Interview with Denise Critchley, Author of The Parsley Bed

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Parsley Bed?

Provoked by the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Parsley Bed, what would they be?

Cedar, the main protagonist, would have “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine; her mother, Myrcia, would have “Gypsy” by Stevie Nicks.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Yes, I love witchy-related fiction or anything with a bit of crime.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Lady Macbeth by Ava Read and Hagitude by Sharon Blackie.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Without wanting to give away any spoilers, there is a scene in The Parsley Bed where Cedar is confronted by her antagonist. This flicks the switch on the darker side of her magick abilities, which was delicious to unleash.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have a set of writing mugs, which I’ll only drink out of on my writing days. My husband sighs a lot at this ritual as he’s always making the coffee in the wrong mug.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I recently set my writing intentions for 2026, and one of them was to remember to dig into the craft to feed my soul. It’s my way of escaping and keeping sane.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Never surrender your voice. United, everyday people can wield extraordinary power to reshape decisions they believe should be challenged.

Denise Critchley is the author of the new book The Parsley Bed

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