Rehab is for Witches Anthology Excerpt & Interviews

 

Rehab is for Witches Anthology

Various Authors

Published By- SideStreet Cookie Publishing

Publication Date- October 31st, 2014

Welcome to Little Raven: an unsullied, beautiful woodland hamlet in the heart of the Midwest. The sort of place where furry creatures romp about and spend their days bursting into song.

Actually, that’s a giant pack of lies.

Little Raven is a town…for witches.

And some of those witches might have bent the rules. A teensy bit. When six magical miscreants dabble with black magic, they end up together at Incantations, the town’s rehab center for witches gone awry. It’s a slap on the wrist for naughty witches. Pretty much a daycare center so they don’t wander off and start turning people into newts on a whim. Each witch must work through her addiction to black magic, and follow the tenets designed to lead them back to the path of the straight and narrow, as boring as that sounds. Even if following the tenets sucks worse than a group round of kum-bay-ya. Which sucks. Horribly.

We will admit we are powerless over magic—that our lives have become unmanageable.

We will make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of the Goddess as we understand Her.

We will make a searching and fearless moral and magical inventory of ourselves.

We will admit to the Goddess, to ourselves, and to another being the exact nature of our magical wrongs.

We will make a list of all persons or beings we have harmed, and become willing to make amends to them all.

We will make direct amends to such beings whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

We are entirely ready to bow before the Goddess and have Her remove all our defect of character, even at the risk of being entirely stripped of our magic.

But this is just the start. There’s something rotten in Little Raven, something that seeks to take all the magic it can, and devour the inhabitants in the process. It will take the strength and power of all the witches to defeat the darkness seeping into their town, beat it back, and be rid of it forever…and maybe just make it through rehab while they’re saving the world.

The Authors & Titles-

Tara S. Wood - A Trunk Full of Peril

Tyffani Clark Kemp - A Diary Full of Names

Cynthia Valero - A Cauldron Full of Goodbyes

Miranda Stork - A Closet Full of Demons

J. A. Howell - A Basement Full of Secrets

Elle J Rossi - A Suitcase Full of Revenge

   

And here is an excerpt from A Basement Full of Secrets

“Gertie?”

“Hmm?” She glanced back up at Fitzsimmons.

“I asked, was that the first time you practiced Necromancy?”

She hadn’t even realized her mind had wandered, though she had a tendency to do that…especially in her sessions here as a Magical Miscreant. Gertie sat up straight, fighting the tugging in her chest at the thought of ten-year old Mason saying goodbye before he walked out of her life for the next twelve years.

“I, um…no. Usually it was just small animals and the like, though…injured birds. I got picked on for taking dead birds home from school when I found them. None of them ever killed anyone.”

Well, she was pretty sure of that. She’d brought Bandit back after some jerk had hit him one Sunday. Her heart clenched at the memory. At Mason’s tear-stained face and her whispered words.

I’ll bring him back to you, I promise.

He’d known what she was, from the moment he met her…and yet it never bothered him. Surely, if he’d had a choice, he would have wanted her to bring him back to her.

“Strange how you have managed to keep off our radar until now.”

“What do you mean?” Gertie tilted her head.

“Necromancy is dark magic. Not easily controlled…and yet you’ve been practicing it for…”

“Since I was six.” Gertie shrugged. Fitzsimmons’ lips pulled tight into a thoughtful expression and he eyed her in that way that made her skin crawl once more.

“Well, needless to say, Gertie. The council is keeping a very close eye on you now. I know you may not think what you did to those animals and to Mason was wrong, but you’ve been with us for over four months now. As I’m sure you are aware, the council’s sentence was six months rehab.”

Gertie nodded, picking back up on the row of stitches she’d discarded. “I’ve been here for every session and every group, always punctual. Just like they asked me to do.”

“Yes, but that won’t be enough. You need to finish treatment successfully in that time. You need to learn to accept your wrongdoings. If not, then you know the consequences. They will strip you of all your magic.”

She shrugged, bored with this exchange. “They can have it. Not like I can bring Mason back again. Are we done for today?”

Fitzsimmons sighed but nodded to the door.  “See you in group, Gertie. Remember what I said. Two months.”

Gertie carefully folded her knitting around the wool skein, stuffed it into her tote bag she used for her current projects, and left the room without giving Fitzsimmons another look. She hated coming here, hated these sessions. Right now, all she wanted was to forget. But each time she was here, each time Fitzsimmons asked her about what happened, painful thoughts of Mason rose to the surface.

