Mandy S Knight – Author Feature

Mash: What inspired you to pick up a pen?

Mandy: I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. From my first school-published book where my teacher told me I put far too much detail in my story and had to cut half of it out (rude) to my first foray into more creative writing. I remember it like yesterday… It was the summer between high school and university. 

Armed with a brand new computer, I sought out some writing groups online and was lucky enough to find a fantastic group playing a text-based roleplaying game of a popular franchise. I had the honour of playing a comic relief character and bringing depth to his life—and then spent the next four years of my life creating the most dramatic, intimate, and hilarious storylines with a group of some of the best pals. (And one is now a traditionally published author, so I think it’s safe to say that it was a great start!)

I’ve been writing on and off since then, with a handful of books half-started and none-finished stockpiled in my drafts. This most recent foray into writing came after a particularly fun and intimate session of my long-running Dungeons and Dragons campaign that would not leave my brain alone. I just HAD to write that fade-to-black scene!

Mash: What is your favourite part of storytelling?

Mandy: Ooof, great question, Mash!! I have long called myself a storyteller (it’s the Aries in me, with a penchant for playing loud-mouthed bards, what can I say? Or… maybe I’m descended from traditional Irish storytellers with the gift of the gab? I have kissed the Blarney Stone twice.) Whether it’s through creative writing, that serious business writing thing I mentioned, or podcasting, I just love to connect with people.

Because I think that’s what storytelling is all about: Creating an emotional connection with folks who feel moved by the words that you’re weaving, whether through a page or headphones or from a stage. 

I love to get lost in the intimate details of a scene, explore the deep emotions of my characters, and make my readers feel something… which is hopefully a good experience that makes them want to come back for more.

Mash: Do you have a favourite TTRPG system?

Mandy: I don’t have a favourite! I honestly have loved every system I’ve played. I particularly like Thirsty Sword Lesbians and my fellow contributing author, DC Bradshaw’s Little But Fierce, and am really excited to explore Koriko when I make it back to my copy in Northern Ireland. It’s a solo TTRPG using tarot cards to guide your adventure.

I have the most experience with Dungeons and Dragons 5e and am deeply indebted to the connections, community, and friendship it’s brought me. I wouldn’t be here without it.

Mash: I’ve been longing to play a game of Thirsty Sword Lesbians for a while now! We should play together! 

Mandy: Um, YES PLEASE. Let’s get a game going for Treat Your Geek sometime! That would be a blast.

Mash: I’m in! Are there any systems you’d like to play but have never gotten around to?

Mandy: Honestly, I would love to explore Pathfinder! I’ve heard it’s a lot more intricate, but that it also has more relaxed and fun elements. That’s high on my list, as is the new Critical Role system, Daggerheart. But one indie in particular I cannot WAIT to play when I get back home to Northern Ireland is Bard, by Scriv the Bard. I backed this one on Kickstarter on launch and I just think it sounds like a blast. Also.. like, it’s called BARD. How can it not be awesome?

Mash: What was the inspiration for Death and Second Chances?

Mandy: Okay, so, honestly, the inspiration comes directly from my privately played Dungeons and Dragons campaign. We’ve been playing for five years now, and it’s time to share this story with the world. Rivine and Grenar had their moment after literal years of yearning, and I was desperate to explore what happened after Grenar closed the bedroom door in game. What started as a 400-word flash fiction expanded to what you’re reading today with lots of fun moments sprinkled in from our campaign. I’m so lucky my fellow players are as excited to see our story written as I am.

Mash: I hear Rivine and Grenar already have a few fans online.

Mandy: They DO! These two are already fan favourites… And who can blame them? A sticks-to-the-rules, stoic paladin and a cheeky, cheery bard who loves to bend those very same rules? They’re a match made by the gods. Everyone who meets them, including in-game, absolutely unhinged murder hobo Hazel, falls in love. I’ve been lucky enough to share these two with my wonderful beta readers, most of whom said I needed to write their full story, and my fabulous critique partner who demands more swoony moments from me every day.

Mash: Have you got any more stories planned?

Mandy: I’m currently working on the full-length novel (who am I kidding, it will definitely be a trilogy) following Rivine and Grenar from the moment they met, so everyone can enjoy their slowest of slow burn romance. It’s called Hammer and Song, and it should be ready for querying by the summer! I’m also keeping my toes in the short story water, because they’re fun and enjoyable. You’ll be meeting Riccardo in the next TYG anthology.

Mash: Thank you very much for joining us here at TYG. I hope our readers will be excited to see more of your work popping up in the future!