Deidre Knight is a literary agent, mom, wife, novelist and southern woman, and proud to answer to all of these titles. Deidre began her writing career at age nine, when her award-winning essay on Barbie was published in her hometown newspaper, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. She has been writing in one form or another ever since. After nearly a decade of working with Knight Agency clients, helping them discover their creative potential, Deidre’s dream of writing romance came true in the form of her very own debut series THE MIDNIGHT WARRIORS which concluded with PARALLEL DESIRE in December of 2007.
Hello, World! Prepare to be shocked…or not!
Okay, so shall we get truly confessional here? I’ve been asked to share three unusual facts about myself, the sort that most people don’t know. And I was a bit stumped, surprisingly enough. The expiration date on my pedicure seemed a little too shocking; the working-in-pajamas-sometimes too bland; the Blackberry addiction too well-documented. What to share, what to share?
The fact is, there was a point for me when I believed I was finished with writing for good. Yes, it’s true—and probably shocking for many of you who know me and my love of telling stories. I stopped writing around 1996 after many years of penning scripts, movie reviews, plays, you name it. That was the year that I started The Knight Agency (I’m a literary agent by day, representing other authors to publishers). I think launching the agency simply required all my creative focus for a while, but at the time I thought, “Well, I guess I’ll help others get published. That wasn’t really meant to be.” (Ahem. Yeah, don’t you want to shake 1996 me a little bit?)
Well, writing is an unshakable burn for most authors, and I proved no exception. In 2000 I was lured back to the keyboard, and here’s revelation number two…watch out, don’t miss it…I started writing fanfiction! For the next three years I wrote my heart out and developed a healthy online following for my stories. In fact, without fanfiction, I’m not sure I ever would have gotten back in the game, not with a strong level of writing discipline, so I can definitely say that I’m published today because of it.
I think my experiences in online fandoms and with fanfiction gave me a strong appreciation of precisely how many readers were spending time online. The only difference was that the fanfiction writers weren’t getting paid for their work, but that didn’t mean they didn’t develop rabid, addicted readership bases. I’d seen that firsthand: after all, my fans translated my online stories into Polish, Spanish and Italian. So, it’s not hard for me to see the future of electronic publishing, and to see why Samhain is growing so explosively—plus, of course, they’re absolutely smart people, dedicated to bringing great books to readers, and they’re also very devoted to their authors.
I threw a fastball above, revealing that I’ve been translated into other languages online, but I’m not done. Here’s one more: my upcoming Samhain novel, BUTTERFLY TATTOO, was my first novel after I stopped writing fanfiction and decided to focus exclusively on original works—and hopefully get published in the process. The novel probably owes some of its freshness to the fact that I’d just come out of a very accepting online environment. One where I’d experienced creative freedom, and an ability to write whatever crazy idea spoke to me, then offer that work to readers.
I don’t think I’ve ever lost that love of telling a unique story, one that’s complicated or offbeat in some way. And that’s another reason why I love writing for Samhain—I have the freedom to try unique ideas there.
Oh, and one last fact that nobody knows: BUTTERFLY TATTOO was rejected by probably twenty-five different editors in New York. Over and over, the novel would find one key champion at a publishing house, maybe several, but none of them could ever get approval to buy the book. But guess what, often in this business it’s a matter of timing—and when Samhain launched, I knew in my heart that they would be the one. I’ll never forget receiving that call from Angie! It was the fulfillment of a four year journey…and a dream.
So, you know the drill. Stop by Samhain and check out Deidre’s book Parallel Fire. Come back and answer the question: Where were Anna and Nevin marooned for a chance to win a copy of the book.
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DarleneW
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 11:32 am:
Answer: deep in the Wyoming backcountry.
I love being first.
I have been thinking of trying fan fiction but it is such a contraversial thing… I do have permission from one author but I have heard others look at is as copyright infringement.
Marie
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 11:35 am:
Great excerpt!
Answer: Deep in the Wyoming backcountry.
