Guest Author Deidre Knight!
by sue on Feb.03, 2010, under Book Chat
Setting: Los Angeles, California and Malibu
Subgenre: contemporary romance
Hero: Michael Warner
Heroine: Rebecca O’Neill
One sentence summary: BUTTERFLY TATTOO is the story of three scarred people—a man with a complicated past, a little girl in mourning and a woman who is stronger than she knows—being healed by the power of love.
Scene you like most and would never cut: When Michael gets it right on, Andrea’s, his daughter’s, birthday and they have an important talk. Don’t want to say too much because of spoilers. But that scene in the studio commissary, for those who have read the book, is probably my favorite because of how far the characters have come and because of the breakthrough they share in it.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
Rebecca wouldn’t do anything to attract undo attention. She was in the limelight while starring on a successful sitcom and that nearly ended in her death at the hands of a stalker. So not only is she leery of drawing too much notice, she’s self-conscious about her resultant facial scars. In fact, this is part of her growth arc. She begins to step out of the dark (which is where the book literally begins) and into the light again. She stops hiding, both literally and figuratively.
Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy:
A boxer guy, definitely. Although he wouldn’t say no to commando!
Ancillary character you had the most fun with: Oh, this one’s easy! Trevor, Rebecca’s best friend and assistant. He was the one who found her after she was stabbed, and he’s the one who’s held her together and also pushed her the hardest. Always gentle about it, Trevor is firm with Rebecca when he needs to be. The velvet hammer! But the thing that’s interesting about him, too, is that because he’s gay, he has his own take on Michael’s bisexuality and is distrustful of Michael’s intentions. So that adds an interesting complication to the friendship between Trevor and Rebecca as her relationship with Michael deepens.
Your heroine’s favorite hobby: She loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen. She’s also a fitness nut, and runs every day. Staying strong is important to her because she’s fought so hard to come back from her life-threatening injuries.
Your hero’s favorite hobby: Surfing! It’s the family’s biggest hobby and that definitely comes to include Rebecca after the book ends. She even enters a women’s amateur surfing contest one day.
What you think readers will like best about this book:
I hear from lots of people that it’s a multi-hanky read, but in the best possible way. So I think people will like the emotional journey they go on with these characters, wounded, broken people who find healing and love.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
That would be King Leonidas in my Gods of Midnight series. But guess what? I’m writing that book, RED MORTAL, now!
What’s next: In May, I have a digital e-read from NAL/Signet called RED BLOODED, the story of a blinded Iraq war vet who hunts vampires. Then in June, RED DEMON comes out and I am so excited to share Ari’s story with all my readers. He’s one of my favorite heroes that I’ve ever written.
QUESTION FOR READERS: In BUTTERFLY TATTOO Rebecca tries surfing, even though she’s terrified. It’s a pivotal moment in her journey to finally overcome her attack and embrace life again. Have you ever tried something that you were tremendously afraid of doing? What did you feel like after tackling the fear?
A free copy of BUTTERFLY TATTOO will be given to a randomly-selected reader who answers the above question or who makes another comment related to BUTTERFLY TATTOO.
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February 6th, 2010 on 12:18 pm
I am afraid of heights. So flying is not enjoyable for me. Some years ago the company I worked for gave me an opportunity to fly to one of their locations to audit an inventory. I could have turned it down, but I didn’t. It wasn’t easy for me to get on that plane, but I did. I haven’t flown since, but at least I know I could if I had to.
February 6th, 2010 on 7:03 am
Hi Deidre!
congrats on the release *hugs* the book sounds very interesting and the cover reminds me a little bit of Gena Showalters Lords of the Underworld with their tattoos…
as for your question: I hate skiing, but because of unpredictable circumstances I had to attend a ski class for a week - the lesson is clear: I will throw away my skis…never again!
wish you all the best,
Ina
February 5th, 2010 on 7:49 am
The only thing I can think of is: Cooking a special birthday dinner for 12 people. I never cooked for so many and I also decided to make a new version of my mothers Chickensalad without chicken !! There were a few vegetarians. I went with tofu a new and foreign looking ingredient to me. It turned out okay but it was scary and challanging creating so many dishes. I was afraid it would be a disaster. It went ok, not great but ok. I didn’t really care for the tofu taste. But I was glad I did it and I think the guests were too.
February 5th, 2010 on 7:32 am
I am afraid of heights but I try and get over it by going hill-climbing with my family. I am about to pee my pants because I so scared but I manage!
