JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Rhonda McKnight, author of Secrets and Lies
(Kensington Publishers)
(One of the first ten people to comment on Rhonda McKnight’s author interview will win a FREE copy of Secrets and Lies from JoeyPinkney.com)
Secrets and Lies is the story of a couple struggling to keep their troubled marriage together after the husband’s coworker accuses him of the unthinkable.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Secrets and Lies?
Rhonda McKnight: I was deep in marital woes when the pain of this couple came to me. I would say that helped with the realistic, emotional struggle that unravels as you turn the pages, but it’s not my story. That would be boring.
I did the “what if” thing. What if a marriage was bad and then something happened to make it worse? And that something was out of their control? And it not only affected the marriage, but a career? The career of a work-a-holic? I just rolled with the “what ifs” from there until I had the twist and turns.
JP: Marriage is simply complex. What are some of the lessons that can be drawn from Secrets and Lies that can make navigating the difficulties of marriage less of a blind journey?
RM: Communicate. Know that marriage is a union where emotional intimacy is critical to the success of the relationship. Trust your partner with all of you, all of your hurts and pains. Don’t turn secrets into lies. It’s a betrayal of trust.
JP: How were you able to get so many in depth reviews of Secrets and Lies before it was released?
RM: I think being with a mainstream publisher helped with the credibility of my writing, but I didn’t rely on that. I developed relationships with reviewers. I mean they’re book lovers just like me, so I introduced myself to them on their blogs and in chat rooms and message boards.
When I put out the call for reviews, people were interested. I’m naturally out going, and I love to meet people, so that was easy for me. It might not be as easy for an introverted author. Suggestions for them would be to make sure they have a professionally developed press kit. Also, make an effort to publicize some samples of your writing.
I introduced some short stories on a blog way back in February and posted it everywhere. People knew ahead of time that I could tell a story, and they were probably fairly certain they wouldn’t want to throw the book against a wall.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Secrets and Lies?
RM: Secrets and Lies from start to finish – forever. Four years on and off. Maybe a good year or more of actual hands on the keyboard writing and editing time. I had a baby and finished grad school while I was pecking away at this story.
As for my process, I write the beginning of my story because it comes to me very visually; usually through two or three chapters. Then I do extensive character outlines, so I get to know the people. I follow that with plotting. I like a detailed outline.
I didn’t do one for Secrets and Lies, but I did for my second book and wrote the first draft in less than six weeks. I’ll never not outline again.
JP: What’s next for Rhonda McKnight?
RM: I’m promoting this novel and working on several writing projects. I have a book release party scheduled for Saturday, Dec 5th here in Atlanta and on Dec 13th in Manning, SC. (More about those on my website on the events page).
I have several Internet radio interviews and blog features (like this one) scheduled through the end of February. I’m participating in several local booksignings, and then in the March I’ll do some touring that will last through June. I’m working on an anthology project that will release Spring 2010.
My biggest event for 2010 will be the annual Faith and Fiction Retreat – June 18 and 19th in Atlanta. Details at www.faithandfictionretreat.com. I’ll be there with some awesome authors, like Kimberla Lawson Roby, Victoria Christopher Murray , Tiffany L. Warren and more, and then of course our beloved readers. Wouldn’t be any fun without them.
http://www.rhondamcknight.net/
http://www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight
http://www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight
http://www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com/
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Hello Joey,
Thanks for hosting me on your site. I appreciate you helping me get the word out about Secrets and Lies and that you do for authors.
Blessings,
Rhonda
It is truly an honor and a pleasure to host this with you. You are such an inspiration to me. I really feel good that you came out to see me and my Soul Brothers when we were in Atlanta. I’ll never forget that.
Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight.
1) ???
2) ???
3) ???
4) ???
5) ???
6) ???
7) ???
8) ???
9) ???
10) ???
Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.
I always find it interesting to read how people go about their book writing! I like how she didn’t depend on her “mainstream publisher” to do all the work. I like that!
Love what you do!
