgia to have running water.
4) I have a secret, hidden third tentacle. Ha! Got you there, didn’t I? I did bike 1,000 miles across Europe when I was eighteen years old, though.
5) My mother and I share a last name despite the fact that I’m married (in other words, she remarried a man named Harry Knight and I married Jud Knight, so we have the same last name.)

And now I need to tag some people. Hmm, I choose to tag Shannon McKelden, Kristen Nelson, and Cheyenne McCray. Have fun, gals.
Hugs,
D

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Lost In NashVegas


Greetings everyone from sunny central Florida. My name is Rachel Hauck and I’d like to thank Deidre for giving me space on her blog to talk about my new book, Lost In NashVegas.

Ever have a dream only to be hindered by doubt or fear? Meet my character, Robin Rae McAfee, a small town Alabama girl who has a secret desire to become a Nashville songwriter.

One problem. She’s afraid to sing in front of people.

Fear is something we all face in life. Some more than others. Fear is a strange and cruel enemy. It grips us when we least expect it. I did not grow up fearful. Well, other than when I watched the Wizard of Oz – at night no less – then couldn’t sleep because I imagined the wicked witch appearing in my room. But in my early twenties, I was hit with “sudden fear.” Today we know it as a panic attack, but in the eighties, I had no idea what was happening to me.

I used some of my emotions and experiences to describe fictional Robin Rae’s journey as she battles her fears to realize her dream. Unlike my fictional character, something in me refused to surrender to fear. I inherently knew if I did, fear would begin to win and one day, I might be afraid to walk out my front door.

But, I had plans for my life. Don’t we all? Do you have plans that fear or doubt are hindering? Is the busyness or cruelty of life snuffing out your dreams and hopes.

Don’t let fear or doubt win. Overcome. Talk to others, get help. You’ll be glad you did. For me, prayer and believing what the Bible said about peace and love were key ingredients to defeating fear.

So, what does a hopeful but fearful young woman from Alabama do when she arrives in Nashville to make her mark as the next great songwriter? Does she face her fears? Does she overcome? What do you think?

Check out Lost In NashVegas in stores now. Grace and peace, and abundant blessings to Deidre of letting me stop by today.

Rachel

Monday, October 16, 2006

Blog Consolidation

Hey, Friends:
So, not that many of you follow my PARALLEL blog, but just FYI, I'm going to be folding that blog into this one. In the next week or so, look for that blog to discontinue and become part of this one. We might get a little more beefcake here, lol, and you'll probably have more posts here. FYI, just expect that change.

Also, for those who like discussion, check out my deidreknightgroup, where we're chatting about the Parallel Series and other fun things! Hope you'll join us! Hugs, D

Friday, October 13, 2006

Can We Outlaw the Fat Suit?




...at least when it comes to hunky guys on series television? What's this with Apollo, huh? For BSG fans this development of a porky, portly Lee Adama just doesn't do it for me. More than that? I'm not positive I buy the character development, this idea that Apollo would go *quite* this soft.

THIS is our guy:





Then, of course, there was that line from Admiral Adama, something like, "Get your fat ass our of my office." Ugh. It's just too painful, and this opinion comes from me, a person who constantly wrestles with their weight. I just think that maybe, just perhaps, they've taken the easy route in this particular element of Apollo's character arc. Show us "going soft?" Sure! But don't take me into the outer reaches of space in terms of imagining this career soldier would devolve into a total fat suit wearing dweeb.

I can't find jolly ole Apollo pics, but when I've got those puppies, I'll post them.

BSG fans, speak out. Do you buy it? :)
D

Thursday, October 12, 2006

I Have Deviants to See and a Novel to Finish!


So watching TEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (been a long time, and Heath Ledger really should go on my hottie hall of fame over on my parallel blog.) Anyway, anyone remember the guidance counselor? Ms. Perky, and she's working on the romance novel while she makes Heath Ledger's character wait? :) I had to snort seeing that scene again, especially when she dismisses Heath/Patrick with the line, "I have deviants to see and a novel to finish!"

Some days, don't we feel just like that??

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

A Fantastic Paranormal Read

One of the fun things about working in publishing and also being an author now is that I have the opportunity to make so many wonderful friends from all over the world. This year I was lucky enough to meet paranormal author Cheyenne McCray who has become a good friend. And I was just as lucky to discover her MAGIC series, and want to highly recommend her new release, SEDUCED BY MAGIC. First of all, is that cover not gorgeous and sexy? Guess what? The book is blazing hot just like the cover. She creates a vivid, complex world, and keeps you turning the pages even when you need to turn out the light. I *highly* recommend this new release from Cheyenne, and hope you'll check her out (if you haven't already!)

Here's some more information:
SEDUCED BY MAGIC by Cheyenne McCray
(St. Martin’s; October 3, 2006)

DESIRE
Copper Ashcroft is an accomplished D'Anu witch, but the magic she wields is a potent force—strong enough to hurl her into a mysterious Otherworld when a spell backfires. Before Copper can escape, another being is pulled into her realm—Tiernan, a powerfully virile Tuatha D'Danann warrior. Blond, blue-eyed, and shamelessly seductive, Tiernan could be Copper's savior…and his touch sets her body on fire.

DUTY
Like others of his kind, Tiernan stands alongside the D'Anu witches to battle the demons of the Underworld. Obligation to his cause and his people cautions against any entanglement with Copper, yet each second spent with this beautiful, uninhibited woman stirs an insatiable hunger. Desire explodes into carnal bliss, but the visions that haunt Copper's dreams are growing stronger, and they foretell a terrifying evil waiting to be unleashed…

DESTINY
Saving the city will take more than brute strength…more than witchcraft. Only together can Copper and Tiernan find a way to overcome the dark forces—and seize a passion that has bewitched them both..


Excerpt:


ABOUT CHEYENNE MCCRAY
Cheyenne McCray is the award-winning author of sixteen books and six novellas. Among other accolades, Chey has been presented with the prestigious Romantic Times BOOKclub's Reviewers' Choice Award for "Best Erotic Romance of the Year."

Chey has been writing ever since she can remember, back to her kindergarten days when she penned her first poem. She always knew one day she would write novels, hoping her readers would get lost in the worlds she created, as she did when she was lost in a good book. Cheyenne enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons, traveling, and of course writing, writing, writing.


REVIEWS

Her latest precious magical Ashcroft saga is a delightful torrid tale headed by a strong lead couple and supported ably by a horde of bad dudes. Fans who appreciate a strong fantasy will want to read the magnificent McCray mythos – Harriet Klausner

Website: http://www.cheyennemccray.com

Monday, October 02, 2006

The Big Day is Here!
















For authors, the wait between releases feels interminable. I've learned that in the past year or so now that I wear two hats, author and agent. The hardest part is that you've finished the book and you are dying--absolutely dying--for the world to share in your creation. I would say that most writers don't feel their work has come fully to fruition until at least someone, just one person, has read it. It's a lonely business, this writing gig, in that you create in a void. You're writing along, you think what you've come up with is good, but until someone else gives life to that creation, you don't feel the full sense of completion.

So it's with great joy that I anticipate my latest baby PARALLEL HEAT going on sale tomorrow. I know some will love the book, some may not, but the main thing is that the work will be *out there*. Where others can read it, and that's such an incredible blessing--one I will never, ever take for granted.

Thanks to all of you who are on this amazing journey with me. And do let me know what you think! I love to hear from my readers and friends.
hugs, Deidre

Friday, September 29, 2006

Separated at Birth?




















