Questions About Being a Witch, and Other Things I Didn't Ask For

by Sara Pascoe (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (3)

Raya understands Oscar the cat, and Bryony Braxton is named as an integrator. How does the story keep these moments feeling real inside everyday life, and what small reactions from Raya help you trust what you are reading. See early chapters and the first meeting with Miss Braxton?

Sara Pascoe I think Raya's questioning herself about the extra-normal experiences she's having is one aspect that keeps it feeling real. Another way is that we're…moreI think Raya's questioning herself about the extra-normal experiences she's having is one aspect that keeps it feeling real. Another way is that we're privy to Raya's thoughts, putting us into the head of this spikey, wounded yet endearing teenager. She rationalises doing things that will likely hurt other people's feelings (eg Jake's). She bemoans missing her favourite food for the sake of running away, and she's judgmental of her overworked social worker, just the way teens can be. Oh, and she's sarcastic! Can't forget that.(less)

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In the opening chapters Raya senses the colour orange for Angie and hears church bells before big changes, then plans to meet Tony at the petrol station with fake IDs and go to Bristol. What details on the page show her choosing her path with agency rather than only running from fear. See Chapters 1 to 3?

Sara Pascoe I felt Raya's agency is present in a number of ways. First, when we meet her, she is launching herself on her long-planned and organised running away …moreI felt Raya's agency is present in a number of ways. First, when we meet her, she is launching herself on her long-planned and organised running away with Tony. She's been saving up, she'd arranged with Tony's cousins in Brighton, she'd figured out an alibi, and packed her rucksack. She's actively choosing to go and have some life while she still can, as she's dead scared that she's coming down with schizophrenia like her mum has. During the story, she chooses not to give in to the tug to stay when Jake, the new foster kid at Angie's, implores her. And then again, she actively chooses not to heed Bryony's warning not to go, as she leaves to meet Tony (but pretends to the adults that she's going to a friend's house to study). After the plans with Tony go wrong, she regroups, but decides she must continue on her path of an independent life while 'she still can' (again through worries she's developing severe mental illness because of her paranormal experiences) and goes for her plan B. So, the way I see it, she is actively going toward the independent life she craves, which she believes will be yards better than living in foster care as she believes her time to live a 'normal' life is limited. Is that too vague a goal to be considered an active choice?(less)

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is it standalone?

Sara Pascoe It is a standalone book at the moment. A sequel and a prequel are percolating in my imagination...

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