Author Interview Questions – Claundra Knight

About the Book

1. Howl of Hearts is such a passionate and emotional wolf shifter romance! What first inspired you to write this story?

Well, to be honest, i used to read a lot of shifter stories on these pay by chapter apps. After some time a few things stood out to me, the girl always gets the Alpha — and sometimes the Beta. But what about a more run of the mill wolf? Then at times i struggled with the concept that wolf and human were two different entities in one body. And last but not least I came across more and more why choose books, which are just not my cup of tea. So i wanted to write a shifter story with triplet mmcs that i wanted to read. Of course some of my plans derailed. Like — fun fact — Lauren was supposed to end up with the nice brother because the nice guy usually doesn't get the girl. Well turned out Lauren had her own mind in who she wanted. 

2. Lauren is fated to not just one, but three mates—triplet brothers. What drew you to explore this dynamic, and what challenges does it bring for her?

Like I said, I was intrigued by the concept of multiple mates because mate bond often meant insta-love unless there was some serious hate or rivalry, etc. I wanted to combine both, mate bond but also falling in love somewhat organically. It brought a ton of challenges for her, considering that she expected to meet the one and not… the ones. 

And i can't imagine how it would be to practically crush on three different guys at the same time who also happen to look alike. And be the object of their desire. Even though, the last part wouldnt be so bad — having three guys fawn over you. 

3. Your story blends steamy romance with pack politics and danger. Which element do you love writing the most—the spice, the emotional connections, or the high-stakes tension?

Oh i think I love writing emotionally charged scenes the most. Steamy scenes are fun but can be hard to write. You want to keep the tension but you dont want to repeat yourself three times and have to keep anatomy and bodypositioning in mind. Because when a guy hovers over a woman he usually only has one free hand, so they cant be on both boobs at the same time. 

But i love writing gut wrenching pain. Sorry not sorry.

4. If you had to describe Howl of Hearts in three words, what would they be?

oh that's a tough one. I guess emotional, sacrificing and love takes effort… Does that last one count as one word? 

If not i would say emotional, sacrificing and magical

Inspiration & Process
5. You also released a German edition of the book (Im Herzen des Wolfes). What was that process like, and what has it been like connecting with international readers?

Hmm, it wasn't easy to say the least. Before i began translating I read two german books. One spicy vampire book i read as a teen. But this one was an english translation, which I realized was super obvious. The other one was a no-spice shifter romance. I used them as research material, like what terminology is used in german, how is spice written. Writing explicit sexual content in german felt weird at first.

What i loved about translating it myself was that i could change things up. Yes, i omitted a few sentences from the german version because they just didn't fit. Translating my own work gave me the chance to make sure the translation reads as fluid and round as it would in english and isn't just a sentence-for-sentence translation.

6. What was the most surprising thing you learned while writing Howl of Hearts?

How fast words and pages pile up.  i had to cut a lot. There were a lot more views from the brothers in the original draft. So i am sorry that one brother particularly comes a bit short in this one.

7. Do you see yourself as more of a “plotter” who plans everything out, or a “pantser” who lets the story flow as you go?

Haha… i respect everyone who can plot. I had tried my hands at plotting for book 3 (yes it's in the works already). But when I plot its basically writing a skeleton first draft. I do plan major plot points in my head but most of the time my characters direct the story. I only found out who the Pack were up against when they did. 

Characters & Themes
8. Each of the triplets has his own personality. Which one was the most fun to write, and which one gave you the most trouble?

Damn, my first response would be, can I say Lycos? But if it has to be a triplet, i guess Zac. I love how confident he usually is. The most troubling is Leo. He turned out to be my most complex triplet.

9. Lauren grows into the wolf she was meant to be. What do you hope readers take away from her journey of strength and self-discovery?

Oh wow, now we are going into deep questions. I guess something I would like readers to take away from her journey is that sometimes we cant have it all but we can still be happy with the things we have. That sounds more depressing that i mean it 

But also, sometimes we need to stand up for what is right. 

10. If your characters could step into our world for a day, what would they do first?

Hm that's a tough one. Their world is practically ours, so nothing would really change for them. Lauren would probably go eat icecream and have a hot coca and the boys would hate being in a big city. Well, two of them anyway.

Writing & Publishing Journey
11. What was the most rewarding part of bringing Howl of Hearts to life?

Seeing when people love their story. Writing is a lot of work and effort and when people read what you write and enjoy it, it's the best feeling!

12. What advice would you give to writers who want to dip their toes into the spicy side of romantasy?

Read some spice to get an idea how it's written. Then in my opinion be as descriptive as possible. Show how it feels.

13. You mentioned needing more information—are you planning to expand Howl of Hearts into a series or universe with more pack stories?

Haha Howl of Hearts is just the beginning of Lunar Legends. Originally it was supposed to be 3 books, each brother one. I now sit at 5 with two planned spin offs. 

Book 2, Choice of the Broken, will be released December 18th, exactly one year after Howl of Hearts. So stay tuned for that one.

I am trying to work on book 3 which seems to be the most challenging for me so far. And book 4 is already living in my head. 

As for the spin offs i'm not sure if I will write and release them after the series ends or within the stories timeline. If I choose to go with the timeline, we might see some beloved side characters from Howl of Hearts find their happy ending sooner than later.

Fun & Quickfire
14. Who would you cast as Lauren and the triplets in a dream film or TV adaptation?

Well Zac and Olli are an easy choice - Jensen Ackles. (Come, my supernatural fans!) He could of course play Leo too, given that they are identical. But a younger Eric Winter would do too.

As for Lauren I don't have a particular actress in mind. But Madeline Petsch would be her perfect look alike.

15. What’s your ultimate writing vibe—music, coffee, late nights, or early mornings?

I am a working/studying mom of 2, i got no vibes. I write when I can how I can.  

16. If you could shift into any animal (other than a wolf), what would you pick and why?

I would love being a sly fox or… a butterfly. Fox because foxes are cool and butterfly because why not? 

17. Which romance trope do you secretly love writing (or reading) the most—fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, why choose, or something else?

I love to read any level of enemies-to-lovers. Sorry I love Draimone so there you go.   When it comes to writing I am very flexible. It really depends on the characters. 

18. Pack bonfire or moonlit run—where would your characters feel most at home?

Ohh that's a tough one. I can all of them see enjoy both. Especially Lauren. Zac and Olli might prefer the moonlit run. But for Zac that might depend on where his mate is at. And Olli is a hunter, so he likes going for runs. Leo… might opt out of either.