Author Archives: Author, Kim Knight

The Music Behind The Writing. #amwriting #music #kdsuspense

Posted on by

Goooooooood Morning!

It’s a sunny one in London. Set to be a thirty degree day today just how I like it. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know Sunday is a day of music, dance and family time in my house… and a bit of housework. I woke up today, or my son woke me up I should say, and while preparing breakfast we did a dance to every artist Didi and I featured for week #5 of our short story challenge. It ran through my mind, maybe you never picked up what songs the lyrics we picked out are from. For week five’s Femme Fatale week here are the featured artist’s songs where the prompts are from.

“The moment I saw you,I went outta my mind. I never believed in love at first sight.” –  I’m Your Baby Tonight by Whitney Houston.

The perfect song to drive and sing along to, doing your best Whitney impression. R.I.P Whitney. One of my favourite Femme Fatales.

 

“Oh baby when you talk like that,you make a woman go mad”- Hips Don’t Lie by Shakria

 

I dare you to play this and not try to shake it like Shakria! :).  This is an oldie but a goldie this song. A really talented artist, I like how she uses her culture in her music, singing in Spanish and English. Also embracing her Algerian north African roots, with belly dancing. Her videos are always really cool.

 

“It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day”- Feelin’ Good by Nina Simone

When ever I listen to this song I picture myself in a retro smokey jazz bar, sipping on a cocktail swaying to the music. Such a great song. No matter how many artists cover this song I love the original.

 

“Daddy-o you got the swagger of a champion”- Womanizer by Britney

 

I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit of a Britney fan her songs are just too catchy! I never manage to get anyone to come with me to see her live in concert. My girlfriends just won’t go for it! Britney also named one of her albums Femme Fatale.

 

“I find light in the beautiful sea, I choose to be happy”- Diamonds by Rih Rih

 

A catchy beautiful song, by a very edgy artist.  The perfect driving song.

 

“Got me looking so crazy”- Beyonce

 

Okay so this is the version from the Fifty Shades of Grey movie, not the original upbeat one. I like this version. A talented lady and for sure a Femme Fatale.

 

“He sat in the boudoir while she freshened up”- Moulin Rouge by Pink

 

Mocha cocha lata ya -ya creole lady Marmalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaade! Go pink!!! Those vocals are amazing. I know the other ladies are great too, and many think Christina holds up the song, well I’m rooting for Pink. Also what artist can sing in full voice while doing traipse tricks in the air?? Have you been to one of Pink’s concerts before? I’ve been to EVERY London concert she has played, since her first album came out in the 1990’s. She’s true performer swinging from the ceiling while sounding amazing. An amazing strong Femme Fatale in every way.

Have a lovely Sunday, see you Tuesday for the story post using the winning lyric prompt. Please do join us and write your own story too.

This interactive writing challenge is simple and insanely creative. It’s a group effort and we are so glad to have you join in the writing fun!!  I hope you’re ready to challenge Didi and I by choosing which prompts we can transform into stellar suspense!  Give us your best shot!  You vote on our weekly prompt, and we provide the entertainment. It’s that simple!  The super easy steps are as follows:

STEP ONE: Every Wednesday well post a voting pole with a few prompts to choose from.
STEP TWO: With the click of a button, you cast your vote on a prompt. (voting will stay open for three days.)
STEP THREE: READ AND ENJOY!  Every week on the following Tuesday we will post the short story that transformed from the very winning prompt you chose!
 
All comments on the story posts will be open. We love feedback, and I’m willing to bet you will never guess who wrote what!!   Therein a challenge of your own! (Yes, one of us writes in British English, and one of us in American. We are well aware, and ready for some trickery. Trust me, we are brilliant at adapting styles.)
Updated-Telling-Tales-Weekly-Challenege-Kim-&-Didi

Random Reflection: Dead But Not Forgotten…. #kdsuspense #music #inspiration #amwriting @amywinehouse

Posted on by

This week I’m thrilled to be using a line from one of my favourite artist’s songs, as inspiration to write. Thank you personally from me if you voted in the prompt “we only said goodbye with words I died a hundred times” from Back to Black. I’ve written stories using lyrics before as a prompt, but never by someone as dear to me as this artist.

It’s so hot in London tonight I couldn’t focus on writing a chapter for my next release. So true to form I started messing around looking at make-up videos, thought about painting my nails and then I re-watched the performance of Back to Black I posted today when I announced the winning writing prompt, the actual concert I went to. Probably one of the best Amy did as shortly after she started to decline with drinking and drugs. It brought the whole night back to me with a smile … my girlfriends and I crammed in my car, driving along to the venue excited to see her show, buying our cheap drinks, dancing in the crowd to her songs as a group and singing along very badly!

