We chat with author Celestine Martin about her new release Kiss and Spell, which is a spellbinding romantic comedy from a series about a family of witches, a lovelorn small-town witch helps a handsome prince break free from a curse—all while trying not to let their feelings for each other bubble to the surface.
Hi, Celestine! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! I’m a light paranormal romance writer who grew up in New Jersey. I love writing romantic, supernatural stories featuring the people, places, and creatures close to my heart. Last fall, my debut novel Witchful Thinking was released, and it was a fun experience. Outside of my writing career, I enjoy running 5k races, cooking, and listening to podcasts about everything from celebrity memoirs to crystals. I’m a former karaoke champion, tea lover, and paper and pen collector.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I discovered my love of writing when I was in grade school. I won 2nd place for a writing contest in 3rd grade. I have a bookshelf filled with journals and notebooks that I always like to revisit. It wasn’t until I was 19 that I gained the courage to enter another writing contest, but I won and I made it my goal to one day get something published. Many years later, I’ve achieved this goal and it feels amazing to see this dream come true.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The first book I read was Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. The book that made me want to become a writer was The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. The book I can’t stop thinking about is The Roommate by Rosie Danan.
Your latest novel, Kiss and Spell, is out September 26th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
If I had to describe Kiss and Spell in five words, I’d say yearning, flirty, fun, whimsical and charming. I wanted this novel to have the feel of a romantic comedy but with Black witches and awkward fae.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect swoony feels and a sweet time when it comes to reading Kiss and Spell. It has all the pining and magic you’d expect from a light paranormal romance. I think this book got the vibe of a Masterpiece Theatre slow burn show but at the Jersey Shore.
Where did the inspiration for Kiss and Spell come from?
I got inspired by my readers! After my debut novel was published, I repeatedly got messages from readers and reviewers about what happened to the character Ursula Caraway. She’s the bossy cousin of Lucy, my heroine of Witchful Thinking. Readers had big feelings about Ursula and how she acted under the wish spell. I received kind, but firm direct messages about Ursula and the desire to know her ultimate fate. I knew her story had to be told once I saw the strong reaction from the readers.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I can’t give away any spoilers but I enjoyed writing the Midnight Kitchen Scene where Xavier and Ursula start to really fall in love. That scene was the first one I wrote and I knew that I had a good story here. During revisions, that scene took place earlier in the book, but it didn’t work and felt too rushed. I put the scene later in the book and it didn’t flow with the plot. But once I found the right place in the book, the scene clicked and I knew it worked.
This is your second published novel! What are some of the key lessons you have learned when it comes to writing between writing the two?
I’ve learned to trust my writing instincts and my personal writing process. I learned the value of having a great synopsis and giving my brain time to ruminate on a story. The first book, Witchful Thinking I wrote over the course of six years, but I had a fraction of that time when I had to write the second book. I struggled for months to find the story for Kiss and Spell but I listened to my gut and went through my writing process of walking, reading and filling up my creative well. One day, it clicked and I knew the story I wanted to write.
What’s next for you?
I’m finishing Book Three this fall and starting researching my next book series. I love research! I’ve got a few fun ideas in mind and I’m looking forward to seeing what I discover in my travels.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
“Kiss Her Once for Me” by Alison Cochrun which I found to be a delightful read. I will recommend any book written by Synithia Williams but her recent release is The Secret to a Southern Wedding. Something Wilder by Christina Lauren gave me Romancing the Stone vibes and I couldn’t stop reading it.
