Interview with Zoe McKnight, Author of Living in Glass Houses

1.  Please start by telling us a little bit about yourself. 

I’m a dog-loving, latte-drinking, reality show addict who loves to lose herself in a good book.

2. When did you know that you wanted to write professionally and how did you take the leap to get into the business? 

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. Even in grammar school I would write short stories in between classes and share them with my friends. In high school I wrote a book which never made its way out of my 5 subject notebook. Once I started working, as an adult, I found myself mostly enjoying the assignments that had to do with writing; company newsletters, articles, etc. I then thought how cool it would be if I could get paid for it.

3. Can you tell me a little bit about  your book and what inspired it?

Living in Glass Houses is about the gray areas of life. It follows three adults in their 30’s who are trapped in relationship woes. It’s about deciding between following your heart and playing it safe.

I think relationships are the one thing that brings out the best and worst in people. I wanted to dramatize some of my observations (and dare I say, experiences) to explore the lengths people will go when it comes to love and passion.

4.  What do you hope that readers take way with them after reading your book? 

That life is not black and white and that sometimes good people make bad decisions, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart.

5. I find it interesting to know what environment authors find most productive… Do you use a pen and paper or laptop? Quiet room at home or bustling café? Basically, what gets your creative juices flowing?

I’m all about my laptop. I don’t know that I’d ever be able to hand write an entire novel. Hats off to the writers who can. As for venue, it all depends on where I am in my writing process. Early on, while I’m still brainstorming and basically throwing ideas against the wall, I can write at my local Starbuck’s. But once I’m in the final stretch or editing, I need quiet. I’ll lock myself in my bedroom with no music, no TV and no cellphone so that I can focus. Strangely enough, most of my best ideas pop into my head while I’m driving or late at night when I’m in bed. So I make sure and keep a pen and notepad on my nightstand.

6.  What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The toughest criticism? Hmmm. I was once told that a piece of my work wasn’t believable. I know, that’s hardly harsh. But for me it was difficult to swallow because I strive so hard for my writing to be realistic, to be something my readers can relate to and identify with.

As for the compliment, someone told that they saw their own life in my book. That meant a lot.

7. What book is currently on your nightstand? And who are some of your favorite authors?

Right now, I’m reading the Girl who Played with Fire, by Stieg Larsson and Where We Belong by Emily Giffin. She’s definitely one of my favs, along with Philippa Gregory and Margaret George. I’m also a fan of Judy Blume and John Grisham.

8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I’m a huge movie buff and at the risk of sounding like a typical woman, I love to shop. And it doesn’t have to be for clothes, I’ll shop for anything: electronics, nail polish, home decor, anything. I like to hunt for good deals and to comparison shop.

9. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

If you have something to say, then say it. Don’t wait for the right time or to take any special classes or for inspiration to strike. Just do it. The skills, polishing and tools will all come in time. Just make sure and get your ideas down on paper. And write everyday if you can. You’d be surprised what brilliance you can come up with on a whim.

10. What can we expect from you next?

The sequel to Living in Glass Houses is in the works. It should be out by November 1. It follows the story of Blair and Vaughn from the first book. So much of the feedback I received was about the two of them and what happens next, so I decided to continue their story in my next novel.

11.   Do any animals share your life? Please tell us about them.

I’m a HUGE animal lover. I have two dogs. A ten-year old Cocker Spaniel who is both anti-social and a bit neurotic and an eight-year old Golden Retriever with the sweetest disposition in the world. They are the loves of my life. I could hang out with them all day long.

And now for a little bit of fun:)  This or That? 

Coffee or Tea?  Coffee

Sweet or Salty?  Sweet

Beach or Lake?  Beach

Winter or Summer?  Summer

Cats or Dogs?  Dogs

Zombies or Vampires?  Vampires

Country or City? City

Shower or Bath?   Shower

Morning or Evening? Morning

M&Ms or Skittles? M&Ms

Trains or Planes? Trains

Comedy or Drama? Drama

Title:  Living in Glass Houses
Author:  Zoe McKnight

Reading Level:  Adult
Genre: Chick Lit

Release Date: March 7th 2012

Size:  318 pages

Find the book: Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble  

Living in Glass Houses is a contemporary story about three friends, all at a crossroads after discovering that even the best laid plans don’t always result in the life you want. It’s about navigating the murky waters of relationships and friendships and having the courage to make those hard, life-altering decisions which mark the difference between existing and living.

Jonathan is a do-gooding college basketball coach in a relationship with a woman whose Park Avenue upbringing is at constant odds with his Main Street way of life. It’s a life he’s conceded to accept until he meets a woman who awakens in him everything he's been missing and is now uncertain he can live without.

Elle is a NYC editor whose type-A personality has afforded her a fulfilling lifestyle in which she rarely doesn’t get what she wants. That’s until a failed relationship causes her walls to come crashing down around her. The man, who everyone agreed was her perfect other half, leaves her confused, insecure and incapable of moving on, even after she meets someone who’s nothing like her, but who completes her in the strangest of ways.

Blair is an optimistic good girl, turned jaded wife. After ten years of a disappointing marriage, she decides to reclaim her happiness and fill the void left by her wealthy, philandering husband. Just when everything she’s ever dreamed of is finally within her grasp, she’s haunted by her past, forcing her to make a decision which will forever change the path of her life.

Zoe McKnight was born and raised in New York City. When she’s not writing she can be found reading or satisfying her reality show fix. Her two favorite things are eggnog lattes and the love of her neurotic ten-year old cocker spaniel. Living in Glass Houses is her first novel. The sequel, ‘Til Our Lies Do Us Part, will be released later this Fall. 

Connect with the Author:  Website  | Twitter   | Facebook  

Blog Tour Schedule: http://www.clpblogtours.com/2012/07/living-in-glass-houses-by-zoe-mcnight.html