I mean, I'm just saying. Jud, ever the history and political buff has Chairman Mao's book, and every time I see it in the guest bedroom I can't help but think, "Raisins?"

Anyone else see the separated at birth similarity here??? Are we imagining a big work collective picking grapes? Seriously, I just want to know if I'm having a freaky after image from the "sun" or if, in fact, these two emblems share some disconcerting similarity.
Talk amongst yourselves...

Thursday, September 28, 2006

I'm on WNBC!






I'm so thrilled! Check out my feature on WNBC--there's an interview and a FABULOUS review of PARALLEL HEAT!!

Btw, the word is that HEAT is already at Borders/Walden's, and of course it will be distributed wide on Tuesday, October 3, my official publication date.

Meanwhile, I had a ton of fun with Michelle's interview at WNBC. She had some amazing questions, and I'm proud of the post.
hugs to all! :)
D

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

I HEART My Publisher


Wish I could find a heart symbol. :) Lately Blogger just won't post pics.

Anyway, this is the most amazing thing ever--I absolutely love writing for Penguin Putnam. They put up my gorgeous trailer!! Right on the main page. Check it out:

Penguin Putnam Website

Right there with Laurell K. Hamilton and Jayne Krentz!

Woo hoo!!

Learning New Skills--Life as a pom pom fluffer

So, I was never the cheerleader. I mean, really. For those who know me, this probably comes as no great surprise, and I'm not talking about looks--I'm talking about that yee-ha gracefulness that just isn't part of my personal chemistry. I certainly possessed the enthusiasm for it, and there was probably no greater fan of spirit ribbons and pep rallies than yours truly. Secretly, too, I probably would have loved to be a cheerleader, but it just wasn't my draw from the high school deck.

But it's amazing how parenting brings things around full circle. Last night about midnight I sat in my kitchen working on Tyler's pom poms for her first game of the season tonight. She's a pee wee cheerleader. Anyway, this years pom poms were cheap and have to be "self-fluffed." And I'm sitting there, fluffing away while Jud plays guitar for me, and I suddenly say to him: "Wow, I was never the cheerleader, but I'm the MOM of the cheerleader." After that, we pretty much discussed how life has a way of ultimately allowing you to achieve dreams, no matter how silly they might be.

More than that, I think it's about learning new skills no matter how old you get. Recently Tyler and I made a movie (I think I told you this) using Microsoft Moviemaker. I can't tell you the pride I felt realizing that I had mastered this computer program, managed to blend both video and stills--and actually burn it to DVD!

My next skill that I've decided to acquire--and you'll laugh at this one--but I want to get into sewing. I used to love to sew with my stepmom, and I figure that it would be good for my daughters to learn about sewing. Or maybe knitting is a better idea b/c I'd have all the super cool sweaters to show for it. Dunno.

The BIGGEST thing I want to learn, though? I'm talking skills, not something warm/fuzzy like, "How to be a better friend" (though I'm working on that big time too) I want to learn how to be a super fit person. I got back in the gym yesterday after a big absence and every part of my upper body is sore today, but I think it's never too late to change the way you perceive yourself mentally. I can reprogram my brain and see myself as fit, sleek, athletic and addicted to running. :)

And on that note. Check THIS Guy out. He is SO fit, sleek, athletic, etc. It's enough to truly motivate you. It's a good time to post the cover, too, because PARALLEL HEAT goes on sale in just ONE MORE WEEK! Woo hoo! I'll acquire a new life skill then: Not biting my nails from excitement/nervousness. lol.

(OKAY, NOTE: I hate blogger right now. I can only post a pic every tenth time. So NO, I couldn't post my Parallel Heat cover. GRRR)
Hugs to all my wonderful blog pals!
Deidre

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Parallel Heat Trailer goes LIVE!

Check out Deidre's new trailer for PARALLEL HEAT and The Parallel Series. Oooo and there's a surprise at the end. Add it everywhere if you think it's cool (blogs, myspace... etc.. I'm just giving examples )


Get this video and more at MySpace.com

Monday, September 18, 2006

I Am in HEAVEN!!


Okay, I am so thrilled with this cover! I'm basically over the moon because it's so lush and gorgeous and hot, hot, hot!! :)

Tell me what you guys think! Hugs, D

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Is Reality Still in Vogue?

I'm curious, honestly--I know American Idol continues to jam along, and I see a huge proliferation of these reality programs still abounding, but I want to get the pulse of the Net. Do y'all think reality program is starting to wane? I noticed a big push for the BACHELOR: ROME (Maybe they should do one at Myrtle Beach--the Beachelor....)

I will admit that even my morbid sense of curiosity got the better of me. This guy is touted as a real prince. A multi-millionaire with a castle, etc. Can this honestly be for real? Or did they buy a title for the guy and prop him up as a puppet BACHELOR prince? One must wonder.

I'm out there trawling around for new programming. Started watching HOUSE, which I'd heard about. Bryan Singer (USUAL SUSPECTS, X-MEN) is behind it in some fashion. Show creator or executive producer or whatever. That caught my attention, and I've watched a few episodes and found it genuinely engaging. On the flip side, I wanted to get into EUREKA after hearing critical raves, but so far just don't click with it. Boo. Wanted more good sci-fi channel programming to look forward to.

Meanwhile, back here on the home front I have (gasp, gasp) a DATE tonight!! With my husband, that is, in case some of you were freaking out. There's a really cool restaurant here in Madison, Town 220, and its in an historic warehouse and has a New Yorkish feel (the owner is from NYC.) Anyway, it's kind of the "it" spot on weekends, and we're heading over there for dinner and to generally have an adult moment.

I slept 13 hours last night. I think I'm still recovering from finishing Parallel Seduction (which is in with my editor now! Woo hoo!) and last weekend's Denver conference. In case some of you missed it, I did relay details about the whole event lower down on this blog.

Other events... I mastered a new life skill this weekend. There is nothing cooler than learning a new ability, especially if it involves technology. Judson's bday is coming up and the girls and I made him a movie! We're giving it to him early, and he won't be on this blog before we do, so I can confess all here and now. I actually learned how to use Microsoft movie maker, edited in bits of our home movies, overlaid them with music, and interspersed the cuts with stills. Amazing!! The best part? Tyler has a book report coming up and we'd already decided we wanted to make a commercial for the book (amazing again! This is so what I do for a living! Easy!). Now we can use this film editor together and make the commercial.

Well, over and out. hugs to all.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

The Time is NOW!

Yes, I am still here too. :) I do want to be sure that y'all saw the several posts I'd put up here prior to the roll call one. I think maybe those were missed. Right now, though, wanted you to know I'm about to be chatting at Romance Junkies. Doing my agent gig and fielding questions at 8 pm Eastern. I'll be back, though! Hugs

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Here's My Question...


Who is still reading this blog? I know I was totally negligent for a while, but are you guys still out there? If you're still reaidng, how about checking in on this thread. :) I admit it, it's hard to balance blogging and the scope of my life, but I LOVE it. And I honestly hope to post a lot more regularly. Are you guys still reading?

Let's do a roll call. :)

And be sure to look below. I've posted a number of new blog columns.
Hugs! :)
D

The Hotel Good Life

When I travel, the hotel is critical. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not a total diva, but I do need a definite comfort level, otherwise I start feeling a bit homesick. It’s just too hard to be away from the kidlets, the soulmate, and my digs otherwise. The hotel here in Denver is definitely well above average, but there have been a few glitches.

