What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Spells & Spice & Everything Nice (Wyrd Words & Witchcraft Book 3)?
Spells & Spice & Everything Nice is book 3 in a series featuring Juliette, a 39-year-old woman with a chronic anxiety panic disorder. At the beginning of the series, Juliette, who has always believed she was a witch with minimal powers, develops the ability to reunite lost objects and their owners. The unexpected magical boost pushes her far out of her comfort zone and forces her to manage her anxiety rather than doing everything in her power to avoid triggering panic attacks. But while her magic allows her to right many wrongs, Juliette’s powers cannot help her find the one thing she’s always craved. Or can they? I write stories about women that readers can relate to despite their magical settings. Chronic anxiety is something a shocking number of us experience, yet it’s rare to read stories with anxious main characters. I set out to write Juliette’s story to show women struggling with the disorder that they are not alone, and that their anxiety doesn’t have to hold them back from living their dreams.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Spells & Spice & Everything Nice (Wyrd Words & Witchcraft Book 3), what would they be?
Colbie Caillat: “Try” ; Julia Michaels: “Anxiety ( ft. Selena Gomez)”
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I have broad reading tastes, but I’m definitely partial to Magical Realism, Cozy Paranormal fiction, and anything Fantasy related.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Deborah Harkness’ new book ‘The Blackbird Oracle’ is sitting at the top of my TBR. I cannot wait to be on vacation next week so I can give it my undivided attention!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There is a scene toward the end of the book where the semi-sentient building that houses Juliette’s appartment and bookshop creates a gorgeous bookshelf in the shape of a tree, complete with reading nooks on various branches. It was so fun to get to write about the bookshelf every book lover wishes they could have!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I can’t seem to start writing if I don’t have a mug of hot coffee or tea on my desk. How much is left in the mug at the end of a writing session is a sure sign of how well things went!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
These days I seem to be living by the moto, “Bird by Bird” coined by Anne Lamott. It’s what her father told her brother when he was panicking about writing a report on birds because there was just so much material to cover. Whenever I get overwhelmed by everything I need to do, I remind myself to focus on one bird at a time. It’s ironic because I have a massive bird phobia, but it works! It’s also Ted Lasso’s motto, which is an added bonus!
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I would love for my readers to put down my books feeling like they’ve just enjoyed a great cup of coffee and a chat with their best friends. We are all so lonely and isolated these days, I want my readers to feel a little more connected and a little less alone.
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