Hello and Welcome All!
Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing C.S. Edwards author of Crazy Witch.
Hi C.S., thank you for agreeing to this interview.
For those readers not familiar with you, would you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Absolutely. I’m C.S. Edwards, author of romance, mystery, paranormal romance, and other fictional tales. Hailing from Kentucky, I tend to write small town stories with sass. Although I grew up in a small town, I have lived in New York City, so I know a thing or two about urban life – and sometimes write about that as well. I have a big family – five kids, a husband, and a dog. I also have a big extended family, with 2 siblings, 6 nieces and nephews – plus their 3 spouses, and 9 children – and my mom. And that’s just all on my side of the tree. My sweet, handsome, kind and funny husband has learned to put up with me reading stories out loud, talking to myself or to him about people that only exist in my head, and all the other crazy and odd behavior that comes with being a writer. He does take me to visit all the locations in my books – and there is nothing cooler or sexier than that!! I’m kind of a hermit, and once spent 18 straight days at home – and I was not in quarantine!
What do you do when you are not writing?
Nothing. LOL. No seriously, I do take breaks from writing – mostly due to my 40 hour a week job and kid activities. So, when I’m not writing, I’m usually working, parenting, or sleeping. Honestly, if I’m not writing I’m thinking about a story – even when I’m at work (shhhhh….). I think a writer is always ‘working’ on something. Plotting. Planning. Developing characters. Writing for me is as much of an internal process as it is a tangible activity. If I really, really need a break from writing, I cook.
How did you choose the genre you write in?
My best friend. Seriously, my best friend, Robyn Peterman, is a writer and created the Magic and Mayhem Universe – where The Witch Doctors Series lives. She invites other authors to join in the fun and write in her crazy witch-based world. I love it. The experience allows me to share the writing experience with 10-20 writers for each new release. It’s like a tribe of friends now.
I write mysteries because I grew up watching cop shows with my dad. That’s really my favorite thing to write – a dark, twisting and turning murder, with a splash of comedy.
Please share a few Fun facts about this book:
The man character has a group of friends that are super near and dear to my heart. They are the best, and could be my real friends in real life! Also, this book is set in the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area, where I live. The places Bart ventures are real places; he lives in Mt. Adams (real place), and goes to the Blind Lemon Bar, which does exist in Mt Adams. His buddy Sparky is from Over the Rhine – and area in Cincy – and they go to Ghost Baby Bar (a real bar in a real underground tunnel in OTR). Rabbit Hash… real. General Store in Rabbit Hash is real. The Old (Ole in the book) Hacienda – also real. I love to put my fictional characters (especially the paranormal ones) in real places! It just makes it so much more fun!!
Without revealing too much, what is your favorite scene in the book?
The Goddess of Death! Or wait, the Blind Lemon. No, No. I think I’ll say the Wictoria Angels Bus. Oh hell, I have a bunch of favorites in this book. Honestly, I do love the scene with the Goddess of Death. She was a character that jumped onto the page unexpectedly. AND she’s brilliant – cunning and dangerous. I love her! Her scene is short and to the point. But even just that small glimpse of her is so awesome! You will see her again, I promise.
Please summarize the book a la Twitter style for the readers here:
What does Bart Babington’s love life, a legendary key, and the Goddess of Death, have in common? Well, Bart is about to find out.
Using just 5 words, how would you describe Hero and Heroin’s love affair?
Instant, Complicated, Kismet, Perfect, True.
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
Crazy Witch
C.S. Edwards
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: C.S. Edwards
Date of Publication: October 31, 2022
ISBN: 9798215161517
ASIN: B0BH6JKM82
Number of pages: 142
Word Count: 36,382
Cover Artist: C.S. Edwards
Book Description:
What does Bart Babington’s love life, a legendary key, and the Goddess of Death, have in common? Well, Bart is about to find out.
The not-so-famous witch doctor cosmetic surgeon is sick and tired of his two meddling sisters trying to mate him up at every annual Samhain celebration for the last ten years. So, Bart enlists his two best wingmen to help him find a fake date to take to Rabbit Hash for the party.