Exhibit A) Upon arrival, there was a stiff pair of men’s briefs in my top dresser drawer. Ewwww, had total flashes from Blue Crush where they were maids and found that condom, and brought it out to the offender (the big football player guy on the beach). This was a serious “need tongs” (not thongs) moment.

Exhibit B) Last night, while trying to avail myself of the ever-important pay-per-view—the crucial linchpin while traveling and attending conferences—it simply wouldn’t cooperate. This, of course, after the public relations person here had given me a free one-night rental to make up for the stiffy undies. So, no dice; no movie. Bummer.

I sink into advancing through channels, resigned to life without a current release movie—or “ahead of release” or whatever it is they bill these hotel pay-per-view films as being. I find a very emotional, intense 09/11 special. I’m completely rapt. And what should happen, but?

Exhibit C) My television becomes possessed by a porno demon. My programming is disrupted, and without me so much as hitting the remote, the pay-per-view begins scrolling through the variety of porno flicks available to hotel viewers. It’s like “Boobs Gone Wild!” and on it goes—over and over, as I watch the TV assume a life of its own, scrolling through these various selections semi-demonically. Am I using the clicker? No. Have I selected a thing? No. But my television begins moving, free-form, through about twelve different XXX flicks, and buttocks and boobs appear on the screen. And dang if the stupid thing doesn’t start CLICKING ORDER!!! All without me selecting a damn thing! The television has assumed its own life, is acting on its own spirit—it even occurs to me that a neighbor might be really into this stuff, but his remote is somehow working on MY television.

I phone the desk. “Um, hello, my television is possessed by a porno demon,” I say.

The woman chuckles. “Uh, huh, you freak.” She doesn’t say it, but I swear I can hear her thoughts crackle over the line.

I begin narrating, as the screen scrolls through the various film choices, as I see boobs and buttocks and personal parts. I’m going, “Oh my GOSH!!! It’s selecting, “Babe-A-Licious on Ice!”

My hotel clerk responds—quite calmly, I’ll grant her, “Well, when it finds Debbie Does Dallas, I’m going to be really afraid.”

I say, “This is real, and my television is now officially porno-possessed.”

“Ma’am, unplug your TV and reboot,” she tells me—as if she’s heard this plenty of other times, by the way.

Maybe it’s just quite late; maybe I’m just quite tired, but the fact that I’m watching my television perform free-form actions—all of which are directing it toward charging these nefarious flicks to my credit card—just doesn’t leave me very calm.

“Fine,” I say. “I’ll see if that works.”

Moments later, my TV is released. It’s as if it’s SINGING, “I Shall be Released.”

No more porno demons.

I phone the desk woman back. “It works now,” I say.

She chortles. “Good, Ms. Knight. I’m glad you’re free of your porno demons.”

And that leaves me with exhibit D) My last night in the hotel, still in possession of my free movie coupon—which is meant to ameliorate the stiffy-nasty-male-undies… still isn’t redeemable, because I still can’t engage the movie function.

I find more 9/11 programming, find an A.J. Hammer examination of why Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes hid their baby… and ultimately discover a TNT movie. Ah, life in a hotel. So nice: No soulmate battling me for the remote, no reason not to watch asinine programming. Life on the road, as tiring as it may be, has its moments.

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Java! Java!


I'm in Denver, and it's very early in the morning here--not quite so early at home. Don't you just love traversing time changes? :) You basically wind up with your ass on your shoulder--pardon my French, but it's just true. I'm here for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conf, and what a fabulous group of people.

Today I had the pleasure of doing something I'd never done before, which was having a "workshop" with 6 authors where we read work aloud and critiqued and whatnot. My homies were totally made of stern stuff, and were able to take my commentary--and the group's--without wigging out or suffering personal crises. It was great fun--to be face-to-face with writers, talking craft. I wish they would actually let me out of my agent cage more often. It was very satisfying, and again, I had such a wonderful group of writers. Everyone in the room had talent, which made our group endeavor much more fun.

I participated in the author signing, and sold out of my books pretty quickly. YEA! This is a good thing, even while I'm naturally thinking, "Why didn't I bring extra books!" :) After that, my wonderful friend Kristin Nelson had arranged dinner at a swanky Denver restaurant--I mean, honestly? How often do you get to eat Mexican/Asian fusion? The food was freaking out of this world. A group of pub folks went together, and eating little won ton tacos was just beyond fun for this mom. :)

I'm tired, of course, but that's nothing new--I am ALWAYS tired. Always. But it's all about living big. This is an amazing conference, and I'm thankful to have been invited. I may even have found a new client!
Deidre

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Gonna Be a Big Star

By Deidre Knight and Judson Knight

So I saw Counting Crows this past weekend, as I recounted on my Amazon blog. And I’m hearing a certain line in my head, one from “Mr. Jones”:
We all wanna be big, big stars, but we’ve all got different reasons for
that…

I’ve been moved over the years, following my favorite band, to hear their various permutations of this very popular song. It was their first hit, an anthem of youthful aspirations. The desire to leave your mark, to be Bob Dylan, to be at the very top of your particular game; all of these emotions were embodied in their jangling first hit. Yet the song, for all its charming and naïve aspirations, is still infused with a certain wistfulness, as represented by the above line. I guess we could call it wistfulness in advance. Seeing the horizon, the fame to come, and knowing that no matter the drive, the motivations might not be pure… or at the very least, totally different for every person who hears the song and wants to be something bigger. It was a track they cut on their debut album before the first flush of fame had touched them, yet you can already hear the argument and regret.

In 1997 when I saw the Crows at Chastain Park in Atlanta, and was fortunate enough to be in the front row, they rendered another version of this anthem. It started with a slow, haunting version of “So you wanna be a rock ‘n roll star….” by the Byrds. The song gained a whole new context: They’d broken out, become famous and achieved their dreams. But the whole journey had a bitter, broken edge now that they stood gazing down from the other side of the wall.

On very rare occasions, you can dissect pop lyrics as if they were poetry, tracing the provenance of a line, seeing the multi-tiered meanings within an overall rock context. Yes, it sounds ridiculous, but let’s play for a moment here.

BIG STAR. One of the biggest bands you’ve never heard of, influencer of countless others, from the Crows to the Replacements to REM to the Bangles. It could be said of Big Star, as has been said of the Velvet Underground, that not many people bought their albums, but everybody who did started a band. Doubt that the Crows were truly referencing Big Star with this song? Try this: They covered “The Ballad of El Goodo” in concert numerous times, a song that appeared on Big Star’s #1 Record—an epic title, promising so much future that failed to materialize. As with the Crows, there’s a tone of looking backward on defeat—yet infused with almost heroic optimism. Bravery in the face of “unbelievable odds,” as the song says.

A few years later, another favorite band of mine, the Jayhawks, came out with the song “Big Star,” a portrait of an artist confronting the fact that he may never achieve the dreams that motivated him in his youth. He waxes philosophical about his propensity for “perfecting the finest art of wasting hours,” and longs for the accoutrements of success: “fine bourbon, Cuban cigars.”

With a title like “Big Star,” we can only assume they are alluding to the sadly under-received geniuses embodied by the band Big Star—especially given their overwhelming musical debt to the group. But this is also their story, that of a group who has toiled and toured, and has every reason for success based on the accessibility of their sound—yet has never known more than a modicum of fame.

So now we have two separate bands, each influenced by a little-known sleeper of a muse, what you might call the Great Inspiration, and each showing a different side of the seductive-yet-tawdry price of fame.

For what purpose do we pursue our dreams? To be known by the masses or because the need to create is so compelling, so driving, that we can’t help but chase the dream?

