A Little About You……….
My name is Rich B Knight (The “B” stands for Brandon).
I teach English during the day and write at night. I like movies, comics, and video games, and all three come through in my writing. In fact, you can actually read some of my musings on video games and movies here: http://www.complex.com/author/rich-knight. I also love progressive rock more than anything else in this world. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis is the greatest album of all time, bar none.
A Little About Your Writing……….
I like writing weird stories. Some people say my debut novel, The Darkness of the Womb (http://thedarknessofthewomb.com/) is horror. I never intended for that. I don’t outline, so whatever comes out of me is what the story usually becomes. The editing mostly consists of cleaning up weak character interactions or poor chapters that are unnecessary. I let my fingers do the talking, and my brain does the sorting.
What Inspired You To Start Writing?
It’s the only thing I’m kinda sorta good at. I can’t fix things, I can’t cook, and my wife says I can’t even dress myself properly. But I found that writing wasn’t all that hard to do. I kind of like it. 🙂
How Has Writing Changed Your Life?
It’s given me purpose. I do it every single day and I’m constantly coming up with new things to write about. Writer’s block is an illusion. At least, I think so. The main reason I think people get writer’s block is because they have this perfect idea of what their writing should be like, and when it’s not that, they get stuck. But if you just let your imagination take over, you’ll be surprised at what comes out of you. It’s funny. I say all these kind things about Imagination, but in The Darkness of the Womb, Imagination is the enemy. He’s a god who’s selfish and gives to some, but takes from others. He believes he has a gift and only grants it to specific people, and—I’m sorry. What was the question again?
What Is Your Favourite Book, Ever?
The Confederacy of Dunces. It’s the funniest book I’ve ever read. It’s a shame that the author killed himself before he ever saw worldwide fame. He got a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for the book. He really should have hung in there.
What Is The Best Piece Of Writing Advice You Could Give, And Why?
Don’t take writing too seriously. Do it because you love it. If it sucks, at least you had fun writing it. And don’t torture yourself over it. Anybody who aspires to be a Hemmingway or a Faulkner, should stop right now. Be your own person. You see the world differently than anybody else. Use that to your advantage.
If You Were A Dragon, What Kind Of Dragon Would You Be?
I’d be one of those Chinese dragons without the wings. Actually, scratch that. I’d be a centipede dragon, like in that recent movie, Monsters U. Centipedes are my biggest fear, so that’s what I’d want to become—my biggest fear. Could you imagine if those foul bugs could fly? (Shudder).