Behind The Scenes: The Making of The kNight Series Saga
Many authors have a dream of writing an exciting series that will keep readers coming back for more. I wasn’t one of those authors. I wanted to write a stand-alone novel, and there were no series planned. After Dark of kNight was written, I discovered I had on my hands something more than just a stand-alone novel, but a series. Three years later, it turned out to be more than I imagined.
One of my toughest challenges to write a series goes back to the whole plan of the series plot line. Writers need to understand there is a difference between writing a series and a saga. A true series includes different books related to one plot line. Kathryn Smith’s Brotherhood of Blood Series is a perfect example. A saga is the continuing story of the main character, for example Stephanie Myers Twilight Saga. The kNight Series Saga is both. Set into a the first three books, Dark of kNight, Fall of kNight and Dawn of kNight is the story of Julie Knight and her life beginning as a wolf shape shifter. Through the first three books, Julie faces love, treachery, betrayal and a heart that is torn between two loves. Dawn of kNight, answers all the questions from the first two books, as well as gives the reader the answers to what, why and where the story began. It is the final chapter in Julie’s life. The next three books will consist of her son, Jonathan.
Did I write the plot line out for the series? I have to admit my answer is- no. I have a tendency to rewrite an entire book three to five times before I have the story and plot the way I want it. My characters take a mind of their own, and sometimes I find myself in a battle with them. Ultimately, we all come into an agreement and their story is told. I believe strongly that a series must have a strong plot line, not just the individual books, but the entire story of the series. You want a reader to finish the last book, and go “Wow” and reflect back on the previous books, as their eyes open to a tale that you have so carefully constructed.
The first book in my kNight Series, Dark of kNight begins with Julie Knight. Her life turns upside down after the death of her father. She is returns home to a small town in Georgia, where she soon finds out that her life wasn’t quite what it seemed. The handsome and mysterious Daniel Maxwell wins her heart, and becomes the most important person in her life. It is Daniel who opens Julie’s eyes to the world that she had been sheltered from, the world of Lycans. Lycans are the wolf shapes shifters, who protect humans from the evil werewolves. Julie discovers the cause of her father’s death, but not without a few risks.
The second book, Fall of kNight, picks up where Dark of kNight ended. Julie has become an accomplished killing machine as a wolf. She is still learning more about herself, as well as learning about the mysterious death relating to her mother. She finds herself in more danger as the werewolves return, this time more violent than before. The seductive and in humanly beautiful vampire Richard has one goal…Julie. He’s determined to make Julie his one way to the other. Dark Wolves have risen, and the Lycan Clans are at a civil war. The Lycan Counsel seeks a new leader to bring peace between the clans…or engage in a war. Daniel is the choice for new hope. Julie’s life is threatened by the werewolves, and Daniel has to make the ultimate decision to save her life. BUT will Richard take advantage of the moment and make Julie his? A war breaks out between the Lycan Counsel and the Dark Wolves. Sides are chosen and lives are lost. A new vampire comes into play. His name is Mithras, and he is the only one who knows what is hidden deep within Ft Mountain that the Lycans were meant to protect. The item is so vile and evil, if released could bring all hell on earth.
The third book, Dawn of kNight picks up where Fall of kNight ended. Julie finds her heart torn between two loves. The final saga details the history behind Mithras, which ties the story to the item hidden in Ft. Mountain over a thousand years ago. Mithras also reveals a horrifying behind the death of Juliet to Richard. Julie is betrayed, and the sacred lines of the true bloodline have been crossed. Her fate has already been written, and she doesn’t have a choice. She will do what she can to protect her unborn child from the killers that have arisen. The item of destruction is unleashed, and all hell breaks loose. No one is safe, not the werewolves, not the vampires and not the Lycans. An Epic ending unfolds with loved ones lost.
The kNight Series Saga is a continuing story, which incorporates suspense, romance, seduction and mystery all into one tale. The plot behind the entire series revolves around Fort Mountain, and the item left there and guarded by the Lycans. Readers are introduced to Julie’s life as she was thrown into this world in Dark of kNight. The subplot of the series revolves around her life as she develops and grows into a lethal killing machine and the problems she endures. She’s a smart cookie, but faces turmoil when her love is divided between her mate and a vampire. Although each book is written as a stand-alone novel, the reader can’t appreciate what Julie has gone through unless they read the entire series.
One specific element of the story that I started in book one is the white rose. In book one Julie has a dream she is in a rose garden and notices a white rose. The name of the rose is called Peace, she reaches through the fog to collect her prize. To collect her peace. In book two, Richard sends Julie a dozen white roses, and tells her that she has brought him peace after all those lonely three hundred years. The mystery of what this white rose really means is revealed in book three. Julie has a vision of her father and he tells her that she is the white rose that brings peace. It is only at the end of the book will the reader understand the purpose of this statement.
Dawn of kNight has been the most challenging to write, because of all the twists and plots. I have had to refer back to book one and two more than once. Not to mention the importance of the details in the plot line, the story while writing it had to be reviewed chapter by chapter by an editor. It is very fast paced, action packed, and heart wrenching. I hope the readers will enjoy the story and the final saga for our dear Julie.
Dawn of kNight will be released November 22, 2011. What’s next? Dark of kNight was adapted into a screenplay written by J.Z. Murdock. The screenplay for Dark of kNight is currently under review by NOVA Entertainment in consideration for a major motion picture. Producer, Frankie Nasso and I have discussed the future possibilities that the kNight Series may develop into a three-part movie deal. Right now, all depends on budgets and costs.
After Dawn of kNight is released, I will take a break from writing on the kNight Series. My attention will be more on the movie aspects. I have an Young Adult contemporary romance (no weres or vampires) called Sound of Thunder to complete which will go directly to Sharon BelCastro, president of the BelCastro Literary Agency. After that, I have been engaged to write an urban Fantasy called Glisten.
1 comments:
Sounds like a fascinating series! :) I loved reading about how you turned a novel into a series of books and the difference between a series plot line and a saga. I never thought of that before.
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