Would I respond to these themes if I’d been someone for whom everything had gone perfectly in life? I doubt it. But then I wouldn’t know as much as I do now, or appreciate as much as I do in the beauty of the things I encounter—like these. It’s the twin pairing of longing and regret, the yin and yang of what might be and isn’t, that compels me as a writer.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

The Hard Left Hook



So I’m watching a little film called MATADOR starring Pierce Brosnan. Never been all that crazy about him as an actor mostly because he’s always played the “way too beautiful.” I like yummy men just like all the rest of us, but there’s something about his easy-greasy way that’s never set quite right with me. And then, as I say, I plug in this DVD, cheese-ballish and whatever. Seems like a low-rent DVD.

And then the unexpected happens… that opening hook that catches me off-guard—in a book or a movie—and makes me keep on going beyond my planned interaction. I’d given this one about ten minutes, but then, all of a sudden, ole Pierce wakes in bed with a Bond beauty. Yep, what I expected—right until he snags her nail polish, hidden in her purse, and begins to lovingly paint his toenails in a glittery, shiny purple polish. Um, what’s up with that? And so I’m completely drawn in.

So, I’m trying to think of other strong examples of this sort of thing, the movie or book with an early setup that catches you off guard. Want to play with me and offer up examples?

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

New Contest for Newsletter Subscribers!


Deidre has announced a fab new giveaway exclusively for members of her newsletter! To celebrate the release of Book II of the Parallel Series, PARALLEL HEAT, Deidre will be giving away the most exciting Refarian prizes. One lucky winner will receive a Masini Gioielli Blue Oval Murano Glass & Sterling Silver Ring on October 4, 2006! Check out this beautifully sculpted Refarian ring!
Valued at $178.00, this sleek and gorgeous ring is part of the new Vanita' collection by Masini Gioielli, an Italian brand symbol of quality and prestige since 1946. Tarnish proof Sterling Silver gently enwraps precious blue Murano Glass in an open oval shape. Made in Italy.

Two runner up winners will each be awarded a signed copy of PARALLEL ATTRACTION and PARALLEL HEAT.

Enter today to have a chance at winning this beautiful piece. Of course, by signing up for my newsletter, you'll also get news about The Parallel Series and all the fun events Deidre have going on!

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Louisa Seeks an Update


Thanks to my wonderful friend (and former editor), Louisa White for asking for an update on my event last weekend. Ahem, she's probably asking for a post--any post at all, right?? :)

Well, Wetumpka turned out to be a most interesting little town. Right off the bat Julie Ramsey and I (who went together) noticed that the place was a hilly town in the middle of a flat part of the state. Everything sat at surreal, odd angles, including the downtown structure itself that didn't have a square, but just intersecting streets. Well, what should we learn about this odd and quaint little town?
1) BISH FISH was shot there. Okay, so Tim Burton obviously saw the same sort of funky gothic feeling that I was starting to get. Hills where they didn't belong, that kind of thing.
2) The weird hills? Well, they were because Wetumpka sits right in the middle of a meteor crater.

Weird eh?

The writing event was great, and one of the most interesting panels I've been on in that it was a three hour workshop and consisted of the authors talking a lot about process and craft, and I found it really challenged me. Plus, we got to sit on the judge's bench b/c it was in the court house. :) See pic.

In other news, I am getting pretty excited because my next book, PARALLEL HEAT comes out in a month. Working like a mad woman on the third book which is due on just about the same date that HEAT comes out! Some days I love writing, just thrive on it and feel like there's no greater gift in the world. More days than that, however, I pretty much find it a hellish existence. It's a lot of tough, agonizing work punctuated by a few natural highs. :)

Still, you reach a sort of "home stretch" point while writing a novel and, frusrating as it may be to pull the whole thing together, you still feel that growing sense of satisfaction, knowing that you'll have a book to be proud of with just a little more work.

Hugs! D

Monday, August 14, 2006

Alabama this Weekend?


Deidre Knight,Wendy Wax, Kelley St. John, and Jennifer Echols will present a workshop on Writing Romance
Saturday, August 19, 9:00am-noon at the Wetumpka Public Library.
There is a $5 attendance fee.

A book signing will follow. Sure hope you can come out and enjoy the morning with me!

Wetumpka Public Library
212 S. Main Street
Wetumpka, Al 36092
(Behind City Hall)
334.567.1308
***Sponsored by Friends of the Wetumpka Library***

For more information, please post here or log onto http://www.wetumpkalibrary.com/

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Wherein Deidre Shrieks in Excitement!

Just got an amazing review from Romance Junkies on my upcoming release, PARALLEL HEAT. Woo hoo!! Writers are always so vulnerable--putting your work out there is the ultimate naked moment (sort of like those dreams where you're at a class reunion without your clothes on.) So getting an early review that's strong and favorable is about as great as life gets. Check it out!

PARALLEL HEAT review


I got their top score.

Let's all just say it together: Woo hoo and woo hoo. And while I'm at it, I'm posting a teaser pic. Can anyone guess what it's a pic of or where it's from?
Hugs, D

Thursday, July 20, 2006

YOUR PLANET OR MINE by Susan Grant

YOUR PLANET OR MINE by Susan Grant
(HQN Books, July 25, 2006)

"...one of the best books of the year!"
- Mary Janice Davidson, New York Times bestselling author

Think the grocery store is a great place to meet men? Hunky interstellar fugitive, aisle 5.

With outrageously false accusations piling up against her famous political family and an ex-fiancé in hot water determined to take her down with him, the last thing Jana Jasper needs is more trouble--especially man trouble. But when she heads to the grocery store for an ice cream fix, not only does the muscled hunk in the frozen foods section ranting about spaceships and invasions look crazy, he looks... familiar.

Cavin of Far Star has never forgotten the girl he met during his weeks spent on that quaint little world, planet Earth, the girl who didn't believe he was real. And now he'll risk his future to save her. All she has to do is take him to her leader. Simple enough plan--although Jana isn't so easily convinced. Hell-bent on charming his way past her defenses, he's determined to stay one step ahead of the galaxy's most feared assassin--and may just capture his favorite Earthling's heart in the process.

REVIEWS
"...one of the best books of the year!" - Mary Janice Davidson, New York Times bestselling author

“...a cute, quirky otherworldly romance that’s totally delightful to read!” -- Tanzey Cutter

“Veers uncomfortably close to our actual plans to invade your pitiful little planet. Pull this book from the shelves immediately or I shall have it vaporized!” -- General Neppal, Supreme Commander of the Coalition fleet

EXCERPT
http://www.susangrant.com/books/planet.htm

ABOUT SUSAN GRANT
One of the first women in history to attend the US Air Force Academy, a former Air Force instructor pilot, and currently a 747 jumbo jet pilot for United Airlines, New York Times best-seller and RITA winner Susan Grant loves writing about what she knows -- flying, adventure, and the delicious interaction between men and women.

WEBSITE
http://www.susangrant.com/

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Steppin' Up the Heat for a CURE!!!!

Deidre Knight and the TKA team is hitting the road and walking 60 miles over 3 days to raise money for Breast Cancer research. We have a team, too! TEAM PARALLEL HEAT. We want to be a force in this event, and a fun one at that. TEAM PARALLEL HEAT hopes to gain more than 50 members and raise over $110,000 to put an end to breast cancer once and for all. There are so many opportunities to participate in our team. You can walk, be a crew member, hand out popsicles, help raise funds, and just spread the word for our cause. The walk will be challenge (I mean 20 miles a day!), but what fun it will be! Hanging out with Deidre and the team for three days, and we're even gonna have team tshirts and all kinds of goodies! If Deidre and the TKA ladies are involved, you know it's gonna be a good time!

