When That Wand Hits You Upside the Head

Please welcome guest blogger Linda Wisdom

Many times I’m asked ‘why do you write witches?’ It would be easy to say ‘why not witches?’, but it’s more like “they chose me’.

I grew up reading fairy tales and as an adult I loved reading paranormal books. It seemed only natural a group of sassy witches would tap on my head and tell me I needed to write about them.

One of the first pieces of advice a fledgling writer will receive is ‘write what you know’.

So what do I know about witches other than mine don’t wear black unless it’s slinky and skin baring, no pointy hats for them, definitely no warts. And not a cackle among them. Although there could be a cauldron tucked away in the kitchen.

I know that I have friends who are pagan who made sure I was on the right path with the magick part. I know that they’ll also load me down with plenty of non-fiction reading material. And I know there’s something deep inside me that veers toward magick.

There are many sub-genres in paranormal where we will create our own worlds, legends, and even customs. You can even mix fact and fiction. Maybe even throw in some pop culture for extra spice.

Although I don’t see all that many Bela Lugosi vampire types in today’s romances and I’m sure we’re all grateful for that. Shapeshifters don’t look like Lon Chaney Jr. and no hint of Boris Karloff even with the mad scientist types. As for witches, not a Margaret Hamilton in sight.

With my witches a good 700+ years young, I have the fun of throwing in historicals facts here and there. I’ve always loved history, so finding something fun is more playtime than work. It’s also left me with a lot of crazy trivia bouncing around inside my head. It doesn’t mean you’ll see me on Jeopardy any time soon.

I also like to keep my witches as ‘real’ as possible. They’re like someone you’d meet for coffee, go shopping or have drinks with. The only difference is if some creep hits on them, they can literally turn the guy into a frog. And wouldn’t that be a good thing for every single woman! Maybe they lived through the Black Plague, could rightfully complain that corsets and bustles were no fun to wear, and how lovely modern plumbing is, but they also are modern hexsters.

But who knows? Maybe I am writing what I know. I could have been a witch in another life and that little voice inside my head is very real.

So when you sit down at your computer, close your eyes and tap into your inner witch, Fae, shapeshifter, demon or vampire.

You just might surprise yourself.

I know I’ve surprised myself more than once. A pair of fangy mischievous magickk bunny slippers are a perfect example.

Is that what you want to do? Tap into that hint of paranormal DNA inside you? Do you choose what you write or does it choose you?

Linda

Linda is a born and bred Californian who’s written from the first day she could hold a crayon.

After she sold her first two books to then brand spanking new Silhouette Books she continued on, also writing for Dell Candlelight Ecstasy, Harlequin Books, Bantam Loveswept, and a romantic suspense for Kensington.

Her office shows the magick she likes to instill in her books with her collection of dragon and faery figurines, Pocket Dragons and Halloween Barbies.

Her Hex series, along with some of her backlist books, have been optioned for TV and movies.

She lives in Southern California with her husband, two dogs, a parrot, and tortoise that all create their own form of magick.

Hex in High Heels

In this sexy, funny paranormal romance by bestselling author Linda Wisdom, it's all beautiful witch Blair Fitzpatrick can do to keep a lid on her talent for revenge spells, but things are about to get a lot more complicated...

Blair loves running her vintage shop and hanging out with witchy friends Stasi and Jazz. She's forever had a crush on hunky carpenter Jake Harrison, whose Were nature (he's a Border collie) makes him loyal, lovable, and fierce when need be. Just as sparks are beginning to fly, Blair is served with a big surprise when Jake's mother shows up along with his pack leader, who threatens to make Jake heel! When the alpha does the unthinkable, Blair is pushed over the edge. No one messes with her boyfriend-to-be, even if he does shed on the furniture!