Interview With Author Joanna Knowles
Did you ever wonder what you would do if you unexpectedly got trapped in a broken lift together with three other strangers – unable to escape? Joanna Knowles did and so the story behind “Female Fireflies” started to take shape. “Female Fireflies” is a contemporary novel about four women who bond over their struggles “while trying to keep their lights shining brightly, like the true fireflies they are.”
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What was your main source of inspiration behind “Female Fireflies”?
The idea for my novel, Female Fireflies, sprang from a small corner in my tiny kitchen one average day, many years ago. I can still remember it clearly though; an unremarkable moment in time that will forever be etched on my heart as the remarkable birth of my four main characters, my little fireflies.
As I spoke to my husband, a small flicker of excitement sparked in my stomach and over the next six or seven years, I nurtured this flame – feeding it and cherishing each of my little women as they grew and flourished in their own airspace in my head. I loved them, wanted them to be happy, and ached to give a voice to each of them as they fought their own battles.
Fast forward seven years and I am finally able to release my little fireflies into the world.
How did you begin writing? What sparked your interest in becoming a writer?
I have been writing since I was little. Whether it was childhood stories about rabbits or mini scripts for my friends to act out, I have always loved to write. I think my interest sparked alongside my love of reading. I loved escaping into the make-believe and the fictional worlds gave me hope and inspiration that anything is possible.
As an adult writer, I love writing what would be categorised as contemporary women’s fiction and Female Fireflies would be described in this genre. I would best describe it as contemporary women’s fiction with a feminist twist. Its repeated flashbacks provide a time-shift element that not only reveals the characters actions but their deep-rooted reasons for it.
My characters develop as I write them, and it is fun having that fluidity to let them experiment or change as circumstances in the story change.
Do you outline the characters’ traits before starting to write a story or do you let them develop on their own as the story progresses?
I am one of those writers that likes the freedom that comes with having no set plan. My characters develop as I write them, and it is fun having that fluidity to let them experiment or change as circumstances in the story change. Some of my most beloved characters have really resonated with me and stay with me far beyond the final word in the story. This would be true of Florence, in Female Fireflies, whose strength, positivity and resilience makes her a joy to write!
What part of a story do you usually find the hardest to write?
Probably the build up to the climax. For me, this is the point that I know I need to keep the reader’s attention and where each word counts. Take too long and there is potential to lose their interest. Give away too much and they can anticipate what is coming. It is really important to make sure I drip-feed the story at the right pace and with the right amount of information.
Female Fireflies is available for purchase at Amazon in e-book format.
Writing about love is very soothing for the soul.
What do you think about the concept of writer’s block?
I do believe that ‘writer’s block’ is a thing. Writing is so affected by my emotions, that if I am going through a particularly difficult period in my life, then I find it hard to focus on writing. But then, on the flipside, writing can be hugely cathartic to me and can be a great hobby to draw attention away from real life. Writing requires emotion and time and my writing can differ emotionally depending on my emotional state.
What is your writing setup and do you have any kind of “writing ritual” to boost your inspiration?
In a word, no! I write any time, anywhere, providing I have my trusty laptop I can write from the sofa in my lounge, to sitting in the garden! One thing I do tend to do, is have Classic FM radio on in the background as I find writing to music very soothing and also atmospheric. I also find that if I can’t sleep, I focus my mind to my latest project and mentally plot out the characters and story in my mind. Potentially, some of my best ideas could come then, it’s just a bit of gamble if I can remember them in the morning!
Write for pleasure, not with an audience in mind. Write what excites you and what you feel passionate about.
What is the best piece of writing advice you’d give some that has just started writing?
Write for pleasure, not with an audience in mind. Write what excites you and what you feel passionate about. Writing a novel is a long process and if you find yourself becoming bored by your own story, then it is unlikely you’ll be writing stellar work! And don’t discount anything. Make notes of anything that comes into your mind. It might not be relevant to your current project, but it might prove a gem of an idea for the next project. I have notebooks everywhere with random ideas in them!
What book is currently on your nightstand?
I tend to always have a pile of books on my nightstand, ranging from classics to current reads. I currently have ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens and ‘I’ll Be There For You” by Kelsey Millar (I am a huge Friends fan!) But right now, I am reading mostly from my Kindle and that currently has Giovanna and Tom Fletcher’s new release “The Illusion of Man” and Clare Pooley’s “The Authenticity Project” alongside many, many more. My Kindle keeps reminding me regularly that I am running out of storage space, but I can’t delete any books, it’s too difficult! I am a big book horder!
What are you planning to work on next?
I am working on my next novel, which I started a year ago and then put to one side while I concentrated on my studies (I am currently working towards a Masters in Creative Writing). It has been so lovely going back over my story again. Its like re-visiting old friends! It’s a romance and writing about love is very soothing for the soul.
Where can we follow your work on social media?
I have an Instagram, Facebook and Twitter account set up, where you can keep up to date on what’s going on, such as publication dates and what’s next on my writing journey. So please feel free to follow me and my literary ramblings on:
Female Fireflies is available for purchase at Amazon in e-book format.
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