In his grand plan to get his sisters off his back, what he didn’t count on is falling for a pigeon raising, southern witch on a moped. Nor did he expect to lose her during the couple’s championships for the Loving Cup. But he’s on a ghostly trip to sort out his past and make room for true love in his life.
Will Bart find his witch, or will he never unlock his heart?
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The Townhouse in Mt. Adams
“Bart, this is your mother.” Blanche’s disembodied voice seeped through the speaker system embedded in every room of the three-story townhouse. Echoing throughout the sparsely decorated spaces, her tone was calm and rational with a tinge of caution—which sounded pretty normal for Blanche Babington. “Your sisters and I are planning on seeing you this weekend for the Samhain festivities in Rabbit Hash. Let me know when you expect to transport. Seems Betsy and Betty have some big plans for you again. You better call me back.”
Bart stepped out of the shower, wrapped a bath towel around his waist, and strode to the sink. Tussling his auburn hair with his hand, he spoke to his reflection in the mirror. “I know what my sisters are up to. They do this shit every year. No more.”
Bart tapped the left corner of the mirror and a ripple of waves moved from the corner of the mercury backed glass across the once still and solid surface, “Amelia, call Reggie and Sparky.”
The mirror answered in her distinctive AI rhythm, “calling Reggie and Sparky,” and emanated an old-fashioned ring of a corded phone. With a plop, Reggie appeared in one corner of the mirror and Sparky in another. Amelia displayed the trio of friends in a single line across the elegant mercury backed glass, which hung above a sleek marble double vanity in Bart’s master bathroom and doubled as a smart screen. “I have your BFFs, Bart. What else would you like me to do?”
“That’s all. Thanks Amelia.” Bart dismissed his smart assistant and smiled. “If only all women were like Amelia.”
“Yo, brother, why you got to be showing up on my Copy Reveal screen half naked?” Reggie grimaced.
“He’ll say it was unintentional, but we all know the truth. He didn’t get enough attention as a child.” Sparky chimed in.
“Shut up. It’s go time. Are you boys ready for The Lemon?” Bart stretched on his shirt.
“I’m not sure The Lemon is ready for your look, bub.” Reggie grimaced and looked away.
“What?” Bart looked down to see his emerald green towel still tightly wrapped around his waist, topped off with a navy-blue pima cotton, boutique brand, polo. “Oh hell. I’m going to grab some jeans.”
“Don’t forget your tightie-whities, Marky-Mark.” Sparky yelled.
Reggie cackled, “He’ll never live that one down.”
“Rightfully so. Who wears tightie-whities, ever? Even back in the day, when he dropped his drawers to impress Miss Mona Lisa Giorgio—who was not feeling the vibrations—the tighties were not a good look.” Sparky grinned and straightened his ball cap.
Reggie nodded. “True. No matter how good the package, sometimes it’s all about the wrapping.” The two friends gave each other a virtual high five that spawned an undulation of swells in the mirror.
Bart returned clad in jeans and his polo. “Fuck off, both of you. I looked good. It wasn’t my choice of underwear she didn’t like. Miss Mona Lisa was into rich Italian guys. She wasn’t into young, just starting out, witch doctors.”
“Whatever makes you feel better, man.” Sparky waved him off.
“I’ll feel better when I pull this weekend off. I’m ready to get this plan started. I’ve got to find a witch worthy of hanging out with for the next three days, and that’s willing to play along like we’re a real couple. I’m determined to put an end to the ‘set-up Bart’ bullshit my sisters pull every Samhain. It ruins the whole weekend. Besides, it’s gone on long enough. Time to move on. I’ve moved on. Everyone else needs to, too.”
“No shit. Last year was ridiculous. I thought Betsy was never going to quit introducing you to all those models.” Sparky shook his head, and his silver and black hair dangled over one eye. “It was like a line of Wictoria Angels walking the catwalk just for you.”
“You poor asshole.” Reggie scoffed. “You could help a brother out and throw some of your misfortune my way, you know. I am a single warlock now, too.”
