Five by Five—Magic series focuses on the story of tarot

Susan Wands

By Max Bowen 

Susan Wands’ Arcana Oracle Series was inspired by the story of Pamela Colman Smith, who co-created her tarot deck in 1909, and would go on to become the best-selling deck worldwide. Now three books in, the story is set in Gothic London and has its own system of magic. In this Five by Five, Susan talks about Smith’s story, her own experience in tarot and how she built the series around this.

Let’s begin with who Pamela Colman Smith is and how she inspired the book.
Pamela was born in London to American parents in 1878, and lived in Manchester, Jamaica and New York City, and returned to London at the age of 20 to work at the Lyceum Theatre. Pamela was a child prodigy, a natural artist, storyteller, and published author before the age of 19, and the first artist exhibited by Stieglitz in NYC. Mentored by Bram Stoker, she was introduced to the Golden Dawn, a magician’s group. With member A.E. Waite, she co-created her tarot deck in 1909, which eventually went on to become the best-selling deck in the world.

What is your interest/experience in tarot and how does this factor into the book?
I was a tarot reader for decades, and when I first started researching, Pamela’s name wasn’t even on her tarot deck! For 100 years, it was known as the Rider Waite tarot, not the Waite Smith. But I started researching her before the advent of the internet, so finding out about Pamela’s background required requesting materials through libraries and handwritten letters to museums. I finally tracked down a number of Pamela’s artworks and celebrated Pamela’s name on her tarot deck in 2009, 100 years post-publication of her first deck.

I love the idea of Gothic London as a setting. Have you been to London before? What kind of research did you do need to do?
I lived in several London neighborhoods when my husband was acting on the West End. Since Pamela was first hired by Bram Stoker to work at the Lyceum Theatre, I spent a lot of time there and took the tube to her different residences. Two bookstores, Watkins and the Atlantis, feature heavily in my books, as she was a patron at both shops, and I went there frequently as well as to the British Museum, where she researched tarot cards. I also walked Pamela’s paths from Chelsea to the Lyceum Theatre and across the Thames to last known addresses.

How did you develop the system of magic used in this book?
I studied the Golden Dawn’s degrees of study, Pamela’s group, to understand what kind of magic they practiced and why. The Golden Dawn had two women leaders, Annie Horniman and Florence Farr. Florence developed a secret method of astral projection, outside the auspices of the Golden Dawn, and W.B. Yeats and others were not in favor of her methods of channeling magical resources. The idea that women could belong to a club in the Victorian Era was challenging enough, but that women presidents and leaders insisted on their own formulas for magical practice was a huge inspiration for my series.

What can we expect in the rest of the series?
Each book pairs Pamela with tarot muses. In the first book, “Magician and Fool,” Pamela bases the Magician on the owner of the Lyceum Theatre, Sir Henry Irving, and the Fool on William Terriss, a matinee idol. “High Priestess and Empress” brings in Florence Farr and Dame Ellen Terry, to guide her to own her cards, and the third book, “Emperor and Hierophant,” has Bram Stoker and Ahmed Kamal help her battle ownership for her magic. The next books will follow the 22 card archetypes of the Major Arcana in Pamela’s tarot deck. Next up: Lovers and Chariot!

Ink and Riffs: Murders, music and magic

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (comic)
Without a doubt, this has been one of the best comics I’ve read in some time. Here’s the story:

Don’t. Murder. The locals.

This is small-town serial killer, upstanding citizen, and adorable brown bear Samantha Strong’s cardinal rule. After all, there’s a sea of perfectly ripe potential victims in the big city just beyond the forest, and when you’ve worked as hard as Sam to build a cozy life and a thriving business in a community surrounded by friendly fellow animal folk, warm decor, and the aroma of cedar trees and freshly baked apple pie…the last thing you want is to disturb the peace.

So you can imagine her indignation when one of Woodbrook’s own meets a grisly, mysterious demise—and you wouldn’t blame her for doing anything it takes to hunt down her rival before the town self-destructs and Sheriff Patterson starts (literally) barking up the wrong tree.

This was the original graphic novel debut by writer-artist Patrick Horvath, and I gotta say, he’s off to a hell of a start. The story was dark, tense and kept me guessing until the twist (and twisted) ending. The art reminds me of the books I read as a kid, which really just serves to make the whole thing even more surreally creepy. Read this one and then check out the new sequel series.

Work in Progress (music)
I’ve been a huge fan of the music of gavn! for some time, and this new album, “Work in Progress,” is a great example of his skill with music and vocals. The flow of the seven-track EP is powerful and passionate, from the opening track, “Eventually,” and continues throughout.