K. Nelson
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 11:46 am:
Hey Deidre!
You probably don’t remember me but we met about 2+ years ago at a little author panel event you did in the lovely town of Wetumpka, AL. You were there with Wendy Wax and Kelley St. John and Jennifer Echols. I attended that wonderful panel discussion and learned so much from you lovely ladies!
Also, it was a blast to discover your Parallel series and the fact that you were a fellow Roswellian! Pass me the Tabasco, please!
So great to see that you have work out with Samhain now. Looking forward to checking it out. Lurvvve the cover, hon.
Here’s my question for you: If you could use only one word to describe Butterfly Tatoo, what would it be?
Trivia Answer: Anna and Nevin marooned in Wyoming backcountry.
Maria Lokken
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 12:13 pm:
Hi Deidre!
So glad you’re with us at RNTV. The way Angela talks about your upcoming book Butterfly Tattoo I MUST read it. Sounds amazing.
I’m curious – what’s the best thing about being a literary agent?
Paige
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 12:34 pm:
Hi Deidre,
Just read the synopsis for Butterfly Tattoo. It sounds like it will break my heart and then put it back together again. I’m looking forward to it. How did you keep going after all those rejections?
Answer to the question is the Wyoming back country.
Natasha A.
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 1:11 pm:
I think that is a great story. I am amazed at how everything is such a small world. I am going to have to check out your stuff. Thanks Deidre!
Oh, and to answer your question: Wyoming backcountry
pambook
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 1:11 pm:
Hi Deidre, I ‘m a fan of the Parallel books and have them all, including the ebook. Butterfly Tattoo sound like a good emotional story, isn’t it great that places like Samhain are around to publish books that don’t meet those NY trends.
cyclops8
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 2:41 pm:
Hi Deidre,
Looking forward to the release of “Butterfly Tattoo.”
Anna and Nevin were marooned deep in the Wyoming backcountry.
Karin
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 2:50 pm:
Hi Deidre!
I think it’s great that fanfiction helped you find your way back to writing. The people who frequent fanfic sites are definitely rabid about the stories they like and aren’t afraid to request more from the author. Not only that, but the sites are definitely places to stretch your writing abilities and try things you might never have considered before. I know since I helped run a very popular fanfic site for the last three years.
Anna and Nevin were marooned deep in the Wyoming backcountry.
Sandie
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 3:00 pm:
Hi Dierdre, I enjoyed your 3 unusal facts. You seem to be very busy and talented. I’m not entering your contest since I alread have and love your Parallel Fire.
Sandie
Lisa F.
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 3:03 pm:
They are marooned in the Wyoming backcountry. I loved that excerpt by the way.
Fedora
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 3:49 pm:
Thanks for sharing today, Deidre! I’m glad you found a publisher for this particular story–I’m sure it’ll resonate with many readers! As for Anna and Nevin, they’re deep in the Wyoming backcountry… what a place to get marooned!
Deidre Knight
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 4:13 pm:
Hey, DarleneW! Great question/reflection about fanfiction. The material based off of television and movies is much less controversial than fanfiction based on another writer’s work. In the case of the latter, because they are the same format, it makes authors nervous that they’ll be accused of stealing some fanfic writer’s ideas. Generally, the movie/tv people don’t mind at all because they’re totally different formats. It’s a great way to learn to write, and I’ve met a lot of published authors who started in the same way!
Hey, K. Nelson! Totally remember you! And, yep, Roswellian all the way!! WOOT!! As for Butterfly in one word, wow, that’s a toughie. I’d say redemptive.
Hi, Maria! GREAT to be here! I’ve been out of pocket all day (speaking of agenting!), and am just now online. The best part of agenting? I’d say the thrill of discovering a great new author–then watching them go from first sale and grow into a bestseller. For instance, I discovered Gena Showalter as an unpublished writer, and now LOOK!!! The woman is not only incredibly gifted and a wonderful person, she’s a force of nature! LOL!
Gonna post this, then start part two! Hugs!!!
