Summerween Special: Author Q&A with Joss Wood & Heather Spellman – The Bonus Chapter
In the new episode of the Bonus Chapter podcast, we are celebrating Summerween. Our host, Paige, is in cheerful conversation with our guests, Joss Wood and Heather Spellman, who have both released Halloween-focused books.
Early on in this fun conversation, we get straight into topics like world-building and the unique challenge both authors face: writing cosy, spooky seasonal stories while living in hot climates like South Africa and Palm Springs, California.
Joss Wood's Summerween book is part of the broader Halloween Town universe. It features the main characters returning to a town that is obsessed with Halloween all year round. Anyone who has read any of Joss Wood's books will recognise many of the places mentioned in this discussion, offering a fun, behind-the-scenes look.
Heather Spellman's Halloween book is Cruel Summerween. It is set in a small coastal cove where practical magic exists. It is gentle stuff – like ice cream that never melts and flowers that always stay fresh.
There is one big reveal in this episode: Heather said she would never write a love triangle, but that is exactly what happens in Cruel Summerween.
We always want to know what inspires the authors we are fortunate enough to talk to. For semi-supernatural Halloween books, that inspiration can be surprisingly real-world.
We also get a bit of detail on how authors write across lots of different genres without confusing their own creativity. As with many Bonus Chapter episodes, there is brilliant advice for aspiring writers – including the top tip to finish the first draft of your book, even if it feels like (and I am quoting here) 'a dumpster fire'.
There is so much in this episode; it really is one of our best so far. If you are an aspiring writer or already a fan of Joss Wood or Heather Spellman, you are going to love it. If you have never read a 'Summerween' book, this is a brilliant, engaging introduction to the genre.
Please subscribe to the Bonus Chapter to make sure you are the first to find out when we publish a new episode.
Comments