“Dead to Me” really stood out to me, with a story of the challenges of moving on from a person that needs to be left behind. I’ve been there a time or three and know firsthand how hard this can be.

The album shifts around a bit, with the more mellow “Shame” that slows things down a bit but maintains that same strength. The vocals are a real high point for me, with an intensity that draws you right in with a shared emotional experience.

This album is a high recommendation from me. You’re going to find yourself immersed in the stories and with this delivery, it’s sure to be a favorite.

Island Eight (Book)
Written by M.Z. Medenciy, “Island Eight” is the first in the Ataraxia Series and from what I have read so far, is one to be watched. Here’s a look at the story:

In a world on the verge of repeating a cataclysmic history, Sophia, an entertainer from the town of Salinas, unknowingly holds the keys to the world’s salvation. Yet, she turns a blind eye to their king’s tyranny to ensure her happiness. But not even the gods can protect her when the eyes of the castle shift directly to Salinas. After narrowly escaping death with the aid of a mysterious man who whisks her away to once forbidden lands, Sophia is unwillingly sucked into the brewing war with which she wanted nothing to do.

One thing that I really liked about the story is that it balances the seriousness with a good dose of humor and personality. There’s plenty of light-hearted moments that break up the tension and M.Z. weaves these different parts together perfectly. The result is a very organic tale with very realistic characters.

I can see that a lot of world-building went into this, not just the different cities, magical beings and legends, but the people themselves. Even if they’re not the main characters, each person has something that makes them unique and keeps the story moving forward. I’m really looking forward to the rest of this book and the series as well.

Ink and Riffs: Daydreams and doomsday scenarios

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

Jadelyn, “Daydream Diaries” (music)
I first heard Los Angeles-based Jadelyn’s music when she released “Throw it Back,” and was immediately hooked. When I came across her recent LP, “Daydream Diaries,” I immediately gave it a listen.

The five tracks cover a lot of ground, from “Throw it Back,” a tribute to the best times of yesterday and “Halfway Out the Door,” which touches on love lost that is made all the more painful for all the memories made.

The album title really encompasses the different tales—a musical journal remembering what came before, the things from the past we sometimes think about when something from the present reminds us.

The sound of the album is a slick pop style that shifts around from song to song. The core sound remains in the same lane, but weaves around with a mellow sound to one song and into a real foot-tapper in the next.

I really enjoyed Jadelyn’s vocals—a skillful, melodic voice that’s easy to enjoy. Looking at her discography, she’s been very active since releasing “Hard” in 2020, and her vocals have an essence of experience and passion for the music.

The Sacrificers (comic)
Imagine a world where the sun, moon, water, and more are all kept going by a pantheon of god-like beings. But these are not meant to be immortal dietitians. No, they’re meant to bond, have children, and die, leaving the next generation to take over.

Now imagine how these beings could throw off the shackles of mortality, and what—or who—it would take to make this happen, and what transpires when one supposed sacrifice says “No.”

That’s the world of “The Sacrificers,” an ongoing series from Image Comics, by New York Times-bestselling writer Rick Remender (LOW, DEADLY CLASS, Uncanny X-Force) and artist Max Fiumara (Amazing Spider-Man, FOUR EYES, Lucifer).

I was immediately drawn into this comic by Fiumara’s engaging artwork. The world he creates is powerfully emotional and diverse in its design. From the different forms of the pantheon that we’re introduced to, to the many races of the world, each page has something new and interesting to offer.

But let’s not forget the imaginative story that Remender has given us. The protagonist Pigeon is broken by the world, but still determined to keep moving to protect those most precious to him. The twists and turns are organic and keep the story moving at a strong pace.

Give this one a read—you won’t be disappointed.

Burn to Shine (audiobook)
The latest chapter in the Joe Ledger series by Jonathan Maberry continues in his unique nail-biter of a writing style. I’ve been a fan since the beginning and was eagerly awaiting the new release. Here’s a look at the story that awaits:

A covert group is infiltrating the world’s most secure bio-weapons research sites. All across the country, people are acting as human ‘disease bombs’ by infecting themselves and walking into public places. And heavily-armed groups of illegal private soldiers are massing for some unknown strike.

Joe Ledger and the members of Rogue Team International, still reeling from the devastation and heartbreaking losses of their last mission, are forced into relentless action to try and save the country, if not the entire world.

Old enemies are rising and joining forces to hit Joe and his team with one devastating blow after another. What is the end game for all of this madness and terror? Outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and outgunned, Joe Ledger has to find a way back from the fires of grief in order to make a stand between these enemies and millions of potential innocent lives. But Joe has allies, too. His team, the vicious fighters of Arklight, and friends who may or may not be entirely human.

