Interview with K.M. Scott, Author of The Cult
21 May 2025
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Cult?
I’ve always been interested in cults, and I’d been reading up on Jim Jones and Charles Manson. In one of the books, the NXIVM group was mentioned, so I began researching that. It was from what I learned about that cult that I got the idea for The Cult.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Although I write fiction, I read a lot of nonfiction in my spare time. That probably comes from my years teaching history.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’ve been learning to speak Italian, so all the books on my TBR pile at the moment relate to my getting better at reading the language.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There’s a scene in The Cult that includes the male main character, Nash, and lets the reader know how he came to be part of The Golden Light. It explains a great deal about him and shows Nash’s humanity.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I guess the only quirky writing habit I have is that I have to write in my office. I never take my laptop to a cafe or even on vacation because I can’t write unless I’m at my desk in my office.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I try to live with gratitude every day. It’s not always easy, but I find it helps me keep things in perspective.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I’d like readers to remember how selfless Nash turned out to be.
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