Q&A with Kimberly Brock discussion

In this thread, I'm happy to talk about my debut novel, The River Witch.

Did you create the title? I know my publisher thought of Lowcountry Bribe (which amazingly was the title of my very first draft a decade ago). Did the title come before you completed the story?

River Witch had multiple titles for each draft. It was not until I submitted it to my current publisher that I chose the title The River Witch. It actually came to me long after the manuscript was complete and I began to think about the theme of women whose voices have been marginalized, or who have been held under suspicion for being different or powerful in their cultures. These ideas, along with fictionalized superstition on Manny's Island, and also some mermaid mythology that I stumbled across during the last revisions of the manuscript, inspired the final choice of title.

Understanding always comes after I have some distance. I love the title. It is what drew me to the book. ;)

Ann wrote: "Understanding always comes after I have some distance. I love the title. It is what drew me to the book. ;)"

Well, I'm glad, Ann. I was on the fence for a little while because I worried it would be misleading in a market that is currently flooded with so many witches and vampires. Southern Gothic is a little different than readers of the latest craze might expect. But...part of me really wanted to use this title for that very reason. To make a statement. I guess the same statement that the book really makes about women embracing the things that empower them and how those things can sometimes make others uncomfortable.

I love the title, too. Looking forward to the read. It's an intriguing, enticing title.

C. wrote: "I love the title, too. Looking forward to the read. It's an intriguing, enticing title."

Thanks!

C. wrote: "I love the title, too. Looking forward to the read. It's an intriguing, enticing title."

I could probably reveal here, too, that the title was inspired by a work of art that I referred to often during the final draft of the manuscript. I'll post the image under photos for the group, but I won't say more yet. I'd like to hear the group's reaction first. It would be interesting to know how it strikes you all. Credit for this photograph goes to an artist named Jolene Monheim. The woman in the photograph is my friend, Angelie Melzer.

Can't wait to see the image.