Deidre Knight
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 4:18 pm:
hi, Paige!
Great question about the rejections. It was definitely discouraging! Especially because as an agent I know too much, in some ways, about this business. But what I decided to do was to set the manuscript aside and try something totally different. I jammed out a proposal for what became the PARALLEL series in 90 days, and it sold very quickly–in large part due to my publisher having read and appreciated BUTTERFLY. So, it helped sell me, so to speak, and I just decided to sit on it while i worked on the PARALLEL books…and now look how fortunate I am?!? I have Samhain publishing it in two months!!
Hey, Pambook! Thanks for the kind words about the PARALLEL books. I also launched a new series this past October, Gods of Midnight. The first book in taht series was RED FIRE–immortal Spartan warriors. yuuuummmy.
Karin, you summed up all my feelings about writing fic in a nutshell. I’m the writer I am today because of that time “in the trenches”, and it really encourages you to try anything.
Sandie, thanks for loving PARALLEL FIRE! I loved writing that one. It was actually a plotline that grew too big for the fourth Parallel book, PARALLEL DESIRE, and it became clear that Nevin and Anna were NOT going to be quiet. So I just gave them a full stage!!
Deidre Knight
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 4:18 pm:
Thanks to all of you who said you’re looking forward to Butterfly, btw!! I can’t wait to share it. hugs
Liane Gentry Skye
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 5:08 pm:
Deidre, I’ve been so anxious to read this ever since we discussed it over (delicious LOL) greasy cheeseburgers. I’m so glad Samhain had the foresight to see the beauty in the story of your heart! BIG HUG!***
Nancy L
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 5:34 pm:
Deidre, I was astounded when I saw you had stopped writing because you are such a natural. I can’t even imagine that. Please keep filling up my shelves.
WOOT!!! for BUTTERFLY TATTOO’s upcoming release.
I’m in line right behind Liane to read it. The cover ROCKS!!!
Hugs!
Kim
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 5:40 pm:
Hi Deidre,
Loved all of the Parallel books, thanks for giving me hours of reading enjoyment! Scott and Jake OMG, that all I have to say.
The answer is deep in the Wyoming backcountry.
Marisa
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 6:06 pm:
Hi Deidre – so glad you could be with us today. I admire your stick-to-it-tiveness – it has really inspired me. Tomorrow when I’m wanting to sleep in, instead of pursing my dreams, I’m going to be thinking of you.
Karen
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 6:45 pm:
Answer: deep in the Wyoming backcountry
Hi Deidre! I am excited about Butterfly Tattoo as well. Good luck to you!
Chris
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 6:51 pm:
Deirdre – Ok, that’s inspirational, learning that you went from writing fanfiction to being a published author of original works (notwithstanding a lot of submission pain in between).
Marooned in the Wyoming backcountry? Marooned makes me think of an island, not a dry and landlocked state!
Heidi F
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 9:05 pm:
Hi Deidre, I’m glad you went back to writing. Your books are great! How many books are you going to have in your PARALLEL series? Looking forward to more! It’s a great series.
Answer: Anna and Nevin were marooned in the Wyoming backcountry.
Lynda
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 9:52 pm:
Answer – marooned deep in the Wyoming backcountry
I can’t wait to continue reading the Parallel series!
Amy S.
on Feb 5th, 2009
@ 10:17 pm:
Deep in the Wyoming backcountry
dd03
on Feb 6th, 2009
@ 4:02 am:
Answer: The Wyoming backcountry
Marisa
on Feb 6th, 2009
@ 1:31 pm:
HI All!
Deidre has picked a winner – Congratulations to Lisa F. for winning a copy of Parallel Fire! Please send your email address to alphamail@romancenovel.tv
Buffie
on Feb 6th, 2009
@ 3:45 pm:
Hey Deidre! Sorry I missed your blog yesterday. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to talk with you some time.
Lisa F.
on Feb 9th, 2009
@ 6:51 pm:
Thanks so much for the contest and I’ve sent my email address to you.