Get ready to learn more about the book Don’t Circle Or in this discussion with sapphic author Kellan McKnight.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Kellan McKnight about Don’t Circle Or, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Addiction category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Don’t Circle Or?
I think this is a story that needs to be told because I’ve seen addiction and mental health issues run rampant in the queer community. I wanted to provide a light at the end of the tunnel for those who feel despondent and hopeless.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
I would have such a hard time picking between Morgan and Drew. While this book is not my story, both contain elements of struggles I have experienced in my life.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
This book took a lot out of me emotionally. There were so many heavy, but necessary moments in the story, I would find myself exhausted after writing highly emotional parts. It was like a bloodletting of the soul.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
There will be three books about the three sisters. The second book about Melora will still have serious issues to work through, but it’s going to be a lot lighter with many more humorous elements. From what I have read and researched, the premise of the book is something that hasn’t been done in Sapphic romance, so I am excited about that.
What is your favorite line from your book?
[Their relationship] was a cross between parasitism and symbiosis, just with a lot more track marks and empty pill bottles.
What is your writing process like?
I am 100% a pantser. One of my favorite things about being an off-the-cuff writer is I only have a vague idea on the story line. I love writing scenes that unfold in a completely different way than I thought they might.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
I am fully addicted to my Sodastream sparkling water machine. I am never without a bottle. That bottle is almost always flavored with a Lotus energy concentrate. I have an entire set up for my system in my kitchen and always have at least three flavors of Lotus available at any one time.
Do you have any odd writing quirks?
I get really vibrant pictures in my mind when I am writing a scene. I often type with my eyes closed so I can stay focused on details as things unfold.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
I struggle most days with my lack of focus. As a neurodivergent writer, I can’t always make the words happen. On the flip side, there have been days when I have gotten so immersed in the world I created, I’ve dropped 10k words and looked outside to see the entire day has gone.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
Yes, and I didn’t even realize it until I could hardly see the computer screen. There’s a non-sexual shower scene in Don’t Circle Or in which Morgan is having to take care of Drew because she is ill. The sheer intimacy of the moment between the two characters rolls off the pages in waves. I wrote it in one go. I did not want to stop because I was afraid of losing the magic of the moment.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
There are many authors I love, but very few books that have affected me on a cellular level and made me want to write or write more prolifically. I’m in the process of building a collection of signed copies of these books as an inspiration corner.
What books did you grow up reading?
From the time I was reading Dr. Seuss, I have been a voracious reader. I have read books in most every genre. I would say I decided I wanted to write a book after becoming addicted to VC Andrews in elementary and middle school.
What book do you wish you had written?
I am such a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe and gothic horror. I would love to do a collection of Sapphic retellings of some of his short stories.
