Renee George: Welcome, Iris Everlee, her sister Marigold, and Hazel Kinsey! Three witches who are the heroines of three different series I write. While they all have a lot to say, it doesn’t always help with getting them to the end of their stories. Even so, they are a pleasure to write, and I’m excited to sit down with them today and talk to them about what makes them tick, what advice they have for other witches, and what advice they might give to an author who is thinking about writing their own unique witches. Now, on to the interview.
Hello, Witches! Thanks for sitting down with me today. You’re all dealing with magic in very unique ways and facing some wild challenges along the way. Let’s jump right in!
Renee George: I know I have a tendency to put you all through the ringer, but still, I’ve given you magic, so not all bad, right? What would you say has been the most surprising or unexpected part of your journey with magic so far?
Iris Everlee: Not all bad, huh? scoffs Well, aside from nearly being turned into a pile of dust? I’d say it’s realizing just how alive the elements feel when I’m connected to them. Each one has its own personality—fire is wild, earth is stubborn, and air… well, air feels downright mischievous. But they’re all trying to kill me half the time, so, you know, it’s a balancing act.
Marigold Everlee: For me, it’s the whole “half-giantess, talking to animals” thing! I mean, I was just your average human before, and now I can chat with critters and feel a piece of an ifrit’s soul burning bright in me. Life’s weirdly magical, and I’m kind of here for it. Well, except when my new talents blow up in my face—literally.
Hazel Kinsey: Honestly, just how persistent magic is. I turned my back on it for years, and yet, here I am, chief of police in a paranormal town, with a sassy flying squirrel familiar who has my back. laughs Magic has a way of tracking you down like an ex who just won’t quit.
Renee George: And what do you all enjoy most about being a witch?
Iris Everlee: Despite all the chaos, I have to admit there’s something amazing about feeling truly powerful, even if that power doesn’t always listen to me. Oh, and having a buttholeless cat named Bob who is my cuddle-pookiie-chonky-muffin-of-love familiar and garden gnome guardian who gives me sage life lessons when she’s not throwing rocks at my head? That’s just a bonus.
Marigold Everlee: For me, it’s the thrill of learning something new every day. Eclectic magic is an endless buffet of magical snacks I get to sample. And it’s pretty rad to be a bit of a badass. I mean, at my age, “magical mess” is my brand, and I wear it well!
Hazel Kinsey: The freedom to protect the people I love. There’s no greater feeling than knowing I can stand up to anything—or anyone—who tries to mess with my family or my town. Plus, spell rhymes are kind of my thing. Throw in some snarky words, and I can zap just about anything.
Renee George: Are there any downsides or challenges you wish you’d known about before diving into witchcraft?
Iris Everlee: Oh, where to start? There’s the constant threat of supernatural attacks, elemental mishaps, and the occasional ego-bending test by some ancient druid. Also, magic is exhausting. I thought raising a kid was tiring, but this? Next-level exhaustion.
Marigold Everlee: Yeah, I’ll second that! And honestly, magic has a way of making you face yourself—flaws and all. You think you’re fine, and then boom, you’re fumbling with a fire spell and questioning your entire life. Not to mention, carrying an ifrit’s soul? Weirdest side effect ever.
Hazel Kinsey: My one gripe? Magic seems to attract drama like squirrels to nuts. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, something else—usually homicidal—comes along. And don’t get me started on familiars… as much as I love Tizzy, that girl’s got a knack for trouble.
Renee George: If you could go back, what advice would you give to your younger, pre-magic self?
Iris Everlee: I’d tell myself that it’s okay not to have everything under control. Life has a funny way of working out, even if it throws in a few death-defying challenges along the way. Oh, and I’d remind myself to have more fun. Life’s too short to be serious all the time.
Marigold Everlee: I’d say, “Brace yourself, honey.” Life’s about to get way more interesting than you ever thought possible. But also, trust yourself. Even if you’re a mess, you’re a magical mess, and you’re worth every spark and spell.
Hazel Kinsey: I’d remind myself not to run from who I am. Embracing magic sooner would have saved me some headaches—and maybe some heartbreaks. Also, I’d remind myself to always keep a squirrel-sized snack on hand. You never know when your familiar might need it.
Renee George: What message would you give to other witches out there, especially those just starting out?
Iris Everlee: Don’t expect magic to solve your problems, but let it help you find the strength to face them. And when in doubt, trust the earth beneath your feet—literally and figuratively.
Marigold Everlee: Own your quirks. Magic can be wild, messy, and downright confusing, but it’s yours. Find a way to laugh at the mishaps, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Also, don’t let a hot ifrit drop you like you’re hot—learn from my mistakes, witches!
Hazel Kinsey: I’d say: never forget who you are and who you’re fighting for. And keep a sense of humor, because trust me, you’re going to need it. Plus, familiars make life way more fun, even if they have a knack for causing chaos.
Renee George: As witches with some seriously unique lives, what advice would you give to writers who want to create authentic, compelling witches and their stories?
Iris Everlee: I’d say, remember that magic isn’t just about spells and sparkles—it’s also about struggle, growth, and resilience. Show the ups and downs. The real magic is often in how we navigate the hard parts of our lives. So, make your witches real people with real problems, even if those problems involve monster attacks and grumpy garden gnomes.
Marigold Everlee: Make your witches messy! Life, especially magical life, isn’t perfectly polished. Let them have quirks, mistakes, and maybe a slightly questionable wardrobe. And humor is a must! When your character’s facing a magical mishap or an ifrit with commitment issues, a touch of wit goes a long way. Oh, and if they’re over forty? Extra points for showing them living their best magical lives at any age!
Hazel Kinsey: Give them layers. Let them be complex, flawed, and a bit unpredictable. Write witches who can be powerful but also vulnerable. And don’t forget the bond between a witch and her familiar or her found family. Those relationships add heart to the story and make the stakes feel real. Oh, and if you’re going to write spells, make ’em rhyme! Rhyming is where the magic’s at.
Renee George: Finally, Let’s get candid—how do you each feel about me, your author, and all the trouble I throw at you?
Iris Everlee: laughs Honestly, I’d like to sit you down and ask if maybe you to dial it back a little. I mean, one elemental disaster is fine, but every single one? You’ve got a serious taste for drama. But hey, I have to give you credit. You knows how to keep life interesting. Besides, I think you understand that every obstacle makes me stronger, even if it’s exhausting.
Marigold Everlee: Oh, you’re a freaking menace—and I mean that with love! You’ll dangle a hot ifrit in front of me, only to poof him away and leave me with cryptic ceiling messages! Seriously, do you have a grudge against peaceful relationships? Still, you got a knack for making me feel alive and powerful. I guess if I have to deal with magical mayhem, I’m glad it’s in your hands… most of the time.
Hazel Kinsey: Let me put it this way…every time I think I’m getting a break, you find some fresh hell to throw my way. It’s like you’re sitting there with a cup of coffee, plotting my next disaster. That said, I think you secretly love me. No one piles on this much trouble without a little affection in there somewhere. Plus, you know I’m too stubborn to let anything keep me down. I think that’s why you keep coming up with new tests—you know I’ll rise to the challenge.
Renee George: Sooooo flattering, witches. LOL Sounds like it’s a love-hate relationship! Well, on that note, we’ve come to the end of the interview. I hope the readers have enjoyed the banter and insight into what makes a few of my witches work. Lastly, I’d like to to thank my witches for showing up book after book. And thanks for sharing your insights, laughs, and warnings with us today! Here’s to powerful, quirky, and resilient witches everywhere.