Marie Silk has enjoyed writing stories and plays since childhood. She lives with her family in the United States and travels the globe as often as life permits. She is an admirer of history, antiques, and architecture. She enjoys traveling the world, sampling new cuisines, and learning about history.  She has written stories and plays in many genres since childhood.  Marie is the author of the Amazon Best Selling series Davenport House family saga.

 

 

*Where are you from originally?

I was born in sunny Southern California and now live in the rustic northwest USA.

I used to live in sunny Southern California, but I’ve only been to the northwest once.  Can’t wait to go back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*What sort of books did you read growing up?

I enjoyed reading books about angels, adventure, and history. I also liked the pioneer-type books about survival in early America.

I’m always up for a good adventure. Then history, admittedly my worst subject, has grown on me the entire year! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.”-Ray Bradbury

 

 

 

 

*Who were your favorite characters and what did you appreciate about them?

My favorite characters were probably Jay and Lila from Frank Peretti’s YA adventure series. I thought it was neat that they got to travel to amazing destinations.

Hmm…I haven’t heard of them before. I’ll have to look them up now!

 

 

 

*What sort of plays have you written?

The plays I have written are mostly comedy and parody.

Oh wow, I love comedy. I was practically raised by comedians. Guess that’s where I get my funny bones. I’d love to read your plays sometime.

 

 

 

 

“Life is better when you’re laughing”-Unknown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*What are your favorite antiques? 

My favorite antiques include centuries-old furniture like dressing tables, room dividers, and canopy beds.

Cool! I like antiques too. Pottery in particular. There’s something artistic about it that gives you a rich appreciation of history. 

 

 

*What are your favorite historical architectures? 

My favorite architecture is Gothic…not so much the skulls and gargoyles, but the intricate carved detail and stained glass windows!

I don’t know much about Gothic architecture, but I agree with you that it’s beautiful!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Can you describe any significant ones in your stories?

In my first book, the ladies go shopping at Wanamaker’s, which is a real store now known as the Macy’s that hosts the Thanksgiving parades. The building is exquisite!

Oh lovely! 

 

 

*How did you come to love history?

I realized I loved history when I began to travel and visit ancient and historical sites. I wanted to know everything about the sites and the events surrounding them!

That normally does the trick. It probably draws a connection to past cultures, peoples and lands separated by the sea of time. 

 

 

*What are your favorite 3 time periods?

My three favorite time periods to study are Ancient Greece, Tudor England, and the Progressive Era.

Ancient Greece is endlessly fascinating. Tudor England and the progressive Era also strikes a fancy.

 

 

*Tell us about Mary Davenport.

Mary Davenport is twenty-two years old and has lived a sheltered life in the family’s mansion. Her father is her ally, but her mother often degrades Mary and everyone else in the house. When Mary’s father dies, she seeks help and friendship from the servants of the house, the only people she feels she can trust.

I love the historical family saga that you’ve created. It makes you want to know more about them and their culture. Well done.

 

 

*Why have you chosen this particular time period as a setting?

I chose the Progressive Era because there was so much happening in America due to the advancement in technology. I explore the reactions to experiencing cars, telephones, and electricity for the first time.

I’d like to see the look on someone’s face when riding a car for the first time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*What kind of mansion do the Davenports live in?

It is a colonial mansion with many rooms. The family lives in the upstairs bedroom while the servants reside in the level below the main house.

The mansion must be a place of many adventures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Tell us about your newest book release.

My newest book is titled Davenport House 6: House Secrets and is a continuation of the family saga as they enter the Roaring 20’s. There are more secrets in the house to be explored that have only been hinted at in the previous book.

Love secrets! Your book covers are fabulous too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to Goodreads:

 

The family saga continues in this sixth book to Davenport House. It is 1919 when America begins to heal from the Great War and take her first steps into a roaring new Era.

The residents of Davenport House are changing with the times as new fashions and new laws are introduced. Clara turns a blind eye to her troubles at home and plans a grand masquerade ball for the county. Bridget uncovers a distressing truth and returns to the house to warn the others, but soon finds that she is no longer welcome there.

When a suspicious death occurs on the estate, the abundance of motives and sudden hushed lips cause tensions to rise throughout the house. Only the painful truth can set everyone free, but it will come at a price to reveal the house secrets once and for all.

 

 

 

*Does Mary have any sidekicks or companions?

Yes, Mary relies on friendships with her maid and the stable boy, but realizes she wants to have a lady’s companion for deeper friendship.

This makes me more curious to see who it is! 

 

 

*Is it difficult writing and conveying historical fiction ?

I do not find it difficult to write. I take real historical events and create stories for characters to then experience those things.

Wow. Hats off to you for pulling off a bestselling historical mystery series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Does Mary have a favorite dress or outfit?

Mary is in mourning for her father for much of the series, so she wears a black mourning dress. Other than that, she does not care about clothes very much.

Interesting. Losing family is always the hardest. 

 

 

 

Thanks Marie for joining us on the Train!!

 

 

Connect with Marie Silk

Facebook | Goodreads | Website

 

PS

Don’t miss the inaugural powerhouse event of 2017!!

Check out my other site: Mysterythrillerweek.com

 

 

 

 

 

“It ain’t whatcha write, it’s the way atcha write it.”-Jack Kerouac

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com