I loved him, she thought. I’ll never admit I was wrong. Her stomach twisted in a knot and nausea threatened at the back of her throat. She didn’t think much of it, this place always gave her an unsettling feeling, almost as much as Fitzsimmons did. Her mind wandered back to the two months her and Mason had together. Things could have been perfect…well, as perfect as the situation allowed. Her and Mason had been content.

Gods, she missed him. Even though she’d witnessed it right there in her living room, she still couldn’t come to grips with the fact the he was really gone. Just like that.  And this time he wasn’t coming back. With a deep, sorrowful sigh, Gertie headed toward the exit, but a faint noise prickled the skin at the back of her neck. A low, painful moan somewhere off in the distance. It sounded like…him.

No, that’s impossible. You’re finally going nuts, Gert, might as well sign up for the cat lady starter kit, you already have all the knitting down. Still, the sound came again and slivers of ice ran through her veins.

“Mason?”

Her hand was on the door, but she turned back into the hallway, following the corridor around the corner as another moan came from somewhere further down. Her pace quickened and she flew around another corner, spotting several doors with small windows high up. Another moan, louder. It was coming from the room on the far left. She broke into a run. It had to be him.

A large arm came out in front of her, and she had no time to stop herself before running into the man. Her petite form bounced off the man’s barrel chest, and with an “ooph” she fell flat on her bottom, skirts everywhere as her glasses slid across the floor.

“Oh, fiddlesticks!” She squinted, and on hands and knees hunted for her fallen spectacles.  A rough hand held them a few inches from her face and she sat up, sliding them back on. “Um, thank you.”

“You shouldn’t be down this wing,” the older man with a gruff voice said as he watched her scramble to her feet—not once offering to give her a hand, Gertie noted.

“I…um…thought I heard someone. They sounded like they were in pain. I didn’t think they had inpatients here.” She tried to look past the man, but his large form moved, obstructing her view.

“Potion junkies tend to be a bit noisy coming off the juice. They’ll be fine.”

Gertie frowned, straining to hear once more…but whoever it was making the noise had stopped. Her shoulders slumped. Maybe it hadn’t sounded like him at all. Lately she felt like she heard and saw Mason everywhere.

“Miss? You should be going back the way you came.” The man crossed his arms over his chest in a manner that let her know he wouldn’t be moving out of her way any time soon to let her check.

“Right. My apologies.”  Gertie turned on her heels and hurried back to the exit and out to the waiting ferryman, Jasper. He was different than the rest of the staff at Incantations and at least pleasant toward her.

“Heading out?” He smiled at her. She nodded but didn’t speak as she climbed into the boat. The ride across the river was quiet. At least he was nice enough to leave her alone with her thoughts, unlike Fitzsimmons.

“End of the line, Gertie. You have a good day.” He finally broke the silence as they pulled up at the other dock. He reached a hand out to her and helped her out. She thanked him quietly and made a beeline for her light blue Volkswagen Beetle.

“My Girl” came on the radio as soon as she turned the ignition. Gertie winced and shut it off, a huge lump forming in her throat. The moan she’d heard earlier haunted her thoughts, keeping Mason’s face fresh in her mind. She didn’t need any other reminders right now.

About the Author-

J.A Howell is an office drone by day, and a writer by night. Her love of writing took off when she was eleven years old and decided to fill a composition notebook with stories to read to her friends. Many years (and notebooks) later, not much has changed. She still loves writing and sharing her works with others. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found trying her hand at whatever artistic pursuit strikes her fancy. J.A. Howell resides in Apopka, FL with her husband and their menagerie of animal children.

     

Website- http://midtown-underground.com/

Interview:

From J.A. Howell-

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

 Lately I’ve been digging into older authors that I haven’t read but wanted to. Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange was really good.

What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on book 3 of my Erotic BDSM romance series, Love & Ink: Exposing The Flesh.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

 My book friends. Both the authors I’ve met  and the readers I’ve become close to through my writing. They are always there with an ear to lend and advice to give when I need it.

Do you see writing as a career?

