THE CREATIVE WRITING WORKBOOK: get the hands-on approach to the
adventure of writing from award-winning author Susanne Marie Knight. A
wonderful resource to begin your writing adventure! Updated!
Learn
by doing: plotting, characterization, point of view, dialogue, and much more.
Stretch your imagination with writing exercises and examples from Susanne’s
Romance Writing with a Twist!
THE
CREATIVE WRITING WORKBOOK is your own personal passport into the joyful world
of writing. Also including is the top-rated family-favorite short story romance
“Happy Anniversary” to use as a guide as you analyze the topics. Take advantage
of Susanne’s unique spin on the creative process.
Remember,
writing is not just a job, it’s an adventure!
Print cover of 1999, 2006 edition
A few copies of this print edition are still
available at www.susanneknight.com/orders
Praise for Susanne Marie Knight and THE CREATIVE
WRITING WORKBOOK:
A Hands-On Approach To The Adventure Of Writing
Susanne
Marie Knight has been described as a formidable talent, a rare gem, and a
talented, versatile author. For unprecedented adventure, turn the pages of THE
CREATIVE WRITING WORKBOOK to see if you agree.
--Regency Fiction World
A
wonderful reference resource for the beginning creative writer. The simple yet
effective exercises included in THE CREATIVE WRITING WORKBOOK will entice
anyone who might suffer from writer’s block.
--Norwood Book Reviews
THE
CREATIVE WRITING WORKBOOK contains advice for writers at all levels. A
must-have reference book. I’ll be referring to this again and again.
S. Girard, poet, author of Expressions... The
Journey Continues
THE CREATIVE
WRITING WORKBOOK is a writer’s best friend!
--C. Wiley, prepublished author
Susanne
Marie Knight is a talented, versatile author whose books run from this light
traditional Regency with a magical element, to time-travel, sci-fi romance,
paranormal romantic suspense, mystery, and contemporary romance.
--Romance Reviews Today
Ms.
Knight captures romance perfectly from first glance to the finish line so to
speak.
--Word On Romance
Ms.
Knight [does] a superb job of portraying truly delightful characters. Ms.
Knight promises “Romance Writing with a Twist” and she certainly delivers.
--Road To Romance
If you would like to receive two of my
dynamite pdf handouts from my appearance at Wal-Mart’s Words Are Your Wheels
(Getting Started and Four Writing Exercises To Help You Get Started), email info@susanneknight.com, subject line:
THE CREATIVE WRITING WORKBOOK Handouts, for the two pdf files. Thank you!
Golden Wings Award
WINNER--Best Overall Historical Romance Read
My
award-winning Regency romance, A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE, holds a very special
place in my heart. When you view the cover, you’ll understand why! But before I
get into that, let’s look at the genesis of the story. I wanted to try my hand
at writing a Regency with an American heroine as a contemporary with her
Regency peers. The idea of feisty American pitted against a proper Englishman
intrigued me. No time-travel is involved here. Since this Regency is set in
1814, the War of 1812 is raging behind the scenes. This seemed a perfect
background for the heroine, Nicolette Turner, and hero, Victor Kincaid (Lord
Cushing), to be at odds with each other for their external conflict.
Nicolette
is summoned to travel across the Atlantic by her English grandfather, Lord
Eldridge--a man who disinherited her beloved father. This novel takes place in
Long Melford, Suffolk, and London, with a honeymoon trip to Southwold. I also
wanted to have some of the characters from another one of my Regencies, The
Reluctant Landlord, make a brief appearance. So in addition to
creating Nicolette and Victor’s story, I had to decide where to introduce
Katrina Jones and Quentin Thornhill, revisiting their personalities, along with
a few of the other characters.
An American Rose: American Nicolette Turner has a bone to pick with
the British. Not only is her country’s maritime rights being violated, but her
English grandfather, Lord Eldredge, demands that she travel across the Atlantic
to visit him. What she doesn’t know is that he intends for her to marry,
thereby staying in England and having lots of babies.
The most eligible suitor is neighbor Victor Kincaid. Victor has severe
money problems. Lord Eldredge offers to take care of the debts... if Victor
marries Nicolette. At first Victor believes she’s a fortune-hunter, but soon
becomes captivated by her. Can he convince her he wants more than a marriage of
convenience?
