Questions for Jaye about Cursed Moon

[Chelsea]

Post your questions about CURSED MOON here and Jaye will stop by every so often and answer them.

[Kimberly]

How did you come up with the tidbit that white snakeroot killed Abraham Lincoln's mother? That was such an odd fact that I immediately ran to Wikipedia to confirm it's true in the real world. Was it something you came across randomly or were you doing research on specific poisonous plants?

[Jaye]

Kim wrote: "How did you come up with the tidbit that white snakeroot killed Abraham Lincoln's mother? That was such an odd fact that I immediately ran to Wikipedia to confirm it's true in the real world. Was i..."

I run across all sorts of cool facts when I'm researching. Even though the "recipes" for the potions are not real (and often would be incredibly toxic if consumed), I do try to only use ingredients that correspond to the goal of the magic, if that makes sense. For example, if the potion is a greed potion, I'll only use herbs and plants that are associated with money or greed. This requires a ton of research into herbs and such, which means I also learn weird factoids that I like to share if it works in the story.

[Kimberly]

Time for my standard question! :) Which stage of alchemy does this book represent?

[Jaye]

Kim wrote: "Time for my standard question! :) Which stage of alchemy does this book represent?"

I'm so glad you asked. :)

Cursed Moon is about the stage of Dissolution.

This is the stage when the ashes from Calcination are dissolved in water or other liquid. Psychologically it represents breaking down the psyche in the dark waters of the subconscious.

Correspondences:
Color: Light Blue
Symbols: Dionysus, tears, floods, intoxication,
Planet: Jupiter
Metal: Tin
Zodiac: Cancer

[Chelsea]

I have a question... what made you decide to put the religious spin on the O Coven, rather than having them be another dirty magic coven like the Sangs and Votary?

[Jaye]

Chelsea wrote: "I have a question... what made you decide to put the religious spin on the O Coven, rather than having them be another dirty magic coven like the Sangs and Votary?"

Part of the reasoning was that since they are essentially running brothels, they needed some legal protection. It made sense to me that an enterprising wizard might be able to seek protection behind religion to be able to conduct their business and also get a nice tax shelter. :)

[Alex]

What is your favorite thing to explore about Kate's evolution throughout the series? And if you could give a cameo in Prospero's War to character from one of your other books who would you pick and why?

[Jaye]

Alex wrote: "What is your favorite thing to explore about Kate's evolution throughout the series? And if you could give a cameo in Prospero's War to character from one of your other books who would you pick and..."

The entire series is really about Kate's evolution so everything is really tied to it. I suppose one element I really enjoy digging into is her relationship to the darker aspects of herself. She's tried so hard to refashion herself into a good guy, but it's not exactly a natural fit for her.

As for your second question, the obvious choice would be Giguhl. Maybe I could have him appear to someone in a potion-induced hallucination. LOL I may actually have to do that now.

[Alex]

Please do I love that character!!!!

[Jaye]

Alex wrote: "Please do I love that character!!!!"

Oh, Giguhl. I miss him so much.