Witches Almanac #39 - New Articles

The theme of the latest issue of The Witches' Almanac is Stones: The Foundation of Earth. Graced by a beautiful cover by Kathryn Sky-Peck, Issue #39, Spring 2020-2021 contains three articles I wrote.

“Holey Stones” — The magickal power of stones with natural holes in the middle.

“Witch Windows” — Why are those tilted Vermont windows called Witch Windows?

“Lead Curse Tablets” — The Romans gave us more than straight roads…

"Lodestones" — The care and feeding of a lodestone.


The Almanac also includes its usual features — Sunrise and Sunset Times, Moon Gardening, the Moon Calendar, Moon Cycles, and Presage (where Tom Lang gives us the climate outlook and astrologer Dikki-Jo Mullen gives us the astrological outlook for the upcoming year).

Other articles in this issue: "Stephen Hawking: Looking through Millions of Tiny Black Holes at the Theory of Everything" (an examination of his natal chart by Dikki-Jo Mullen), "Witches, Bitches, Twitches: William Gray and Witches", "How to Work with the Spirits of the Land", "The Art of Embodying Godforms in Ritual", an in-depth interview with priestess Selena Fox, and much more.

You can purchase The Witches Almanac at your local bookstore, Amazon, and, of course, the Witches Almanac site.

The Kindle version is available from www.amazon.com. For back issues, visit either site.

The Sacred Herbs of Samhain

Author Ellen Evert Hopman, herbalist and Druid, gave me the pleasure of a sneak peek into her latest herbal tome, The Sacred Herbs of Samhain.

Covering 216 pages, this book starts with some herbal basics and then moves on to categories such as herbs of protection, herbs to contact the spirits, herbs to communicate with the otherworld, herbs to communicate with and be protected from the mischief of the good neighbors (the Sidhe), herbs to communicate with the dead, visionary herbs, herbs to release the dead, ritual herbs for Samhain offerings, and herbs for funerals. e.

The Sacred Herbs of Samhain is a delightful collection of herbal knowledge and Celtic lore for Samhain. Ellen provides complete instructions for a Samhain ritual and also a traditional Dumb Supper. Her easy-to-follow recipes for soup, breads, soul cake, dumb cake, magical ink, and even dandelion wine complete this gem.

The publication date is currently set for summer 2019. Destiny Books is the publisher.

Witches Almanac #38 - New Articles

I've had a sneak peek at the proof copy of the upcoming issue of The Witches' Almanac, whose theme is Animals: Friends and Familiars.

Three articles of mine appear in Issue #38, Spring 2019-2020:

"Horseshoes"  — The folklore and future of horseshoes.

"The Black Dog"  — Phantom black dogs and what might happen if you encounter one.

"Horse Creatures"  — Planning a trip to Great Britain or Scandinavia? Familiarize yourself with the local water horses.

The Almanac also includes its usual features — Moon Gardening, the Moon Calendar, Moon Cycles, and Presage (where Tom Lang gives us the climate outlook and astrologer Dikki-Jo Mullen gives us the astrological outlook for the upcoming year).

Other articles in this issue: "The Deities of Animals", "Purple and Pleasure: The Folklore and Magic of Amethyst", "William Gray meets his Inner Light", "Understanding Familiar Spirits For What They Aren’t", “Beer and Witches”, “Gargoyles”, “Transgender in the Craft”, and “Coefficient of Weirdness, Part 3”, and an in-depth interview with Dolores-Ashcroft-Nowicki.

You can purchase The Witches Almanac at your local bookstore, Amazon, and, of course, the Witches Almanac site. This issue is expected to hit the shelves in September 2018.

The Kindle version is available from www.amazon.com. For back issues, visit either site.

Darksome Thirst Mentioned in Interview

In The Real Witches of New England, author Ellen Evert Hopman not only sheds light on the Salem Witch Hysteria of 1692-1693, but also "includes in-depth interviews with 25 modern-day practitioners from a variety of pagan faiths, including druids, wiccans, Celtic reconstructionists, and practitioners of the fairy faith."

One of the interviewees, Gaultheria, cites a scene in my novel Darksome Thirst as being a "very good example of a spell to prevent someone from harming another."

The Real Witches of New England goes on sale September 18, 2018. You can pre-order a copy from Inner Traditions Books.

Ellen will be a presenter at Celebrate Samhain in Nashua, New Hampshire this year.

Witches Almanac #38 - New Articles Coming

The cover for Issue 38 of The Witches' Almanac sports a gorgeous black cat, appropriate for a theme of Animals: Friends and Familiars.

I will have at least one article, "Horseshoes" in this issue. Stay tuned for more information.

TRANSCENDENT Cover Reveal

Transmundane Press has just revealed the cover for Transcendent, due out later this year, and what a cover it is. UK artist Dean Samed has successfully captured the "realm beyond reality" of the anthology.

