by Colleen Kappeler
Since the beginning of this e-zine,
I have been referring writers to Francisco to do the interviews on these fascinating local artists. Since the beginning, he’s been asking me to do an interview on myself. On myself? That seemed so shameless. And then he asked again, and then again. Finally I agreed. My friend and colleague Tammy Peacy was nearby when I said ok. She thought this was a great idea and said, “You’ll probably learn a lot about yourself!”
“Are you kidding?” I said, “I am so sick of learning about myself that if I have to spend one more minute alone with me I might throw up!”
But alas, a promise is a promise, so here goes my interview with me!
So, let’s start simply, what is your favorite color?
Blue. But I love red. But I do think it’s blue. Oh no, this is going to be so hard!
Ok, deep breath, it’s not so bad. Let’s talk about your work. What do you do?
Well, I moved to
Kenosha almost exactly four years ago. I hold a BA in Writing from
UMass Dartmouth and I taught English at four local colleges and universities in Ohio before moving here. So when I got to Kenosha I thought I’d start up my own business of running writing workshops that I developed. I started by coaching writers in the area, then editing for them, and finally by teaching workshops on all aspects of writing. I taught at
UWP, the
Kenosha Public Museum and the
Racine Art Museum for almost four years. In that time I started the, if I may say so myself, GREAT Kenosha writing group! I set them up for about a year and half before I had to take a break for family reasons. Then, this past May, I began running Women’s Writers’ Circles at
the Nook in downtown Kenosha. I am sort of running them like a workshop with free-writing in group and then assignments from month to month. And I set up an online yahoo group for them. Oh, and I write.
What do you like to write and where have you been published?
I like to write about me – isn’t that obvious! Just kidding. I write personal essays. I’ve had several published in local and national publications including
Adoption Today, the
Kenosha News and
Chicken Soup for the Dieter’s Soul. My passion in writing is sharing life experiences with others.
And what is your passion in teaching and leading the groups?
Seeing others recognize their talents and write their stories. Some people will never write for anyone but themselves; some people are on their way to publication. Either way, it is such a joy to see them put that story on paper and then be able to share it with others. Somehow there’s nothing like it in the world. Especially when I work with women. I definitely have a passion for getting women to tell their stories.
Are you planning to start teaching again?
Right now I am editing two books and working with one very serious writing coach client and a couple other casual ones. I am running the two writers’ circles each month. I am probably not going to start teaching again any time too soon, but then again you never know. I am headed to a women’s writing retreat in October to learn about Creative Writing Therapy and I may begin a women’s group based on this as well.
You seem totally at ease talking about your work, and you said you write personal essays, so why would you be nervous about this interview?
I don’t know…I guess, in a strange way, I’m a very private person. I don’t like to show vulnerability, nor do I even know how to ask for help. (See, that’s something I just learned about myself!) You know, you can ask any of my students and they will tell you that I am pretty open with my life in the writing groups. My articles are also very open and honest.
Let’s go slow and see if we can find out anything a little more personal about you – after all Francisco wants something unique in this piece.
Wow – well there’s some pressure! Ok, well, let’s see…a little about me…I have a wonderful husband who is sometimes a pain in the butt, but mostly my best friend. We met on the beach in Cape Cod when we were 19. I pretended to swim into him in the ocean one afternoon and we’ve been together now for 13 years! We have a seven year old son and a three year old daughter. Our son is biological and our daughter is adopted from China. We always planned on having two kids then adopting our third – that was until we realized how much work they are and we decided we only wanted two.
Ok, that’s a good start. Now, tell us something even a little more personal or unique – tell us what you love, what you’re passionate about, something like that.
Hmmm…well, I love to travel. I always thought I would travel the world long before I had a husband and children, but that wasn’t the way it was meant to be. And I’m glad. There are good and bad things in my past, like everyone, and yet I wouldn’t change a thing – they’ve made me who I am today. And my travels have come in other, unexpected ways. Like the trip to China to get our daughter. I never thought I’d go to Asia – I loved Europe, but Asia seemed so foreign. And yet, I loved it – it was amazing and I miss it. The people are so uninhibited there. Anyway, I am also passionate about adoption and humanitarian work. I am so unbelievably grateful we could add to our family through adoption – my dream – but my work there is not over. Right now I have my hand in several humanitarian efforts nationally and internationally including fundraising efforts for a four month old child in China who needs surgery for a spine problem. I am also incredibly passionate about women and empowering them. It’s hard to say that since people immediately think I’m some kind of radical feminist which could not be further from the truth. It’s just about helping women feel strong and recognize what they have to give the world and themselves. And finally, I’m passionate about spiritual and metaphysical studies and self-growth – but religion and politics are two things I don’t talk about.
What are your pet peeves?
Oh, my two biggest are:
- People assuming your political affiliation and preaching to you from either side.
- People assuming you don’t know about things just because you’re young.
And what you are still working on for yourself in your life?
Probably the biggest is releasing control. I am not good at that, but I’m getting better. That can be little things like being ok if the toys are spread out across the living room for a little while, or bigger things like not having conversations in my head with people who aren’t there so that I can hold the upper hand in the next argument! (Come on – some of you talk to imaginary people too!)
You are doing well! Are you still breathing?
Yes.
Last question and I’ll let you off the hook. What are you involved with around town?
Oh good, that’s easy. Let’s see…I love my new neighborhood, it’s like a slice of the 1950’s where people bring you bread and watch each other’s kids and all that. I’m slowly becoming involved in a lot of that. I belong to the RecPlex and go as often as life allows. I am a member of
AHA! Kenosha and help Francisco with
Expose Kenosha. I am taking an amazing art class with
Kenosha Art Association on Chakra Painting with
Brigitta Richter. I help when I can at my son’s charter school and pretty soon I’ll be starting an adoption resource group for area families. Oh, and of course I lead my writing circles and edit and coach. And try to have time for my family and friends.
Colleen Kappeler, you have “Exposed” yourself!
To contact Colleen:
Call 262-359-0712
E-mail info@colleenkappeler.com
Visit www.colleenkappeler.com
4 comments ↓
Well, I see you haven’t lost the gift of gab! As usual you’re right on target, but I thought given the chance you would have patted yourself on the back more. Seeing that you didn’t, I will. Your a marvelous person to work with, Colleen. Your insights are magical, your efforts sincere and passionate. Those who have had the opportunity to work with you (like myself) have come away a better writer. Those looking for guidance would be wise to ask your help.
Great interview, Colleen.
Both the writer and the subject sparkle.
Colleen, You are a busy young woman! I feel I have… become empowered being in your classes and workshops, you help people believe in themselves. You have an articulate, steady calm in your voice when you present material to the group. Keep believing in yourself! I sure do…Thanks for all you do to keep us writers motivated.
Colleen, I am so glad I met you. You are truly an amazing young woman and I look forward to joining your writer’s circle. Can’t wait. See you soon! Mary S.
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