Artist’s concept cover
A CONTINENTAL
MARRIAGE is published by Wings Pressand has been from the beginning. Here is
the book trailer:
Lord Cushing proposes and Nicolette accepts… only
because her grandfather’s money sweetens the deal. Where does love fit into
this financial transaction?
This book has been
on the publisher’s best-seller list and is a Golden Wings Award WINNER for Best
Overall Historical Romance 2007. It has also been on the Fictionwise.com’s
best-seller list and earned 5 Stars on Amazon.com and Joyfully Reviewed.
This book is part of the
prestigious Elegant Regencies line.
Also,
a fan’s husband very kindly sent me a unique gift. His wife loves A CONTINENTAL
MARRIAGE so he created this “First Day Of Issue” envelope to commemorate the
book. There’s a bit of time-travel going on here, either that or precognition.
In 1993, I hadn’t written this book yet; it was published in 2007!
For those of you who like to read reviews, here they
come!
Golden Wings Award WINNER--Best Overall Historical Romance Read
5
Stars! A
story of misunderstandings and growing up is the easiest way to describe A Continental Marriage. It seems that
Nicolette and Victor are never going to be able to be completely together due
to one misunderstanding after an other, but the author does a very good job in
showing how these misunderstandings are brought to light and reconciled. I
think Ms. Knight has written a wonderful addition to the historical romance
genre. She took the time to research how long correspondence would have taken
as well as how expensive it might be etc… I was drawn into the story early on
and I enjoyed the entire story. A
Continental Marriage is a great addition to any historical romance fan’s
library.--Joyfully Reviewed
5
Stars!--Amazon.com
4
Roses!
Susanne Marie Knight just proved how talented of a writer she is with her new
release, A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweetly written
Regency about a marriage of convenience. It is definitely going to please the
historical romance reader! I just loved Knight's writing style and voice. Just
by words alone, she was able to transport me back in time to Regency England. I
didn't feel like a spectator when reading her book; instead, I felt like I was
part of the story! I love when an author can affect me like that. I have to
admit that I like a well-written story about marriages where both the
participants slowly fall in love with one another. Nicolette and Victor are
both very likable and you can't help but feel sorry for their unfortunate
circumstances. Even the eccentric secondary characters are likable and add
additional flavor to this charming romance. I thoroughly enjoyed Susanne Marie
Knight's historical romance, A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE. It's a well-written story
that this historical reader wouldn't hesitate to read again.--Romance Reader at
Heart
4 Books! When Nicolette Turner is forced to travel across the
sea into "enemy" territory, to England and the estranged grandfather
she blames for her family's hardships, she has no idea what awaits her. Her
cantankerous grandfather is the least of her problems. English
snobbery...gossiping tongues... and worst, the handsome baron who lives next to
her grandfather’s estate, who seems to think Nicolette is a money-grubbing,
uncultured savage from the backwoods of America. From almost the first page of A
Continental Marriage, I felt a
connection with Nicolette. Though pretty and spirited, as any romance heroine
should be, she did not come across as a cliche. I loved the way she thumbed her
nose at a wealthy society who looked down on her merely because she was not
English. But I also liked the way the author gave her a soft and vulnerable
side. It gave her a well rounded believability which is all important for me,
as a reader. I really felt I was there, living out this adventure, and I really
enjoyed falling in love with the handsome Victor Kincaid. There were a few mild
curses, but much less than you’d probably see in an hour of regular TV. And
best of all, the focus was on the romance that developed between the two main
characters, without the panting and groaning that make some romances feel more
like a really bad prank call. The romantic tension was there without all that
stuff, and a better story for it. A delightful read.--Long and Short Reviews
Susanne Marie Knight's
romances have an imagination that sets them apart.--D.L.
Recommended
reading! A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE, LOVE AT THE TOP, and LORD DARVER'S MATCH. I
thoroughly enjoyed these books.--M.T.
I enjoyed A
CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE so much, I'm giving this book to my friend!--H.B.
Beautiful cover!
