Interview with Taylor Marsh, author of Olivia’s Turn

What can you tell us about your new release, Olivia’s Turn?

Olivia’s Turn is a new direction for my writing. A psychological thriller made for an audiobook, which was exciting to read, as well as produce. It’s about the past a woman can harbor, shun and set aside until she breaks free of her fears to walk through the darkness to get to the other side, so she can use what has made her who she is without triggering insanity, or nervous collapse. A collision of two fierce women that drives them both to extremes.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I started in non-fiction, with two traditionally published books. What inspired me to jump into fiction was a New York screenwriting competition started by Meryl Streep in 2015 to find women screenwriters over 40 years old. Didn’t win the competition but the exercise stoked my passion for storytelling, and my urge to tap the psychological aspects of strong, independent women in intense situations.

Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?

My shelves are filled with foreign policy books. I’ve moved so often in my life, the books I’ve kept represent something more to me.

American Rhapsody, by Joe Eszterhas

Doris Humphrey, An Artist First, An Autobiography

The Looming Tower, by Lawrence Wright

You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

J.K. Rowling because of her fierce political wit.

Patricia Cornwell, crime writer.

Jon Meacham, author & historian.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

The ride. It comes after the release. Don DeLillo described it perfectly in The Paris Review:

“…You want to let go. You want to lose yourself in language, become a carrier or messenger. The best moments involve a loss of control. It’s a kind of rapture…completely surprising combinations that make a higher kind of sense, that come to you out of nowhere…”

What’s a typical day like for you?

Nothing starts until I’ve meditated. It’s unexplainable what happens through this process. It makes the “rapture” described by DeLillo possible. Social media is central to my work as an author, as is collaboration, so it’s a daily thing. Like my cardio workout which keeps me sane. I check in with authors to find out who might need a retweet or a shout out. I read every day, and also keep tabs on cultural trends. I have an iTunes podcast on books, relationships, & women that requires research. Keeping up with world events ties into my foreign policy passion.

What scene in Olivia’s Turn was your favorite to write?

It wasn’t one scene. Olivia Stark is the star of this novel but there is an abducted and murdered girl that haunts her. The process led me to an epiphany that rocked the plot. Excavating what it meant was thrilling.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Taylor Marsh is the author of the new book Olivia’s Turn. 

Connect with Taylor:
Author Website
 Twitter