February 4th, 2010 on 8:17 pm
Have you ever tried something that you were tremendously afraid of doing? What did you feel like after tackling the fear?
Tough one… saying ‘I love you’ to my man. ‘Cause that actually meant commitment and I wasn’t too comfortable with this concept at the time. I was scared shitless after I said it but I’m still with my bf so it can’t have been too bad! *g*
February 4th, 2010 on 9:33 am
I just wanted to pop back in and say thank you to everyone who commented (and especially to those I might have missed in my replies > Carol L., Tabitha, Lisa G., Karen W., Joan Woods, Joyce, Kat V., Virginia C. and Julie).
Whether or not you’ve conquered your fear or are working on it — I am totally wowed by your courage and willingness to share. And I’m also so thankful for your encouraging words about BUTTERFLY TATTOO! As I often say, this is truly the book of my heart, and I feel privileged that I was able to help celebrate its print release with all of you!
Hugs,
Deidre
February 4th, 2010 on 4:31 am
Hi Deidre,
I just read the excerpt and I love it so far. It’s definitely on my TRL. My one true fear happens to be heights. I don’t know why but it’s there. I actually freeze and lock up if I try to move or even look around. I can’t do it. I try taking it in small doses so I can work on this fear a little at a time. Eventually I hope to say I conquered it.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
February 3rd, 2010 on 10:08 pm
I drowned once when I was in h.s. and never quite got over it. While I was in HI last March, I tried boogie boarding even though I was deathly afraid of drowning again. I survived but it was because a friend helped hold me up through most of it. And the water wasn’t even high. Lol.
February 3rd, 2010 on 10:03 pm
Hi Deidre! Great post. I have heard great things about your book. I can’t wait to read it.
I never was afraid of water until recently. I took a scuba diving class for college credits. I never felt so much fear until then. I don’t know if it was from the weight of the equipment or because I had to rely on an air tank to breathe but the whole idea freaked me out. I even had an air tube burst one while underwater. In order to become comfortable I did yoga before the class, practicing slow breathing exercises and stretching movements. I became comfortable in my own skin and helped me deal with my fears. Now I love it!
February 3rd, 2010 on 9:09 pm
I’ve heard such wonderful things about BUTTERFLY TATTOO and would love to read it!
I won’t be doing any sky diving or anything like that, but I did take some writing classes & was quite proud of putting my work out there and reading it out loud to the class.
February 3rd, 2010 on 8:12 pm
@Pam Keener, I seem to be out of reply options, so I couldn’t post under your last message. I am SO EXCITED to hear you loved the excerpt and are adding it to your TBB pile! AWESOME! *happy dance* Thank you so much!
February 3rd, 2010 on 8:05 pm
Whenever I’ve faced something that I’ve feared the feeling has always been one of such bliss,satisfaction,accomplishment. Any or all of those I’m not sure what the word is, but it’s a great feeling.
February 3rd, 2010 on 8:14 pm
Totally agree. I think you did a great job describing it!
February 3rd, 2010 on 7:37 pm
I fly but I am terrified of sheer vertical drops. It’s really terrible. I can’t look out the window and I try to immerse myself in a book or music so I don’t think about being up in the air. I am happy when I land and feel good that I made it through another flight.
February 3rd, 2010 on 8:18 pm
I think it’s admirable that you’ve found a way to work through your fear! Thanks for commenting!
February 3rd, 2010 on 7:36 pm
I fly but I am terrified of sheer vertical drops. It’s really terrible. I can’t look out the window and I try to imerise myself in a book or music so I don’t think about being up in the air. I am happy when I land and feel good that I made it through another flight.
February 3rd, 2010 on 7:11 pm
I went hiking in snow with friends and ended up climbing up a vertical face of a mountain where each foot hold had to be made into the pack snow and it was very slow going and tiring. I had time to think that if we made one misstep that it’d be the end. We really weren’t properly equipped to be doing that with just regular hiking boots on. But we were already committed as it was easier to keep going up than to go back down. Sometimes moving forward in a given moment and not looking too far ahead is a way to avoid fear of the unknown. You have control in the present, but you have no control of the future.
February 3rd, 2010 on 8:20 pm
Great advice abt staying in the moment! ITA.
February 3rd, 2010 on 6:05 pm
I had a great fear of flying. I was in my 50’s before I got on a plane. I fly every place now but am still a little afraid. Haven’t read Butterfly Tattoo yet. Would love to win the book.
