Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions asked of Kathy. If you have one of your own, write her at klnappierddp@yahoo.com. Perhaps you'll see it posted here.

1.) Where do you get your ideas?

My stock answer has always embarrassed me: "I don’t know." But, it’s true. Then one day it occurred to me: I don’t get ideas, the ideas come and get me. And from what I’ve heard, this is true for a lot of writers. The times I’d gone in search of an idea were during my workshop days or classes; when we had been assigned a topic to write about. Or, more recently, I had to do that with "Twisted Tails II." The anthology is built around a time travel theme. In that case, I had to "come up" with an idea.

2.) Who are your influences?

Where to begin! My two earliest, childhood influences were Edgar Allan Poe and Rod Serling. Most especially Poe. As a girl, I couldn't read enough of him. To this day, I haven't lost my love for the Gothic.

Of course, my fellow and sister members of the critique group, the Indiana Writers Workshop, influence every manuscript I do. I mean, how could they not? But if you’re talking about pure "I-wanna-be-like-him/her" influences and inspiration, then I have to start with Elizabeth Arthur. I studied under her for a couple of years and no one writes more beautifully than she does.

The late Joseph Campbell is another primary influence, although not regarding the particular art of writing. His own life’s work studying mythology and spirituality deeply affects all aspects of my life.

Toni Morrison, too, is a big inspiration. Nobody colors outside the lines like her, when it comes to writing. It’s clear that what matters to her is the work itself, not how to fit it into a particular category. She just blows me away. Anne Rice’s earlier work affected me as well.

More recently, I’d be ungrateful beyond measure not to give credit to Dennis Lehane. In 2006, I was fortunate to be chosen by him to participate in his workshop intensive at Eckerd College’s Writers in Paradise conference. It was done in a critiquing format, and we all submitted a chapter of works in progress. He really helped me tighten up my latest manuscript. He’s an outstanding talent and knows the craft inside and out.

3.) Why did you persist in writing, given how long it took to get published again?

Let me tell it to you this way: There were times when I felt pretty low and seriously, seriously considered stopping. Those were very depressing times. And the thought of quitting just made the depression worse. So I’d ask myself, "okay, then, which way would I prefer to feel depressed? Writing, or not writing?" I mean, if I was going to feel miserable either way, why stop? And, of course, recommitting myself to writing always pulled me back out of those depressions. Happened every single time.

4.) How do you choose a book to read?

Well, of course, I like certain authors. But when I’m in the mood for exploring, then I go strictly by quality of writing. I’ll pick up a book and read the first ‘graph or two.

5.) What books will you not let go of?

Nonfiction:

Elizabeth Arthur’s "Looking for the Klondike Stone"

Joseph Campbell’s "The Masks of God" series.

Stephen King’s "On Writing"

Fiction:

Wilton Barnhardt’s "Gospel"

Howard Frank Mosher’s "Disappearances"

Neal Stephenson’s "Cryptonomicon"

Sterling Watson’s "Sweet Dream Baby"

6.) What are you reading right now?

Right now I'm reading a lot of nonfiction on Buddhist thought. Not a very sexy topic for this Q&A, I know, but there you have it. As soon as my schedule clears, I hope to add some of my favoirte fiction authors back into the mix.