Trying to define a novel by K.L. Nappier isn’t easy. Some call her style “eclectic,” others call it “cross over.” Moving between genres may keep her novels out of the mainstream, but once you’ve discovered her, you’ll understand why critics think she’s one of today’s freshest talents writing on the fringes of traditional publishing.

Did growing up in a small mid-western town have any influence on your writing?

A: I can’t imagine that it wouldn’t, but it’s not something I can say I’m conscious of or deliberate about. But, I have been putting rural settings into my work lately. It’s not something I planned to do. It just kinda hit me. I borrow from Franklin County MO and as well as counties farther south for both “Bitten” and the short I’m working on for the third installment of the “Twisted Tails” anthology.

Have you written in any other mediums like magazines or newspapers?

A: Oh, so long ago. Did one or two articles for a couple of mags way, way back in … well, I’m not going to say how way back. Suffice to say it was way, way back.

“The Thing Most Precious”,your short story in Twisted Tails 2 “Out of Time”, is a sci-fi story. Any plans to write a sci-fi novel in the future?

A: I am so out of my element when I attempt sci-fi. I wouldn’t want to put my readers through that on a regular basis. I’m much more comfortable working with myth, metaphor and spirituality, although that overlaps with sci-fi more than some may think. Especially the quantum sciences, which I definitely have a layman’s interest in (mind you, I said I had an interest, not an understanding). Anyway, ultimately, I’d never say never to the possibility of more sci-fi.

Who were your influences when you started writing and who influences you now?

A: As a child, the two biggest were Edgar Allan Poe and Rod Serling. I read Poe, of course, but Serling influenced me through “The Twilight Zone.” It’s an irony that I didn’t realize how Serling affected me until years later. I was watching a retrospective about him and was stunned to recognize his influence on me. When I was a kid, I wasn’t conscious of it. In my adulthood right up to today, my influences are all over the map. Of course, the writers in the critique group I belong to are a tremendous influence. And Elizabeth Arthur, whom I studied under for a couple of semesters, will always have an impact on me. The works of Toni Morrison gave me a whole new perspective on what can be done and, of course, the earlier works of Anne Rice were a big influence. In nonfiction, Joseph Campbell represents a solid foundation for what I do, as does Depak Chopra. But I can’t end this without giving novelist Dennis Lehane his propers. I was lucky enough to be accepted into his workshop intensive back in 2006 while I was in the middle of writing “Bitten.” His instruction really tightened my work and I think that shows in “Bitten.”

Now that “Bitten” is out and “Twisted Tails 2” is out, what are you working on?

A: Finishing up a short story for TT 3. Other than that, I’m taking a break and focusing on conference appearances and a few promotions. I stopped working on a project a few years ago to focus on “Bitten,” and I’ll probably open that back up toward the end of this year or start of next. It’s a retelling of Abraham’s, Sarah’s and Hagar’s story in Genesis, told through the perspectives of Abraham’s wives, Sarah and Hagar. I draw from the traditional texts of the Big Three: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, plus from lore and what some might call “heretical” texts. It’s a big departure from what I usually do, I know, but I’m pretty pumped about it.

You’re going to be at Necronomicon in October, can you score me a t-shirt (xl)?

A: LOL. I’ll pull all my highly influential strings to make it happen.

And lastly, what’s a little brother gotta do to get an autographed bookplate-style sticker?

A: It’ll be in the mail to you tomorrow, li’l bro. :D

Well thats my interview with K.L. Nappier….To find out more about her and her work, check her out at her website KlNappier.com