Interview Marilyn Nichols Kapp

by

Mary S. McGuire

Mary: Hello, there. You have been successfully writing for several years; what keeps fueling your creativity?

Marilyn: Reading another author that I like for one thing. Every time I read a good book, I feel the urge to create

Mary: As an accountant, you have a great amount of logic--do you feel this trait helps you outline your plot?

Marilyn: I don’t write by outline, but it does help to keep me on track.

Mary: Where do you discover ideas for your characters and books?

Marilyn: I draw characters from people I’ve met, worked with, or just observed in passing. They are usually composites though. As for books, I go about it backwards I guess. I start with the ending, then figure out what it takes to get there.

Mary: Other than us wingies, who are some of your favorite authors? What type reading do you prefer?

Marilyn: Dean Koontz, Robert Ludlum, Steven King’s earlier books, Tom Clancy. The list goes on and on. I couldn’t possibly name them all. Also, I like to read a very good friend of mine, Willo Davis Roberts.

Mary: What other than writing are some of your other interests and hobbies?

Marilyn: I have more interests than I can keep up with. I’ve had flying lessons, I ran a riding stable and showed horses. I like golf, gardening, and woodworking. And lets don’t forget just plain loafing.

Mary: Give us some of the highlights of your life. Where you were born, raised, and married.

Marilyn: I was born in Kentucky, grew up in Ohio, married and settled in Kentucky. I was widowed at an early age, remarried and lived in Alabama, Washington state, Indiana–north, south and middle. I am widowed again and have completed the circle by coming back home to Kentucky.

Mary: What of these events most influenced your writing?

Marilyn: Moving to Washington. It was the first place I found a creative writing course. And the beauty of that state made me want to put it all on paper so others could see it the way I did. Return to Madrona was born.

Mary: Since you work with figures a lot, do you find writing is a relaxing activity?

Marilyn: When everything is flowing, yes. It can be very stressful when I hit a snag though.

Mary: Give us a sneak preview of your new book ECHOES OF DROWNING CREEK.

Marilyn: I think the book is very timely right now. It begins on the day of Pearl Harbor and is the story of two women’s fight for survival at home.

Mary: Is there anything else you would like to share with us and your fans?

Marilyn: I just want to thank all who have read and enjoyed my work. That is what it is all about--giving pleasure and entertainment.

Mary: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us.