I remember the day I heard Rehab the first song she released from Back to Black. I already knew Amy’s work as I have Frank the first album she wrote. When I heard Rehab I kid you not I stopped, looked at the TV showing the music video, and turned it up loud. I went out to do whatever I had to do that day, and bought a copy of the album.  Played it and got on the phone to one of my girlfriends who is as much as a fan as I am. I played it almost every day her lyrical content is witty, and I get her British humour and banter, amongst the heartache.

All the awards she won I think are an amazing achievement at such a young age, she’s just a few months younger than me, well she would be if she was still with us. When she was alive in her early thirties doing so well, I felt really happy to have her represent the UK with her talent. And don’t let me get started on her style too, when she was healthy she looked great. I like how she personalised her style representing an era that sometimes I think I should have been born in rather than the eighties, as I love the music of the fifties and sixties and fashion myself. My mum shows me pictures of her back in this time, I think she actually looks really cool LOL To see  Mum with her beehive hair, thick eyeliner and false lashes, red lips and nails. To see the look Amy recreated as it originally was done, on  Mum always makes me smile. And get this Mum still has her platforms and stiletto heels… of course I’ve worn them. Back then women looked like women, and it was all about being  feminine heels and nice dresses or flares and a cute blouse I really like it. Amy resonates with me so much as she represented an era of music I grew up on soul and Motown one on my favourite genres, but she made it modern.

The day I heard on the BBC News she passed away in her sleep in her flat in Camden Town, I honestly did not know how to take it. I went along the week she passed to Camden Town, I  placed flowers down with other members of the public. It’s just the other side of London from me. And then I wondered how someone who experienced so much heartache in a relationship with a man, who then went on to write an award winning album about all that he put her through can be taken away and never have the chance to really shine. She was just warming up with Back to Black! A bit like other iconic artists that died really young Curt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix etc. It’s so painful when you think of how talented they were. If only they could  have freed themselves from their demons and let go of the drug/ drink abuse.

Anyway, Amy is not the only star to crack under pressure, be it the relationship or media pressure. I did a post about strong female artists that seem to have lost their way last year. Amy of course made a feature. You can read it here.

So tonight as a prepared myself for next week’s writing challenge mentally, to drum up a good story with Didi, and reminisced on Amy’s work on YouTube I just felt like writing a small blog on my thoughts around her and her death, music and talent. I found these two clips of her . One is the moment she actually recorded Back to Black… like the actual moment! You see her with Mark Ronson the producer in the recording booth just singing like it’s breathing.  And an interview with her when she looked fit, health and glowing. Her broad London accent and honesty in her interview, about her as a person made me smile.This is how I want to remember her. Not the terrible performances due to drugs or the weight loss,  messed up make-up and hair as she is was in such a daze.  I look forward to writing this next story  for Kim and Didi’s Suspenseful Collection using her lyrics to inspire us.

Amy is gone, but I’ll never forget her.

 

Amy-Winehouse-amy-winehouse-24760264-500-829.jpg

 

The Moment She Recorded Back to Black

 

Interview! 

Grab ‘Em Quick! Now’s The Time… 84 Left. #amreading #romance #giveaway

Posted on by

Hi guys,

If you want one of 100 free downloads of Havana Heat, now’s the time to grab it. My giveaway has just been shared on Facebook, by Coffee Time And Romance on their fan page! They may disappear quick.

Blurb:

Havana Heat is book one of the Romance Set in Paradises series of modern,steamy, suspenseful and romantic stories, set in exotic locations around the world. In Havana Heat readers are transported to the paradise of Cuba’s capital Havana, following the romance and heat build between Spaniard Detective Sebastian Garcia, and London born and bred wedding planner Melinda Jones. Melinda’s path crosses with the handsome and charming Detective at Casa De Amour Hotel as a guest at her client’s exotic location wedding. Both characters are in search of a slice of paradise, away from their own troubled love life back home. Once their paths cross the romance and sizzle begins.

When all hell breaks out at Casa De Amour Hotel, and conflict builds over their past both characters are faced with a decision to take a risk and see out their romance, or walk away. Forever asking themselves what could have been. Romance, thrills and excitement await in book one of this modern romance series set in paradise.

Master-Paperback-Havana-Heat-

Free download on line here.