“Trust me, none of those witches were your type. They weren’t my type either. Besides, you and I are not the settling down kind. Not anymore. That’s why your three-year shit-show with Brigette didn’t work out Regg. I mean, how the hell did you expect to settle down with a hippie witch? You’re mister conservative?”
“She wasn’t a hippie witch.” Reggie rubbed his chin. “She was crazy.”
“Crazy witch. Definitely.” Sparky agreed.
“Well, whatever. Good riddance. You’re better than that, man. We don’t do crazy because crazy witches just up and disappear for no reason what-so-ever.” Bart leaned on the counter and eyed both of his best friends. “We do this. Us. Brothers.”
“Yeah. But don’t forget Misty.” Sparky’s eyes lit up at the mention of his wife.
“Of course, I always include Misty in our crew. Hell, she’s a better wingman than you are Sparky. Just something about a female fox Shifter that witches love.” Reggie waggled his bushy eyebrows, licked his thumb and forefinger, and slide them across both unruly strips.
Sparky’s grin widened, “well, what’s not to love about Misty? She is the foxiest fox Shifter in the universe.”
“Is she coming out on this little manly adventure to get Bart a weekend play date? Or are we rolling with the homies only?” Reggie asked.
“She’s sitting this one out. Something about getting all our crap together for the Samhain festivities. I think she’s been plotting and planning with your sister’s, Bart. So, frankly, we need to keep your plan to trip up their matchmaking on the down low Or, Misty might blow your cover.” Sparky looked over his shoulder toward a shadowy door in the distance. “Hence, why I’m hiding out in the basement? I didn’t want her to sniff us out.”
“Good luck with that. Misty’s got a better sniffer than you do, man. And I’m bummed she’s not coming out with us. Like Reggie said, she’s the best wingman we got.” Bart thrust his hands in his pockets to straighten his jeans.
“You lookin’ to find the next Mrs. Darington, Regg?” Sparky asked.
“Could be? You know, the third times a charm.” Reggie mussed his dark hair and smoothed his pale green button down.
“Charm my ass. I never believed in that crap. The two previous witches should have taught you a lesson. Love and Reginold Darington don’t mix. You’re free and clear, bro. Enjoy that freedom.” Bart bobbed his head and stuck out his chest.
“Don’t do that. Whatever that ‘trying to look badass’ thing you’ve got going on there. You look real silly.” Sparky laughed.
“Shut the fuck up, Sparky, before I ask Amelia to vape you out of this conversation.” Bart blew out a long breath. He was already worried enough about this whole fiasco he’d cooked up. But he was so tired of everyone trying to make him forget Samhain was associated with the worst day of his life.
“Go ahead, buddy. I’ve got my woman. I don’t need to help you one bit.” Sparky crossed his arms and leaned back in his desk chair.
“Alright you two, just cool it with the machismo shit. Time’s a wasting, and I don’t even know what that plan is for this hairbrained scheme Bart’s got us doing. But we better get to doing it before the evening gets away from us.” Reggie looked at a glowing watch-like contraption on his wrist.
“You’re right, Regg. We need to get a move on. My plan is to start out at The Blind Lemon here in Mt. Adams. I’m thinking there’ll be a healthy crowd of witches there on the eve of the two biggest nights in the witch world. Samhain always brings the ladies out. So, all I have to do is find the one that will be cool with playing a little game of pretend with me.” Bart shrugged. “Easy peasy.”
“The Blind Lemon. Don’t you go there all the time, man?” Reggie asked.
“Sure. But never around the holidays. It gets stupid crazy with crowds.” Bart said.
“I’m not so sure The Lemon is the best place, either. But what the hell? Let’s give it a whirl. If that’s a bust, we’ll trot back on over here to my neck of the woods. The Rhine is always hopping.” Sparky got up from his chair and put his face close to the screen. “We transporting now?”
“Give me twenty minutes,” said Reggie.
“Twenty minutes. What the hell, dude?” Bart barked.