I opted for the audiobook, though the physical book was also purchased, because Ray Porter is an absolute legend in the world of voice acting. He captures the complex emotions of the story, from the more lighthearted moments to when all seems lost and the darkness is closing in.

One things I’ve loved about Porter’s work is how he does the different voices, which range in tone, race, and gender. He does it all well and it’s clear he spends a lot of time crafting the real-life sound of each character. Check out the entire series, it’s an amazing listen.

Five by Five: Debut author kicks off four-book fantasy series

By Max Bowen

Take a walk through the Wythic Woods with Tilly, Jess, and Zach as they journey to find Tilly’s missing cousin, Michael, who disappeared in the woods a year ago. In Vanishings: The Wythic Wood Mystery Series (Sparkpress, May 20), debut author Catharina Steel encourages young readers to step off their phones and step out into the world.

In this interview, Catharina talks about the creation of this new series and what we can expect in future books, as well as how her own life helped inform the story. We also learn about her main characters and the process of bringing them to life.


This book is the beginning of a new series. What can we expect in subsequent books?
There are four books in The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series as follows:

Book Two Working Title: Weredog Curse. Tilly wants to reverse the curse the Witch of Wythic Wood has placed on the weredogs in her territory, so they search for the cure.

Book Three Working Title: Ancient Magic. They search for the elves Clayton eventually tells them about, and the truth about the Witch’s goal is revealed.

Book Four Working Title: Elven Battle. Tilly and friends team up with a group of good elves to battle the Wythic Wood elves at the fortress within this forest.

I read that your own battles with anxiety are incorporated in this book. How so?
Like myself, Jess was being bullied at school, but I allowed her personality to show me how she would be impacted by this. I love being outside because I enjoy exploring, but it felt truer to Jess’s personality that she initially struggles with anxiety in the outdoors.

I draw from my experience with anxiety symptoms, and how spending time outdoors allowed my body and mind to relax. You can see the impact on Jess, while at Opa’s property, with how she becomes enthusiastic about her surroundings as the anxiousness dissipates—at least until they head into Wythic Wood.

How did you develop your main characters?
I allowed Tilly, Jess, and Zach to develop as I wrote the story. Early on, I decided to create a profile of each of them, which I added to during the initial stages of writing and editing. This gave me a snapshot that I could refer to if I felt unsure about their reaction as I edited the story and enabled me to draw out their personalities more each time.

The more time I spent on the story the better I knew them. My experience with this is similar to meeting someone and getting to know them better.

What is the Wythic Wood?
The Wythic Wood is a forest situated on the south side of Opa’s property. It’s a wild place which used to be inhabited by many ancient mythical creatures—before the evil witch made it her home. An elf of old named it by mixing the two words wild and mythical together to create the name Wythic for this ancient homeland of their people.

In this forest lives the witch, weredogs, black bears, ravens, green snakes and a group of elves ruled by Timitus. There are abandoned fairy tree cities, smokestacks, underground tunnels, a spelled cave and the witch’s castle.

How did you create the “Gobight” martial art?
I needed a character skilled in martial arts to train the children, so Mort, a good goblin, became their teacher. But how could children go up against goblins who have greater reach with their long arms and weapons at the ready with their sharp fingernails and toenails? These attributes made it necessary to modify fight stances, strikes, and blocks.

It made sense to come up with a name to describe this new style of martial arts. I replaced the “f” in fight with “gob” from goblin to get the name gobight—a goblin style of martial arts.

Kevin Moore keeps the Christmas spirit with new book

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, so it’s only fitting to mark it with Kevin Moore’s new book, “Christmas Stories, Vol. II.”

Kevin may love Christmas even more than I do, as his new book is a collection of Yuletide-themed short stories, including “a young boy who creates a profound and mystical Christmas for his community, a woman who stumbles upon a mysterious pink gift card filled with unexpected surprises, and a troubled young man who hears the magical sound of snowflakes falling” according to the story synopsis.

Kevin talks about some of his favorite aspects of the stories and how writing one led to another, then another, and wound up as a new book. He employs a technique called ‘lucid dreaming’ which has helped with his writing. Kevin shares how lucid dreaming is done and the insight it has offered to his work.

And of course, we talk about the holiday and why it’s so special to him.

Citywide Bytes—Author kicks off new trilogy set in a magical San Fran

In “The Others” (September, SparkPress) author Evette Davis blends magic and realism, creating a “secret society of supernaturals who seek to slow the spread of facism.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Olivia Shepherd is a political consultant with a secret: She’s an empath, with the power to experience the emotions of those around her. Keen to keep her supernatural abilities hidden, Olivia's world is upended when Elsa, an ancient time-walker, appears in her kitchen, unveiling a destiny she never knew she had.