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:32 pm
Public speaking is my nemesis. I HAD to take a public speaking course in college. Of course you had to get up in front of the class and speak. I hated every minute of it and to this day I hate even having to give my name in a group. If it is just co-workers I’m fine but strangers…
February 3rd, 2010 on 4:46 pm
Deidre SWEPT ME AWAY with BUTTERFLY TATTOO!!!
Climbing spiraling lighthouse tower stairs freaks me out. Have to crawl down - literally! Will keep trying.
Hugs, Nancy L
P.S. RED MORTAL!!! Thud.
February 3rd, 2010 on 8:07 pm
Hey Nancy! Thanks for stopping by and all of your kind words about the book.
LOL about Leonidas!! If you’re passing out now, what’s going to happen when it actually hits the shelves? We’ll have to keep a close eye on you.
February 3rd, 2010 on 4:31 pm
Butterfly Tattoo ROCKS!!! Deidre, you SWEPT ME AWAY!!!
Climbing spiraling lighthouse tower stairs freaks me out. I do it but I crawl down. LOL Literally.
Hugs, Nancy L
February 3rd, 2010 on 4:26 pm
I’ll be honest, I tend to avoid the things I fear. Which is why my husband balances the checkbook. ;o)
February 3rd, 2010 on 8:00 pm
LOL, Kristen…that’s not my favorite kind of book either.
February 3rd, 2010 on 4:11 pm
I have tried rock climbing, “free hand” out on a natural wall in a state park rather than on a more controlled indoor rock wall that some places have. I did it! I had lunch at the top and eventually stopped shaking. I wanted to call for a helicopter to get down but took the longer trail back to the base. And never have climbed outside on granite again. I’ll still hike just no rock face climbing.
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:37 pm
Whoa, it was a bit scary to even read about your experience. Yikes! Sounds like a real adventure, LOL!
February 3rd, 2010 on 4:01 pm
Tried to learn to swim as a teen, even though I was scared as I almost drowned at age 4. No, never did, but I did try.
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:35 pm
I am sure it was terrifying to even contemplate swimming after that. So courageous of you to at least try!
February 3rd, 2010 on 3:57 pm
I used to be terrified of the dark. A lost dog made me venture out into the night and I have not been afraid since.
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:30 pm
Hey Estella, your story goes to show that oftentimes when we have to be strong for others in trouble, fear gets put aside. Thanks for your comment!
February 3rd, 2010 on 3:50 pm
My biggest fear is failing . . . at anything. Of course, you’d think I’d get over it after this many years as I’ve not been successful all the time in what I try to achieve . . but, alas, still a fear.
Thanks Deidre for posting — this book is definitely all the buzz and a must read. I know it was a book you were really passionate about getting published so congrats!
Sue
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:25 pm
Sue, thanks so much for inviting me to blog today and creating such an awesome venue for authors to share their books! I feel honored to be here, and I’ve LOVED reading all the great comments and feedback.
February 3rd, 2010 on 3:07 pm
I can think of several times I’ve tried things that I greatly feared. As an adult, I rely on God to see me through difficult times. When I was younger, those choices were scarier. Always, there is a sense of something more than accomplishment–regardless of the success of the effort. Trying is a victory in itself.
February 3rd, 2010 on 3:45 pm
I agree — the reward comes from more than just winning or achieving — sometimes it is just the journey.
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:12 pm
ITA, GSM and Sue. It’s really about growing and more fully becoming the person you were meant to be. Even just trying something, even if you fail, ultimately makes us stronger moving forward.
February 3rd, 2010 on 2:30 pm
Hmm I think my own personal fear that I have accomplished is going on the nonbeginner lift for snowboarding. It was steep and although I had to walk down part of it I am proud of mysel for trying
February 3rd, 2010 on 3:47 pm
Been there done that — on ski’s!
February 3rd, 2010 on 2:25 pm
I don’t know how to swim so I am very fearful of deep waters, no cruises for me! One day I hope to get over this.
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:04 pm
Hey Scorpio, thanks for sharing your fear. I’m sure you’ll tackle it in due time.
February 3rd, 2010 on 2:16 pm
Wonderful book, sounds intriguing! Riding a horse had me in knots for years, when I finally did, it was such a thrill and relief to be over that particular bugaboo.
All the best for your release!
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:02 pm
Glad you grabbed the bull by the horns, or rather the horse by the reins!
February 3rd, 2010 on 1:25 pm
I submitted a comment but don’t see it. Anyway,in case it’s lost in internet land, I’ve been looking forward to adding Butterfly Tattoo to my keeper shelf!