I'm especially excited by this anthology because one of my short stories—name to be revealed later—is in it. Stay tuned for more information.

"There exists a realm beyond reality. A place where nothing is what it seems and anything is possible.

Each soul who travels to this mysterious world finds something different.

Some voyagers get lost in this land of DREAMS, forgetting their way back to the path, to home. Others experience intense VISIONS, glimmers of the past, present, and future, discovering sacred knowledge and infinite wisdom. NIGHTMARES also lurk in this land, twisted and horrible creatures wait in the darkest corners while HALLUCINATIONS reveal the unspoken truths of our hearts and souls.

Are you ready?

Step through the gate and leave everything you knew behind.

Step through the gate and become TRANSCENDENT."

Garage-cleaning Sale

I'm clearing out my book inventory for books that I sell at conventions and so on.  Over the years I've added more books (mostly anthologies and non-fiction) to the collection of books I sell at events and it's becoming a little unmangeable, so I'm having a virtual garage sale.

The following books are available for only 99 cents plus media mail shipping on eBay.

Alicia Anderson must resolve the difference between what her logical mind tells her and what she is actually experiencing when a very pale stranger enters the locked computer room.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, fledgling witch Matricaria has begun to receive psychic messages – vivid dreams and tarot card readings – that point to a terrible fate for someone near her. She and her coven attempt to decipher the symbols, hoping to prevent a tragedy.

Matricaria is studying to be a witch. Alicia is studying to be a computer programmer. Yet together they must learn to battle a common danger.

Can Matricaria, a mere trainee, decode the nightmares in time to save Alicia? Is Matricaria or her coven any match for a vampire who has lived for nearly a century?

Click here to order Darksome Thirst from eBay.


Things are not well in the fictional town of Danforth, a mere 25 miles west of the largest city in New England. No doubt the easy access to a large population of prey is an attractive feature for vampires.


Can Alicia, logic-worshipping proto-geek, stave off the vampire? Will Evan’s congee burn in the pan? And what of the “Wizard of Westville”?

The Old Power Returns is the sequel to Darksome Thirst, but I wrote it with enough background so that new readers can jump right in. This one’s a little more fun than the first one, but doesn’t skimp on atmosphere or chills.

Click here to order The Old Power Returns from eBay.

Summer Schedule 2018

Usually I have 2-3 conventions on my schedule for the summer months, but this year I'm attending only one, Necon. I have a lot of projects I need to focus on, and need to limit traveling.

One project is decluttering in preparation for a move. Yes, it's been ongoing for a few years, but now I need to ramp it up and get it over with. You can follow my adventures and share your own tips at Decluttering for Writers and Other Packrats.

I'll be back in a few months, with exciting news of those projects I've been working on.

Three-Minute Fiction Slam -- New Date

The finals for the New Hampshire Writers' Project Three-Minute Slam will be held on Thursday, March 22 at 7:00 pm at the New Hampshire Institute of Art Campus, French Building, at 148 Concord St, Manchester, NH 03104.[Directions]

The finals were originally scheduled for March 8, but the venue for the contest, the New Hampshire Institute of Art, was closed for two days due to the storm.

If the weather forecast calls for snow, consult the NHIA their Facebook page for updates. I'll also report any news here, too.

Photo from NHIA Facebook page March 6, 2018

Fiction Slam Finals Postponed

THE FINALS FOR THE FICTION SLAM HAVE BEEN POSTPONED. NO NEW DATE HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.

The finals for the New Hampshire Writers' Project Three-Minute Slam has been postponed due to snow. No new date has been announced at this time.

Second Place in Boskone Fiction Slam

I won second place at the Flash Fiction Slam Sunday morning at Boskone reading my flash fiction story "Metaphorically Speaking." Winners of the competition get to participate in the finals, but since the winner isn't able to attend, the runner-up (me) will attend in her place.

The three-Minute Fiction Slam, a project of the New Hampshire Writers' Project, is a fast paced literary competition that challenges writers to perform original pieces of fiction in three minutes or less in front of a panel of judges. The regional events were held in 2018 beginning in February.

The Finals will be held on  March on Thursday, March 8 at 7:00 pm at the New Hampshire Institute of Art Campus, French Building, at 148 Concord St, Manchester, NH 03104. [Directions]

Guest Blog Post on No Wasted Ink

I'm happy to have a guest post on No Wasted Ink, a blog featuring author interviews, book reviews of classic literature and famous science fiction or fantasy novels, and articles about the craft of writing and how to market yourself as an author.

My guest post is about DIY writing retreats. If stealing an hour a day is too segmented for you to write with any sense of flow or rhythm and sealing a few minutes to write while you watch your child's soccer game isn't productive, maybe you and a few writer friends can organize a low-cost getaway where you can get some words in.








