We’re so pleased to welcome author Derrick Knight to TNA today on the tour for his new holiday novel, Truly a Miracle.
Welcome, Derrick!
Behind the Scenes-Derrick Knight’s Everyday Routine
When I’m in the writing mood, I get up each day at 4 AM and work on a manuscript for a couple of hours. During that time, sometimes I accomplish a lot, while other times, I sit and stare at the screen. I find the early mornings to be the best because I’ve a sense of renewed energy and minimal distractions.
At 6 AM I get ready for my day job. I usually arrive at the medical center between six-thirty and six-forty five in the morning. I work Monday through Friday. Most of my day is spent on rounds with physicians and other members of the healthcare team. I make nutrition recommendations for all infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. My professional job compromises most of my time. If being a neonatal nutritionist isn’t even, I teach an introductory nutrition class once a week at the local community college.
When I get home, I watch MSNBC for about an hour. Then I head to the gym to workout at least three times a week where, at least two times a week, I get to see my fantasy husband a security guard at a nearby Federal Prison. Unfortunately, I don’t spend hours at the athletic club like some faith muscular guys. I wish I had the time and energy to do that.
After working out, I return home for dinner, usually a vegetarian entrée. Then I spent the rest of the night watching TV/dosing off on the couch. By ten o’clock I’m heading to bed only to wake up in the early hours to begin writing again.
About the Book
TITLE: Truly A Miracle
SERIES: The Innkeeper Series
AUTHOR: Derrick Knight
COVER ARTIST: Reese Dante
LENGTH: 251 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 25, 2016
BLURB: Dustin Hurst and Nathaniel Schmitt were happy when Nathaniel’s sister Natalie agreed to be their surrogate. Both men were elated finding out that she was pregnant with twins. Their dreams of becoming parents finally coming true, until one day, Natalie goes into preterm labor.
Diana and Niles Hurst-Schmitt enter the world over two months premature. Immediately they’re transported to a nearby children’s hospital where doctors soon discover both twins have life threatening complications requiring surgical intervention.
During their children’s hospitalization, Dustin and Nathaniel grow fond of the many talented healthcare professionals working to heal their newborns, including the attractive dietitian Matt Bachmeier. They think it’s only a matter of time before their babies are well enough to come home. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for the tiny infants resulting in Dustin and Nathaniel unexpectedly embarking on a terrifying journey witnessing their children fighting for their lives.
As their medical crisis continues to unfold, Dustin and Nathaniel pray for a miracle their family so desperately needs.
Book Links: Amazon US || Amazon UK || Add to Goodreads
Exclusive Excerpt
God, get us through this night. Dustin thought to himself. We’ve come so far only to be disappointed yet again.
As he sat in the waiting room, his mind was at war with itself. The scientific, analytical part of his brain was attempting to rationalize with his sensitive side. However, a father’s emotional bond to the welfare of his children—his unconditional love—was stronger than any intellectual fact.
Nathaniel snuggled closer. Dustin looked down, seeing Nathaniel resting his head on his shoulder. He noticed how still Nathaniel was lying there, so as not to mess up a strand of his reddish-brown hair. He knew how much Nathaniel hated waking up in the morning with bedhead. Dustin smiled, his love for Nathaniel filling his heart. He thought about their differences. Nathaniel stood maybe five foot eight inches tall, on a good day. He was more outgoing, anal-retentive, and obsessive-compulsive to the extreme than Dustin ever could be, but Nathaniel’s good spirit was larger than that of most adult men. He grinned as he bent down, kissing Nathaniel on the forehead. I love you.
Dustin noticed the other people in the waiting room area staring at them, but their gawking had little effect. He wasn’t ashamed of being gay, or of sharing an intimate moment with the man he loved. Fuck them!
Dustin had let go of his insecurities years ago. He’d gained confidence with his sexuality because of the man sitting next to him and the unconditional support from Nathaniel’s family. Dustin chuckled. He remembered when he and Nathaniel had started dating how his older brothers, Mike Jr. and Martin would ask him questions about anything–biology, his childhood growing up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Or privately ask him how on earth he could be in a relationship with their brother without having the urge to slap Nathaniel across the face or, better yet, give him a wedgie. Dustin had never forgotten the day when Mike Jr. and Martin took him to a Chicago Cubs game and got him so drunk he heckled the visiting team. That was the day when Dustin’s introvert shell had shattered forever.
The transport nurse, Krystle, sauntered into the room. Dustin leaned forward causing Nathaniel to wake up.
“Dotty and I are here to transport your kids back up to the NICU.”
A tall man wearing surgical scrubs and cap strolled into the waiting area, prompting Dustin to stand up. Nathaniel sprung out of his chair, pressing into Dustin. Nathaniel bit on his index finger.
“Hello, I’m Dr. Jones. I’m one of the anesthesiologists here. From my perspective, both Diana and Niles tolerated sedation. However, they both will need to remain on a ventilator for a bit, which isn’t uncommon. I’ll help the team take your kids back up to the NICU.”
About the Author
Derrick Knight was born in Janesville, Wisconsin. Growing up, he always dreamed of becoming a writer. His grandmother got him hooked on reading mystery novels. It was in December 2011 that he purchased his first M/M romance novel. Instantly, he became hooked on the genre. After reading his first gay romance novel, he knew what type of books he wanted to write.
Derrick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from University of Wisconsin- Stout, and a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. He has worked in the healthcare field as a dietitian for over twenty-three years. For the past nineteen years, he has functioned as a neonatal nutritionist for a large Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Central Illinois. Currently, he lives in Peoria, Illinois.
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