How would you deal with the madness of the Salem witch hunts?
In 1690, James Wentworth arrives in Salem in the Massachusetts Bay Colony with his father, John, hoping to continue the success of John’s mercantile business. While in Salem, James falls in love with Elizabeth Jones, a farmer’s daughter. Though they are virtually strangers when they marry, the love between James and Elizabeth grows quickly into a passion that will transcend time.
But something evil lurks down Salem way. Soon many in Salem, town and village, are accused of practicing witchcraft and sending their shapes to harm others. Despite the madness surrounding them, James and Elizabeth are determined to continue the peaceful, loving life they have created together. Will their love for one another carry them through the most difficult challenge of all?
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
Down Salem Way is the stand-alone prequel to Her Dear and Loving Husband, which goes back and forth between present-day Salem, Massachusetts and Salem during the witch trials in 1692.
While I was writing Her Dear and Loving Husband, I realized that because of the dual timeline I wasn’t able to delve into as much depth with the witch trials as I might have liked. After I finished writing the Loving Husband Trilogy, I decided to go back and revisit my characters James and Elizabeth during the madness of the witch hunts to examine more closely how they were affected by that time.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while you were researching this era?
The most surprising thing I learned from studying the Salem Witch Trials is how easily some people can be swayed into believing in something that isn’t there. It was as if this mass hysteria swept Salem Village, and people went along with whatever they were told. Of course, it isn’t quite so simple because the Puritans’ religious beliefs played a role because they were inclined to believe that the devil is real so it made sense to them that the devil would have minions to help him do his evil deeds. The use of spectral evidence was rather frightening, though. In other words, the evidence that Rebecca Nurse was harming Abigail Williams would be invisible to everyone but Abigail, who was the accuser, and yet that “evidence” was accepted in court without question. The Salem Witch Trials are a fascinating but frightening time.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
While the women accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials weren’t actually witches, there are in fact real, magical witches in Down Salem Way, along with a vampire or two.
If you had to describe your protagonist, in three words, what would those three words be?
I would describe James Wentworth as intelligent, thoughtful, and loving toward his wife.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on the next book in the Loving Husband Series, of which Down Salem Way is the prequel. The new book is called The Duchess of Idaho and the historical background is the Oregon Trail.
Personal Interview questions
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I read a lot, of course. I enjoy cooking and I’m a Los Angeles Dodgers fan so I listen to the games during the summer months. I’m also a writing teaching and I edit a literary journal. So I keep pretty busy!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Funnily enough, I wanted to be a teacher and a writer. I’m very lucky that I’m doing both!
What is the best part of your day?
My favorite part of the day is in the early evening after I’m done with my work for the day. I make myself a cup of tea, pull out a good book, and that’s how I spend the rest of my night.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: coffee
Hot or cold: cold
Movie or book: book
Morning person or Night owl: night owl
City or country: country
Social Media or book: book
Paperback or ebook: ebook
Thanks for hosting me today!
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