Self Published Authors Talk to Kim & Sascha Darlington: How To Work With Reviewers & Remove Stigma. #author #amwriting #writerslife

Posted on by

I did a blog post last night about my views and personal thoughts, after reading on a book reviewer’s site……

“they won’t read books by self-published authors.”

WTF 2

Yeah, I felt the same when I read that. I was traditionally published before self published, I have a strong view point on this statement by book reviewers.  You can read the blog post here, which also lead to a conversation with Sascha in the comments. Interestingly she asked what she could do to help support self-published authors? Even though from what I understand, she has had a bad experience with some. Well I dunno? I guess try to keep reading work from self published authors.

But if you’re a self published author what could help improve the image self published authors have? And how can book reviewers support indie authors? Rather than have a hostile board-line discriminatory attitude toward those that do self publish. Oh and guys please what is your view on “vanity publishing” is that what it’s called these days? I did laugh have you heard this?

I have just a few things/ideas on this poll, add your own in the comments and do give feedback. It would be great for Sascha and I to hear all of your POV’s, as I am only good at talking up for myself… as you can probably tell 🙂

We Have A Winner!: ” We Only Said Goodbye With Words” #kdsuspense #amwriting #music #amywinehouse

Posted on by

 

Whahooo! I’m so glad you all voted in this great iconic British singer’s lyrics, as this week’s writing prompt, for Didi and I. I was at this concert, in this very room with Amy in London. She was fantastic live (when she was sober). She died too young, when she did I personally felt like a part of my musical love would forever be missing something. I still to this day often play the  Back to Black album really loud.

I’ve been a fan of  Amy before the iconic Back to Black album that won so many awards, did you know she had an album called Frank too? Check it out.

The writing has commenced, I can’t wait to pay tribute to Amy and use her as inspiration to write. Didi and I will post our short story on Tuesday. Another poll will go up too. We now do polls via Twitter as well as the blog. If you follow us on Twitter you can also vote with one click of a button! This week we’ve really grown in votes so thanks. See ya Tuesday… I have a feeling this is not going to be your average “love story” with heartache. Join us too and write your own story using the prompt:

“we only said goodbye with words, I died a hundred times.”

Share it and use #kdsuspense so we can find your work, or leave your link on the blog post Tuesday.

Sit tight…

It’s femme fatale week!

This interactive writing challenge is simple and insanely creative. It’s a group effort and we are so glad to have you join in the writing fun!!  I hope you’re ready to challenge Didi and I by choosing which prompts we can transform into stellar suspense!  Give us your best shot!  You vote on our weekly prompt, and we provide the entertainment. It’s that simple!  The super easy steps are as follows:

STEP ONE: Every Wednesday well post a voting pole with a few prompts to choose from.
STEP TWO: With the click of a button, you cast your vote on a prompt. (voting will stay open for three days.)
STEP THREE: READ AND ENJOY!  Every week on the following Tuesday we will post the short story that transformed from the very winning prompt you chose!

 

 Read week’s one to four’s stories here.

All comments on the story posts will be open. We love feedback, and I’m willing to bet you will never guess who wrote what!!   Therein a challenge of your own! (Yes, one of us writes in British English, and one of us in American. We are well aware, and ready for some trickery. Trust me, we are brilliant at adapting styles.)

Madame Amy in yellow

R.I.P Amy

Updated-Telling-Tales-Weekly-Challenege-Kim-&-Didi

Do Book #Bloggers Discriminate Against #Indie Authors? Can You Believe That? #author #annoyed #writerslife

Posted on by

WTF

 

Okay I’m about be real honest, state how I feel about what I’ve  just read, post this and that’s that.  If I offend anyone too bad! I’m sticking up for what’s right and authors all around the world. I’m too old to be walking on egg shells and not speak on what I feel passionately about. On top of that, I’m being real here.

Seriously, I’m just sitting here minding my own business catching up on blogs and stuff, with a glass of wine. I just clicked onto a book reviewer’s site and read “I don’t review books from self-published authors…blah blah blah.”  I’m what you’d call a hybrid author I guess, I’m both traditionally and self published.  I was traditionally published before self published. And let me tell you as a traditionally published author, publishers can still f*ck up your s*it, and you can be left rather unhappy with it. Don’t think for a moment because an author is self published they are any less of a writer, author, creator and kick- ass person, who can keep up the stamina to write a good book. Around work, families, drama and all kinds of things. Self published authors are made of some strong stuff, they are determine, they are titian and the world is a better and more diverse place with them. I’ve met some great ones.

