6 minute read
Rhonda McKnight
AUTHOR OF THE MONTH: Rhonda McKnight
Rhonda McKnight…Touching the Hearts of Many Through Complex Plots and Interesting Stories
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Interview by Angela Anderson
Rhonda McKnight is a two-time Emma Award author and African American Literary Award nominee who enjoys reading as much as she does writing. Her goal is to touch the heart of women through her stories, one book at a time.
This extraordinary author of over twenty indie and traditionally published books is doing just that. With books with a common theme of faith, forgiveness, and hope, Rhonda’s trademark of edginess while touching the heart of women through relatable and interesting characters while throwing in a plot twist often propels her to the top as a fan favorite amongst readers.
In addition to bringing stories to life with her ability to make the words come alive and sing throughout the pages, she also freelances her services as a developmental editor and writer coach with a waiting list of individuals desiring to work with her.
From writer coach to teaching, gardening, and of course, writing amazing stories, there is more to come from Rhonda McKnight. Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, she writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home with no signs of slowing down.
Angela Anderson: When did you know that you wanted to become an author?
Rhonda McKnight: I’m not sure I knew that writing could lead to authorship until the late 90’s when I started to see books by Black women in the romance and women’s fiction section of bookstores, but I started writing as a young child. I wrote my first book about a family of mice who lived under the boardwalk in my hometown when I was just six years old.
AA: What do you enjoy about writing and creating stories?
RM: I enjoy creating characters. Figuring out their backgrounds and problems—most importantly, I like to uncover the lie they believe about themselves and why they believe it and the journey to them discovering a new truth.
AA: How would you describe your writing style?
RM: My style lies somewhere between commercial and upmarket fiction. I like to engage my readers by creating a sense of emotional connection with the characters and story. I do that using complicated characters in crisis. My writing tools are interior dialogue, subtext, textured description, sensory details, and the use of symbolism or a theme to convey a deeper meaning.
AA: What is a fun or interesting fact about you that most readers don’t know?
RM: I used to be a foster mother to special needs boys. Not technically fun, but interesting and rewarding.
AA: Are there any writing must-haves or quirky writing habits when you are in your flow?
RM: Yes, and I hate them. I must have a Coke and potato chips to write. Not every day, but on too many of them.
AA: If you had to give one piece of advice to new authors, what would it be?
RM: Study the craft of writing. Never stop being a student. Hire a good developmental editor—at least once and learn from them. I have written twenty-five books and I still get developmental feedback on my projects.
AA: May is the month we celebrate Mother’s Day in the US. Share with us what you enjoy about being a mother.
RM: The bonding experience is number one for me. But I also enjoy passing on my values and beliefs and then watching them grow into responsible, caring adults who make the world a better place. My sons are awesome people.
AA: This is an exciting time for you! Your debut novel with Thomas Nelson, The Thing About Home, is scheduled to be released on May 9, 2023. Share with us the inspiration behind this story.
RM: The contemporary story was inspired by my pandemic garden and my desire to try something different, which for me was book club fiction. I chose to write a little of what I know… reinventing your life after divorce.
The historical story was inspired by my own family, which included teachers and farmers whom I’ve admired as I learned little bits here and there about their lives. My great grandfathers, one emancipated and the other born shortly after, were able to acquire land during the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras. I always wanted to research the history of those purchases. In this case, I wrote nothing that I knew. The research was unreal. Historical fiction is a tremendous amount of work.
AA: If you could describe “The Thing About Home” in three words, what would they be?
RM: Three words? It is rich! Maybe faith, family, love. I think I cheated and gave you six.
AA: When you are not writing, what can we find you doing?
RM: Reading. Streaming the hottest drama on Hulu or Netflix. Watching weirdness on YouTube. Endlessly texting my friends like a teenager.
AA: What is next for Rhonda McKnight?
RM: All They Loved, the 10th book in my Bennett Family romance series, will be on sale August 15th. I’m excited to be writing my first neurodivergent character. My youngest son is autistic and while I’m not writing about an autistic person, I’m glad this book will star a hero with challenges that, in my opinion, make him much more interesting.
Next from Thomas Nelson is Bitter and Sweet. A cryptic message from their grandmother reunites two estranged sisters at the site of the family’s eighty-five-year-old restaurant, where they must face complicated truths about themselves and their family history. Look for that in April 2024.
AA: How can we stay connected with you?
RM: I spend time on social media almost every day, but I also love to share and interact with readers through my newsletter. The sign up is on my website.
www.RhondaMcKnight.com
www.facebook.com/BooksbyRhonda www.instagram.com/AuthorRhondaMcKnight https://www.goodreads.com/rhondamcknight https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rhonda-mcknight
