We thank Dawn Knight for sharing her thoughts with our book club!

Thanks Dawn!
-SCBC, Inc.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA but if your want to go deeper I would say I'm from an absolutely perfect Creator who loves me unconditionally and a world filled with Truth and Knowledge.

When and why did you begin writing?

I've written since the age of 9; short stories, plays, and poetry... Writing has always been a wonderful outlet for me. Why? I believe it is a gift and that I was simply born to do it. It gives me an unbelievable high to know that I can communicate with the world (as well as entertain) through books. From my heart and soul straight to paper then into the minds and hearts of anyone who is willing to listen. It's the most basic means of mass communication. It's incredible.

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

I was sitting at my desk in my home office, contemplating the title. There had been so many but none of them felt right. I decided to flip through the SUPER Thesaurus after a very emotional prayer and kismet jumped right out at me. When I read the example of the meaning (fate; destiny) I was convinced that it was the perfect title. The sentence read: His early death was attributed to kismet.  Because the birth of the novel, Kismet, came from my needing to heal from my husband’s tragic, senseless death (he had just turned 33), it was God-sent.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?

The story is based on people that I have known, places I have been as well as the culture in which I live (movies, TV, music, magazines, etc). But no matter, the characters and their experiences are 100% MADE-UP!

How has your environment or upbringing colored your writing?

I love hip-hop and believe that the culture has a major influence on my writing style and subjects.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I love to write thrillers and mysteries. They are the most fun to create.

What are your current projects?

I have about 5 manuscripts on the table but I am avidly working on Kismet Book II. I am always approached with when is the sequel going to be out, so that is my first priority.

Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?

That is something that I have been pondering lately. I think I will just take it one book at a time and see what happens. There are so many other things that I want to accomplish this lifetime that I couldn't possibly tell at this moment one way or another. One thing I do know is whether I continue to publish my work or not, I will always and forever write.

What are you reading now?

BLANCHE Among the Talented Tenth by mystery writer Barbara Neely. Before that was Cane River by by Lalita Tademy. It was an amazing debut. I absolutely loved it.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I would say that both Jewell Parker Rhodes and The Great Evelyn Coleman. Jewel is a phenomenal writer and teacher. Her historical African-American fictions are truly remarkable reads. Her Fiction Lessons for Black Authors has served as a guide for me and my latest work. Evelyn writes wonderful children's mysteries. My 9 year old son is a fan of her work as well. Together, we recently read Mystery of the Dark Tower, which we both enjoyed. Set in Harlem in 1928 the read was a fascinating experience. I especially appreciated the peek into the past featured at the end of the story where people and events in Harlem's 1920's (now known as the Harlem Renaissance) were outlined. I was blessed to have met and spoke with both of Jewel and Evelyn an African-American Book Summit Cruise to Mexico.  The experience was life altering. Truly. 

How do you feel overall about self-publishing?

It's a grueling process (and very costly) but well worth the effort. The work never ends, though. Never. It's not for everyone either so those who are thinking about going the self-publishing route, please DO YOUR RESEARCH and be prepared to SPEND YOUR MONEY. 

Do you feel that the boom in African American writers is a fad or another renaissance?

To call it a fad would be a disservice to both readers and writers alike, not to mention Black people as a whole. NO, the boom is definitely another renaissance. Times are a changin' and there are many, many new voices and stories to be told. 

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?

I would definitely make changes. Many changes. I have learned so much along the way. I think at the top of the list would be that I wouldn't have rushed going to print. Many errors were made (and some overlooked) because I was so anxious to get to print. I would take my sweet time if I had to do it over again.