Karlett
Rhonda from the first time you requested me on Facebook i knew you were about something 🙂 As I have been following your campaign trail for your book I have to say I’m impressed by how u promoted it as well as the fact that u related it to the personal issues u were dealing with. In my opinion it’s not about how long it taked to write the book but the quality behind it! you my dear are on the right track and I happen to think that Urban Chrisitian is a awesome outfit and that they only take on the best as I have read practically every book that has come from the publisher! They must have known there was something special about you so congrats my dear! May god grant you every suscess in this and your future endavors 🙂
You’re a doll Lakisha. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you as well.
Great interview, It was really nice to hear about the thought process & how it all came to be. I’m glad that your requested me on FB, you seem to truly be a great woman that is fulfilling a dream by using the gift that God has given you. You are encouragement to me to continue using my gifts.
My mom & I usually read together so that we can talk about the book we’re reading as we read.. We’re very excited to read your book..
Continued Blessings
Erika
Hiiii Rhonda!!!!!!!! And thank you for the interview, Joey (I will always throw that in :)).
I’m so excited about your book, Rhonda. The real to life depiction within stories is what draws me in. I love stories that aren’t all peaches and creams…because life isn’t. Give me authenticity and you’ll have me buried in your book. And I already know you can write, Girl!
This interview was so helpful. Especially about the introverted author. So, I thank you for that information on different ways to get myself out there. I’m not introverted when it comes to regular communication per se, but when it comes to promoting and networking I’m not really doing what I should be doing to get myself ready for when I finally finish my book.
And the information about the outlining is very useful and so true. I hope I win the drawing for the book!! lol
Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight.
1) Karlette Dubose
2) Lakisha
3) Erika E
4) Angela Riley
5) ???
6) ???
7) ???
8) ???
9) ???
10) ???
Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.
Add me on the list. I like the title for sure and would love to read her work.
I enjoyed this interview, definately gotta keep my eye on her. Seems like she’s an amazing woman.
Thanks Larry.
Rhonda you are everywhere!!!!! Great interview. Do your thing, girl.
Wonderful interview. I’ve had my eye on this book for a while now, so I really really want to win it. (Ya hear that, Joey?) 🙂 As a writer, I love how she’s able to use outlines to plot out her stories. I’m not there yet. Maybe one day when I grow up…
Stay the course K.L. It’s all a process. Stay the course.
Hi Ronda
Great concept for your book! Very catchy. And I wish you all the very best.
Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight.
1) Karlette Dubose
2) Lakisha
3) Erika E
4) Angela Riley
5) Adrienna
6) Larry Wilson
7) Iris Celeste
8) K.L. Brady
9) Oneal Walters
10) ???
Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.
Wow Rhonda,What a fascinating interview thankyou for sharing your time and expertise with us. It sounds like you have truly perfected the art of writing. Someone like me, can learn a lot from a such a gifted writer like yourself. I think it was genius of you to develop relationships, and colaborate with reviewers who share your same love and passion of books (good networking). I sense an extra special vibe about your book, and can’t wait to read it! May all your wishes and dreams come true.
Thanks Kristen. I appreciate you stopping by. Thanks for the kind words and well wishes.
Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Secrets and Lies by Rhonda McKnight.
1) Karlette Dubose
2) Lakisha
3) Erika E
4) Angela Riley
5) Adrienna
6) Larry Wilson
7) Iris Celeste
8) K.L. Brady
9) Oneal Walters
10) Kristen Brickey
A winner will be chosen momentarily.
Awesome Interview! I enjoyed learning more about Rhonda and the process that she takes to create her masterpieces. Rhonda is very Humble and Sincere. There in lies a Great Story Teller w/a mix of “Real Life”. Job Well Done Joey! <3
Thanks Sharmina. I appreciate your kind comments.
Joey Pinkney
November 16th, 2009
And the winner is…
Iris Celeste
I’ll email you for the mailing info.
Thank you everybody for participating. Thank you Rhonda McKnight for providing the prize.
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