As an author, it is important to have people you admire. They inspire you and help you move forward when times are hard. It is a blessing to speak with and learn from Rhonda McKnight. In this interview, she will share book news, her motivation, and what’s on her reading list.
Tell me about your book.
All She Needs is the 8th story in a series about the Bennett Family. Whether they realize it or not, each of the Bennetts has reached the point in their lives where they are ready for love and commitment.
Here’s the back cover summary:
Jackson Bennett has no faith in love. When the reclusive multi-millionaire takes a position as interim mayor of Forest Hills, he finds himself drawn to his fiery assistant and reevaluating his life. Meisha is good for him. She sees past his vulnerabilities and isn’t impressed with his wealth. Will he step out of the shadows and into her light or will her current drama push him back to a life of solitude?
Meisha Merriweather was minding her own business when she got arrested. Her boss Jackson Bennett steps up and saves her from jail. Now the media is coming for her, and she’s dragging Jackson into the tornado right along with her. Will she find herself out of a job and separated from the man who might be the one she didn’t even know she needed?
Why did you choose to become a Christian Fiction Author?
I wouldn’t say I chose to become a Christian fiction author. I wrote a book and what was in me came out. It was a fit for the Christian fiction genre. I love writing stories about Christians in crisis. I believe our genre offers hope and encouragement. Readers find messages that change their life. That’s ministry and I’m here for it.
What inspired you to write it?
My readers have enjoyed the Bennett men and the Ingram sisters, so I’m checking them off my story board one by one.
What is your writing process?
Do I have one? Yes, I couldn’t have written 25 projects without figuring out how to get it done but it took a few books to figure out what works for me. 😊 I usually get characters first. I listen to what they’re saying and write the first chapter or two. Then I do character sketches and an outline. Both vary from being very detailed to just being a few lines or paragraphs. Then I usually try to write the last chapter. My last chapter usually comes to me shortly after the first.
I outline long-hand and write the actual story on my laptop. I also write on my phone, tablet, and use a voice recorder app. I utilize any electronic device I have handy. I mostly write at night, but once I’m close to finishing, I’m writing all the time. I do lots of writing sprints with my writing buddies. Accountability helps me meet my deadlines.
What is the best part of being an author?
Readers! Their reviews and feedback is the best. They keep me at my keyboard.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
I have lots of favorites, but if I had to narrow it down, I love Vanessa Riley, Victoria Christopher Murray, Vanessa Miller, Piper Huguley, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Pat Simmons, Jacquelin Thomas, Michelle Lindo-Rice, and newcomer, Preslaysa Williams. I also enjoy a good mystery so Pamela Samuels Young, Walter Mosley, and Tyora Moody are my favorites for that genre. The late BeBe Moore Campbell will forever be my favorite author of all time. I can’t imagine anyone taking her place.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
I’m always excited to read whatever is next from Vanessa Miller. I have her new release, What They Found In Hallelujah, on my nightstand and I have the audiobook. Preslaysa Williams’ new release, A Lowcountry Proposal, is right under Vanessa’s book. I’m also pretty excited to read Sadeqa Johnson’s House of Eve in February. This list could get very long!
Tell me something about you as a person. (Likes, hobbies, family anything you would like readers to know.)
I like to share that I am a homeschool mom. I’ve been homeschooling my son for eight years and love to meet other Black homeschoolers because we’re growing in number. I also enjoy vegetable gardening immensely.
What is next?
My first women’s fiction novel, The Thing About Home, will be released on May 9, 2023. It’s the story of a popular social media influencer whose viral meltdown after being left at the altar sparks a journey of self-discovery where she finds family, culture, history, love, and faith in the low country of South Carolina. The book is available for preorder at this link https://rhondamcknight.com/what-would-you-like-to-see/
I encourage readers to visit my website and sign up for my newsletter to find out more details as I release them.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I like to give advice to aspiring authors. Attend writer’s conferences and reader events. The Christian Book Lover’s Retreat is a great event for readers and writers as is Black Ink Charleston. Black Ink has a virtual component where we share lots for writers and authors. Build a network of other writers. Your network will encourage you to stay the course. I know mine did. Pick a project and make yourself finish it. Get to “The End”. The End feels so good. Lastly, believe in yourself. Everyone won’t support your writing. Most people won’t so be okay with ‘you’ being the only person who does.
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She Nell is an author, blogger, and reader, always searching for a great read that draws you in but does not draw you away from the Christian Lifestyle. As a believer, she is mindful of the atmosphere she creates for herself and the messages she entertains. She admits she is mindful, not perfect. In the summer of 2017, she began a blog Shenellinc.com, where she reviewed Christian Fiction and interviewed Christian authors and readers. In the fall of 2017, she signed to Anointed Inspirations Publishing, and her debut book A Good Thing was released in October 2017.
She Nell is the author of over 14 Christian Fiction books. In 2020 she published her tenth Amazon best seller Walking Crooked with Christ and became the CEO of Light and Salt Press LLC. Her blog, Shenellinc.com, is a go-to resource for writers and readers of Christian Fiction. She holds several nominations and awards. In 2021 she was awarded the Endie Fiya Radio Show Author of the Year and Best Interview awards. She received the honor of the Path to Publishing Conference’s Author of the year in September 2021.
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