 Even though I’m not at a point where it can be my main focus 100% of the time I do see this as my career. It’s hard work and writing is only the beginning, but I absolutely love it.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

 Nope. I think that each book represents a point in time of your writing. Could I have made some previous books better if I rewrote them now? Sure. But I’m proud of those books and aside from finding one-off typos etc, I wouldn’t go back and change it. I wrote, I revised, I had it beta’ed, edited, and revised some more. I put my best work I could out there for that time and hopefully the next book is even better than the last. So far that seems to be the case. J

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

 Back in sixth grade. I decided I wanted to write a story. So I did. It was terrible, but eventually my writing got better.

What would you like to tell my readers?

 Rehab is for Witches is going to be awesome. I had the pleasure of working with some fabulous, witty, funny, talented women on this anthology and if you enjoy it, I encourage you share it with others and to check out our other books!

~*~

From Tara S. Wood-

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

At the moment, I haven’t really delved into any new authors, simply because the ones I already love are still turning out books on a regular basis. My to be read list is so long, it’s embarrassing.

What are your current projects?

I have several irons in the fire (I usually do) at present, but I have three projects I’m seriously working on. The second book in my In Blood series, a dystopian stand alone, and the third book of my Fallen series. I’m also in the development stages of two novellas for a new anthology.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My circle of author friends. They have been so caring, so supportive, and just plain amazing. If I need help, if I need to vent, if I need my ego stroked, if I need to be told to get over myself, they’re so wonderful. I couldn’t do this without them.

Do you see writing as a career?

I do. I see myself writing for years to come. And then probably some after I’m dead.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Yes. I would make it longer. As a novella, it’s already tipping the scales, but I loved these characters so much, I really wish I could have expanded their journey. It’s the same with the other ladies in this anthology. I love their stories. We should have just written epic novels. Go big, or go home. LOL.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

As soon as I could read, I wanted to write. End of story.

What would you like to tell my readers?

Authors love readers. Authors love reviews. We love connecting with readers (although most of us are introverts at heart), and hearing about our books made you feel, or think. We’re just people. Get to know us. We love you guys.

~*~

From Cynthia Valero

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Emily Croy Barker. She wrote A Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic. It took me a couple of pages to get into, but then, wham! I has hooked into a fantasy story that was rich, unexpected, and unique. It explores the concepts and the chemistry of magic itself, and the hero is a very, very reluctant participant with the heroine. He grew on me, immensely, as the author slowly revealed his dark, broken layers…let some of his light slip though. Honestly, I sometimes wondered while reading if the author set out to write women’s literature but this fantasy story kept getting in her face. To me, it’s such a well-done blend of both. I’m patiently waiting for book two.

What are your current projects?

I’m on the threshold of starting a young adult/adult magical realism novel involving forbidden love and family feuds off the coast of 1907 America. I call it my Alice Hoffman novel. I’ve been in love with Alice Hoffman’s magical realism stories for years. One of my favorite books of all time is Turtle Moon. I suspect that this still-forming story is my adventure in writing what has always attracted me to Ms. Hoffman’s work.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My writing community. So many wonderful writers have touched my life and supported me with encouraging words and advice. I thank them all, and most especially my two oldest (not in age!) writing buddies, Beth Ciotta and JB Lynn, who have been with me for the ride and couldn’t be more brilliant and honest and nudging.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. It’s something I’d love to do full time.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I just thought of one little detail that I’d love to add to the story. There is always a thought or two like that when I have some distance from a story. But it’s usually something small that nobody will probably miss. Writers are always fine tuning in their minds. There’s just a point of letting the story go and letting it be and trusting that it’s wonderful the way it is.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. Even at a young age, I rode my bicycle to the library almost every day. I could never get enough of it. Then, one day when I was about eighteen years old, I was reading a romance novel (I was addicted) and had the oddest thought, “I could do this.” It still amazes me that I even had that thought out of nowhere at eighteen. Even more amazing to me is that I listened and followed that voice. I don’t know what made me think I could do that, but the voice did and it nagged me for another six years until I fully committed to it. I have to say, anytime that voice spoke into my mind during my life (when it was especially loud, at least), I’ve paid attention, and it’s always been the smartest decision because those were always big turning points for me. I didn’t know it at the time, of course. Thank you, Mystery Voice!

What would you like to tell my readers?

