Salem, Massachusetts is well known for one thing: witches. Those who have never seen the town often picture a tiny hamlet cluttered with decaying centuries old buildings and quaint stores hocking tarot cards and crystals. That is what my family and I imagined as we navigated up the eastern US coast to the historic port city. It wasn't what we found.
Christmas traditions have changed over the years. In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous, apparently lot like today’s Mardi Gras. From 1659 to 1681, Christmas was even outlawed in Boston. (Puritans were not fans of the celebration.) Christmas traditions themselves also changed over time, many finding their roots in ancient Pagan rituals.
Have you ever wondered what TV witch character you are most like? Do you think you’re a flame-haired Willow? Maybe you’re prudent Piper? Well, now you can find out. I love witches, obviously. I wrote a book about them (see The Travelers). Therefore, I was very happy to chance upon this test to discover which TV witch I am most like. (Spoiler: I’m Hilda!) It’s super quick and fun if you'd like to try it too. And, if you enjoyed that, maybe you want to find out what character from The Travelers you are most like? If so, I have another test for you!
There are 12 days until October 31 and for #12 on my Halloween-themed blog countdown, let’s talk about witches. Clearly, I’m a fan of them since they’re the main characters in my book, The Travelers. But, today, I don't want to talk about fiction. I want to talk about real witches or those thought to be real.
Halloween is just around the corner. In honor of it, I thought it might be fun to list the top 5 “scary” or “monster-themed” books that influenced me as a teenager or young adult.
So, what is The Travelers about, you might ask. Is it a book about people who travel through a forest? (Uh, no.) Is it a book about people who travel around the world observing nature? (Nope, sorry.) Does it have anything to do with traveling anywhere? (Well….) Actually, the title is a little misleading. Most of the book takes place in one location, which is based on my hometown of Northern Virginia. (OK, yes, that’s not really a town. It’s more like a collection of small towns, suburbs and counties just outside Washington, DC. Just go with it people.)
So, this is my first blog and not just on this website, but ever. Maybe I should have called this blog “38-year-old Grandma in Progress” because I’m not exactly social media savvy. (I also just recently discovered twitter @klkranes.) My husband and daughter constantly tell me I’m turning into my technology-phobic mother...
K.L. Kranes 