Effie returns in this spellbinding sequel: a middle-grade graphic novel about found family, friendship, and learning to embrace who you are!
We chat with author and illustrator Sophie Escabasse about her latest release, Witches of Brooklyn: What The Hex?!, along with book recommendations, writing, and more!
Hi, Sophie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello everyone! My name is Sophie Escabasse, I’m an author/ illustrator and a mom. I was born in France, but I have lived in the States for a while and I just recently relocated to Montreal, Canada. The stories I love the most are the ones that mix magic and reality and have funny characters. I’ve been passionate about graphic novels and witches since I’m a kid and I feel very lucky that my work today includes both.
Witch fact: My eyes go from grey, to blue, to green depending on the light.
SO not a witch fact: I’m terrified of spiders (but I’m working at it).
When did you first discover your love for writing?
In my case, writing and illustrating are 2 things that exist together. Drawing has always been my way to share stories and I’ve been doing so since a very young age. I loved making up characters and giving them a voice. It’s probably with my sister, as a kid, that I discovered how amazing it was to twirl and knit your imagination into stories and share it with others.
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!
Aaaah!! I’m bad at these! Okay, so the first book I remember reading: Yakari, a Graphic novel by Derib and Job. The book that made me want to be an author: the first thing that comes to mind isn’t a book but a series–The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. A book I can’t stop thinking about: Home Going by Yaa Gyasi.
Your new novel Witches of Brooklyn: What The Hex?! is out September 7th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
- Magic
- Friendship
- Statues
- Challenge
- Peacemaking
What can readers expect?
In What the Hex?! readers can expect a lot more witches! It will be eye opening for Effie to be introduced to her aunt’s friends and coven. The new cast of characters will bring big surprises as well as serious challenges to Effie, and she’ll have to learn to keep her fiery temper in check! More than ever, it is a book about friendship and learning to know yourself. Another feel-good book set in a snowy Brooklyn.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
I find it hard to simplify things. My first drafts are often very dense, and there’s tons and tons happening. Being able to share my ideas with my agent and my editor helps me a lot. I’m very grateful for their guidance.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring in the sequel?
Lion’s big reveal is a moment I really like. It was very exciting to finally draw that scene, because I’ve had it in my mind for a very long time. I hope the readers will enjoy it as much as I had fun planning it. I also introduce several older witches in What the Hex and I’m especially fond of Aunt Ma and Sissi.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
Now that you ask, I haven’t received a lot of writing advice, maybe I should seek some! 😁
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on the third book of the series, coloring away! I am also brewing more projects in my cauldron but it’s a bit too early to share (but it will be tasty!)
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
- The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
- In Real Life by Cory Doctorow and illustrated by Jen Wang
- Castle Waiting by Linda Medley
- Brazen by Penelope Bagieux
- Space Dumpling by Craig Thompson
- March, the trilogy by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell
- And so many, many more…
