Welcome to my blog, Derrick! Where do you find inspiration?
The character Joe was inspired by a young guy who worked out at my gym. He was an extremely attractive man and a very nice person too. The way he dressed when he came into the gym, I suspected he worked in construction. I started to spin a story in my head about what if this young man was a single dad and gay.
The Christmas inspiration came when Emily introduced herself to me. Originally the Emily character was going to be a retired nurse but soon Emily revealed her true identity and that is when I decided to write a Christmas story.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
I try to write for 2 to 3 hours a day. Most of the time, I’m able to do it, but sometimes I play hooky.
What is your favorite part of being an author?
What I love most about the writing process is when the characters take over and I just write what they’re telling me. Also, it is extremely exciting when you, as an author, have an idea where you want the story to go and then, all of a sudden, your characters take over and go a entirely different direction.
How do you handle literary criticism?
I try to be thick-skinned. To be honest, I’m not always successful. As a writer you have to learn to accept criticism. Not everyone is going to like your work or you personally. As an author when you receive negative or unjust criticism, just smile and move on. Be the bigger person.
How do you celebrate a new release?
I go out to my favorite restaurant and order my favorite cocktail.
Publisher: Self-Published
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
BUY LINKS: Amazon
BLURB:
Joe Koehler and his six-year old son, Joey, are down on their luck. Currently, Joe is unemployed due to a bad economy and taking care of a medically complex son. Recently father and son become homeless due to their apartment catching on fire and Joe being without any insurance. They are forced to live in Joe’s old red pick-up truck. Eventually father and son take refuge at Hope House, a local homeless shelter, which is run by a kindly, yet mysterious, elderly woman named Emily.
Sidney Maier recently inherited his grandparents’ home but the house is in desperate need of repair. Skills Sidney greatly lacks. He befriends a fellow church member Emily who is the Interim Director at Hope House. Sidney tells Emily that he needs help with remodeling his new home. Also, he confides in her, that he is lonely and wishes he could meet someone special.
Emily and her assistants orchestrate for Joe and Sidney to meet where an instant attraction forms between both men. Joe and Sidney embark on a journey of courtship, but soon a negative force learns of their budding romance and wants to stop it at any cost. Emily and her assistants must all use their special talents if Joe and Sidney are meant to live happily ever after.
Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance, Holiday
EXCERPT:
When Joe lifted his head, he saw the man he had been fantasizing about since Joey was discharged from the hospital. He quickly stood up then nervously swayed back and forth. Partly because he was nervous seeing the man whom he secretly desired, but also because he did not want Sidney to know that he was living here at a homeless shelter. He did not want Sidney’s pity.
“Oh, I…” Joe struggled to find the right words.
“The church hired Mr. Koehler to finish remodeling our library,” Emily said smoothly. “We needed someone right away and by the Lord’s work Mr. Koehler was available. My assistants and I think he is a Godsend.” Emily’s cell phone began to ring. “I need to take this call. It’s my husband.” She looked at Joe. “Would you be willing to give Mr. Maier a tour of Hope House while I take this call?”
Before Joe could respond, Sidney interjected.
“I would like that very much.”
The excitement in Sidney’s voice did not go unnoticed by either Joe or Emily.
“Good,” Emily said, taking her husband’s call as she walked away.
For a few moments Joe and Sidney just stared at each other, both men wanting to say something but too afraid. Finally, Joe mustered up the courage to start the conversation.
Pages: 163 pages
PRIZE GIVEAWAY:
Enter the drawing for a PDF copy of Miracle on Mistletoe Lane.
TOUR DATES/STOPS:
Nov. 28 – MM Good Book Reviews
Dec. 1 – Amanda C. Stone
Dec. 2 – Cate Ashwood
Dec. 3 – Hearts on Fire
Inked Rainbow Reads
Dec. 4 – Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
Dec. 5 – Molly Lolly
Dec. 8 – Parker Williams
Dec. 9 – Multitasking Mommas
Dec. 10 – 3 Chicks After Dark
Dec. 11 – Wake Up Your Wild Side
Dec. 12 – The Hat Party
Dec. 15 – Because Two Men Are Better Than One
Prism Book Alliance
Dec. 16 – Kimi-Chan
Jade Crystal
Dec. 17 – Queer Town Abbey
Dec. 18 – Iyana Jenna
Dec. 19 – Love Bytes
Dec. 22 – Book Reviews and More by Kathy
Dec. 23 – Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves
Dec. 24 – My Fiction Nook
Dec. 25 – BFD Book Blog
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Derrick Knight was born and grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin. Derrick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. For the last seventeen years, Derrick has been employed as a neonatal nutritionist in a neonatal intensive care unit at the largest teaching hospital in Illinois outside of Chicago.
Growing up Derrick was an avid reader of mystery novels. Agatha Christie was his favorite author. Ever since childhood Derrick dreamed of becoming a writer. He planned on writing mystery novels until a couple of years ago he read his first gay romance novel and he became hooked on the genre.
When Derrick is not writing, he is working on restoring his Arts & Crafts home, tending to his garden, and being an advocate for improving infant nutrition. Currently, Derrick resides in Peoria, Illinois with his two cats Iris and Madison Grace.
Author Contact:
https://twitter.com/derrknight
https://www.facebook.com/derrick.knight.9883
