This particular storywas sparked from an offhand comment Kyle, my eldest son, made. The conversation is recreated in Natural Disaster between Jessica and her brother, Evan, when they leave the grocery store.
“Why did you tell her I was in a bad mood?”
He shrugged and opened the back door. “I feel it is my civic duty to inform people of an impending natural disaster.”
That scene is almost exactly what happened with my son. When we left the store, it started to get stormy, and my next comment was, “That would make a great book.”
I immediately envisioned a woman whose emotions affected the weather, but she couldn’t control it. She had to do some deep soul searching to figure it out. In the process, she learned to trust herself and be less judgmental.
On the way home, I told Kyle about my idea, and he said,“Write it.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t that easy (is it ever?). I needed more character motivation than a bad day and a catalyst for the dramatic changes. Other inspiration came from my author friends, brainstorming, and just plain dedication to getting it done.
The community garden idea came from a writer’s retreat when someone made the comment that Jessica had to have an external goal. It wasn’t enough that she wanted to get over her grief and just live her life. There had to be something she could lose that was tangible.
Originally, Jessica was an only child. But seeing some of the interactions between my children as they navigated their world with siblings made me want to give her the support and frustration of having a brother. And their relationship is what I hope for my children when they get olde.
Sofia is actually a representation of two older women I have learned from over the years. I am no longer in contact with either of them, but their help and wisdom has stuck with me.
The inspiration for Donna came from a friend who took offense to something I meant in kindness and a woman I observed at a local restaurant. My friend ended our relationship with no chance for me to explain. And the woman I observed was making judgmental comments about a man who had tattoos and was having a hard time finding work.
Finally, the main setting of Over the Moon Books and Coffee is based on the small books and coffee shop we had in our town while I was going to college online. We didn’t have internet at our house, so I spent many hours a day there. One day, a man did come in wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase, and he did take his briefcase to the bathroom, which is unusual in our small town. I quickly jotted down some notes, and he became Zane.
I chose this question to answer because I feel it’s important for new authors to see that inspiration comes from all around us. It’s never just one thing.
Witches of Willowbrook
Book One
Alena Orrison
Genre: Low Fantasy / Witchy Fantasy
Publisher: Spirited Ink Press
Date of Publication: 10/19/2023
ISBN: 979-8-9880131-0-5
ASIN: B0CJGWNPJ5
Number of pages: 313
Word Count: 86,692
Cover Artist: Aspire Book Covers
Tagline: Will her grief and his betrayal make her Willowbrook's worst natural disaster?
Book Description:
When Jessica loses both parents in a car accident, she seeks to honor their legacy of service in Willowbrook. Her parents loved the town and its people, and despite her desire for solitude, Jessica becomes interested in the lives of those around her.
Grief-struck and juggling the garden along with her own business has Jessica stressed. She soon discovers the unpredictable weather reflects her internal turmoil.
Fearful of her powers and worried about the town's reaction, Jessica takes her brother's advice to attend a grief counseling group and begin meditating. She thinks she can restrain her magic if she can control her emotions. A witch from Willowbrook's coven contacts her and offers to teach Jessica how to use her magic. But learning does not come easy. Jessica's power spirals. The more she tries to rein it in, the wilder it becomes.
Then Zane, an attractive reporter from the city, arrives to do an investigative story on Willowbrook's odd weather patterns. Jessica realizes if her secret gets out, everyone she loves could be in danger of a witch hunt. Wanting a change of pace, Zane moves to Willowbrook. Jessica worries he'll be caught in the devastation of her powers.
Can she learn to control her magic before she creates a Natural Disaster? And can she keep Zane from revealing everything?
Excerpt:
I
clenched my jaw in frustration. The front door suddenly flew open as a gust of
wind whipped down the street. “See? I lose control even when I try to keep it.”
“That’s
because you’re trying too hard,” Donna responded.
I
shook my head. “No, I am following Sofia’s directions, but I can’t keep it in
if I feel an intense emotion. Which is apparently all the time lately. Wait.
What are your powers?”
Donna
gave a slight smile. “I was wondering when you’d ask. I’m not a witch.”
“What?
But Sofia—”
Donna
interrupted me. “I know all about the witches and the Circle. My mom was a
witch. I do not have any powers, however. None manifested when I turned
thirteen or sixteen, and nothing happened when I was in that boating accident.
I am mundane. So not only did your parents love you unconditionally until they
died, but you’re also a successful business owner and a powerful witch. What am
I? I’m just a tax accountant. My parents thought nothing I did was good enough,
not even when I was named valedictorian. And I do not have magic.”
“But,
Donna, we used to be friends. Best friends. What happened?”
Donna
shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now. The bottom line is you’re amazing and
everything this town wants, while I’m never good enough for anything. I’m not
good enough to have magic, own a business, or even have a long-term
relationship, let alone get married. Why are you even talking to me about this?
Pity? Is that it?” Donna stood, snatching her jacket from the chair. “I don’t
need your pity. I need you to quit acting like you don’t realize how special
you are and to… to leave me alone!” Donna yelled the last phrase, then stomped
out of the coffee shop.
I stared after her, sitting perfectly still and
ignoring the curious glances of the patrons as they quietly murmured to each
other. The light from the windows dimmed and black clouds started covering the
sky. Hard rain pelted the roof, drowning out the sound of conversations.
The lights flickered, eliciting a few gasps from the customers. I tried to
reign in the anger, but deep yoga breaths weren’t helping. The longer I thought
about what Donna said, the angrier I became. Thunder exploded directly over the
building, and the electricity finally gave in to a mightier power. Several
customers went to look out the window, apparently gauging their chances at
making it home in the deluge.
About the Author:
Alena Orrison is an award-winning author and a freelance writer and editor. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English, with an emphasis in Creative Writing. She started writing stories when she was three years old by telling them to her mom, who wrote them down. She has been editing professionally since 2015. Alena has several articles and stories published online and in anthologies.
She currently lives in North Idaho with her husband, four children, two grandchildren, mom, three dogs, five cats, and a varying number of chickens. When she is not spending time with family and friends, gardening, boating, hiking, or at the gym, she is reading and writing. Alena also likes to crochet and spin yarn for some downtime. Some of her favorite authors include Ann McCaffrey, Elizabeth Cunningham, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Erin Morgenstern. You can visit her at alenaorrison.net
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