As Olivia delves deeper into the hidden world of the "Others" who lurk beneath San Francisco's foggy streets, she finds herself drawn into the clandestine organization of The Council–who seek to influence humanity from the shadows–and Gabriel Laurent, the enigmatic leader of a realm where vampires, witches, fairies and demons navigate a delicate balance of power.

In this episode, we go into Olivia’s character, her abilities, and how she finds herself amidst this conflict. Evette shares Olivia’s motivation and how she handles this new world that she finds herself a part of.

We talk about the fantasy aspect of the story and why she chose to place it in San Francisco, where she lives. We even go into what will be happening in her next two books, but no spoilers here!

Five By Five: Debut novel honors a grandmother’s love of nature

By Max Bowen

In her debut book, writer Adrianna Schuh blends some magic and romance in “Magic is in the Air.” The story follows Olivia Ayala, a fiercely independent Latina witch with cerebral palsy. In her small-town bakery in Addersfield, Rhode Island, Olivia crafts magical confections while raising her son and navigating life's challenges. Enter Draven James, a charming and mysterious man who stirs both the town's magic and Olivia's heart. As Olivia falls for Draven, she uncovers secrets threatening their haven and her dreams.

In this interview, Adrianna talks about what inspired her to write this book and how she created Olivia and the real-life story behind it.


I read that this is your first published novel. What inspired you to write this and how did “Magic Is In the Air” come to be your story?

I love witches. My grandma was a practicing witch and I grew up visiting Wiccan camps with her. She instilled in me a love of nature and the moon. And she taught me to believe in magic. The story is a bit of a love letter to her.

I’d like to know more about your main character, Olivia Ayala. What went into creating her?

Honestly, she's a mix of myself, my grandma, and my mom. I gave her my disability because I wanted to see more disability representation in romance. I was raised by a single mom, so Olivia has that strength and resilience. And she believes wholeheartedly in herself and the power of family. That's my grandma. I looked at all the powerhouse Mexican women in my life and channeled them into Olivia.

What do you hope readers learn or experience with Olivia’s story?

A sense of belonging. I hope they see this strong and beautiful witch and catch a glimpse of themselves. I hope she inspires readers to trust their guts and believe in themselves.

I’m a lifelong New Englander, and was intrigued that Rhode Island is the setting. Why, and how does this shape the story?

I was born and raised in the Midwest. But New England has always fascinated me. The history, the landscape, it just has this magical quality. And witches are a part of that. So it just felt so natural. To have the story set during fall in New England just made sense.

What is the magic that Olivia does? Do her abilities play a big role in the story?

She has the ability to cast spells with her words. She speaks a spell, and poof, magic. There's really a spell for almost everything. It just has to be vocalized. And it is the same for the other witches in the book. Her and her friends abilities play a very big role. It's really the centerpoint of the whole story. It was incredibly fun to write.

Citywide Bytes-Joseph Macolino takes us on a tour of the world of Evorath

In the latest live episode of Citywide Bytes, Max talked with author Joseph Macolino for his recently-finished (or is it?) “Evorath Trilogy.” 

He released the third book, “The Battle for Erathal,” and we go into how this wraps up the story, as well as what he has planned next.

This series is years in the making, and Joseph talks about the lengthy world-building he did, which included a lot of education to expand his knowledge and create a more varied Evorath. 

He also shares the character creation process, how he’s seen them grow, and the challenge of deciding when certain ones need to meet a grisly end.

It’s an unlikely love story with Maria Guglielmo’s new book

Author Maria Guglielmo was last on the show some years back for her debut book, “Summoned,” and since then, she’s been up to quite a bit, including debuting her new “Riftworld” series with “Witch City Rift” and “Rifted Hearts,” which drops on March 19.

Curtis and I talk with Maria about this new series and what went into building the world behind it. We do a deep dive into her main character, Remi Gatti, a con man who seems to find himself in over his head in both stories. 

We look at his power to manipulate sexual desire and the role this plays in the story, as well as the mystical realm that extends into Boston and Salem.

There’s a mysterious figure called The Matchmaker in both books and we talk about just who this person is and how they’re influencing the tale.

Citywide Bytes-Chris Lengyel gives this episode the magic touch

For our newest Citywide Bytes, Max is talking with Chris Lengyel, as he puts it “a dude who does magic tricks.” And he’s been doing them for almost 20 years, for the likes of Las Vegas duo Penn and Teller, TruTV's "Impractical Jokers" and the cast of NBC's "The Voice.”

