Alex Epstein's Blog

I noticed an interesting detail in this article on How Witches' Brews Helped Bring Modern Drugs to Market. We all know that witches ride broomsticks, right?



Also, witches liked to anoint themselves with psychoactive herbs: "witches applied the salve to their skin—either under the arms or (for the daring) on the genitalia." 
And:

A 1324 inquisitor’s account of a suspected witch, Lady Alice Kyteler, does paint an interesting image of the ointment in action:

In rifleing the closet of the l...

I was delighted to hear from my publisher that he's sold German language rights to THE CIRCLE CAST to Urachhaus.

I wonder what the book will be called in German?

Sarah Johnson has a nice St. Patrick's day review of TCC on her blog :

The Circle Cast also offers a sweeping picture of 5th-century Ireland, a place of woods and green meadows, warring clans, ancient pagan rites, and a young, new Christianity that inspires fierce devotion in its followers. There's plenty of ale and good storytelling to go 'round, too. Sláinte.

Library Lady quoth:

An intriguing and original take on a character that has appeared in legends and lore for centuries... Throughout the story, readers will find a lot to respect about Epstein’s version of Morgan, including her intelligence, bravery, and tenacity... thoroughly enjoyable.

My publisher wants to do a book trailer. 60-90 seconds. What should be in it? I have my own ideas, but what about yours?

Well, I seem to have cleared my advance on royalties! That's a nice feeling.

Badges? We don't need no stinkin' ... oh. Er, thank you very much, actually.

The Quebec Writers Federation's jury for the Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature had this to say about The Circle Cast:

A mature and surprising story that supposes the life of Morgan LeFay, the half-sister of King Arthur. Intense and evocative. This book has everything one wants in a novel from a deftly-organized plot, to varied characterization to crisp, rhythmic writing.

Nice!

I got this awesome giant thank-you card from Kirsten Munro's terrific English class at Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, which I visited a little while ago. They were great!

I did an interview on CBC Radio's Fresh Air about my own explorations of witchcraft, and how that related to the book. Check it out.