What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
By the time I reached Hex Appeal, I’d spent a lot of time with these characters and their world, and I started wondering what would happen when all the little choices they’d made finally caught up with them. The earlier books set the stage, but this one let me dig deeper into the relationships, the magic, and the complications that come with both. In a lot of ways, Hex Appeal grew out of asking, “Okay… but what happens next?”
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)
I tend to build playlists while I’m writing, and Hex Appeal definitely had one. Songs like “Seven Devils” by Florence + the Machine and “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac captured the darker magical vibe, while “Mastermind” by Taylor Swift really fit the clever, strategic side of the story.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Urban fantasy and paranormal romance are definitely my favorite genres to write, and they’re also some of my favorites to read. I love stories where the supernatural exists just beneath the surface of everyday life. But when it comes to reading, I’m actually pretty eclectic. I’ll read across a lot of genres because I enjoy discovering different styles of storytelling.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Ilona Andrews is releasing a new book on March 31st, so expect me to be reading that by April 1. Also at the top of my TBR pile are Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn, and I just started Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Definitely the court battle. I don\'t want to give anything away, but I loved writing all the action.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I go for walks and have long conversations with my characters. It helps me get to know them.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
My stories celebrate the quiet rebellion of women who’ve been told their best years are behind them — because adventure doesn’t end at forty… it just gets more interesting.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
More than anything, I hope readers remember the friendships. Magic and chaos may drive the plot, but the heart of the story is the found family these characters build and the way they show up for each other when things go sideways.
Kelly Garcia is the author of the new book Hex Appeal (The Hex Files Book 4)
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