An Interview with Tracy Knights
I started my writing career in 2023. I began my working life as an accountant, took a decade off to raise my three children, and retrained as a fitness instructor, which I still passionately pursue. I live in Leamington Spa in the UK with my husband, three cockapoos, and my cat.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
As my children left home for university, I felt it was time to invest in myself and to keep myself busy. I still wanted to keep my fitness business going and wanted something to keep my brain engaged. So, as the old adage says everyone has at least one book in them, I thought, ‘Why not?’
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
My book tells the story of two sisters, so not surprisingly, I veered toward having ‘sister’ in the title. The working title was Sister Darling, which I liked but felt it had a very British ring to it, so may not work globally … Always aiming high! I sat down with my family and we brainstormed a few other suggestions. The final title came from my dear friend Mandy, who was one of my friends I shared the first draft with. She suggested Blind to Her and it summed up the book beautifully; it was an easy decision to choose it.
Describe your dream book cover.
As a reader, I want a book cover to grab my attention and stand out from the rest of the books on that table at the front of the bookstore. I’m a thriller lover through and through, so it needs to make my hairs stand up.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves by Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
I read a lot of thrillers for inspiration on characters, plots, and writing styles. I am currently reading Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates and How to Kill Men and Get Away With It by Katy Brent as research for my second book. That might give some clues as to the subject matter.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
It was just a ‘suck it and see if I can do it’ moment for starting to write. I do love Lisa Jewell and John Marrs; they also write books around relationship matters. To understand how to start to write a novel, I did a BBC Maestro course online with Lee Child. This was great for understanding how to start and structure your novel.
Where is your favorite place to write?
In my office at home. Usually balanced on the edge of my chair as one dog is curled up behind me, and with the other two at my feet.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Have faith in what you are writing. It’s a long journey; the editing and publishing phase can be the longest part of the process. When you have the book in your hand and you are reading five-star reviews about your book, you will be overwhelmed and proud of your achievement.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
That they want to read more from me.
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