Author Interview: Wendy Steele
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with talented author (and friend) Wendy Steele, who has written several series of magical, pagan-y books. Her latest work, The Naked Witch, will be released tomorrow. The Naked Witch is part of a new genre called Witch Lit, stories that showcase magic and humor in the lives of strong and interesting female characters. Here's what Wendy had to say:
Tell us a little about yourself and your writing.
I’ve always come home from days out and holidays and written about my experiences. I dabbled with children’s stories and poetry in my twenties, was inspired by a writing workshop in my thirties and spent three years writing my first novel. My first published novel, Destiny of Angels, the first book in the Lilith Trilogy, was in 2012. Since then, I’ve published a further novel, three novellas, had short stories published online and in anthologies and read my stories on my YouTube channel, Phoenix and the Dragon. My first Witch Lit novel, The Naked Witch, is available to pre-order.
I live in mid Wales with my partner and cats and am a member of the Cwrtnewydd Scribblers. I teach tribal style belly dance and perform with Tribal Unity Wales.
What is Witch Lit?
Borrowing the basis from the genre Chick Lit, heroine-centred narratives that focus on the trials and tribulations of their individual protagonists within a modern world, coping with work and home life and with a soupçon of humour, substitute ‘witch’ for ‘chick’.
What is The Naked Witch about?
Lizzie Martin lives in Romford with her fourteen year old daughter, Rowan. She enjoys her job as a receptionist and typist at an old established, family run company. She clothes herself from charity shops in vibrant, joyful colours with matching headbands she makes herself. Colour is Lizzie’s armour and she uses it to hold at bay the emotional angst of her ex-husband, Josh, whose girlfriend is barely out of her teens, her mother who has the sensitivity of a crocodile, and the big bad world from which she tries to protect her daughter.
But today Edward Brown – her new boss – has asked Lizzie to ‘bare all’, and become more corporate. For Lizzie, swapping paisley for pin stripe is like asking a parrot to wear pea hen.
Meanwhile, as Edward Brown retakes his position as head of the law firm, Lizzie has to choose between her job and her integrity, cope with an unexpected stay in hospital, continue seeking the truth about her father’s death and juggle two new men in her life.
There is hope though.
At the bottom of the garden is a little wooden shed that Lizzie calls Sanctuary. Within its warm and welcoming walls, Lizzie surrounds herself with magic...
Why Witch Lit?
Women read more fiction than men, so why not? Who wouldn’t want to read about a female protagonist who can destroy three coconuts on a shy… on a bad day? The basis for the genre may be borrowed from Chick Lit but you won’t find witches pining for love, though they’re not averse to a shapely buttock and a chiseled jaw line.
For the past decade, magical realism has showcased vampires, werewolves and a popular school for witches. Now it’s time for real magic and real people.
Are there five things a witch should carry about her person?
I can’t speak for every witch, of course, but a bottle of good lavender essential oil, safety pins, a notebook and pencil, a ginger sweet and a stone or shell from the beach are always in my handbag.
Do you have to be a witch or a pagan to enjoy Witch Lit?
Not at all! It’s always the story first for me and Lizzie’s battle with her head and heart is a compelling one.
You describe yourself as author, wise woman and goddess. What does that mean?
Though the labels overlap, these three words sum me up as a person. Author is writer, story teller, inspirer and teacher. Wise woman is dance teacher and witch, treading her own magical path. Goddess is woman, mother, writer, dancer and healer.
Where can we find out more about you and your stories?
My website is a great place to start: www.wendysteele.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyWooauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinyofangelsnovel/
More Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyWooBooks
Even more Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStandingStone
US Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Wendy-Steele/e/B007VZ1P06/ref
UK Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wendy-Steele/e/B007VZ1P06/ref
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-steele-91257660/
Goodreads author: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6548666.Wendy_Steele
YouTube channel: The Phoenix and the Dragon
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw3ee9CuNdek9ZC1Im8I_iA