First, if you could describe yourself in three words, which words would they be and why?
CK: Energetic, Stubborn, Strong.
I'm energetic because it is the only way for me to achieve things I want out of life. If I lose my energy, then I lose my drive as a "go-getter."
I'm stubborn because if I truly want something, I'll go through hell and highwater to obtain it. If I don't want to do something, I'm not going to do it. I don't like being forced into something I don't want. I can't stand authority. I'm stubborn when it comes to that, I suppose.
I hate intimidation tactics. I'm told by a supervisor at work that we have cameras. My attitude is "yeah, and??" If corporate big brother wants to spy on me, let them. As long as I'm doing my job, what can they say?
I'm strong because I refuse to be weak. It is a mindset I've had since my early twenties. I refuse to let grass grow beneath my feet. By the grace of God, when I'm old and gray, I'll be traveling the world.
What genres do you write and why? Why interracial romance in particular?
CK: Paranormal erotic romance is my first love. I love the explicit details of what goes on between two consenting adults. I grew up reading behind closed door stories, and of course, my dirty little mind craved more info than what was given.
There are other genres I will pursue by the beginning of next year. I have started some stories for young adults.
I write interracial romance because it is something I can identify with, since I'm a black woman who has often been involved in interracial relationships. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon the ebook industry 3 1/2 years ago and discovered these fabulous books!
In the future, I hope to see interracial romances on the stands in Walmart, Target, Barnes N Noble, etc. I know they won't be erotica, but that's okay. I believe the interracial romance books are small in comparison to other genres, but to my understanding it has come a long way baby, and still growing!! I'm happy to be a contributor to that! ; )
Who are your publishers? Where can readers find your work?
CK: My publishers are Amira Press, Sugar and Spice Press, Eirelander Publishing, and XoXo Publishing. My BDSM story, My Dark Lord and Master was recently accepted by XoXo, and is now in the first stages of the editing process.
What inspires you to write? Is there anything you want your readers to get out of your stories?
CK: Well, just about anything can inspire me to write. Some of my stories evolve around some forbidden tales of interracial love in the times of slavery. You know, as a teenager, some of the tales my great-aunts spun were intriguing to me, and piqued my curiosity. Unfortunately, in the times of slavery, there weren't many, if any happy endings. So my little mind kind of re-spun these tales.
I've worked spirits, dragons, demons, vampires and werewolves into these tales, the heroines and heroes are souls who are caught up in the cycle of reincarnation. Reincarnation is another intriguing factor of the paranormal, and I believe in it with all my heart and soul.
When people read my stories, I want them to be able to escape a little from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Honestly, my writing is to help me escape, this is how I wind myself down, like when I read a good book.
Also, I want for folks to know that the color of skin is nothing and people should be accepted for who they are and what they have inside them. Interracial loving is something that is beautiful and should be placed on a pedestal, in my opinion. My reason for feeling this way? Well, because there have been many people who stood up for what they believed in years ago, even centuries ago and were persecuted for simply loving someone of another race. How cruel can that be?
So when you're not writing, what other hobbies do you enjoy?
CK: Well, I enjoy healing and relaxation therapy. Although not a hobby, I enjoy meditating and dealing with chakras and auras. There is a certain level of divination I must achieve before I can reach my true destination of my higher self.
I enjoy listening to music. My tastes vary, with heavy metal and rock being my first love. I enjoy Blues, R & B, some Rap; mostly old school, classical, symphonic metal, classic rock, and New Age.
Very interesting! OK, one last question and I'll let you go, I promise, lol! What is one weird fact about you that you'd like to share with us?
CK: I am not a pack animal, but a solitary creature who is not fond of crowds. While I enjoy people, I'm no social butterfly. When invited to family reunions, I opt to stay home by myself. Well, unless my daughters drag me kicking and screaming, then I'll warm up after I've been there a while. That's just me in a nutshell. I enjoy my solitude. ; )
Well there you have it folks! Charisma Knight is most certainly interesting, don't you think? Check her out at her publishers and give her a go! Leave comments or questions if you have any! That concludes today's interview and thanks for sticking around! :D
Oh and...if you missed yesterday's post you can catch her at her BLOG and this WEBSITE. Have fun browsing!
TK
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