Wendy Van Camp is the writer behind No Wasted Ink. Her writing credits include short stories, poetry, and non-fiction articles. Wendy is active in several writing guilds: The Southern California Writers Association (SCWA), Coffeehouse Writers Group, OC Writers, and the Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association (SFPA).

Boskone Fiction Reading

Come cheer me on as I participate in a Flash Fiction Slam on Sunday morning at Boskone. Here’s the description from the Boskone web site.


9:30 AM Flash Fiction Slam
Rob Greene (M), James Patrick Kelly, Shahid Mahmud, Vikki Ciaffone, Jen Gunnels
Marina 4 · 90 min · Reading

Boskone’s Flash Fiction Slam returns! Be one of eleven (11) writers to compete for the title of The Flash, reading your own original fiction — which must tell a complete tale within a 3-minute period. Our expert panel of judges will score your work, and you automatically lose 10 percent for going over your 3-minute time. You may only read your own work. The reader with the top score wins!

Sign up before the con by sending an email to program@boskone.org for one of eight (8) reading slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Or sign up onsite at Program Ops in the Harbor Foyer for one of three (3) at-con openings. A waiting list will also be available.

Arisia 2018 Schedule

Here's my final schedule for Arisia. Hope to see you there.

Writing Deities, Magic and the Occult
Fri 7:00 PM Alcott

Magic is a large part of what makes the fantasy genre distinctive. But how do you write, and  describe, the ‘unseen?’ Our panel of occultists will explain how to draw upon mythology and religion to build a  realistic magical system, the rules of magic, and ways a good magic system can enhance the mood of your  story, facilitate the narrative, and provide a source of conflict.  Cecilia Tan (moderator), Lisa Batya Feld, Keith Yatsuhashi, Alex Shvartsman, Morven Westfield.

It Came From the Past…
Sat 8:30 AM Douglas

Ghosts often appear in stories as signifiers of old crimes, guilt, and injustice that needs to be corrected. In this panel, we’ll face the accusing ghosts, the avenging ghosts, and the ghosts who remind us of things done wrong. Why does the ghost work so well as a visitor from the past? How can ghosts lead readers to a better understanding of injustice and history? What ghosts need to be summoned to remind readers of what has gone on before?  Morven Westfield (moderator), Darcie Little Badger, Elsa Sjunneson-Henry, Gordon Linzner, Morgan Crooks.

Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading
Sat 10:00 AM Adams

If you’ve never been to a Broad Universe RFR (Rapid-Fire Reading), give it a try. They’re a lot of fun, yet sometimes very sobering and thought-provoking as well. You might hear stories of horror, fantasy, or science fiction — or a delightful combination of all of the above.

The final list of readers includes Anna Erishkigal, Dianna Sanchez, Heather Albano, Julie C. Day, LJ Cohen, Randee Dawn, Roxanne Bland, Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert, Morven Westfield (me), Trisha Wooldridge, and Victoria Sandbrook. (Not all authors may be in attendance for the entire time slot.  Other members of Broad Universe not listed may be reading.)

Arisia 2018 Broad Universe RFR

I'll be reading at Arisia 2018 with other members of Broad Universe on Saturday, January 13, at 10:00 AM.

If you've never been to a Broad Universe RFR (Rapid-Fire Reading), give it a try. They're a lot of fun, yet sometimes very sobering and thought-provoking as well. You might hear stories of horror, fantasy, or science fiction -- or a delightful combination of all of the above.

The final list of readers includes Anna Erishkigal, Dianna Sanchez, Heather Albano, Julie C. Day, LJ Cohen, Randee Dawn, Roxanne Bland, Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert, Morven Westfield (me), Trisha Wooldridge, and Victoria Sandbrook. (Not all authors may be in attendance for the entire time slot.  Other members of Broad Universe not listed may be reading.)

Come discover your new favorite writer as we read short excerpts from our work. Each writer has just a few minutes to show you what she’s capable of!  We offer chocolate and the chance to win prizes.

Broad Universe is an international organization dedicated to promoting, encouraging, honoring, and celebrating women writers and editors in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other speculative genres.

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Morven Westfield first became fascinated by the unseen in her childhood, delighting in superstitions and ghost stories. Her interests are reflected in her writing. Her supernatural-themed short stories have appeared in multiple anthologies, and she regularly contributes articles on folklore and the supernatural to The Witches Almanac. Morven lives in Central Massachusetts with her husband. Like many writers, she keeps a messy office and drinks way too much coffee.

NaNoWriMo - DONE!

The folks at NaNoWriMo call finishing 50,000 words in the month of November "Winning." For some reason that's never felt right to me. Maybe it's because I have the metaphor of a race in my mind. At the end of the race, only one person wins.

