What (or who) inspired you to create Witchycakes?

During the early days of the pandemic, I was feeling pretty isolated and sad and uninspired. I decided to comfort myself by writing about a cozy, loving community. And I infused it with the things that bring me the most joy, including childhood memories of a little beach cottage my family used to own on the Connecticut shore, and my love of baking!

What was the most difficult part about writing the book? What part was the easiest?

Writing Sweet Magic and making all of the Witchycakes books with Ariane and the Random House team has been a joy. I’d say the only challenge is one I’ve created for myself. I’ve imagined character arcs for many of Blue’s neighbors, and you’ll see how they grow and change throughout the four stories of the series — some in small ways, and some in not-so-small ways. They all feel so real to me, and I want to make them feel as real as possible for readers.

What element of the story do you identify with the most and why?

I’m a big fan of mistakes and accidents being a big part of the creative journey, so it felt right to start Sweet Magic with (spoiler alert) Blue dropping a tart on the floor! And of course, it leads to Mama creating something even more interesting. That storyline is inspired by the true story of a world-renowned chef who made the most of his own broken tart.

What do you want kids today to take away from this story?

I hope they’ll feel as comforted by reading it as I was by writing it. And I hope they’ll see that we’re all at our best when we’re lifting each other up and helping each other.

What are you currently reading?

I’m just about to finish a book called Salt on Your Tongue: Women and the Sea by Charlotte Runcie. The author references folklore, mythology, history, and science to examine the connection between the sea and the feminine. I’ve especially enjoyed reading it on the beach.

And my 12-year-old daughter is really enjoying The Incorruptibles, the first in Lauren Magaziner’s new upper middle grade fantasy series.

If you could use magic, what would you use it for?

I wish I knew some magic that could do my chores. I’m not a huge fan of cleaning and doing laundry! But I’d also like the power to heal people who are hurt or sick, or soothe people who are upset or afraid (including myself). And I’d LOVE the power to talk to animals. I have a feeling they’d have a lot to say to us.