Jennifer David Hesse's Blog, page 7

Through the keyhole... A day in the life of a part-time writer

Millennium Park sculpture made from used tires So much to do, so little time...

This is such a common feeling among contemporary American adults, isn’t it? I have so much I want to do, so much I want to write. Some ideas have been simmering on my back burner for years (mainly book ideas and other creative projects), while other goals keep cropping up like perennial flowers.... they’re always there, sometimes just under the surface and sometimes in full bloom. (I'm looking at you, exercise, yog...

Do you care about the Big E?

Macro view of sand, by Scott Hesse Lately I've been thinking about the Big E. And, no, I don’t mean a rapper named “Biggie,” a state fair in New England, or a Seinfeld joke. I mean THE Big E:

The Environment.

The Earth.

The Everything that supports and sustains life as we know it.

In my fictional mystery series, I created a character who cares a lot about the environment. She cares so much she decided to become Wiccan and practice an earth-centered, nature-based religion.

In real life, I care abou...

Interview with... The Domestic Witch

Today I'm pleased to share another interview in my series "Interview with a Wiccan" (or a Witch and/or a Pagan as the case may be).

I first learned about The Domestic Witch when I came across one of her Witchy Reading Challenges. Since books and witches are two of my special interests, this definitely caught my eye! Then I found that, besides being a book lover, this witch also writes some very insightful and thought-provoking blog posts. I've been a fan ever since. 

So, what is a Domestic Wit...

And the word of the year is...

Are you familiar with the "Word of the Year" tradition? This is something I've been doing for the past several years. Every January I pick one word to represent something I'd like to focus on throughout the year. One word to serve as a reminder of whatever it is I'd like to increase or attract in my life. I make resolutions too, but I've found the word-of-the-year tool to be more powerful and lasting than plain old goal-setting. In the past, I've chosen words such as Courage, Connection...

Interview with a Witch: Phillip Albright

These days, when you hear the word “witch,” you might think of a broom-riding, pointy-hat wearing character from fairy tales and Halloween images. Or, you might think of a modern Hollywood beauty with supernatural powers, such as the women of Charmed, Witches of East End, and other such fun shows.
 
Or, perhaps (hopefully!) you think of real-life Wiccans and other nature-loving, forward-thinking women such as the interesting ladies we’ve met in this interview series so far.
 
One thing I’m guess...

Interview with a Witch: Hecate Demetersdatter

Happy Imbolc / Candlemas / Brigid's Day / Groundhog Day! Yesterday marked not only the first of February but also a cross-quarter holiday on the Wheel of the Year. Falling halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, this is a time when we begin to transition from one season to the next. It may be cooooold out there today, campers, but the sun is on its way back. Things are looking up! 
 
Appropriately enough, today's featured Witch happened to mention Imbolc when I asked her ab...

Interview with a Witch: Joanna DeVoe

For this week’s post, I changed the title from “Interview with a Wiccan” to “Interview with a Witch,” since my featured guest today is not Wiccan. However, I wanted to interview her anyway because she does practice “magick,” honor the Divine within, and provide all kinds of positive and intriguing witchy inspiration.
Plus, she’s an all-around cool person!

After reading the interview, be sure to check out Joanna’s website. I’ve found it to be a treasure trove of fascinating info—all empowering,...

Interview with a Wiccan: Traci Logan Wood

Traci & Jennifer Welcome to Week 2 of "Interview with a Wiccan," in which I profile real-life practicing Witches, Wiccans, and Pagans. This week I'm profiling fellow Chicagoan, Traci Wood.

I met Traci recently through a co-worker of mine who introduced us when he learned that my mystery series features a Wiccan main character. As it happens, Traci and I live only a few short miles from each other! I was lucky enough to meet her in person the other day, and she has generously offered to share h...

Interview with a Wiccan: First up, Krista from Virginia

I'm so excited about this week's blog post! Today I'm kicking off a new series on this blog called "Interview with a Wiccan."

In my book series, the Wiccan Wheel Mysteries, my protagonist is a devoted Wiccan. While her practices are true to life, she is, of course, a fictional character. So, I thought it would be fun and informative to interview some actual (non-fictional!) witches.

Over the next few weeks, I'll feature real-life Witches, Wiccans, and Pagans who have graciously agreed to share...

What's behind Door #3? {Cover Reveal!}

First came love... Book #1, my debut cozy, Midsummer Night’s Mischief . Then came... more love (and mystery & magic & mayhem), in the form of Book #2, Bell, Book & Candlemas . And now, here comes... Book #3! Available for pre-order already! (Baby makes three? Well, only in the sense that my books are my babies. Ha ha.)

It's still kind of amazing to me that I have three books for sale. The "Wiccan Wheel Mysteries" is shaping up to look like an actual book series, isn’t it?

Now, at this...