What is it?
Thousands of women and men will unite in cities across the country and walk 60 miles over the course of three days. It's a weekend of hope, as we honor lives lost, celebrate survivors, promote breast cancer research, and help bring breast cancer care to those who so desperately need it.Net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Days benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to fund breast cancer research and community outreach, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, to provide an endowment for breast cancer initiatives.What we're fighting:It's a sad fact that you would be hard pressed to find a single person who does NOT know someone with cancer. Every 3 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer; every 13 minutes this disease takes a life. TEAM PARALLEL HEAT wants to change this bleak future for so many, and this walk is just one way to help.

But, I don't live in Atlanta!
We hope you'll consider walking and spending time with us as we tackle this adventure. Don't live in Atlanta? No problem. American Airlines is offering discounted fares for 3-Day participants. Special restrictions and dates apply. To purchase tickets, please contact American Airlines' Group and Meeting Desk directly, at (800) 433-1790. Reference Star File #18948.

Sponsorship:
If you can't walk with us, you can sponsor us! Be an intimate part of our journey as we train for this event--then walk sixty miles in three days!! To find out more about The Breast Cancer 3-Day and donate to such a worthy cause, visit http://www.the3day.org/Atlanta06/parallelheat.

What's to come:
We will have lots of activities online to help raise money for this event! For more details keep an eye out on the blog, website, and egroup.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

WHAT, NO ROSES?

WHAT, NO ROSES?
By Marianne Mancusi
(Love Spell, July 4, 2006)

And you thought your Valentine's Day was bad?

AND ALL THAT JAZZ

Unless Dora Duncan can stop it, it's going to be another St. Valentine's Day Massacre. A year ago, her (now ex) boyfriend Nick stood her up at the worst possible moment. That was when she gave up important TV reporting for stories like "Too Stressed for Sex." And though such clips have a certain relevance, things have been a whole lot quieter. Too quiet. Until now.

Now she's gotta go back in time (don't ask!) and stop that very same Nick from messing up the time-space continuum. She has to travel back to a place where everybody speaks easy and cuts a rug-and this Chicago ain't no musical. Here, there are tommy guns and torpedoes, guys and dolls, gin joints, flappers, stoolies, rats and a whole lot more; and prohibition means anything but no.

It's the 1920s. Time for Dora to roar.

Excerpt:
http://www.dorchesterpub.com/Dorch/SpecialFeatures.cfm?Special_ID=2107


ABOUT MARIANNE MANCUSI
When not out exposing scams and righting wrongs, Emmy award–winning TV news producer Marianne Mancusi is probably writing.

Her first chick lit novel, "A Connecticut Fashionista in King Arthur's Court" was called "a sparkling debut" by Publisher's Weekly. And Romantic Times magazine awarded four Stars to her upcoming 1920s time travel "What, No Roses?", pronouncing it "fast, funny and as bubbly as bathtub champagne."

In addition, Marianne has six other adult and teen books under contract, including a teen comedy vampire series from Berkley called "Boys that Bite."

She lives in Boston's historic North End.

REVIEWS
Mancusi’s witty, tongue-in-cheek remarks and sprightly dialogue make for a joy ride of a read with an ending that’s as surprising as it is original. 4 stars – Romantic Times

Ms. Mancusi’s sense of comedic and dramatic timing is dead on... She masterfully blends a time in our history with an idea from her incredible imagination. – Once Upon a Romance

WEBSITE
http://www.mariannemancusi.com/

Monday, June 26, 2006

Are Aliens Really Among Us?








Tell me: What do YOU think? I was asked that question a lot during my interviews for Parallel Attraction, and the truth is that—crazy as I may sound—I do think aliens are probably real. It’s part of what fascinates me about them, enough so that I chose to write a series about the possibility of aliens living all among us.

My husband has written a number of science books, and one of the things he pointed out to me back about five years ago—and which was part of what inspired PA—was that the periodic table throughout the universe would be largely the same. From that, his own personal theory is that aliens wouldn’t look all that different from us. Well, maybe somewhat, but in the ways that matter, just like us. So… I came up with the Parallel series, but I forgot to research one critical matter. I invented Mirror Lake in the middle of Yellowstone because I thought about how pure and beautiful the lakes there are. Only last week did I discover my huge flub—there really is a Mirror Lake in Wyoming! Duh. Not only in Wyoming, but in Yellowstone to boot.

Even creepier and weirder? Some, uh, ufologist has come up with a conspiracy based around Lewis and Clark, Yellowstone, and… yes, Mirror Lake. Check this out:

www.imlufos.com

Is this not the WEIRDEST thing ever??? I promise: I really did not ever check that there was a Mirror Lake in Yellowstone (and in fact the pictures I looked up don’t even resemble my fictional Mirror Lake.)

By the way, the picture above is the road that heads to Ufologically famous, Groom Lake. Thought it was apropros. :)
I need to know what you guys make of this and if you’re not seriously weirded out like I am.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

I Saw a Sign: Faith and Madness in the Working World

I am having an inspiring week these past seven days or so, just those kinds of working days when it seems God is really revealing his presence in TKA life. Let's start with last week; Elaine was heading to her side job where she works on the bar staff in one of Athens' most upscale restaurants. Anyway, for some bizarre reason I felt the urge to extend my hand and pray a quick prayer aloud about her having a great night of tips. It was just a quick thing, but my faith was definitely *there*. Later that night, via blackberry, Elaine shoots me a short email that she can't wait to tell me how my prayers were answered. Turns out that out of 3-4 years of work at this establishment, she had a record-setting night of tips!!!!! It still gives me chills! Such a sign of God's love in our working life.

Flash forward to today! Judson is actually in Orlando auditioning for Jeopardy! He's done this once before, made it to the mock Jeopardy game, but we had a three day old baby at the time. My guess is that he wasn't quite on his game--they said they'd call him that fall about being on the show, but he never heard more. So here we are, June 06 and he's advanced to the audition round again (after passing a test that I could NEVER handle myself!) I'm working along, praying that his audition goes well, and an old friend stops in. Someone that Jud and I just talked about two days ago, remarking that we haven't seen her since last fall. We visit about ten minutes then she says to me, "The real reason I came by was to tell you that my brother-in-law is on Jeopardy tonight! And all this week!" I squealed, unable to believe that of all the times, all the days and weeks and months that she might have shared this info--that it would be TODAY! The day that Judson is in Orlando auditioning!!

I think it's a major sign, and I have no doubt that he will get on the show as a result of today's audition. :) And who knows after that?! Perhaps he'll win us some great money, but that's not the real point here. I think it's all about God revealing himself in our everyday world, showing us that even though we feel like we're down on this pea-sized planet, slugging along all by ourselves, that he is intimately involved in all we do. Or perhaps we could look at it this way--we all feel that our lives have a certain random quality, but nature is filled with patterns an sequences and rhythms. It only makes sense that our lives would be and are too.

Over and out.

Friday, June 16, 2006

TKA Chats: Editor Rose Hilliard


Feeling stuck? Got questions you would love to ask a real, living, breathing editor? Now's your chance!

ROSE HILLIARD
Associate Editor at St. Martins Press
TKA Chat
06-16-06
Noon to 1PM EDT (Lunch chat!)