February 3rd, 2010 on 1:21 pm
Everything I’ve done in life I’ve done in fear. Having kids though would be THE biggest thing I was terrified of doing and did it anyway. I literally got to embrace life at the end of that adventure!
I’ve been looking forward to the paper copy of Butterfly Tattoo for my keeper shelf.
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:01 pm
I totally “get” what you’re saying, LOL. Having kids can be scary and WAY intimidating — but the rewards are priceless.
February 3rd, 2010 on 1:01 pm
Something I was afraid of? Accepting a job in a town where I didn’t know anybody and moving. I lived in Colorado for 9 years and have just moved to Texas. Things are good though, as I like my job and am meeting really good people.
Can’t wait to read the book.
February 3rd, 2010 on 12:37 pm
I loved Butterfly Tattoo. It was the hardest book I’ve ever reviewed (in a good way).
February 3rd, 2010 on 4:50 pm
Wow, thanks Casee! Considering all the books I’m sure you go through as a reviewer, I am so thrilled to hear that this was one of the toughest — but in a TOTALLY good way.
February 3rd, 2010 on 12:19 pm
I have no fears! Yeah right that is what I tell myself LOL. I think the worst fear I have is public speaking. I am 54 years old and I have no real idea why. I am an outgoing friendly person but put me up on stage and I freeze.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
February 3rd, 2010 on 12:13 pm
Wow I love the blurb for Butterfly Tattoo. I don’t think I am a fan of M/M or F/F books but this one tempts me towards the waters edge.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
February 3rd, 2010 on 4:41 pm
Pam, I have so many tell me they weren’t sure this book was for them, and then be completely suprised that the characters resonated with them so deeply on so many levels. I have an excerpt posted on my website, if you’d like to give it test “swim”: http://www.deidreknight.com/butterfly_tattoo_excerpt.html
Hope you decide to dive in!
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:22 pm
I just read the excerpt and loved it. I also loved that there was a reference to my fave bookstore *wink*. It looks like a TBB book to me.
Good Luck
Love & Hugs,
Pam
February 3rd, 2010 on 11:55 am
Danielle, I agree that sending your manuscript out takes lots of courage! And Louisa, you were one of the very first people to give me hope about Butterfly being published!
Deidre
February 3rd, 2010 on 11:42 am
Hi, Deidre! My story is a little weird, but we all have our own personal demons : ) All my life I have had a bird phobia. Some incident in my early childhood instilled a fear of fluttering, swooping birds. I don’t scream and run, but I feel very uncomfortable. I used to work for a rather eccentric man who owned multiple businesses. At one of the businesses, he kept a caged parrot. He had tried to keep the bird at home, but this caused a conflict with his other animals. Since I am an animal lover, I felt sorry for the parrot. I made myself touch the parrot and allow it to sit on my hand. Eventually, he even walked up my arm and sat on my shoulder. I kept his cage clean and feed him treats. The parrot became so attached to me that he knew the sound of my footsteps, even before I entered the building! He would start whistling and bobbing up and down while calling my name. Actually, I think the other people who worked there were a little jealous. I was the only person to whom he showed that much affection! He helped me to get over quite a bit of my fear of birds. Since “Butterfly Tattoo” is about being true to yourself and realizing that “different” is normal, maybe my comment won’t be so odd : )
February 3rd, 2010 on 11:05 am
First off, I love the premise of this book and can’t wait to read it.
Doing what I was afraid of. Getting on my first bucking horse. The adrenalin rush overcame the nerves when I rode the bucking horses or cows. Hi, I’m Julie and I’m an adrenalin junky.
February 3rd, 2010 on 10:05 am
I so want to read this! OK, so I started typing no I haven’t done anything. And then I realized, I have! Every time I send a manuscript to a publisher or agent I could just toss my cookies. It is fear of rejection at it’s most acute. No, they don’t know me, never met me; but it is such a personal thing to send your baby out like that and have someone say no. Oh, and it doesn’t get any easier by all accounts.
February 3rd, 2010 on 9:58 am
Just had to hop on and say how much I loved Butterfly Tattoo! One of the hands-down best books I’ve ever read, and I was lucky enough to get to read it several years ago…those characters have stuck with me ever since.
As for doing something I was afraid of…hmm. I tend to feel like if I’m afraid of something, that means I definitely should try it and it’s probably exactly what I need to be doing to get me where I want to go, so there are a lot of instances in my life that would apply! 9 times out of 10, I’m glad when I take the risk.