Perfect for Regencies.--E.A.
This is a
wonderful story! I truly enjoyed A CONTINENTAL MARRIAGE.--L.B.
I really enjoyed this
book. It's a great story!--M.C.
I loved this one!
Glad to see the characters for THE RELUCTANT LANDLORD. It's always nice to
visit with characters we loved from past books.--L.H.
Oh, I fell in love
with Victor and Nicolette! Thank you for a great read.--S.C.
I've been waiting
for this book. Love the cover!--B.K.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now
for the big reveal... and a tidbit from real life! Nicolette is referred to as
an American rose. In one of my
daughter’s high school graduation pictures, she’s in a country setting and is
holding a red rose. I couldn’t resist; I submitted the photo to the Wings cover
artist. She agreed with me that this picture would make a perfect cover for A Continental Marriage. As you see the
result, it’s a beautiful fit!
Scene set-up: The
following shows the first instance where Nicolette--or Lady Nicolette as she is
now known--is referred to as an American rose. The scene is in Victor Kincaid’s
(Lord Cushing’s) point of view. He meets her for the first time and disapproves
of her. The Duke of Devonshire (actual person) and the Earl of Eldridge
(Nicholette’s grandfather) also are included.
Nicolette now
sat next to the Duke of Devonshire, looking as attentive as any of the
debutantes hungrily eying the bachelor duke. Perhaps her previous consternation
had been all a ruse. Was she angling to become a duchess?
Victor joined
in their conversation.
“Oh, hallo,
Cushing.” The duke scratched at his auburn hair. “I was just telling Lady
Nicolette that I regret I must take my leave tomorrow and return to London.
Lord Liverpool has requested my presence.”
“Blasted
politics,” Lord Eldridge chimed in. “Congress of Vienna just opened, you know.
Castlereagh’s there to represent British interest against those Frenchies.”
Victor winced.
Did Lord Eldredge forget his granddaughter was half French? “Lord Castlereagh’s
our foreign secretary, Lady Nicolette,” he explained. “Now that Bonaparte has
been banished to the island of Elba--”
“I’m
knowledgeable on current affairs, Lord Cushing.” She sent him a freezing glare.
“And Lord Liverpool is your prime minister. I do try to read the newspaper
every day. After all, your country is still at war with mine, isn’t it?”
The Duke of
Devonshire clapped his hands together. “Touché, Cushing, touché! Our American
rose has got you dead to rights.” He inclined his head. “I do hope, my dear,
with all my heart that we can also be done with this war as we are now through
with Emperor Bonaparte.”
She extended
her small hand. “I hope as you do, your grace, and I also hope you have a
pleasant journey tomorrow.”
After the duke
shook her hand, she stood and raised her voice to carry through the room. “Good
night, everyone. It was very nice to meet you all.” As she glanced down at
Victor, her expression hardened. Obviously she had not enjoyed meeting him.
Victor sat back
and watched the enticing sway of her figure as she walked out of the drawing
room. This American rose might be a beauty, but she also showed she carried a
few thorns.
Breaking
news! THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO in ebook form is now FREE at many internet
sites including Amazon.com. Click on the link
for Amazon.
Back
to the Buzz: Writing a series had been on my to-do list for a while. But what
kind of series and what would it feature? After some thought, I decided to do a
murder mystery series with romance mixed in, along with the character solving a
murder. Voilà! The Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series was born with THE
BLOODSTAINED BISTRO as the first case.
Who
is Minx Tobin, you ask? Minx is a fitness instructor newly relocated to Los
Angeles, California, who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning
dead bodies. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow her adventures
in this murder mystery series!
For
the Minx Tobin series, I like to plot a story on the basis of the title. I also
enjoy the challenge of creating a meaningful title with the two words starting
with the same letter. Strange but true! Beginning this series is The Bloodstained Bistro. Naturally, the
bistro location figured prominently in the book.
Artist’s rendering of a possible cover
TO LIVE... AND DIE IN L.A.
Newly relocated Minx Tobin likes to help her friends.
She also has a knack for solving puzzles. A huge puzzle in the form of a dead
body soon gets dropped into her lap. Did waitress Brandi Evans murder her
ex-boyfriend? Minx doesn't think so, but can she crack the Case of the
Bloodstained Bistro?
