Author Spotlight: Reese Knightley
September 22, 2025 • News
CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
RK: I had just finished my Master’s in English Lit and knew I didn’t want to go the teaching route. So, it came down to this: either write or teach. Writing won out, and that’s when I sat down and started my first novel, Ricochet.
CJC: What do you find to be the most rewarding and challenging part of being an author and what hurdles have you overcome while striving towards your goals?
RK: Honestly, I don’t really find writing itself to be challenging. I never get writer’s block. (I do procrastinate sometimes though—lol.) The most rewarding part is hearing from readers. When a fan reaches out to quote a line back to me or tells me how much a story resonated with them, it makes every late night of writing worth it.
CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
RS: Without a doubt, Without Him from my Bodyguard series (Cobalt Security). That book had so much heart in it, and I loved every minute of writing it.
CJC: For first time readers of your work, which book would you recommend?
RK: I usually suggest starting with the first book in any of my series, since my universes cross over and everything connects in fun ways. But honestly? Readers can pick up almost any book and dive right in. If they want the order I wrote them in, it’s all listed on my blog.
CJC: If one of your books were made into a movie, which would you select and who would you like to star in it?
RK: I’d have to go with Lethal (Operation Justice Force book one) or my current work-in-progress, Gravity (Genesis – Savage Warriors book two). As for actors? Let’s be real—any hot, popular actor would do.
CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
RK: Finish. That’s the biggest thing. Finish what you’re writing. Don’t overthink it, don’t get caught up in rewriting to the point you lose your voice. Get the story out, publish it, and then move on to the next one.
CJC: If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?
RK: I’ve co-written before, and it’s definitely a challenge. Blending styles isn’t easy, and it takes a lot of give and take. It’s not something I’ll be doing again anytime soon.
CJC: Favorite motto?
RK: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
CJC: What do you do to overcome writer’s block?
RK: I don’t get writer’s block. I just sit down—wherever that may be—and start typing. The story flows organically for me.
CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
RK: Panster. I write “into the dark,” letting the story unfold as I go.
CJC: And what is your writing process like?
RK: Super simple. I open a document in Scrivener and start writing. No outline, no roadmap—I just go where the story takes me. It keeps the process exciting because I never know exactly what’s going to happen next.
CJC: Which do you find harder to do… writing the blurb for your story or selecting the cover?
RK: Oh, the blurb—hands down.
CJC: Do you have authors who inspire you? And if so, who and why?
RK: All the MM romance and action/adventure authors out there inspire me. A.E. Via and Mary Calmes are two big names for me, but really, there are so many whose work I admire.
CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?
RK: Right now, I’m deep into a project with one of my most beloved couples, Stone and Dave. Alongside that, I’ve been taking creative writing and editing courses because I’m always looking to grow. My writing style is constantly evolving, and I like it that way—I never want to stop learning.
CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
RK: Read what you love to read! Life’s too short to waste on books that don’t excite you.
CJC: A special thank you to Reese Knightley for taking the time to be featured on my blog.
Exhale (Operation Justice Force Book 8) featuring Dominic is now live!
Stay up to date with Reese’s latest projects here.
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