Interview with Lisa A. Traugott, Author of To Condemn a Witch

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write To Condemn a Witch?

Last year, I released my debut novel, To Rescue a Witch. (It’s 1739: an abused girl accused of witchcraft must be rescued by a man married… to an actual witch.) My new prequel, To Condemn a Witch, is about… the actual witch. (It’s 1729: a clairvoyant healer must form a coven with a scandalous mistress and a vengeful ghost to protect a child from a ruthless witch hunter who wants to steal her magic.)

While To Rescue a Witch is historical fiction with magical elements that could be explained away, in To Condemn a Witch, I went all in on the dark fantasy. Witches! Ghosts! Spells! Because magic is way more fun than reality—and I think a lot of us want an escape from the news these days.

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

When I’m writing, I try to read lots of different genres to brainstorm new ideas for plot twists. I also like reading nonfiction psychology books to discover new and exciting ways to make my villains seem authentic.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

OMG. So. Many. Books… I’m pretty eclectic. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, The Complete Guide to Heroes and Heroines by Tami D. Cowden, Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn, and The Fairy Bible by Teresa Moorey.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I really like the opening chapter. It’s not every day you watch a wrongly accused woman “go medieval” and curse powerful men to protect her niece, while simultaneously burning a sigil into her traitorous coven sister, who then shape-shifts into a raven to escape.

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

When I was struggling to connect with Fiona (the clairvoyant healer), I decided to move my desk from my office into the living room beside the fireplace for inspiration, since bonfires were the primary way for the coven to meet up in the Otherworld. I also bought some incense and burned it as I wrote her chapters because that seemed witchy. My family and bulldog were very confused, but they went with it.

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

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt. It’s a good reminder that anyone can act today; no perfect conditions required.

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

Flaws don’t erase worthiness. Anyone can reach redemption if they truly work on themselves.

Lisa A. Traugott is the author of the new book To Condemn a Witch

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