Tule Author Kelsey McKnight took some time to discuss the ruminations behind What Happens in the Ruins (Book #2 of her What Happens series).
It really depends on what I’m working on, but I know when I’m writing Scottish romance, looking through images of the fantastic places my characters could go really helps jog my creativity and set the scene. I also like to talk through ideas with my real life best friend and writing buddy Sarah Fischer or even my editor Sinclair Sawhney. Sometimes just vocalizing what you’re stuck on makes all the difference.
What is Sorcha’s most prized piece of vintage clothing?
Well, telling her top vintage find would definitely spoil some things for people who haven’t read the book. Her second favorite item is a green velvet number. Here’s how she describes it in the book:
“The emerald-green velvet was immaculate, a sweetheart neckline showing enough décolletage to be provocative, but not vulgar enough for my mum to tell me to put on a scarf and head for the nearest church for confession. There were long, tight sleeves and the fabric of the bodice bunched to one side, highlighting my waistline. The hem poofed out a bit to my knees and I twirled to give the skirt some movement and a voice in the back of my mind whispered that Danny would love it.”
What was Danny’s first tattoo and why?
His first was a “sgian dubh,” a traditional Scottish dagger, that spans the length of his forearm. He gets a new tattoo for every place he travels and for important times in his life. It just makes sense his first would be for his home country!
Does Sorcha have a sweet tooth? What is her favorite splurge?
Does champagne count? She always has a bottle ready to pop for any reason. For real desserts, she adores chocolate, especially if strawberries are involved.
If Sorcha and Danny had a playlist — what would be on it and why?
Sorcha would pick Danny Boy for obvious reasons, but it’s not a song they would typically listen to!
-The Only Exception by Paramore – This song is all about having your heart broken and still opening your heart up to love. Also, Danny and Sorcha are major fans.
-Misguided Ghosts by Paramore – This song is about trying to find yourself when everything is lost and it doesn’t seem like there’s any way out of the darkness. Since the tragedy that changes her life, Sorcha’s been running from the past.
-Under the Water by Dirty Heads – This song embodies Sorcha’s feelings about how Danny is always there for her. No matter how bad things are, he’s always there to keep her from losing herself completely.
-You’ll Never Walk Alone by Dropkick Murphys – Danny is Irish on his mother’s side, and grew up with a foot in each country. This song is telling the listener that even when it seems too hard, you just have to keep going and have the belief things will get better. It seems like a song Danny would pick just for Sorcha.
About the Author
From Scottish lairds to billionaire businessmen, Kelsey McKnight will ignite your soul, no matter what century it lives in.
Kelsey is a university-educated historian from southern New Jersey. She has married her great loves of romance, history, and literature to create her own tales of dashing heroes, sultry bad boys, and lovable heroines who have their own stories to tell. They will take you through the ballrooms of Victorian London, to the hills of the Scottish Highlands, and into New York City penthouses, all at the flip of a page.
When she’s not writing, Kelsey can be found reading, drinking too much coffee, spending time with her family, and working for two separate nonprofit organizations.
champagne, chocolate, and strawberries are a great combination