Now, Chris is hitting the road, embarking on his Illusions Plus Alcohol (I.P.A.) tour. On this live interview, we talk about where he’s going and what people can expect at his shows. 

CHris shares some backstory on how he got into magic in the first place, and growing what began as a hobby into his career. Chris talks about meeting Penn and Teller and the impromptu performance he did, and we discuss his favorite tricks and some that even he steers clear of.

David Scidmore brings a deep world of fantasy in “Aylun”

By Max Bowen

To say that author David Scidmore is a deep thinker is putting it mildly. During the writing process for his second book, “Aylun,” he spent a lot of time building the cultures, people, and beliefs of the world in his story. The result: A tale with a lot to explore. Here’s a synopsis of the book:


Megan had always lived life on her own terms, but faced with an impossible prophecy that threatened everything she loved, her choices no longer seemed to be her own. Aylun’s world revolved around serving oracles and protecting prophecy, so his insights could be the key to explaining the impossible. Yet how could she force herself to work with the heartless tyrant who had so brutally abducted her?

Megan was always good at solving puzzles. For years, she used that aptitude in a physics lab as an assistant to her best friend, Jon. In the midst of a chaotic day, an accident thrusts them both into a terrifying alternate world. Almost at once, Aylun tears Megan from her best friend’s side.

Born and raised to be Shou, Aylun had always been as an agent of the enigmatic home of all prophecy, the Augury. His life had always been dedicated to serving as the invisible hand that carried out the will of Great Oracles, past and present. Still struggling with the death of his sister and friends, a mission gone wrong results in his expulsion from the only home he has ever known.

In search of answers, Megan and Aylun are compelled to undertake a mission into a place of unthinkable peril. As they struggle to find answers, Jon and his new friends, Dellia, Garris, and Kayleen, are drawn into a conflict with a dark and ancient menace that could obliterate everything and everyone they care about. As the puzzles deepen, the horrors multiply, and their situation grows more desperate, Megan’s best hope to save them all and return her and Jon to their home world lies with the very tyrant who abducted her, Aylun.


In this interview, David goes into the worldbuilding process, creating the strengths and flaws of the characters, and what happened when he put them on the page. We look at Megan, the main character and how she’s adapted into the role of a hero. David also gives us a look at how this book continues the story of the first one.



This sounds like an amazing story. What went into the worldbuilding?
Worldbuilding isn’t something that happens all at once, at least not for me. In fact, in some ways, it’s still ongoing. In the early stages of platting, I needed a reason for the world to need Jon (and now Megan.) Part of that was to have three distinct ancient cultures whose traditions and beliefs made it difficult to govern them under one set of laws. I used ancient Earth cultures as a starting point, but also, I wanted a more modern sensibility. So, I brought supernatural abilities into each culture and asked how that would make them evolve in ways different from Earth. From that, I wrote a brief history and described each of the three realms systems of government, beliefs, religion and philosophies.

That gave me a base, but a world has more than people in it. And because I didn’t know what future stories I might want to create, I needed a vast and turbulent world at a critical juncture in its history. In short, I wanted a world that could give rise to countless stories. In many ways, my vision of that world is still evolving. Perhaps more importantly, much of what I do know has yet to make it onto the page. I want to leave it a mystery to the heroes, one that will be teased out over time.

What goes into crafting your characters?
I love stories that unite people with conflicting values and beliefs and have them work together as a team. This is especially true where romance is involved. So, I started by thinking about the primary moral dilemma in the story. I tried to cast it as a question of conflicting values, then set each character somewhere on the spectrum of balancing those two conflicting values. Since the allies hold such disparate beliefs, I also needed something that would compel them to work together. So, I granted each some unique skill or insight that makes them indispensable to the group. That’s where the core of each character starts. From there, they needed weaknesses that would make things difficult for them and strengths that would allow them to persist through difficult times. Essentially, the needs of the story shaped the core of each character.

Despite all that planning and fussing that went into defining the characters, they only came to life and took on their own distinct personalities when I put them into the story and saw what they did. Most of what makes Megan Megan and Jon Jon comes from them and their unique actions and reactions to events as they unfold.

Tell me about Megan, where she came from, and how she handles herself as the hero of the story.
Because she’s been on her own from a relatively early age, Megan understands the harsh realities of the world and as a result can be quite serious-minded. At the same time, her way of handling a cruel world has often been to escape into partying and having fun, so she can be a bit frivolous and capricious. She’s fiercely determined to chart her own destiny but also confounded in doing so by the fact she cares deeply about those around her and works hard to protect the ones she loves. These forces are what guide her steps in this new and daunting world and trouble her the most in accepting the fate life has handed her.

