The Writing Life-Katriena Knights
All my life, or at least as far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted nothing more than to be a writer. Of course, “being a writer” can be defined in a number of ways, and in the most basic sense, I have been a writer as far back as I can remember. Before I could read, I was composing poems. One was about pancakes. I remember reciting it to my mother under the bathroom door while she was, well, in the bathroom. She taught me to read when I was three in self-defense so she could pee in peace.
But I’ve really always wanted to JUST be a writer. No day job, no backup source of income, no “something to fall back on.” I finally ditched my day job almost exactly one year ago (my first “freedom” anniversary will be October 1). I write and I edit, and I love all of it.
Which isn’t to say it’s all easy. I have to balance home and family life, shuttling my two kids around here and there, taking the dog out, cleaning up after her when she horks up her breakfast, shoveling out ferrety litter pans—you get the idea. I’m not exactly sitting at home inscribing romances on vellum with a gold-tipped fountain pen while I eat bonbons.
Writing is hard. It’s emotionally, mentally and physically taxing. (How is writing physically taxing, you ask? You sit in a freakin’ chair all day, ferpetesake. Ask my wrists and my back and my shoulders and my neck, which is making popcorny noises even as I type.) I read a chapter from a writing book this morning that said most writers can only write deeply and effectively for about two hours a day. I’m lucky to manage a full hour before my brain fries out. Some days I wish I could just dictate to somebody who’s trying desperately to get some peace and quiet in the bathroom.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m not complaining. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do for an hour or two than sit down with a pen and paper and scribble. (Maybe sex, but it’s been so long I can’t remember.) It’s worth the sacrifices to fill my day with creative work, especially days that culminate in a finished manuscript. On those days, I can look at what I’ve done and be extra proud.
About the Author: Katriena’s latest finished novel is Ring of Darkness, from Noble Romance. She is also the author of Where There’s a Will, a Kindle bestselling contemporary romance from Samhain Publishing.
Brienda's life is about to be turned upside down. After five years at the temple of the God-Mother, she is to be married to Tamalor of Callista on her father's orders in order to end aggression between their two countries.
Brienda is upset at this turn of events, but she comes to believe it is part of a larger plan and the God-Mother has put her in this place to bring not only peace but a restoration of balance to the ancient powers of her world. She is right, and, in the end, the larger plan will demand more from her than she ever thought she could give--including Tamalor.
Buy Ring of Darkness!
Katriena, Thank you for being my guest today. I don't want to tell you how many hours a week I spend writing. Yeeks! All that matters is that you enjoy it and that your readers do, too. I wish you endless success with Ring of Darkness and all your future projects.
Margie
Posted by Margie Church at 9/29/2011 1:03 AM 
Categories: new books, noble romance, guest bloggers
Tags: Katriena Knights Margie Church Noble Romance noble romance romance writers paranormal authors
Categories: new books, noble romance, guest bloggers
Tags: Katriena Knights Margie Church Noble Romance noble romance romance writers paranormal authors
I wish I had a nickel for every time someone said something along the lines of "Well, yeah, you write...but that's not a REAL job!" The last person who told me that got chased around the yard with a spork until they apologized!
Seriously, writing IS hard. It's taxing in ways that non-writers can never understand, but the same holds true for the rewards that come from it. Congratulations on your first release: Hoping to see a lot more out of you!
Best,
J.S. Wayne
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Katriena has terrific writing/plotting skills. (See the survey results above--not a single negative vote.) She never disappoints the reader.
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