Unveiling the Heart of Military Romance: An Exclusive Interview with Author Randa Knight
Military romance isn't just a genre for Randa Knight, it's a way of life. With a deep personal connection to the military, she weaves love stories that honor the experiences of service members and their families. In this exclusive interview, Randa takes us through her writing journey, her inspirations, and the unique aspects that set her books apart.
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"My inspiration comes from my family," Randa shares. "My husband is a ten-year veteran who deployed to multiple war zones, and three of my four boys are in the Army. The settings in my books are places my husband has trained or where we were stationed."
Choosing Fort Bragg as a backdrop was a deliberate decision. "It's home to Airborne School and numerous Engineering units, which all my male characters belong to, even Grant, who transitions from Special Forces to an Engineering company."
Randa's writing process has evolved over time. "I started as a pantser, letting the words flow freely, but now I use outlines with basic plot points and settings." To ensure accuracy, she leans on firsthand experiences and insights from her family. "Whenever I'm unsure, I call one of my sons. My son, Alex, even explained how Mike could realistically be a First Sergeant under the age of 30. That authenticity matters."
She also seeks out expert opinions when needed. "Alex works with soldiers across various ranks and even some Special Forces personnel who let me pick their brains, as long as I don’t credit them," she adds with a chuckle.
"Authenticity is my biggest challenge," Randa admits. "The military lifestyle isn't easy, long hours, constant training, deployments. Spouses often act as single parents. Still, I focus on their happily-ever-afters because that’s why we read romance, isn’t it?"
Her military characters are deeply personal. "Mike has a lot of my husband's traits, Joel is inspired by my middle son Mathew, and Braxton shares characteristics with my oldest, Alex."
The military setting has grown to become its own character in her stories. "In The Last Game, Ivy is petrified about Grant’s contract ending and having to leave Fort Bragg. As readers, you feel her anxiety, the weight of his career choices, and the impact on their relationship."
"I try to blend emotional and physical aspects," Randa explains. "For instance, in The Last Game, there’s a stronger emotional pull with Ivy’s journey. In other books, the physical aspects take center stage, with deployments pulling couples apart at inconvenient moments. I remember having a huge fight with my husband the night before a two-month training exercise. I couldn’t talk to him for the first three days he was gone. That forced time to reflect was both a blessing and a curse."
Though her books touch on deployments and training challenges, she hasn't yet explored PTSD or reintegration into civilian life. "Only Grant has been to a war zone so far. None of my characters have left active duty… yet."
As an indie author, Randa brings a unique perspective to the military romance genre. "Many military romances lean toward suspense, but I focus on love. My characters are still active duty, which isn’t as common. Their military careers don’t overshadow their romances, it enhances them."
Her most rewarding experience? "Attending book conventions as an author. The first time I signed a book, it felt surreal."
For those dreaming of writing military romance, Randa offers this advice: "Do your research and stay true to the experience without over-explaining. Know your characters as if they’re real. Give them flaws, no one is perfect."
She hopes readers take away more than just romance. "I want them to understand the depth of commitment these relationships require. Military romance isn’t all action and danger, it’s about love surviving despite the hardships."
What’s next for Randa? "My next series shifts away from the military and back to Mike’s hometown, focusing on his childhood best friends."
As she embarks on this new journey, one thing is certain: Randa Knight will continue to deliver heartfelt, authentic love stories that capture the resilience and devotion of those who serve, and those who love them.
