Karen and Irma chat to Kate Forsyth (The Changeling) and Charlie Jane Anders (US) (Lessons in Magic and Disaster) about all things witchy and magical, including how Kate's obsession with Mary Queen of Scots led her to the history of the Scottish royal court and the faery world of 6th Century Scotland, how Charlie's characters came to be casting spells in the wild, rambling forests of New England, how the signing of the Witchcraft Act resulted in centuries of fallout for women, how modern day persecution of queer people through trolling and online hate resembles a witch hunt, and how to have fun writing about sex.

KATE FORSYTH

Kate Forsyth is an author and storyteller who writes historical fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, often with a mythical or fairytale twist. She has won awards for her work, including the American Library Award award for Best Historical Fiction and an Honour Book in the 2025 CBCA awards. She has a MA in creative writing, and a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairytale studies.

CHARLIE JANE ANDERS

Charlie Jane Anders is the award-winning author of four novels, two short story collections, a young adult trilogy, and a book on creative writing. Her writing has appeared in publications like Tin House, the Paris Review and McSweeney's. She’s currently writing the comic book Star Trek: Zero Point for IDW.

Show Notes

Kate Forsyth: Kate Forsyth - Kate Forsyth

Charlie Jane Anders: Charlie Jane Anders

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