Interview with A. P. Knight, Author of 'Donatus Institute: New Beginnings'

 Apr. 19, 2021

I was privileged to invite Author A. P. Knight for an interview to discuss his latest book Donatus Institute: New Beginnings. Enjoy!

**********

What's your book about, and what inspired you to write it?	Donatus Institute: New Beginnings is the first book of a trilogy, and it tells the story of an 18-year old who learns through deep pain and an expert teacher what in life is worth holding to with all the strength he has.  As for the inspiration of the book, hard times have taught me many important lessons in life.  Creating a story has allowed me to share some of those lessons.
Who is your target audience, and why do you think this book will appeal to them?	Given the age of the protagonist, a young adult audience is the most logical.  That said, a wide range of ages have enjoyed the book, from grade-schoolers to grandparents.  So, basically anyone who likes a book that is as thoughtful as it is lighthearted and entertaining will enjoy Donatus Institute: New Beginnings.
What message do you wish to pass across to your readers with this book?	Life can betray you and rip from you all that was once valuable.  But in such times of utter humility, there is still hope.  Though you may have to fight as you’ve never fought before, there is hope for those who seek it.
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?	The last book I wrote was the final book in the Donatus Institute series, and since it was the final book, all the details had to fit together perfectly.  It wasn’t terrible, but it certainly took careful thought.
As a writer, is there anything you've learned about yourself while writing this book?	I learned that I can actually write a book.  I never had dreams of becoming an author, so the mere fact that I was able to complete the book was a pleasant surprise.  And to think that people actually like the book?  Wow.
For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books, and why?	I suppose I prefer traditional books, but I’m not picky.
What is your niche genre, and if you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?	So far young adult with a crossover appeal to adults is my sweet spot, but I’ve entertained the idea of writing grade school chapter books.  You know, lighthearted books that will entertain a younger audience.
What books and authors have most influenced you?	Maybe this is the wrong thing to say given the times, but I enjoyed Dr. Seuss growing up, and I would say that he has influenced me the most.  He was able to teach good morals in an entertaining way, and I like that.
Is there anything you'd like readers to know about you?	It’s not important that people know this about me, but maybe they’ll find it interesting: I have post-concussion syndrome.
Do you have any more books in the works?	Maybe an idea or two, but nothing imminent.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?	Yup, I read them, but they don’t affect me too much one way or the other.  I listen to people I trust, not so much to people I don’t know.
How can readers get in touch with or follow you (website, personal blog, social media handle, Goodreads)?	Website: authorapknight.com Twitter: @Author_APKnight

--------------

Andy isn’t the stereotypical author.  Not only would he prefer a Dr. Seuss book to a classic, but he’d also rather have a ball in his hands than a keyboard under his fingers.  But one day a story popped into his mind that he deemed too important not to write, and a year later the Donatus Institute series was completed.  If you're searching for a clean read that is as stirring as it is inspiring, then the Donatus Institute series is for you.

A Midwesterner to his core, Andy prefers the simple life: shooting hoops, shagging pop flies in the outfield, hanging out with family, and scarfing down heaping bowls of chocolate ice cream.