David Scidmore

Who are the new characters we meet in this book?
We meet both Megan and Aylun in the first book but don’t spend enough time to get to know them. Aylun doesn’t say more than a few lines, and aside from a handful of appearances in the first chapter, we have little idea what Megan is thinking or why she does what she does. The sole focus of the first half of the second book is Megan’s struggle and understanding her reasons for making the choices she did. We meet relatively few new characters in the second book, most of whom are part of the Augury since it’s Aylun’s home.

How does this story continue what we read in the first book?
I always wanted the series to be about more than one protagonist or even one couple. I want multiple characters whose stories readers can care about. So, from the very early stages of plotting Dellia my plan was to start the second book by telling Megan’s side of the story. I take Jon and Dellia, Gartis and Kayleen entirely out of the picture while we learn what happened to Megan and why. Aylun is a huge part of that. The mystery they confront in that first half of the story carries on in the second half where Megan and Aylun share the stage with Jon and Dellia. They work together to unravel what’s happening. While the second book is largely Megan’s story, Jon and Dellia’s role in the second half is massive, so we spend plenty of time with them to see how they grow and evolve both individually and as a couple.

Any long-term plans for the “Ever-Branching Tree” series?
Definitely. The third book is underway, and the first half goes back 15 years to follow Garris as he meets Prisha and all that went down back then. The second half will begin shortly after the end of the second book as Megan and Aylun make a discovery that threatens to repeat the disasters of the past. Beyond a third book, I’ll just take each book one at a time and try to make each as satisfying as possible on its own.

Father-daughter writing duo pen extensive fantasy series

I love a good fantasy story, so it was a real pleasure to speak with Dr. Michael Nelson and his daughter Isabelle for their “Annie Abbot” series, now two books in with “Annie Abbott and the Druid Stones,” and “Annie Abbott and the Race to the Red Queen.” The story’s got a real-life inspiration, as some of the people and locations are based on Michael and Isabelle’s own adventures around the world.

It was great to talk about the writing process and how these two decided to pen a fantasy story. Michael has his own writing background as the name behind the Emmett Casey Chronicles trilogy and talks about the challenges and fun of pivoting to this new genre. Isabelle shares her own experiences as a writer and how it’s been crafting the worlds, creatures and magic of these books.

Recently, the two took part in CastleChaos MultiCon, which took place in an actual castle! This sounds like a blast and Michael and Isabelle share some stories from the event.

Dani Resh’s Magic Shoe Series takes its first steps

Dani Resh

By Max Bowen

In “Compass to Vinland,” we’re introduced to a world of fantasy seen through the eyes of Wren, a quirky young man who may not seem like the usual protagonist for the genre—but trust me, there’s a lot more than meets the eye.

In this interview, author Dani Resh shares the character’s origin, the theme of mental health and its role in the story, fantasy as a storytelling tool, and how her parenting years helped shape the tale.

“Clarity of Sight,” the second book in the series, is being released later this month.


I read that the series addresses mental health. How so, and is there an overall message for readers?
All three main characters in the “Magic Shoe Series” are dealing with issues that have taken a toll on their mental health. Wren is struggling with feeling disconnected from his father and peers, Maria is plagued by insecurity due to her acute awareness of what others think of her through her mind-reading abilities, and Rusty is trying to repel the harsh stereotypes that have been placed upon him by his community.

Throughout the series, each of the characters learns to shed the unhealthy perceptions that have been placed upon them by external forces and gradually begins to recognize their positive attributes. The friendships they develop with each other are pivotal to their journey of self-acceptance and help them quell the intrusive thoughts of self-doubt.

So, in a nutshell, I would say that the message of the series is not to let others define who you are, stay true to yourself, and know that amazing, life-altering friendships can develop if you open yourself up to the possibility.

What about the fantasy genre appealed to you?
I love Fantasy because, for me, it represents limitless possibilities. Throughout my life, I have had a tendency to steer away from strict rules and boundaries and have felt most at home in creative environments. I studied art in college and graduate school and embraced clay as a medium of choice because of its willingness to bend and alter itself easily without resistance. As a writer, I have found that I need that initial burst of unhindered creativity when developing a story and fantasy is the perfect genre for me to explore ideas freely.

Did you find that fantasy was better suited to communicating the different themes?
I think the escapism that fantasy provides makes it a great genre for middle-grade readers, especially if the writer is trying to incorporate some heavy themes. The pure joy of entering a fantastical world full of adventure, intermingled with characters that one can identify with has the potential of producing a truly magical experience.

