Jake and I met back in February where we both attended a Writers Victoria self publishing course. We clicked because we both wanted the same thing: we already had a work of fiction we were about to publish and working on bigger projects we hoped to get published traditionally. We also clicked with our love for social media – Instagram for him, Twitter for me. We’ve stayed in contact since and I’m so excited that he launched his debut novella “The Cure” last night. I’m pleased to introduce you to J.R Knight.
Tell us a little about yourself
Well hello, my name is Jake! I’m a Melbourne-based author and I love cats, candles and coffee! I believe in chasing your dreams, doing something every day to make you happy (and) sleep ins!
What is your writing style, what do you like to write?
I love writing in all types of genres. I think my favourite though is a genre that allow for fantastical world building. So, it would make sense that my favourite style to write in would definitely have to be fantasy!
Why did you self publish?
I decided to self publishing my first piece of work The Cure because I wanted to go on the journey, from beginning to end, and be in control of the entire process. From writing the first word, to selling the book on the launch night, I wanted to oversee it all! 
What are the best and worst parts of self publishing?
BEST: Being in complete control. You decide everything. For an A type personality (which I am) it definitely suits!
WORST: Being in complete control. Yes, I know, a contradiction! Having the control has to be the best and worst thing about self-publishing. At times you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, and when you are the one who presses ‘submit’ on the final version, it’s a lot of responsibility! For this project though I wouldn’t have it any other way though!
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on my major manuscript ‘Hearts’ which is all about the suit of hearts in a deck of playing cards. The story primarily revolves around the Queen and King, and Deck, the man who is responsible for all the chaos and drama that ensures. I aim to get ‘Hearts’ traditionally published and it’s currently 3/4 structurally edited.
What advice have you got for people who may be thinking of self publishing?
1. Find what motivates you and harness it everyday.
2. Plan the launch of your book once you have the final product, then add three months.
3. Invest in an editor, a separate proofreader, beta readers and book bloggers.
7) Book or eBook?
Both (but) definitely a physical book, nothing beats the feel and look of an actual book!
If you held a dinner party, which literary characters would you invite and why?
Count Olaf from A Series of Unfortunate Events: For entertainment.
Hagrid from Harry Potter: In the hopes that he’d bring some awesome magical animals.
& The Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland: For an interesting comparison (and) for a little research.
FAST FIVE:
1) What was the last book you read? Prince’s Gambit by C. S Pacat
2) Who is your favourite author? Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket)
3) What can’t you leave home without? My wrist watch.
4) What was the last song you heard? Automatic by ZHU
5) What is your favourite word? (Can be in English or another language)
Believe, in any language. Anything can happen if you just believe.
For more from Jake or if you wish to buy a copy of The Cure, head to the following:
Website: http://www.jakerobertknight.com
Instagram: @j.rknight
Annnnnnd, because Jake is such a swell guy he is giving readers of my blog a 20% discount (plus postage) if you purchase the novel via his site. All you need to do is add the promo code girlonasoapbox. Easy as pie.
claregriffin.com 