Alyxandra Harvey’s A Lady’s Guide to Witchcraft released this week, and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
You can get your copy of this magical start to a new series HERE!
Did you always know you wanted to be an author? What is the first story you remember writing? How did you get from there to where you are today?
When I was nine years old, we went on a big family trip where I was the only child. When I got bored, a friend of the family suggested I write a story and then I was absolutely and immediately hooked! I wrote short stories all through high school and sent them out to Sword and Sorceress anthologies to get used to the process. I almost had a Harlequin novel published when I was 18 but they discontinued the line. Later, I published poetry and then YA paranormals (The Drake Chronicles, Haunting Violet), and then to Romance. But I do think there’s a bit of all of those genres in everything I write even now.
What is the most inspiring place you’ve visited and has it shown up in one of your books?
I absolutely adore Edinburgh and Inverness and would move there in a heartbeat! But I’ve never actually written about them. I do remember visiting Hyde Park after reading about it and writing about it for so long. It was such a lovely little feeling of recognition and nostalgia even though I had never been before.
How much research do you do into the time period and places you write about? Do you have any experience dressing in character or participating in living history situations or are you more a fan of libraries and online resources?
I have been reading (ie hyperfixating) on historical eras since I was 13. Robin Hood and King Arthur came first, then the Regency. Iron Age Britian. My weirdly personal dislike of Henry V111 . I love it all, especially the little details. I love living history museums but I’m Canadian so for my British Regency books that’s a bit trickier. My history book collection is gloriously out of hand and we love watching documentaries in our house!
What drew you to the era you write in? Is there something about the time period you think most people don’t know
about? What do you think would be the most difficult part about living in that period?
I am currently writing in the Regency era—both London and Cornwall for The Dainty Devils and The Cinderella Society. And also my fictional witch island of Lyonesse is set around 1798. It started with my Mom’s Amanda Quick novels in the 90s (Amanda Quick forever!) and then throw in some Pride and Prejudice and there was no turning back.
One of my favourite bits of historical trivia is that Mary Shelley kept her husband’s (Percy) calcified heart wrapped up in her desk drawer after he died. And Byron tried to fight her for it. Boo, Byron!
On the macrocosm, one of the reasons I love adding magic to the Regency era (or Victorian etc) is that if the women had virtually no rights, then at the very least I would like to give them power over fire or the ability to summon up vengeful ghosts. Seems only fair, really.
And for the microcosm, I really enjoy clean running water. I do not want cholera. Or to eat jellied calves’ feet.
What are your favorite kind of characters to write? Do you have a specific trope that you’re drawn too?
I love writing about opposites attracting and forced proximity. Found Families are definitely something I return to again and again. And Beauty and the Beast, always.
Where is your favorite place to write? Does it change depending on where you are in the process?
I am very boring and mostly write at my desk in my ergonomic chair. I used to love writing by hand in coffee shops but I need to be comfortable (I am basically too many chronic illnesses stacked in a trench coat)
Which comes first for you: the plot or the characters?
Usually the characters pop up, often with the first scene. Then I have to figure out what it all means! I do love a good fairy retelling though, so sometimes that informs the plot.
Do you know where the story is going before you begin, or does it come to you as you write? Do scenes come to you fully formed or are you as surprised as the reader?
I don’t really know where we’re all going when I first start. It’s fun to follow along for a bit. And then about halfway through I start to panic about plot! I wish I could say after 25+ books that I have found an easier process but…. Nope. :p
Does your writing process include any kind of ritual? Story specific playlists, tea, or candles, for example?
I used to make collages for all of my characters and for the world of the book. I usually have one collage for vibes, and many Pinterest boards. Playlists too, which is something I still do.
Do you write better in the morning or evening? How do you handle the distractions of working from home, especially if you’re sharing the space with others?
I mostly write in the afternoons and evenings. I have tried to start earlier on a regular basis but my brain just isn’t interested in mornings! The distractions mostly revolve around my 2 Corgis (Zod and Mulder) who Must Be Involved. I do need quiet when I work. Music has to be instrumental or else I get very distracted and bits of lyrics pop up in weird places!
When it’s difficult to physically travel, how do you find ways to escape?
Travel is a bit tricky at the moment so I do tend to rely on books and movies. And sometimes travel guides and documentaries.
From all your books, who is your favorite hero and why?
Oh no, don’t make me choose! I can feel them all staring at me. I’m sure I love them all equally. (Devil from A Deal with a Devil (ruthless, protective, perceptive). And Ethan (Irish witch-pirate who will do anything for Briar) from A Lady’s Guide to Witchcraft). But you didn’t hear it from me.
What do you like to read when you’re not reading in your genre?
I love reading romantasy and fantasy and poetry. Cozy fantasy has been lovely lately. A bit of Monster Romance or Dystopian Romance. There’s usually romance involved!