Wren doesn’t seem like the typical fantasy protagonist.
Honestly, I hadn’t taken the time to compare Wren to other fantasy protagonists, so your question has sparked some contemplation. True, Wren may not appear to be overly confident or seemingly capable of facing a formidable and ruthless enemy, but that’s why I find him interesting.

Wren’s personality traits don’t necessarily line up with current fantasy protagonist trends, but when I really thought about it, I realized that there are quite a few similarities between him and Frodo from “The Lord of the Rings.” Both found fulfillment in the simpler things in life and never intended on leaving their charming homes to face a dark nemesis, yet they both found themselves immersed in a larger battle between good and evil and ended up playing an integral part in the outcome. Wren and Frodo both displayed bravery and selflessness throughout their stories and neither complained or rejected the responsibility that had been placed upon their shoulders.

What went into crafting the character?
When I began the series, I was struck by how many young people in my life were feeling disconnected from their peers, and I wanted to explore those feelings of detachment through Wren’s character. I decided to create a reality for Wren where he is lacking the meaningful interactions needed to feel more connected to the world around him.

Did your parenting side get woven into the story?
I definitely see my parenting style displayed in certain characters but I made a point to demonstrate that each of the five main younger characters in the book have very different relationships and experiences with their parents. It was important to me to represent a broad array of parenting styles in the series. I not only wanted to highlight positive relationships between parents and their children but also touch on more dysfunctional family dynamics.

What can we expect in “Clarity of Sight”
The second installment of the Magic Shoe Series is told from the perspective of Maria Tovar, allowing the reader to have a better understanding of her as a character and also how her powers work. Maria is plagued by dreams of a hooded figure and her mind-reading abilities have grown so powerful that even her closest friends avoid her touch. But when she starts seeing strange threads of light everywhere, she really begins to worry that her powers are beyond her comprehension. During a traditional festival in Underfoot, an evil entity strikes, creating chaos in the underground settlement. Now Maria must journey up top, find allies, and fight the enemy to save her friends. Along the way, Maria finds answers to her never-ending questions and discovers fate is far more powerful than she realized.

I really liked the covers. Was this what you had envisioned?
I was pleasantly surprised when my publisher presented me with the cover for “Compass to Vinland.” I loved the energy of the swirling crows and the black and gold tones. For the second book cover, I wanted to continue with the color scheme and had an image in my head of the Foreburke Tree, which is an evil, twisted pear tree that plays a prominent role in the conclusion of “Clarity of Sight.” I worked closely with my publisher to bring the image that I had in my head into existence and think it accurately represents the dark yet whimsical energy I strived to capture in the series.

Citywide Comic Spotlight: Ryder

Creator: Austen Marie

Publisher: Tapas Media


If you asked me to choose my favorite webcomic of 2021 (please don’t, there’s too many options), “Ryder” would have to be among my picks. The titular character is a songwriter living the artist life in Los Angeles. When a mysterious woman leads her to a world of the supernatural, Ryder finds herself in a place that, for the first time, makes her feel like she’s finally home.

It was the art that first drew me in, but this series is far more than just amazing illustrations. The story of Ryder and her dreams of musical stardom is easily relatable, and there is much more to come. In the aforementioned supernatural world, she meets some unforgettable characters, including Landon Moon, a musician from (she thought) the human world that she’s a diehard fan of, along with Blithe, who’d also an artist with a complicated past.

The story touches on some serious topics, including relationships, mental health, and what it means to be truly happy. I really liked this aspect of the writing, and imagine some real-life elements have been woven into the story—it just seems the writer has a lot to say on these topics.

At the same time, there’s laughs aplenty, whether it’s Landon learning of the fan-fiction Ryder wrote about him or her conversations with Blithe as they discuss the rules of the supernatural world and explore a growing relationship. There’s a lot of depth here and the length of each episode means we get plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

But back to the art, which is absolutely stellar. The use of color is extraordinary, and really brings the story to vivid life, from the clothes to the buildings to the lighting. The scenes for the shows are very detailed and reminded me a lot of my time living in Boston. These scenes are among my favorite. I especially liked the varied outfits the characters wore, with each matching their personality.

The series appears to be taking a break. Whenever it comes back, you can bet I’ll be ready!

Citywide Comic Spotlight: Wynd

Writer and Co-Creator: James Tynion IV

Artist and Co-Creator: Michael Dialynas

Publisher: Boom! Box


I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began this series, but the cover really caught my attention and after finishing several issues (TWICE) I am very happy I did so.

