Rhonda McKnight is headed back to the Lowcountry. I recently spoke with her about her latest release Writer in Residence.
Tell me about your latest book.
Writer in Residence is the story of a writer facing a career-threatening block who retreats to the Lowcountry, where love, heritage, and a life-altering family secret force her to confront the truth and rediscover her voice.
Why did you decide to write it?
I struggled with writer’s block in 2024. While this is not my story and my block wasn’t as severe, I thought it would be interesting to tell the story of writer who did the same. I’ve always wanted to attend a writers’ retreat. I’d love a writing residency, even if it was just for a week. The family secret in the story was inspired by the PBS show Finding Your Roots; specifically, the episode with Laurence Fishburne.
What’s your favorite place to write?
My new she-shed. I purchased it for my birthday last spring. The only interruptions from writing are the desire to curl up on the sofa and read.
What’s the nicest thing a reader has ever said to you?
Readers say nice things to me all the time. As a collective, it’s that after they read one of my books they felt like their grandmother gave them a hug.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
Hmmm. I can’t quite remember when I made the decision because it came in steps, but I started trying to write my first book at age six. I purchased my first computer at age thirty with the intention of finally writing a book. I joined my first writer’s group at age thirty-two and my first critique group at age thirty-eight. Held my first novel in December of 2009. It was a forty-three-year journey full of starts and stops.
What author would you love to meet?
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet pretty much everyone except Wanda M. Morris and Eriq LaSalle. Both write thrillers, which I love. With respect to Eriq, is it really about the books though? I’ve had a crush on him for thirty years. J I’m looking forward to his novel Laws of Solomon. If I could meet someone who was deceased (not sure how that would ever happen), it would be the late BeBe Moore Campbell. She is my favorite writer. I miss her voice.
What books have you read lately and loved?
Lorna Lewis’ Broken Glass Houses, which comes out on September 22 and The Ladies Hall by Vanessa Miller. I’m also enjoying Mist and Malice by Rachel Howzell Hall. I’m listening to the audiobook right now.
What books are at the top of your to-be-read pile?
Ha! Too much. The Inevitable Undoing by Zahara Douglass and Murder in St. James’s Park by Vanessa Riley.
What’s next for you?
I’m not sure. I’m working on a few things.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’ll be on tour soon, which includes several virtual events. The list is on my website.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction link to purchase your copy of Writer in Residence by Rhonda McKnight.
To learn more about Rhonda McKnight, visit her website, or connect with her via social media:
Website: www.RhondaMcKnight.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/AuthorRhondaMcKnight
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RhondaMcKnight