WTF 3

 

Yes honey, I did say that! People out there think that being traditionally published is some kind of “gold standard.” Get with it, and move forward. I am so glad I found out all the benefits of self-publishing good well written stories. Yes I would be traditionally published again, but not because it is the be all and end all. Or I need that seal of approval. It’s nice sign a contract of course … I’ve done it three times and loved it but it’s not what makes me “an author” or another writer “an author.”  I’m so fed up with the stigma and stick that self- published authors get, for going their own way. Handling their own business and doing what they love. Self published authors have heart,have hustle and keep going!

 Stop/Do not discriminate! And don’t hate!

What

 *Resting bitch face in full swing*…. You heard me.

Reading Habits… Mmmm #reading #books

Posted on by

I love books

I made a visit to a lovely book blogger’s page this evening. I read her random post on her reading habits. Inspired me to keep the post chain going. I love to read, I was (and still am) an avid reader before writer. Here are my habits what are yours?

Do you have a certain place in your home for reading?

Not really, I read anywhere. Including public places. Normally when I’m at home I read  in bed or in the living room on the sofa. Curled up with a cup of tea or coffee, sometimes something a stronger. Okay, not sometimes most of the time.

— Bookmark or random piece of paper?

Bookmark all the way! I have collected some pretty ones over the years. It annoys me if they slip out or I lose them.

— Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop reading after a chapter / certain number of pages?

Most of the time I aim to finish the chapter. I find it hard to cut off and disconnect. If I’m really tired I may stop part way through, but I always aim for the long haul and finish a chapter.

— Do you eat or drink while read?

All the time! The crumbs on the E-reader is unbelievable.

— Multitasking: Music or TV while reading?

Ahh, hard one I always have something on in the background, the hard decision is music or TV. If I have the TV on it’s always the news channel I place it on, I have no idea why. If it’s music, something easy going is playing.

— One book at a time or several at once?

Just the one thank you! I give it my full attention.

— Reading at home or everywhere?

*Raises an eyebrow* what do you think?

— Reading out loud or silently in your head?

Silently in my head… what am I? Five years old?

— Do you read ahead or even skip pages?

No. Never. It’s a sin.

— Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?

Keeping it new…

— Do you write in your books?

Who? What? … Hell No! Why would you? When I was at university I didn’t even like making notes in my text books.  But reading books? My escapism?..  You’ve lost ya damn mind.

What are your reading habits?

Romance Writers’ Blog Challenge Wk #23: “If I Could Eat One Last Meal” #MFRW

Posted on by

I’m fashionably late and behind again, with the romance writers’ #52 week blogging challenge *sighs*.  But I’ll jump back in on week #23. I adore food, this is probably one area of  life that I’m so versatile, and will try almost anything. My parents originate from the Caribbean, growing up I ate mainly this type of food. I guess even though my mum immigrated here to London years ago, she has never left her roots. Even English dishes she cooks are sprinkled with some kind of Carib twist.

The other day I made this dish,  I was so proud of it (I do love to cook also) I took a snap. It’s Caribbean chicken using my mum’s secret recipe. If I could eat one last meal I think it would be this. Well marinated, slow cooked, chicken, rice and beans with a coconut flavour and of course can’t forget the salad.

When my mum cooks this dish it tastes ten times better than mine, I can never quite get it the same, but mine is still yummy. She also likes to add Plantains to the dish. These are like bananas but not quite, and they are so sweet! You can fry them, boil them and even make crisps or potato chips if you’re from the USA from them. You’ll find them in many hot countries. Sometimes she’ll throw in a lil’ potato salad too.

The Caribbean is such a wonderful part of the world when it comes to food. Food is like a way to celebrate, and to bring people together. Flavour and spice is a big part of the culture. Never boring and never bland. Caribbean food is cooked with love, care and passion. I’ve heard this said about Italian culture and food also.

What’s your favourite dish to eat? Are you adventurous when it comes to food? Are you a great cook? If I came over to your house for dinner, what would you cook for me?

WP_20170609_001

 

badge-blog-challenge-updated

Femme Fatale: Amy, Rhi Rhi or Nina? Who is your Fav? #kdsuspense #amwriting #poll

Posted on by

Create

Femme Fatale Week

It’s a damn close call for this week’s winning writing prompt guys! These three ladies are neck and neck in the voting poll. Which one of these Femme Fatale’s lyrics should Didi and I use this week?  Rhi Rhi, Nina Simone, or Amy Winehouse?

Voting closes today.  Do you have two more seconds? Good click on a lyric in the voting poll below, to tip the scales for a winner! Find out more about the challenge read previous stories here

Updated-Telling-Tales-Weekly-Challenege-Kim-&-Didi