Eliza Knight has agreed to let the JR ladies quiz (oops I mean interview her) about her latest book and writing in general…


What is your most current work out ?
My latest release is an indie book, The Highlander’s Lady, the third book in my Stolen Bride series.

Tell us a little about The Highlander’s Lady and its inspiration:
I was inspired to write this series based on a few things. For one, I love Scottish history—William Wallace and the War for Independence in particular. I thought it would be interesting to write a romantic series that takes place during this time of strife. Each book features a different hero and heroine, but they are all interlinked and fighting not only for their country, but for love.

Here’s a little bit about The Highlander’s Lady: (blurb)
A Highlander tamed…

Laird Daniel Murray seeks adventure, battle and freedom for his countrymen. Putting off his duties as laird—with a promise to his clan he’ll return come spring—Daniel sets off with his men to fight alongside William Wallace and the Bruce. But soon he stumbles across an enchanting lady in need. She tantalizes him with an offer he simply can’t refuse and a desire he attempts to dismiss.

A lady’s passion ignited…

Escaping near death at the treacherous hands of a nearby clan, Lady Myra must find the Bruce and relay the news of an enemy within his own camp. Alone in a world full of danger and the future of her clan at stake, she must trust the handsome, charismatic Highland laird who promises to keep her safe on her journey—and sets her heart to pounding.

Together, Daniel and Myra will risk not only their lives, but their hearts while discovering the true meaning of hope and love in a world fraught with unrest.

When you start writing, do you already have the story plotted out or do you let the characters dictate what will happen?
I always plot first—albeit loosely. I do a chapter by chapter outline, then I sit down to write.  A lot of times the story will take a different turn as I get to know the characters better, but for the most part, I stick to the original plot.

What inspired you to write in your genre?  Is this the genre you started writing in or have you morphed to this one?
I’ve always written historicals, but I’ve written in several different eras. This particular era is a favorite of mine, which is why I chose for the series to take place during that time. The historical events of the 13^th century play a pretty big part in the plot.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?
I fall in love with all of my characters, but I will say that Magnus is my favorite (from The Highlander’s Reward), probably because he kicked the series off. I measure each of my heroes against him.

Who was the toughest character for you to “get right” that you have written so far?
Hmm… The toughest character for me is a heroine named Katherine—in a book that has yet to be published. She is strong, but so badly taken advantage of, and I didn’t want her to come across as weak, so trying to play up her strengths and show her resilience was definitely a challenge.

Do you draw inspiration for your characters from real life? Any fun stories you could share?
I do! I think each character takes a piece of me or someone I know—the rest is all imagination. I am pretty clumsy—and I often make my heroines trip or drop something, just so they can feel my pain, lol.

What do you find the hardest part of writing?
The hardest part for me is ending a story. I don’t want it to end! I know I’ll miss those characters. Probably why I write in series a lot.

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.
I talk like a Smurf in my sleep

Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Chocolate and television!

What TV Show are you addicted to?
Currently addicted to three: Switched at Birth, Arrow and Beauty and the Beast.

What do you need before you start writing?  Anything that is just a must have or the creative juice don’t flow?
A plot. Character charts.

Does music influence your writing?  If so, do any of your stories have a theme song?
Music is a must! Depending on the story I’m writing, I listen to different things. For The Highlander’s Lady, I listened to the soundtrack to Braveheart.

If your story was optioned for a movie, who would play your characters?
What a fun question! Myra would be played by Eva Greene and Daniel would be played by Joe Manganiello.

Where were you when you got your first contract?  Who did you tell first?
I was at my kitchen table, checking emails. It was late at night and I woke up my husband to tell him.

How old were you when you read your first romance book?
Technically 14, but if you count all those fairy tales, since birth.

What author causes you to “go fan girl”/ squeal over/anticipate upcoming books?
Julie Garwood.

If you still have one of those pesky non-writing jobs what is it?
I am lucky enough to make a good living from writing. But I’m a mother of three, does that count?

Do you have a favorite movie you have seen in the last few months and/or an all time favorite?
My all-time favorite is Braveheart. I recently saw Arn, and thought that was fabulous.

What are you currently working on, and what else is in the wings?
I am currently working on the 4^th book in the Stolen Bride series – The Highlander’s Warrior Bride. AND, I am eagerly anticipating the release of my erotic Highlander novel, which is the first in a new series, Behind the Plaid (Highland Bound Trilogy.)

How do you pick your characters names?
Kind of like picking a baby’s name, you see which name fits the best for their personality and features. I try to stick to names that are also relevant to the country/era I’m working in.

Do you prefer the love at first sight approach or a steady growth throughout?
I like both J But I think even if you do the love at first sight, there has to be a believable progression of romance in the relationship.

What is your reaction to people who say one of the following…”Oh you write romance, I thought you were a real writer”, “Romance isn’t a real writing career” or the ever popular “Oh, one of those books”.
I just smile and then offer to pay their bill Okay, that’s what I wish to do. I really just smile and say it’s a fabulous job and I love it, that they should give it a try. Honestly, the hype of 50 Shades really revved up the acceptability of reading/writing romance.

Where can readers find you?
www.elizaknight.com
www.historyundressed.com
Twitter: @ElizaKnight
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor

And for the silly side – What is your favorite type of chocolate? 
My homemade peanut-butter cups!!! (from Alicia Silverstone’s recipe)