{EP. 13} Trees & Their Magical Properties, with Author & Tree Expert Sonja F. Blanco Artwork

Writing the Broomstick

The podcast where you'll get your dose of magic and dash of writing advice all in one juicy elixir. Join a couple of authors in our ramblings about all-things fantasy, paranormal fiction, and magical realism. Our goal is to help you iron out your mystical world and open up the floor to a weird and witchy conversation. ★ Follow us @writingthebroom and get in touch: writingthebroomstick@gmail.com / writingthebroomstick.com ★ Hosts: Katrina Tortorici Anglehart (K.T. Anglehart) is a freelance editor and author of teen/YA urban fantasy "The Wise One"—the first of "The Scottish Scrolls" series. She enjoys laughing at her and Genny's shenanigans while trying desperately to maintain her composure. ★ @kt_anglehart | ktanglehart.com ★ Genevieve Methot is a freelance writer and emerging author of new adult fantasy trilogy "The Needle of Ingress" (release date TBD). She is often called out for being self-deprecating and breaking out in song during awkward moments. ★ @genny_met

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Writing the Broomstick

{EP. 13} Trees & Their Magical Properties, with Author & Tree Expert Sonja F. Blanco

June 09, 2021 • K.T. Anglehart & Genevieve Methot • Season 2 • Episode 3

Last week we obsessed over plants, this week we swoon over trees. And who better to discuss trees and their magical properties than tree expert, landscape architect, and novelist Sonja F. Blanco.

We were so beyond thrilled to have such a fascinating guest on today’s episode. Her upcoming fantasy novel, Witch of Ware Woods (set to release in October 2021), promises to make you fall in love with trees and enchanted forests. We wished we had time to cover all the trees on the planet, but Sonja carefully hand-picked her favourites, most of which are featured heavily in her novel:

Sugar Maple
White Pine
Black Birch
Willow
American Chestnut

She then blows our minds about all the many magical and medicinal properties of each tree (and their historical significance), and Katrina and Genny spend most of the episode “ooohing” and “awwwwing” over every little tidbit. We’re certain you’ll gobble up everything Sonja has to say.

Let this episode restore your faith in nature and inspire your writing.

P.S. We had some sound issues on our guest's end, but we promise it's worth it!

You can follow Sonja here:

Sonja’s Recommended Readings and Links

The Overstory by Richard Powers
Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard
Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer
American Chestnut Foundation: acf.org
Lady Jesamyn Angelica: sisterhoodofthemoon.org and womensmysteryschool.com

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Let us know what you thought of our episode! You can reach us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or email writingthebroomstick@gmail.com.

Hey! Do you like Celtic folklore, YA urban fantasy, AND free stuff? Read the first three chapters of Katrina’s debut novel, “The Wise One”.

And, if you want to see what Genny’s reading lately, check out her Goodreads review page.