About Rose
Rose Hilliard is an associate editor at St. Martin's Press, where she handles romance, erotica and fiction for mass market, trade and hardcover. She began her publishing career in 2000 as an editorial assistant at Time Warner Book Group, and went on to work as an assistant editor at Penguin's New American Library. Some of the authors she has worked with include Virginia Henley, J. R. Ward and Judith Gould. She grew up in New Jersey and graduated from NYU.
Pack Friday's lunch full of questions!

To Get to the Chat Room
Simply go to www.knightagency.net and click on the link to the "Knight Agency Chat Room" on the top right section of the page! See you there! (passwords are optional., create a name and hop in)

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

CALIFORNIA DEMON

"more witty, funny and poignant adventures from the marvelous Kenner"


CALIFORNIA DEMON: The Secret Life of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom
by Julie Kenner
(Berkley Trade, June 2006)

What's a mother to do, when there are only so many hours in the day, and the fate of the world is in her hands?

Kate Connor was a retired demon hunter. Now, after fourteen years busting her tail as a suburban housewife, raising two kids, and supporting her husband's political ambitions, she's rejoined the workforce-and except for a few minions of evil, no one has a clue. She tries hard to keep her home and work lives separate-a good idea when your job involves random slaughter.

Between fending off demon attacks, trying to figure out why the mysterious new teacher at the high school seems so strangely familiar, and keeping a watchful eye on her daughter's growing infatuation with a surfer dude, Kate is the busiest-and most dangerous-soccer mom on the block…

FROM THE DESK OF KATE CONNOR…

• Groceries
• Pay bills
• Gas up the minivan
• Pick Allie up from cheerleader practice
• Clean out nest of evil, blood-thirsty preternatural creatures with a few wooden stakes, some holy water, and a can of Diet Coke
• Self-defense class
• Volunteer at nursing home
• Battle determined demon while making meal
• Put Timmy to bed
• Clean up dishes
• Dispose of demon carcass
• Iron Stuart’s shirt
• Write tomorrow’s to-do list

Excerpt: http://www.juliekenner.com/CaliforniaDemon.htm

REVIEWS

"more witty, funny and poignant adventures from the marvelous Kenner." Combining PTA dangers with demons certainly keeps the characters on their toes and readers chuckling. 4 stars – Romantic Times

While there is a plethora of outstanding romance/dark fantasy sagas currently being released … Julie Kenner's Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom novels are noteworthy in large part because of the author's wit and incredibly intuitive sense of humor. Lines like "Infiltrating a nest of vampires at dusk might be a tad on the treacherous side, but it's nothing compared to telling a fourteen-year-old that she's not allowed to wear eye shadow" will have readers laughing out loud from the first page to the last. If you've changed a leaky diaper, picked up a spilled sippy cup, or purchased a McDonald's Happy Meal within the last 24 hours, this fast-paced, delightfully irreverent amalgam of romance and dark fantasy is for you. – Barnes & Noble


ABOUT JULIE KENNER
National bestselling author Julie Kenner's first book hit the stores in February of 2000, and she's been on the go ever since. Her books have hit lists as varied as USA Today, Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, and Locus Magazine. Julie is also a former RITA finalist, the winner of Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Contemporary Paranormal of 2001, and the winner of the Reviewers International Organization's award for best romantic suspense of 2004. She writes a range of stories from sexy and quirky romances to chick lit suspense to paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom, was selected as a Booksense Summer Paperback Pick for 2005, was a Target Breakout Book, was a Barnes & Noble Number One SFF/Fantasy bestseller for seven weeks, and is in development as a feature film with Warner Brothers and 1492 Pictures.

Julie spent four years mainlining venti nonfat lattes in order to write, practice law full time, and take care of her kiddo. Then she wised up, quit the practice of law, and settled down to write full time. She now lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and a bunch of cats.

Website: http://www.juliekenner.com/

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

RT Fun and Cover Model Mania

I am finally popping in here after returning from RT. When I powered up the ole laptop (or new laptop, as the case shall be), I had more than 775 emails. I am STILL crawling out from underneath the avalanche. Almost getting there...finally!

But we had a blast at the event, and our room was on the beach level, so we looked right out at the ocean. This made for a good setting each morning when Jud and I had coffee and stared out at the ocean watching the sun rise!



Then almost every morning I walked on the beach (since I'm trying to lose twenty pounds by RT!) A couple of those times I walked with Karmela Johnson, who I had no idea was an aerobics instructor! Yikes! She's 4 foot 10--and I'm 5 foot 9, but I had a hard time keeping up with her! Can't you just tell this woman is just an adorable ball of energy? Look at her! She's also a fantastic writer! Watch out NYC!



I got to spend a whole afternoon with one of my best agent friends, Kristin Nelson. Here's a pic of Kristin, my hubby and Kristin's sis. A great pic!



Saw some of our wonderful clients like...
Sylvia Day


Shelley Bradley



And sign books next to Angela Knight, Harley Jane Kozak and Betina Krahn...




I wish I had lots of cover model shots to share with you, but I *do* have a special link with something fun that Elaine made for me while I was away. It's of the guy on both my covers, Nathan Kamp. Go check out the Parallel Realm Blog and see what I mean!!!!! Elaine is a wonder woman!
hugs to all! D

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Turn! Turn! Turn! (Or: Deidre Gets Naked)



Techno Babble. This will be my new term for the scrambling, mind-numbing confusion that ensues when one’s technological framework collapses. This past week saw the demise of my laptop and then the massive effort to restart my entire technological experience. If laptop failed, then blackberry wasn’t aligned—even today I learn I can’t send out email from home because of improper settings. So if you’re awaiting an email reply from me, it will likely arrive on Monday. Yes, technology, for all it enables me to be a better agent, a more quality friend, and a faboo author can sometimes simply fail. And I hate the insecurity that failure brings about in my reliable world.

And it’s not like I don’t understand the workings of these modern conveniences. In fact, those in my life (and those who read this blog) are quite aware that I am a techno queen. A lesser known fact is that for six years prior to agenting I worked in the computer technology field. There’s a surprise, and perhaps something many do NOT know about me. In fact, today while driving on the interstate I saw a license plate that read something like 13F2450 and realized that whenever I see that precise format of letters and numbers—particularly with the third being a letter not digit—I flash on IBM part numbers. It was an interesting era of my life, one when I truly believed God had placed me on the shelf. Many people have life crises in their forties or fifties, wondering why they’ve been put here, but mine came through my twenties after leaving the world of filmmaking.

You see, I'm one of the lucky ones--I’d immediately exited college and stepped into my dream career—and this without having spent day one in film school, something I figured I’d need in order to work in film production. How wrong I was! Because when a dream is meant to come to fruition, heaven itself moves to make it happen. There’s a Goethe quote to that effect, and I’ve always seen it reflected in my own life. That summer post-Mary Washington College (1988) I sold food and freezer plans in the home. Also a hidden tidbit about my life. I can honestly say I am one of those natural born salespeople you hear mythologized. And I'd come up through the ranks: While working at American Frozen Foods each summer as a telemarketer, I was scouted as a good potential sales person to…go in the home! In the words of Tom Cruise in JERRY MAGUIRE I was the master of the living room, or so it turned out once they gave me my anchor-sized briefcase and sent me out on “sits.”