Set in a world where having a magical heritage is punishable by death, Wynd must hide his true identity – and pointy ears – from everyone in Pipetown, even if it means he’ll never have a normal life. But when his secret is threatened, Wynd is forced to leave his home behind for a dangerous quest beyond imagination.

I loved, absolutely loved, this series. I’ve read other titles by James Tynion IV and this one does not disappoint. The care and detail in crafting this world is evident on every page and I wound up with some very strong opinions on the politics behind the story. On his deathbed, the king of Pipetown forces his son to promise he’ll uphold the laws that condemn anyone of magical blood. And the prince is one of the good guys (sort of).

Wynd is an easy character to like and his heart really directs his choices. It doesn’t always work out, but he stays true to himself, no matter how tough things get. The cast is wonderfully diverse and the different storylines are woven together for a well-told tale.

Dialynas’ art really matches the mood of the story, shifting to darker tones for the more serious moments and lighter when certain death isn’t around the corner (hey, it happens). I’m no artist, but the best way I can describe this style is that is has a fantasy element that really brings the story to life. The use of color is brilliant and the scenes in Pipetown or the forests are my favorite.

As I said, I was skeptical at first, but this series has me convinced. Wynd is still ongoing and I’m really looking forward to what’s next.

It’s a world of daemons and magic in Alison Levy’s new book

I’ve been a longtime fantasy fan, and so it was a real pleasure to speak with Alison Levy’s new book, “Blue Flame,” part two of the Daemon Collecting series, out on Oct. 11 through SparkPress. The new book continues the adventures of Rachel Wilde, who comes from a dimension adjacent to ours. The people there have structured their society around daemon collecting: they locate, catch, and repair malfunctioning daemons (creatures out of phase with our world that tempt people to do good or evil).

While introducing Leda Morley, last of an ancient line of gatekeepers, to the ins and outs of her daemon-collecting work, Rachel Wilde encounters something far more dangerous than any daemon: a young boy who stands alone against an unseen yet terrifying enemy that has invaded his home—an inhuman creature who, hellbent on revenge for a minor slight, intends to harm the boy’s oblivious family. Meanwhile, Leda’s brother, Simon, is feeling left out of his maternal family legacy but is coping partly by helping Rachel’s friend Bach—a previously homeless man with unusual mental abilities—get his life back on track.

In the midst of all of this, Bach unintentionally but serendipitously makes contact with a capable otherworldly being who, with great reluctance, agrees to help Bach and his friends take on the dangerous creature that’s just become their problem to solve. Together, this group of unlikely allies must put aside their differences to save an innocent child, and his family, from a monster—before it’s too late.

Alison and I dive into the worldbuilding that went into this book and the new characters that we meet. She talks about the daemons and the system of magic she created and how it all works. We look at how writing this book compared to her first novel, “Gatekeeper,” and her plans for the release of “Blue Flame.” Along with being a writer, Alison is also a mental health advocate, and we go into how writing the new book helped and how it can be a platform to help others.

Gwendolyn Nix's new book explores Hell, magic, and a complex cast

On July 29, Gwendolyn Nix's new book, “I Have Asked To Be Where No Storms Come,” will hit physical and online shelves. But before that, kick back and enjoy this conversation on the story, characters, and a lot more. Here's a quick look at the plot:

The fact of Domino Bluepoint's afterlife is simple: he's a half-breed witch from a people without a name, living out a cursed Butch Cassidy existence… and no one wants to be stuck in Hell with witch blood. When he discovers bounty hunters are on his trail, and his brother, who wields insurmountable power, has struck an ill-made bargain with an ancient being of lighting and thunder, Domino is determined to fight his way out of the underworld no matter what the cost.

Yet, he soon learns an even darker power resides behind his cursed lineage, one buried deep in the earth and who will use his brother for its own gains. Desperate to escape their own destines, the two must decide if they will save the world… or let it burn.

Gwendolyn and I talk about Domino's character and where he stands—hero, or villain? We look at other characters and the roles they play in the story, which takes place in a detailed version of Hell. Believe me, we spend awhile delving into this. We also look at release day and Gwendolyn's plans for it.

New comic series blends magic and mystery

In this episode, writer Erica Schultz takes us into the world of her new urban fantasy comic series “Forgotten Home,” available through comiXology Originals. Sheriff’s Deputy Lorraine Adalet investigates child disappearances and finds a connection between many of the abductions: traces of magic which leads her back to her homeworld of Jannada, a place she left many years ago. Schultz talks about Lorraine and the life she left and all that went on in Jannada, as well as the magic she created in crafting this story.

Following that, I bring you the song “The Suitable Woman” by Layla Kardan. This one's got a cool flow with instrumentation that caught me from the beginning.