Author Talk: October 14, 2021
Alice Hoffman brings us the conclusion of her Practical Magic series in a spellbinding and enchanting final Owens novel, THE BOOK OF MAGIC, which celebrates mothers and daughters, sisters and brothers, and anyone who has ever been in love. In this interview, Hoffman talks about her research process, why she incorporated a true historical figure into the book, how libraries have played a major role in her life, and what she has learned from these characters since first imagining them more than 25 years ago.
Question: You’ve said in previous interviews that you always start writing with a question in mind. What was the question that you asked before writing this book, and did you find your answer?
Alice Hoffman: My question was What is the end of the story for the Owens family? I found many of my answers, and there was closure. But I realized that when I finished writing, their stories will continue as they move into the future.
Q: THE BOOK OF MAGIC is rich with details in its setting, enchantments and historical references, especially as the characters traveled to different cities. What was the process behind your research? Have you spent any time in the locations described in the novel?
AH: My research process is usually to do an initial amount of research and begin to create a world for the characters to move into. I have visited many of the places in the book, but some of them I only know through the characters’ travels.
Q: Jet leaves a note with a reminder to Vincent saying, “Live a lot,” which is a phrase repeated by other Owens family members throughout the novel. Does this advice have any real-life inspiration? Do you have any pieces of advice that you consider in your day-to-day life, or advice for any aspiring writers?
AH: I think this is good advice for everyone. It’s a reminder that we only live once. My advice for aspiring writers is to keep writing!
Q: Witches and familiars traditionally go hand in hand, and there’s a line from THE BOOK OF MAGIC saying, “When you had a familiar you had a soul mate.” Can you tell us about an animal that has been special in your life?
AH: I have had many animals that have been special to me, but the one I was closest to was a German Shepherd dog named Houdini, whom I still miss every day.
Q: “The best stories begin in a library.” How have libraries played a role in your life? Do you have any special memories from libraries?
AH: Libraries completely changed my life. When I was growing up, I became a huge reader, and I am still grateful for the Malverne Public Library, which allowed me to have a library card even though I didn’t live in that town.
Q: Do you ever have chocolate cake for breakfast?
AH: Whenever possible!
Q: By the end of THE BOOK OF MAGIC, readers have met new Owens family members and said goodbye to others. Did you know where each of the characters would end up when you began writing? Were there any whose journeys surprised you while the novel came together?
AH: I always think that I know how a character’s journey will end, and I am always surprised. THE BOOK OF MAGIC surprised me every day, and that was part of the pleasure of writing it.
Q: Do you have a favorite line from THE BOOK OF MAGIC?
AH: My favorite line is the first line of the novel: “Some stories begin at the beginning and others begin at the end, but all the best stories begin in a library.”
Q: The detailed historical note about Amelia Bassano at the end of the book is fascinating! How were you inspired to incorporate a true historical figure? Are there any parallels between Amelia and characters in THE BOOK OF MAGIC?
AH: Amelia Bassano was the first woman to publish a book of poems in the United Kingdom. She is the author of the imaginary Grimoire that is discovered by the Owens family in MAGIC LESSONS. I think she reflects the difficulties that women who have ambition face and those who may be viewed as different.
Q: You’ve written more than 30 novels. Where do you find your inspiration? Is there a moment when you know a story is ready to be written, or will become a novel?
AH: I find my inspiration in different places. Sometimes in a museum as I did with THE MARRIAGE OF OPPOSITES; sometimes while traveling, which happened with THE WORLD THAT WE KNEW; and sometimes I am lucky and a story just presents itself to me as it did with PRACTICAL MAGIC, the first book in the Practical Magic series.
Q: What have you learned from these characters since first imagining them more than 25 years ago? What do you hope readers will take away from the Owens family?
AH: I have learned that love is the only thing that matters, and I hope that my readers take that message to heart.
Q: Can you tell us what you’re working on now?
AH: I don’t like to talk about a book until a book is ready to be published. I can only say that the book I am working on now happens in ancient times, centered on a woman who wasn’t able to tell her own story.