Overworked homicide lieutenant Gabe Harris has his
fill of women... and dead bodies. The women he can handle. The dead bodies --
unfortunately they keep piling up. But on this particular case he meets a young
woman that not only impedes his investigation, but she also has no interest in
him. A healthy ego like his can't handle that. He'll have to keep an eye on Ms.
Minx Tobin.
Here’s
a picture of me conferring with the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes on
Minx Tobin’s latest case!
Desert
Breeze Publishing has published all six (to date) Minx Tobin novels which have
received great reviews including 5 stars from Single Titles Reviews, 5 and 4
stars from Goodreads, and 4 stars from Amazon. The books are available both
electronically and in print.
Eating at Valentin's Bistro can be hazardous to
amateur detective Minx Tobin's health, so why does she continue to dine at this
restaurant?
This book is part of the
Intriguing Mysteries line.
Here
are some fabulous reviews:
4 Stars! Minx stirs the pot
in a romantic suspense that will have you turning the page. Knight's story is a
delightful feast for the suspense lover's soul. The writing is crisp, and the
cast of characters are entertaining. [She] has created a vibrant and dynamic
cast of characters. Each character has a distinctive voice... The novel is
sweet for romance readers with Gabe and Minx sharing a tender touch. THE
BLOODSTAINED BISTRO takes the reader along for the ride with Minx in the
driver's seat.--Sally Pink Reviews.
4 Stars! Knight's story is a
delightful feast for the suspense's lovers soul. The writing is crisp, and the
cast of characters are entertaining. The novel is sweet for romance readers
with Gabe and Minx sharing a tender touch. "The Bloodstained Bistro"
takes the reader along for the ride with Minx in the driver's seat.--EZine
Articles.
Minx Tobin is caught in the
middle of a murder when a customer of the Elite Exercise Emporium is arrested.
She is sure the young woman didn't do it and begins to ask questions. However,
her sleuthing brings her to the attention of Lieutenant Gabe Harris and there
is something about him that annoys Minx. And Gabe deliberately bugs her by
using her first name, something she considers bad manners. This is the first in
the Minx Tobin series by talented author Susanne Marie Knight and you'll be
waiting for the next one, just to see what happens next. The hint of romance
blended in, promise sparks will fly. I'm pleased to recommend The Bloodstained
Bistro to any mystery fan. The interesting settings and characters will keep
you reading. Enjoy. I did.--Mysteryfiction.net.
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I can't
tell you how much I enjoyed THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO--it's fantastic! And I'm so
excited to read the next book in the series. All the characters are
wonderful!--N.W.
4 Stars! This book is one that is a good way to spend
a few hours on a cold winter day. Not a cliffhanger.--Amazon.com Reviews
Minx and Gabe are a match
made in heaven. I love mysteries. Combined with romance, they are irresistible.
Luck in all you do.--P.A.
Your mystery series is
great!--C.K.
Susanne's new book is
'GREAT'!! VERY interesting! Congratulations to Susanne!--M.T.
I have been wanting to read
this book, Susanne. I can't wait!--T.D.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now
for the slices of real life. Inspiration for Minx came from my own fitness
background; I worked for an exercise program shown on public television--behind
the scenes. This experience also came in handy when I wrote my English murder
mystery TAINTED TEA FOR TWO. I always admired personal fitness trainers who
made exercise look so easy!
And
speaking of personal, Minx Tobin’s stomach tends to talk when she’s hungry. I
confess; mine does too! This can be embarrassing, but does serve a purpose when
advancing the story line. Here’s an example. Minx is getting ready to leave
L.A.P.D Headquarters when Homicide Lieutenant Gabe Harris walks over to her car
in the parking lot.
Harris nodded. "What are you doing at
headquarters?"
"Leaving." Minx’s actions weren't any of
his business, thank goodness.
He folded his arms across his chest, and for some
reason, she reconsidered her answer. Maybe he subtly intimidated her. "I
thought I'd visit Brandi Evans to cheer her up, but she's at the medical
clinic."
