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From a Spark to a Cauldron: The Winding Path of The Witch's Rebirth Series

  • Writer: Michaela Riley
    Michaela Riley
  • Aug 2
  • 3 min read

From a spark to Cauldron Uncovering the Inspiration for the witch's rebirth series

Ever wondered where the magic truly begins? Not the spell-casting, potion-brewing kind, but the utterly unpredictable, often messy, and always exhilarating magic of creation. For us, the minds behind The Witch's Rebirth series, the journey from a flickering idea to a sprawling, multi-volume saga has been less a straight path and more a delightfully chaotic dance through history, fantasy, and ancient lore. Strap yourselves in, because we're about to spill the tea (or perhaps, a bit of enchanted mead) on what inspired our world and how it morphed under our very hands.


My journey into the mystical realm of The Witch's Rebirth began, as many grand adventures do, with a simple, yet rather potent, thought bubble: rebirth and witchcraft. I envisioned a protagonist, a witch, who would inevitably face the brutal trials and persecutions that haunted those accused in historical times. And what better era for such grim delights than 1590? King James was gearing up for his infamous witch hunts, and I figured that would provide a perfectly chilling backdrop for my unfortunate witch's ordeal. Initial concept: check! (And probably a note to self: don't be a witch in 1590 Scotland.)


However, I swiftly realized that a witch's tale, however compelling, needed more than just historical accuracy and a hefty dose of impending doom. My brain, being the delightful chaos engine it is, practically demanded that I infuse the narrative with something… more. That "more" quickly coalesced into a vibrant blend of fantasy, history, and the rich tapestry of Celtic lore. Initially, my mythical pantry was rather bare; there were no grand Gods, no powerful Goddesses, and certainly no ancient Celtic myths gracing our early outlines. Just a witch and her impending doom, remember? (And perhaps a very plain broomstick.)


Then, as often happens in the chaotic symphony of creation, life intervened. I embarked on a perfectly mundane hike, and lo and behold, I stumbled upon a real-life labyrinth. Ping! — the universe, or perhaps the Fae, had just handed me a plot device on a silver platter. That unexpected discovery of the labyrinth woven into my everyday world quite literally found its way into my fictional one, adding a layer of mystery and symbolism I hadn't even dreamed of. Turns out, sometimes you just trip over inspiration.


The first book, bless its heart, was a patient student. It underwent more transformations than a shapeshifting druid. I didn't just revise; I excavated, I polished, I occasionally screamed into a pillow, and then I polished some more. Each revision brought new layers, new questions, and new answers, shaping the initial concept into something far richer, and mercifully, less likely to summon actual demons from my keyboard.


But it was in Books Two and Three that my Celtic compass truly swung North. Learning about the intricate tapestry of Celtic mythology wasn't just research; it was like discovering a forgotten wing in my own narrative mansion. A very dusty, but surprisingly well-stocked, wing. As I delved deeper into the myths, the pantheon of Celtic Gods and Goddesses began to emerge, quite frankly, demanding their place in my story. I wasn't about to argue with ancient deities, mind you. This wasn't merely sprinkling in a few names; it was about understanding their essence, their conflicts, and their ancient power.


And, as if by magic, this deepening immersion into Celtic lore profoundly influenced my characters. Merona, my central witch, practically demanded a deeper, more ancient lineage. Her backstory, initially tethered only to the immediate historical period, unfurled to reveal connections that stretched back through millennia, interwoven with the very fabric of Celtic myth. She wasn't just a witch; she became the witch, a figure whose destiny was inextricably linked to the ancient powers of the land. (And suddenly, my simple 1590 witch had a much, much heavier family tree.)


So there you have it – the winding, often surprising, always enchanting journey of The Witch's Rebirth. From a historical spark to a fully fledged fantasy saga, infused with accidental labyrinths and the ancient whispers of Celtic deities, it truly became a testament to the magic of evolution. Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear the cauldron bubbling again, and who knows what new twists and turns await me in the next chapter! Probably more accidental plot devices and demanding goddesses. Wish me luck!

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