In no time at all during that summer of love I rose to the top of food selling ranks: I was the number three sales person throughout the national corporation, toppling the records of mid-thirty year old mega giants. The kind of men (not women) that were always pointed out to us as champions, the sort those in the Fleebold, Indiana office should aspire to emulate. Btw, there is no Fleebold, Indiana that I know of, but I can’t recall where the fifteen or so sales outposts of American Frozen Foods were located after so many years. Anyway, I was pulling down a killer salary for a twenty-two year old, but there was one thing missing: I was unhappy. Unsatisfied and feeling shelved. So I prayed a simple-yet-heartfelt prayer, asking God the following, “Isn’t there something, Lord, that I can do to utilize my creative gifts.” You see, for all my driven nature, for all my discipline and focus that you see reflected in me today, those were acquired traits. At twenty-two I was a drifting mess, a living Jack Kerouac disciple who had spent the past four years on the road, biking around Europe, under-achieving in school, and generally slacking. There was no post-college plan. There was just me, in Atlanta, living with Pamela and trying to figure out who I was going to be.

Heartfelt, earnest prayers have a way of being fulfilled—something to remember, good friends. A few days later, perhaps only a day, I can’t say for sure, but I found myself in a car wash. Hardly the stratosphere of priests or miracles, but there I was, watching my car muddle its way through the brushes and soap and wax, and I heard a man on the pay phone. “I need to get more cans of thirty-five mil,” he said, and my body tensed. He worked in movies! This was my possible entrance into my dream job! But my young mind quickly provided an argument, “Oh, I’m just young, and know nothing…what could he have for me?” So you know what God does in these situations, don’t you? The man came and started chatting with me. Next thing I knew I asked if they were hiring, and he smiled demurely, saying only, “We might be,” as he slipped me his card. Two weeks later and I had an entry level position at one of the top independent film companies in Georgia. A year later and I was working on a top NBC television show, In the Heat of the Night.

This has nothing whatsoever to do with my stint in computers, but let’s flash forward by about eight or nine years. I’d found myself in sales again since, as mentioned, this has always been my most natural gift. But not even selling something creative or inspiring—selling computer equipment. Granted, I was selling it all over the world in a post-communist era of commerce, which meant taking our company into little outposts like Croatia and so forth. See, God always keeps it interesting while he’s testing and growing you in a vineyard that might otherwise seem boring. He knew I loved travel and other cultures, so he gave me the opportunity to take our company into twenty-two new countries. But I felt shelved. I wanted to write and I wanted my own business, so day after day I prayed the, “whyGodwhymewhynotnowhymewhywhywhywhy?” prayers. Every. Single. Day.

When the time and inspiration came to completion, I opened the agency—which I will post about tomorrow—how that miracle transpired, but the thing I learned? The thing I could see had been so masterful in the divine plan? That every one of those six years at that particular, family-owned company had been a proving ground, and had been about teaching me about owning the agency. To this day, I put those acquired lessons into play, and while that job had absolutely nothing to do with agenting on the surface, it had everything to do with perseverance, self-starting, aggressiveness, and closing deals. I’m the agent I am today because when it made no sense on the surface, I stayed the course.

In this agenting gig I meet many writers who feel they’re on the shelf, or that their time will never come. I just want to tell each of you who might be reading this blog that there’s a time and season for all things, and that while you might feel on the shelf, trust that it’s part of some greater outworking. One day you may well look back on your own time of whyGodwhywhy and know that there’s been a purpose. As the Good Book says, “To everything there is a season.”

Your time is coming too.
Keep going. You will get there.

Friday, May 12, 2006

GUEST BLOGGER LYNNE CONNOLLY: THE ALPHA MALE - IS IT TIME FOR A CHANGE?

I love reading and writing paranormal romance. I love the alpha hero, I really do, but – do they all have to be alphas? I don't like all these alphas that populate the books, or rather, I do, but sometimes I want something else. Something (God forbid!) Different!

That might be the reason why I've only made one Amazon order this year, and I've been to e-publishers far more times than that, where there is much more variety to be had. I’m beginning to groan, and not with pleasure, when yet another big, tough, gruff, bossy man strides into the scene and tries to take over. He'll solve the problem, he'll be forceful and gentle with the heroine by turns, he'll fight the bad guys, he'll have an enormous member, he'll have an inner angst which the heroine will solve, and there you are. I would really like to read something else.
Give us the alpha hero, but give us some betas and gammas too!

A beta hero would be great to read about. Why shouldn't a werewolf be a beta, a gentle, caring man? I adore gammas - I think a lot of gammas are labeled alphas, just for marketing purposes. The loner, the man who doubts himself sometimes, the man who actually talks to the heroine and discusses things with her, a man who respects her opinion and isn’t afraid to act on it if he thinks she’s right.

I write people. I deliberately avoid the alpha-beta-gamma thing, and I think that's why I have dozens of rejection letters along the lines of; “We love your writing but we don't see how we can fit it into our lines - can you make your hero an alpha,” or something like that. I could, and if I wanted to bore myself to death writing the same character over and over I might, but believe it or not, money isn’t my prime objective in this (not that I’d complain if a bit more came my way!). Now I’ve found a publishing home, and I’m happy there, I’ve learned the benefits of having an editor who genuinely loves what I write and encourages me to keep my vision intact (thanks, Gail!)

I spent years in business, working for big corporations, and the alpha male of the romance book wouldn't have lasted ten minutes there, not with the team work and co-operation expected of them. The entrepreneur who doesn’t listen to anyone but goes with his personal vision is the exception, not the rule, and it doesn’t lead to long term business success. Once you remove the ‘image’ many put out, you see the right hand and left hand men, the people a good businessman (and sadly, it is still usually a man) has with him, not to ‘yes’ him, but to give him valuable advice. So perhaps I write about men I’ve known, men who are strong but listen to people, and learn from them, men who make their own decisions, but try not to upset people when they carry them out.

A man who knows how to handle a gun doesn’t wave it about all the time.

And yes, I love Gil Grissom

Thursday, May 11, 2006

And the Winner Is?!?!


Several months ago, I paired up with my wonderful friend Vicki Denney at Newandusedbooks.com to host a contest in honor of Parallel Attraction. The idea to feature ALIEN perfume as a special giveaway initially began while I was strolling through Sakes Fifth Avenue in NYC last year. They were promoting the perfume, and at first I thought only of Gena Showalter and Christmas! But then later an idea began to percolate…what if I gave away bottles of ALIEN perfume as a promotion for my alien romances? Hence the ALIEN giveaway was spawned! (Though I hate to use the words alien and spawned in the same sentence describing my series! LOL!)

A gigantic thanks to the multitudes of fans that signed up, we appreciate everyone’s participation and support. Without any further ado, the winners are…

1st Place: ALIEN perfume and signed copy of Parallel Attraction
SANDRA STIPINS

2nd Place: Autographed copy of Parallel Attraction paired with Parallel Series goody bag
PATRICIA MELLERT
&
KATHY WEBER
Congrats to all of our winners!

And, for all of you who haven’t had a chance to check out this website yet, what are you waiting for?! It’s a great place to catch up on new releases, author interviews, and great reviews. I might also mention that they highlight different authors every month, and hint hint hint you may have seen May’s spotlight around somewhere!

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

The Knight Agency Blog: Time of the Season for...Questions!

The Knight Agency Blog: Time of the Season for...Questions!

Hey, gang:
I'm doing my question and answer gig over on the TKA blog once again. I am woefully behind on answering, but hope to catch up today, so pop on by!
Deidre

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Weird Publishing


I once had a call from an inmate, the kind of call that came in right as I was leaving the office. Passed it off to my assistant who later informed me that the woman was calling from prison--on her cell phone--because she was writing a book. HOW NOT TO KILL YOUR PARENTS. Uh, huh. And why was she in said prison? For murdering her folks. I kid you not. A real query call at TKA.