“I gotta do some stuff. Lock up the place, settle Max in for the night. You know. Just stuff. Besides, I’m coming all the way from Indian Hills. You know, it takes me a bit longer to transport from way out here. You and Sparky can light it up in a few minutes and be at The Lemon’s passageway. Hell, Bart, you can walk quicker than you take to transport.” Reggie puffed.
“Max will be fine. He’s the coolest Shepard familiar ever. I’m sure Barty needs to tuck little baby Pricilla piggy in, too.” Sparky said in a mocking baby voice.
“Don’t you worry about Cilla. She’s with Blanche and my sisters. They’re doing all the girly things for the party, and she couldn’t miss that. Besides, Cilla is the baddest bitch flying pig familiar around.” Bart loved his little pink flying pig and doted on her. She’d come into his life at a very dark moment, and he’d never forget the joy and love she showed him. Priscilla was the reason Bart stayed the course to become a witch doctor.
“Exactly, dude. She’s a flying fucking pig. Seriously, I was just teasing you. Literally, you couldn’t ask for a cooler familiar.” Sparky threw a cap on his head.
“I know. Okay, enough. I’m giving you guys thirty minutes. Under the garden sign on Hatch Street.” Bart pointed first at Reggie, then to Sparky. “Thirty minutes.”
“Cool.” Sparky nodded.
“Should I wear a hat? A ball cap like Sparky. Is that a thing now?” Reggie pulled a faded maroon and off-white hat, accented with a beer label patch on the front panel, from a hook on the wall next to him and slipped it on his head.
“Dude. It doesn’t matter. Just get your ass moving.” Bart rolled his eyes and tapped the mirror, which rippled again like water washing away the images of his two friends.
C.S. Edwards is a southern author of small town adventures sprinkled with romance, mystery, and occasionally some paranormal and fantasy. Her newest release, Crazy Witch, The Witch Doctors Book 3, is a saucy, fun, romantic romp. In her catalog, you’ll also find the darker small town mystery Welcome to Lovely, that shows a spicier side of crime and romance.
C.S. Edwards lives with her family on the Kentucky side of Cincinnati, where they are all just doing their part to make the world a little more interesting and entertaining.
“My kids, all five of them, swear I talk to myself way too much. What they don’t know is, I’m not talking to myself, I’m talking to my characters. Sure, that makes me a little crazy, but come on, it also makes me super interesting—right?! Probably not, but a girl can dream.” — C.S. Edwards
Check out all of C.S. Edwards’ books here.
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heather
November 29, 2022 at 4:57 pm
I am so loving this cover makes me want to read it even more.
Jenny Ham
November 29, 2022 at 4:45 am
The cover is really cute and the story sounds fun.
Daniel M
November 28, 2022 at 5:00 pm
looks like a fun one
Allison Swain
November 27, 2022 at 11:00 pm
The excerpt was fun, and I love the cover 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Bonnie
November 27, 2022 at 3:00 pm
What an interesting book! Great cover and excerpt. I’d love to read more.
heather
November 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm
This sounds like a real page turner.
Piroska
November 27, 2022 at 12:08 pm
I love the fun cover. It lends itself well to the story.
Audrey Stewart
November 27, 2022 at 11:58 am
I always enjoy reading C.S. Edwards books. She never disappoints me.
Jodi Hunter
November 27, 2022 at 11:57 am
Sounds like a super fun read.
Barbara Montag
November 27, 2022 at 11:45 am
Did you have any writing education?
Elizabeth H.
November 27, 2022 at 6:46 am
I enjoy reading matchmaker stories and meddling family members!
Piroska
November 26, 2022 at 8:38 pm
I can’t wait to read this book. Looks so good!
heather
November 26, 2022 at 12:56 pm
How long did it take you to write this book and get it published?
Cindy Merrill
November 26, 2022 at 8:23 am
My question for the author, just wondering about how you celebrate Christmas.
clynsg
November 26, 2022 at 7:38 am
I am always interested to learn about books and authors that I might want to read.