Listen to that inner voice. It’s the certain, unshakable one that speaks calmly and clearly to you. It’s so easy to let the chatter in our brains run our thoughts and our days, but there is a deeper, more still part of us that is always there and always ready to guide. It is from this same place that writing comes. From where all things creative and seemingly magical and forward-moving come in every person. Every endeavor in life involves creativity as we “create” our lives, our relationships, and our surroundings. When people say they are not creative, it’s not true. They are more creative than they know; they just need to look behind the curtain and realize creativity is not only written words or painted canvases but also every facet of life. It’s the good stuff, the gooey stuff, right along with love.

~*~

From Miranda Stork

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

 I’m grasped by new readers all the time! The indie writers’ community is a great community to be part of, because it’s always adding new members and is kept fresh with new ideas. I suppose the newest author on my radar (new to me, at any rate, although she has already written three books with another author), is the lovely Cynthia Valero, who’s also in the anthology. She’s a brilliant writer who uses a lot of out-of-the-box ideas and great descriptions.

What are your current projects?

 At the moment I’m finishing the last book in my Scarlet Rain series ‘Destroyer of Shadows’, and I’m also writing the third book in my Grim Alliance series, a paranormal/urban fantasy take on grim reapers. There’s also plotting in place with two awesome writers (who are also friends) that we’re working on, for an anthology that twists some traditional fairytales for adults. So quite a lot!

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

 My writing friends – who are all amazing writers, and best friends even if none of us wrote books. We always buck each other up if we’re having a bad day, and we all plot together to help each other out with story ideas.

Do you see writing as a career?

 Yes, I do – but it doesn’t mean I see it as my only career. I’m studying to become a museum curator, but it doesn’t mean I treat my books as a hobby. It’s different to other careers in that writing is for the long-term, not the short-term; there’s very few people who go into writing and straight away make their salary. I take my writing seriously, and I’m always trying to improve on it.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

 Um…..*thinks about it*…no, I don’t think so. My latest book was the second book in my Grim Alliance series, ‘Promises of the Dead’, and I was happy with how I set it out. I’m taking my time a lot more over this new series of books, because they deal with some very hard issues (death, drugs, and loss), as you might expect a book about grim reapers to do! I want every part of it to be as realistic as possible, and to pull as many emotions as possible from the reader. I always let my street team have a read of snippets from it, and betas who read the whole book, before it gets published so I can have feedback on where to improve it. So I usually do about three different rewrites on a first draft before readers get their hands on it.

Having said all this, sometimes I look back on a book and see parts that I could have improved, but I’ve found this comes once you write more books and figure out how to improve your writing in general, so I always try to carry this onto the next book.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

 When I was about seven, I LOVED Enid Blyton books. Her stories were so imaginative and colourful that I used to read at least one of her books every day, and it sparked an interest to try writing my own story. I had a go at telling a story about two children finding an angel in a tree (or ‘angle’, as I wrote, hehehe!), and put it down on folded pieces of paper to make a ‘book’. It just came naturally, and I continued to write down any of the crazy stories that popped into my head. When I left college and went into a 9-5 job, I didn’t bother for a while, but it was only a few years before the urge grabbed me again. I joined a community writing site, and set about penning the first chapter of a story about a werewolf. That story became my first book, ‘Conner’. J

What would you like to tell my readers?

 Keep reading! It doesn’t matter what you read (but books are the best thing for escapism, let’s face it), but just read as much as possible. I love films and even video games, but nothing beats the complexity of an emotionally charged story in a book, in my humble opinion. ;) Also, if you’re not sure what to read first, I’ve heard there is this awesome new anthology about witches in rehab that’s just come out……hehehe!

~*~

From Elle J Rossi

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

 I’ve been reading a lot of new-to-me authors. I devoured the KGI series by Maya Banks. I really love J. A. Redmerski’s work as well.

What are your current projects?

 I’m always working on the next story in The Josie Hawk Chronicles. In addition to that, I’m writing a horror novella and starting on my first contemporary romance. Exciting and challenging times ahead. I’m super stoked about the future.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

 True friends. I’m blessed enough to say I have several. Even the ones that don’t write get me and cheer me on.

Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. As much as it’s an escape, it’s also a business and has to be treated as such.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I think I’d make it longer. I would have loved to delve further into Robie and Jasper’s past.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

My sister, Beth Ciotta, is an author. She’s been writing for years. She knew how much I loved to read and that I needed a creative outlet. She suggested I give writing a try. I’m so glad I did.

What would you like to tell my readers?

Take the time to find the magick in the ordinary. We live to fast, miss so much. Stop and look. You’ll be glad you did.