CHRW Meet The Member:

Eliza Knight

How long have you been a member of Celtic Hearts?
I believe it is going on five years or so.

What prompted you to join this chapter?
I was writing Scottish romance, and I wanted to join a chapter where other authors were also writing in that genre. (I’m also Irish, so partial to all things Celtic!)

What are some of the benefits you favor most about being a member of RWA and/or CHRW?
I have found the best part of being a member is the camaraderie, the friendships, the networking, the support. Without it, I would be lost. I have met some of my best friends through RWA, and I’ve had some of my best times at conferences.

You’ve recently signed with a publisher. Tell us about your writing journey before and after this point in your life, and the details about your upcoming releases.
I am published with Ellora’s Cave, Carina Press and self-published. The writing journey is going to be different for everyone. It all hinges on so many factors. Genre, length, timing, voice, skill, networking. When I first started writing, I knew only what my heart told me. I bought a few books, joined RWA. My writing has drastically changed over the years. Not necessarily from classes, because I’ve never had a lot of time to take too many workshops, but from the art of writing—the actual doing. The advice from critique partners, my editors and agents has helped me to grow. My writing journey is constantly changing, depending on what I’m writing, who I’m writing it for (house), and what the genre is. I write in multiple genres.

I think one day down the road I might have to choose one genre over the other, but for now, I’m writing what I like and what my readers like—and if my editor/agent asks for something.

Writing before I was published was more of whim. I didn’t have demands or deadlines, I could spend weeks doing research and daydreaming before my fingers touched the keyboard. Even in my early publishing days (2008), I didn’t see too many deadlines or demands. But now, with 17 books either released or soon to be released, 4 projects I’m currently working on to be submitted—and three children—I can’t write when the fancy strikes. I have only a certain amount of time a day, and if I’m going to finish my projects on time, I have to write daily. I can’t have writer’s block either—there’s no time. Fortunately, I love writing and the creative juices never seem to ebb.

Wow, that was long-winded, and I’m not even sure I really answered the question… Details about upcoming releases! Okay, I have a short—quickie (15K), titled HIGHLAND STEAM, that will be releasing with Ellora’s Cave in the next month! Yay! It’s another time-travel Highlander erotic romance, not humorous like the others, more of an emotional, romantic journey, but definitely hot. Additionally, under the name Annabelle Weston, two more books in the Desert Heat series will released with Ellora’s Cave later this year. Expect another medieval novel, Regency novella and three more short time-travels this year or early next year.

If you could be transported back in time for a day, when and where would you want to go?
This is a hard question!!! I have three favorite eras—Tudor England, Regency England and medieval Scotland… Can I have three days? No? Just one? Hmm… Okay, medieval Scotland, but only if I’m the lady and I’m with the HAWT Highland chief dressed only in a plaide, with sizzling muscles and he’s taking me for a ride—on his horse of course, lol.

If you could have any super hero power, what would it be?
I would want the ability to freeze time. I need more time during the day. I feel like with each passing year, the moments are shorter. Like 1 minute is 30 seconds, one hour is 30 minutes, 1 week is 1 day… It makes me sad. I want to spend more time with my family. I want more time to write. I want more time to read, and do fun things.

Share 7 fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
1. I love to dance to club music. 

2. I am afraid of deer (attacked once at a petting zoo, no joke!). 

3. I used to be a model and actress. 

4. I like to put lines my friends/family have said in my books and see if they notice. 

5. I am a list freak. My lists have lists. 

6. I hate fast-food. 

7. I am currently addicted to the Oregon Trail app my daughter put on my phone.