{EP 23} Witches & Witchcraft 101: Getting Into the Mind of a Witch 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 23} Witches & Witchcraft 101: Getting Into the Mind of a Witch

October 20, 2021 • Season 3 • Episode 3

For millennia, witches have been a source of fear, fascination, persecution, oppression, hope, and bewilderment. Tales of witches go back as far as time and appear in every culture on the planet. So, as a writer, how do you even begin to understand the complex nature of a witch’s reality without relying on stereotypes or misconceptions.

Welcome, writers and weavers to another spooky episode of Writing the Broomstick.

In this episode, Katrina and Genny finally get to talk about one of their most beloved subjects: witches (for those of you who haven’t been paying attention). Because of the immensity of this topic, we decided to focus on what it’s really, really like to be a witch in modern society.

First off, we discuss spells—no, not how to create your own spells, but more precisely, what a spell actually is. Here’s a hint: if you’ve ever dropped to your knees and joined your hands together in prayer, you’ve probably already cast a spell before.

We want to give our writers more insight into the devotional aspect of witchcraft, so not only do we understand the spiritual mechanics behind spellcasting, we also open up the discussion to rituals in general.

We try our best not to go off on crazy tangents because it really is a subject we’re both passionate about, but alas, we make a brief stop to talk about the history of witch persecution (Katrina gets very upset) before moving on to a much more lighthearted topic: style.

We can’t really talk about the modern witch without mentioning what they wear. And yes, they do have other colours besides black in their wardrobe.

Call it kismet, fate, or the divine workings of the universe, our resident tree expert, Sonja F. Blanco has just released her new book this week, and we couldn’t have planned our episode at a better time?! Be sure to get your copy of Witch of Ware Woods.

SOURCES:

https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2019/10/royal-obsession-black-magic-started-europes-most-brutal-witch
Scottish Witchcraft by Barabara Meiklejohn-Free
Wicca: The Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham
https://www.britannica.com/event/Salem-witch-trials

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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.

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.