There. Minx fulfilled her duty as obedient citizen,
didn't she? As she extended her arm with the key toward the car lock, her
stomach growled. Loudly. Loud enough to be heard. She felt herself flush.
"Hungry?" he asked with a touch of humor
lightening his voice.
Why bother answering the obvious? She turned the key
in the lock. Her stomach spoke again.
From out of the blue, Harris said, "I'll take
you to dinner."
She bristled. "Will you?" The nerve of the
man! He just assumed she would acquiesce, that she'd be grateful. He didn't ask
her, he told her. Well, he had another thing coming.
"I'm not that hungry, Lieutenant."
Unfortunately, her traitorous tummy denied her words. She finished unlocking
the car door, looking for a swift escape.
He leaned closer, and she could smell his masculine
scent. Her heart beat faster. Why? Anticipation?
"Look, Ms. Tobin, I'm off duty. I need dinner
and so do you. Why don't we eat together?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as
the series progresses. Case Number Two is THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE.
My newest science fiction
romance, AN ALIEN PARADISE, has a unique history in that this book is the only
one of my novels that first started out with another title. XANADU FOR ALIENS
was my first pick.
Here is a blurb from one of
my press releases:
What if UFO reports are
true? What if extraterrestrials are not only here, but they’ve been visiting
Earth for countless millennia? XANADU FOR ALIENS, my newest science fiction
romance novel, explores the possibility of alien sightseers to our planet. But
there's no need to be concerned; these tourists are harmless.
Or are they?
What if there was a travel agency that catered to
extraterrestrial lifeforms?
The cover (above) even won
an internet award. So you’re probably wondering why I changed the title to AN
ALIEN PARADISE. Simple. Reader input. When I first conceived of the idea for
this novel, I wanted the title to begin with the letter X. Why was this?
Because I have book titles for all the letters in the alphabet except X. And
Xanadu fit my purpose for the story. Historically, Xanadu was the summer
capital of Chinese conqueror Kublai Khan. Marco Polo’s description of Xanadu
inspired British poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s famous work, “Kubla Khan” in
which the city was identified as a pleasure dome.
In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure dome decree: ...
That was exactly what I was
looking for: Earth as a pleasure dome or playground for alien tourists. Some
readers, however, took issue with the word Xanadu, linking it to the movie and
the song of the same title. As for why that’s a negative, who knows? So alas, I
changed the book title to AN ALIEN PARADISE. Same meaning, but without the
baggage.
PARADISE
LOST--Teacher Petra Richardson receives a mysterious summer job offer. If she
tutors a young boy, Traynor, all her expenses will be paid during her stay in
the Galápagos Islands. Although she has misgivings, she agrees. Her new
employer is the Taurus City Travel Agency, run by Traynor’s hunky Uncle Kelvin,
whom she’d met and fantasized about when she was a teen. While romance simmers
between Petra and Kelvin, there’s also danger. Who sabotaged their kayak? What
happened to Traynor’s poomba? Why do some travel clients seem to flicker? Just
what is going on at this sleepy outpost in the South Pacific?
PARADISE
FOUND--Kelvin Lacertus has a full plate. CEO of the Taurus City Travel Agency,
he oversees alien and extraterrestrial Human tourists to Planet Terra. He’s
handling the most important diplomatic conference in the galaxy. And he’s
babysitting his nephew, Traynor. Kelvin arranges for a tutor, little Petra,
whom he remembers from his Grand Tour of Terra years ago. She’d impressed him
then. The grown-up version is even more irresistible. How can he protect his
Petra when a terrorist group targets all Lacertus family members including his
would-be bride?
As for changing the cover, I
decided a new title deserves a new cover. Here it is below:
Science teacher Petra Richardson receives the shock
of her life when she learns her new employer is a travel agency that caters to
extraterrestrial lifeforms.
AN ALIEN PARADISE is
available at Amazon.com and,
as XANADU FOR ALIENS at Smashwords.com,
in addition to other internet locations. It’s earned a 5 star review from
Norwood Reviews: “Aliens on Earth? A travel agency for extraterrestrials? A
Human male from Tau Ceti 3 falling in love with an Earth female? [AN ALIEN
PARADISE] delivers all this and more! Ms. Knight gives us a very plausible
scenario of galactic intrigue and a wonderful variety of characters. Fall in
love with this fast-paced science fiction romance. This novel is definitely a keeper!”