But I get it. When you complete the challenge of writing 50,000 words in 30 days, which averages out to 1,667 words a day, you've won the struggle against writer's block, fear of failure, fatigue, and in some cases, very real physical pain.

Still, I have a hard time calling myself a winner. Yes, I did hit a verified word count of 50,325 words on November 30, but as any writer knows, finishing a first draft is just the beginning.

I'm letting my text cool, and then, sometime after the first of the year will start the arduous task of editing and rewriting.

To all those who participated in NaNoWriMo this year, I salute you, whether you "won" or not. Just starting it, just accepting the challenge was a big step. I hope that step brought you confidence and joy.

NaNoWriMo 2017

It's that time of year again. The time when I have something to do each weekend, I have deadlines for those non-fiction articles I promised, and I really should be getting out my Fall clothes before I freeze my butt off, and what do I do?

I decide to do NaNoWriMo.


What is NaNoWriMo? Let's let their web site tell you:

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing.  

On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. 

Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.

Yes, it doesn't begin until November 1, but there's some prep to do. What will I write? How long will it be? What will be the story arc?

Having participated many times, I've discovered some interesting facts about the way I write novels. If I have a strict outline, it makes me switch into non-fiction mode and my writing falls flat. If I have no outline, I ramble. So what will it be, plotter or pantser? To be determined.

Witches' Almanac #37: New Articles

The Spring 2018-2019 edition (issue 37) of The Witches Almanac has just been released. This issue's theme is The Magic of Plants.


In addition to its usual features — Moon Gardening, the Moon Calendar, Moon Cycles, and Presage, where Tom Lang gives us the climate outlook and astrologer Dikki-Jo Mullen gives us the astrological outlook for the upcoming year — the Almanac contains numerous articles not related to plants.

Issue 37 includes the following that I contributed:

"Thumb Cats" -- Properly called polydactyls, "double-pawed" cats are a curiosity with a long history.
"Seer Stones" -- A divination technique you might not have heard about.
"La Santa Muerte" -- Who is that skeletal woman in the beautiful wedding dress?
"Coffin Rings" -- Another way of remembering.
"Nettles" -- The scoop on stinging nettles.


You can find The Witches Almanac at your local bookstore, chain bookstore, Amazon, and, of course, the Witches Almanac site. The Kindle version is available from www.amazon.com. For back issues, visit either site.

Thanks to Pat Camarena-Rose Barbary of Artes and Craft in Hartford, Michigan, for her help with the Santa Muerte article. Pat is a 1st-generation Mexican American who currently runs MoonFire Coven. MoonFire was originally in Boston, Massachusetts, but is now newly formed in Southwest Michigan.

Necon Panel on July 22

On Saturday, July 22, at 9:00 AM, I'll be participating in a panel at Necon in Portsmouth, RI.

With two exceptions, I’ve been attending Necon since 2000. It’s a different type of convention; only one track mostly horror, but well-worth attending. They cap attendance at 200 (with the addition of some walk-ins), which makes it nice and cozy. You begin to feel like you're part of the family. I've heard that they have some slots open, so if you're interested, register ASAP. The full registration fee includes meals, and parking is free. For details on the types of registrations available, see the Necon registration page.

The panel I'm on this year is Fresh Fangs: Making Traditional Tropes Breathe Again with Janet Joyce Holden, David Demchuk, James Chambers (M), Gary Frank, and Tom Deady.


9:00 a.m.        Fresh Fangs: Making Traditional Tropes Breathe Again

Morven Westfield, Janet Joyce Holden, David Demchuk, James Chambers (M), Gary Frank, Tom Deady

The classics never die, but they sure can get played out if overused by less-than-skillful artists. What’s the secret to keeping a trope fresh? How does one not reinvent the wheel, yet also not lean too heavily on the traditions that precede their work?

Broad Universe Reading at Readercon 28

I'll be reading at Readercon with other members of Broad Universe, an international organization dedicated to promoting, encouraging, honoring, and celebrating women writers and editors in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other speculative genres.

If you've never been to a Rapid-Fire Reading, give it a try. They're a lot of fun, yet sometimes very sobering and thought-provoking as well. You might hear stories of horror, fantasy, or science fiction -- or a delightful combination of all of the above.

The final list of readers includes Dianna Sanchez, Elizabeth Crowens, LJ Cohen, Morven Westfield (me), Randee Dawn, Tracy Townsend, and Trisha Wooldridge.

Click image for a larger view

Note: Thursday night events at Readercon are free and open to the public, so even if you aren’t coming to the full convention, consider checking us out on Thursday anyway.

Broad Universe Rapid-Fire Reading (RFR) at Readercon 28

Thursday, July 13, 2017, 8 PM
We'll be reading in Salon A.

Quincy Marriott (Boston Marriott Quincy)
1000 Marriott Drive
Quincy, MA 02169