So, for some reason Jill Monroe's post put me in mind of that, crime and romance and all that. This is seriously one of the weirder things I've read lately. Check it out.

And check out my new secret beefcake blog. Ah, it's really not that bad. :) But I'm having fun at the moment with pics...which actually led me to Michele Rowen's blog by accident (she's posted some Vin Diesel at some point, and while searching for pics of him for MY blog, wound up at hers!!)

Take care,
Deidre

Monday, May 08, 2006

The Parallel Realm


Monday brings confessions...
Let me know what you guys think!! :)

See link below...


EDITED to add: Don't know what was wrong with that link! Try this:

Deidre's Secret Blog

Hugs, De

Monday, May 01, 2006

The Knight Agency Blog: Listen Up Race Fans!

The Knight Agency Blog: Listen Up Race Fans!

All you NASCAR fans stop on by and chat with racing insider Liz Allison tonight at 9 pm EST!! See you there! Deidre

Saturday, April 29, 2006

PARALLEL HEAT...the Suspense Gets Hotter!


Until publication date, that is! :) I wanted to post the cover copy, which I didn't do until now since people hadn't read the first book yet. But I think it's been out long enough that I can whet your appetite a bit for the next book in the series which, btw, is already availble from Amazon. Just click here.

From the back cover:

In her "fresh [and] wonderfully creative"* Parallel Attraction, Deidre Knight created an unforgettable alternate world of danger, seduction, and the mysteries of time. Now she returns to that world as the destiny of two sworn enemies is changed forever by the unpredictable perils of love....

Warrior and royal guardian Marco McKinley has been assigned a vital mission on Earth, where a war between human fighters and otherworldly soldiers is rising. But he's also been warned about twists of fate yet to come-ones that will transform him into the enemy of his own people and appoint him the personal protector of beautiful soldier Thea Haven.

Little do Marco and Thea know, but they have met before in an alternate universe, and they are bound by betrayal and vengeance. Now, on a world at the brink of destruction, they feel only a forbidden passion and the unease that comes with it....


So much of my fan mail has been about hoping Marco gets his own story, and even in online chats folks have really pushed me for details. So I'm excited to say that, yes, PARALLEL HEAT will focus pretty heavily on Marco, though there's still plenty about Jared and Kelsey, and much more about Scott. Also, a new character will be in town. :) And she's one of my personal favorites.

More to come! Including some deleted scenes from Parallel Attraction.
Hugs! Deidre

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Once Upon Stilettos

"Once Upon Stilettos is not to be missed if you're in the mood for a fast and funny read where chicklit meets urban fantasy."
-- Mary Jo Putney, author of A Kiss of Fate


ONCE UPON STILETTOS by Shanna Swendson
(Ballantine Books, April 25, 2006)


When we left Katie Chandler at the end of Enchanted, Inc., she had helped her new employers, Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc. defeat Phelan Idris, a rogue wizard intent on stealing spells. By her side, and leading the battle, was hunky wizard Owen. Katie and Owen are still fighting their attraction to each other in Shanna Swendson’s hilarious and charming sequel Once Upon Stilettos, but first they have to track down a corporate spy before the company dissolves into paranoia. Then at the worst possible time, Katie's immunity to magic goes on the blink. At least she's having better luck in her social life, with men falling at her feet everywhere she goes. Has she really become that irresistible, or is it the new red shoes she felt compelled to buy? Polish your fairy wings, put on your magic shoes, click your heels three times, and join Shanna Swendson for a romantic romp amidst fairies, goblins, wizards and gargoyles.

EXCERPT
http://www.shannaswendson.com/stilettos.html


ABOUT SHANNA SWENDSON
In addition to writing fiction, Shanna Swendson is a freelance marketing consultant and writer specializing in technology and telecommunications. She is single and lives in Irving, Texas, with her many pet plants, including a vicious attack bougainvillea and a Christmas cactus that has outlasted three homes, three jobs and three boyfriends, yet still faithfully blooms every Christmas and Easter. She’s looking for a man that reliable.


REVIEWS
"A princely wizard, Cinderella red stilettos, and a megalomaniac--what more could a girl ask for? ONCE UPON STILETTOS is a delightful urban fairytale with a dreamy hero and a country-wise Texas heroine who use their magical and non-magical charms to seek justice and unmask the villain. Just a few weeks in the life of a simple single girl..." -- bestselling author Patricia Rice
"Once again Swendson gives her readers a hilarious and delightful romp through the world of magic with a dash of romance thrown in to titillate and make us laugh." -- Andrea Sisco, Armchair Interviews

WEBSITE: http://www.shannaswendson.com/

Friday, April 21, 2006

Susan Grant & Deidre Knight


Ever want to be a fly on the wall (a very pretty one, of course) when great authors are talking it up? Here's one of those opportunities.

Susan Grant, author of upcoming YOUR PLANET OR MINE, and Deidre Knight (PARALLEL ATTRACTION) share a bit of one such conversation about writing sci-fi romance.

Witty, silly, but full of insight.

Check it out by becoming a member Deidre Knight's Yahoo! group:


Click here to join DeidreKnight
Click to join DeidreKnight




  1. Log onto the group
  2. Click on "FILES"
  3. Download "DK and SG.doc Sci-Fi Romance Discussion with Deidre Knight & Susan Grant"

POOF! It's yours! Enjoy!

Favorite Character in PARALLEL ATTRACTION? Here's your chance to be heard!

Hey, Gang:
I'm so so so so sorry (it's like I'm stuttering!) to have been majorly absent from the blogosphere lately. Life has been a bit crazy, and--among other things--every cleint on my list (well almost) has sent me new material. So I'm being pretty low-key and quiet, trying to make serious reading headway.

But in the meantime, PARALLEL ATTRACTION is cooking along! In fact, it's on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list for the second week in a row at #23. Also on Bookscan list for second week in a row at #66! So we're jamming.

Meanwhile, I have been beefing up my message board a lot, trying to get things moving over there. I love message boards and have always been a big fangirl. So check it out, and while there, you get to vote for your favorite character. Here you go:
LINK TO VOTE.

Also, watch out for a "conversation" between Susan Grant and myself very soon.
hugs, Deidre

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

MASTER OF WOLVES by Angela Knight
(Berkeley Sensation, April 4, 2006)

When Jim London's best friend is murdered, Jim vows to catch the killer. Leaving it for the local police to solve is out of the question, because he suspects they are involved.
Jim is more than capable of taking action if they are -- he's a werewolf. Realizing the only way to investigate the department is from the inside, he decides to go undercover -- as a police K-9.
His "handler" is lovely Faith Weston, the only person on the Clarkston Police Department who isn't up to her neck in murder. But Faith has no idea her "dog" Rambo is a werewolf, or that the department she serves is rotten with corruption.
But it doesn't take her long to figure it out.

Excerpt:
http://www.angelasknights.com/masterofwolves.htm


ABOUT ANGELA KNIGHT
Angela Knight's first book was written in pencil and illustrated in crayon; she was nine years old at the time. But her mother was enthralled, and Angela was hooked.
In the years that followed, Angela managed to figure out a way to make a living -- more or less -- at what she loved best: writing. After a short career as a comic book writer, she became a newspaper reporter, covering everything from school board meetings to murders. Several of her stories won South Carolina Press Association awards under her real name. For more of Angela’s interesting bio, visit her website: http://angelasknights.com/bio.htm

Website: http://www.angelasknights.com/