Jenny Ham
November 26, 2022 at 12:44 am
Funny on a moped… Sounds cute thanks for sharing.
Elizabeth H.
November 25, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Anyone else humming “The Witch Doctor” song in their head when they read the excerpt? Just me?
Cindy Merrill
November 25, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Does the story you’re working on inspired by true events?
Elizabeth H.
November 24, 2022 at 8:38 pm
Thank you for the excerpt!
Cindy Merrill
November 24, 2022 at 4:05 pm
A modern take on a witch doctor! Interesting twist.
heather
November 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
I enjoyed reading about this book sounds great.
Barbara Montag
November 23, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Do you have a favorite author and/or genre?
heather
November 23, 2022 at 4:09 pm
I would love to read this one sounds like a page turner.
Elizabeth H.
November 23, 2022 at 2:29 pm
I love the play on witch doctor! Thanks for sharing an excerpt!
Cindy Merrill
November 23, 2022 at 11:05 am
How do you stay focused when writing,particularly when it’s fictional plots?
Piroska
November 22, 2022 at 10:12 pm
I can’t wait to read this one.
Cindy Merrill
November 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
The genre is a bit far fetched, but sounds interesting anyway!
heather
November 22, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Sounds like a real page turner.
Kim
November 21, 2022 at 4:12 pm
This sounds like a good story. I’m looking forward to reading it and the series.
heather
November 21, 2022 at 4:10 pm
Where do you get your inspiration for your books?
Piroska
November 21, 2022 at 2:40 pm
I love the sweet cover.
Cindy Merrill
November 21, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Yes, the plot sounds complicated, though it could be a fascinating read.
Cathy French
November 21, 2022 at 6:52 am
Sounds like a quick and fun read
Piroska
November 20, 2022 at 7:21 pm
The book sounds wonderful! I love the fun cover.
Cindy Merrill
November 20, 2022 at 5:49 pm
I can’t figure out the gist of the plot- is this paranormal stuff?
heather
November 20, 2022 at 5:44 pm
The cover of this book is so cute I would love to read this one.
Allison Swain
November 20, 2022 at 3:57 pm
This sounds like a cute read! I also love the cover.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Dale Wilken
November 20, 2022 at 2:51 pm
Loved the excerpt likes like a great read.
Jenness M
November 20, 2022 at 2:37 pm
Sounds like a fun read!
Darlene Owen
November 20, 2022 at 2:18 pm
I love. books about mystery as well as love stories and this one sounds like one of those.
Barbara Montag
November 20, 2022 at 12:32 pm
This sounds like an exciting read!
Thank you for sharing it.
Elizabeth H.
November 20, 2022 at 8:55 am
Super cute cover! I love the piggie! The story sounds great, I’m not a huge fan of the fake romance but I do like a good opposites attract story! I hope Bart finds his witch!
Wendy Jensen
November 20, 2022 at 8:31 am
Best of luck with your continued writing.
Cathy French
November 20, 2022 at 8:15 am
Perfect page link for this kind of read
heather
November 19, 2022 at 12:57 pm
I would love to read this one while on vacation sounds so good.
Cathy French
November 19, 2022 at 11:56 am
I wanna learn more about that legendary key
Wendy Jensen
November 19, 2022 at 9:23 am
Crazy Witch sounds like an interesting read.
EDYE
November 19, 2022 at 6:49 am
sounds awesome!
Sherry
November 18, 2022 at 7:50 pm
Great blurb and excerpt.
Eva Millien
November 18, 2022 at 6:00 pm
I enjoyed the interview and Crazy Witch sounds like a fun, delightful read for me to enjoy!
Thanks for sharing it with me and have a splendid day!
heather
November 18, 2022 at 3:54 pm
I would love to read this one this season sounds so good.
Marisela Zuniga
November 18, 2022 at 10:57 am
Great interview, thanks for sharing
Rita Wray
November 18, 2022 at 7:17 am
Sounds good, thank you for sharing.
Cathy French
November 18, 2022 at 7:14 am
This has a cute cover. Definitely curious about the pig