Here are some of the Taurus
City Travel Agency’s staff:
This book is part of the
Fascinating Sci-Fi line.
Now for the snippet from
real life. Our heroine, Petra Richardson, attended the same junior high that I
did. That’s not really a surprise, is it? “Write what you know” is a well-known
rule of writing. So some of young Petra’s experiences were my experiences. I’m
certainly not the only one who had less than happy times in junior high or
middle school (!) but when I came across a nonfiction book on my school written
by a student, I did a double take. It was from her account that Petra refers to
“Hell on Earth” or rather “J.H.S. is almost like an earthly version of hell.”
Fortunately, as time passed, my feelings for junior high improved enormously!
Petra looked around at the putrid
color of enamel paint covering the hallways. She’d read somewhere that junior
high school could be considered a version of Hell on Earth. She agreed. Not as
a teacher but as a former inmate of these very same two-tone green walls.
This school in the New York City
borough of the Bronx was technically a middle school--grades six through
eight--but it had been once a junior high, before junior highs had fallen out
of favor. Her first few months as a new recruit, a new seventh grader, had been
hellish. To walk through these corridors had meant she took her life into her
hands. She never knew if she would pass through unscathed. Or get beaten up. It
had been a role of the dice.
Thankfully, way back when, after
Christmas break, the eighth and ninth grade students had tired of dishing out
torture. For her, at any rate. After that, she’d come to tolerate this
school....
Eventually, later, as a teacher, she’d
grown to love this weathered old building.
Travel with author Susanne Marie Knight to some of the very unusual places she journeys to--“metaphorically” speaking!
Search This Blog
The Bloodstained Bistro
THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO
THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO--Case One: A Minx Tobin murder mystery romance. Eating at Valentin's Bistro can be hazardous to amateur detective Minx Tobin's health, so why does she continue to dine at this restaurant???Electronic copies of this sexy and fun murder mystery romance series is now available at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and other Internet locations.
Award-winning author Susanne Marie Knight specializes in Romance Writing with a Twist! She currently has sold 72 novels and short stories including the Dream Realm speculative fiction winner THE COMING and science fiction romance winner JANUS IS A TWO-HEADED GOD. She also is a seven-time EPPIE finalist and two-time Dream Realm finalist and writes in such diverse genres as Regency, paranormal, science fiction, mystery, suspense, time-travel, and contemporaries. Find out more about her works at http://www.susanneknight.com.
SUSANNE'S NOVELS
*Alien Heat
*Alien Paradise, An
*Bloodstained, Bistro, The
*Breaks An Egg
*Coming, The *Competitors! *Continental Marriage, A *Contrary Contessa, The *Creative Writing Workbook, The
*Delicate Condition, A *Duplicitous Divorce, The *Embezzled Envelope, The *Entitled, The *Flirting Can Be Murder *ForEvver *Grave Future *Have Christmas Card... Will Travel *Ill-gotten Insurance, The *Janus Is A Two-Faced Moon *Janus Is A Two-Headed God *Karmic Connection, A *Killing Kiss, The *Love At The Top *Lucky 13 (Anthology) *Magic Token, The *My Favorite Ghost *Never Trust A Billionaire *Noble Dilemma, A *Off The Grid *One That Got Away, The *One Wife Too Many *Paging Miss Galloway *Past Indiscretions
*Pushes Up Daisies *Quantum Kisses *Questing Box, The *Regency Society Revisited *Reluctant Landlord, The
*Signature Of A Queen
*Sesterce For Her Thoughts, A
*Sleeps With The Fishes *Sojourn Through Time *Stopping The Enemy *Tainted Tea For Two *Timeless Deception *Two Of Cups Is For Lovers, The *Uncovering Camelot *Unusual Masquerade, An *Virtual Valentine, The *Wakefield Disturbance, The *Wishing For A Duke *Xenon Advantage, The *Yesterday's Treasures *Yuletide Yorkshire, The
