I am thrilled to introduce you to Georgia Bowers, author of the new book, Mark of the Wicked. This interview is super fun, and now I am pretty sure I not only have to read the book, but head over to England to hang out a bit with Bowers! I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do!!
Mark of the Wicked
Georgia Bowers
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 10th 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
A young witch tries to unravel the mystery of who is framing her for dark magic in Georgia Bowers’ creepy YA debut fantasy, Mark of the Wicked.
Magic always leaves its mark.
All her life, Matilda has been told one thing about her magic: You use only when necessary. But Matilda isn’t interested in being a good witch. She wants revenge and popularity, and to live her life free of consequences, free of the scars that dark magic leaves on her face as a reminder of her misdeeds.
When a spell goes awry and the new boy at school catches her in the act, Matilda thinks her secret might be out. But far from being afraid, Oliver already knows about her magic – and he wants to learn more. As Oliver and Matilda grow closer, bizarre things begin to happen: Animals show up with their throats slashed and odd markings carved into their bodies, a young girl dies mysteriously, and everyone blames Matilda. But she isn’t responsible — at least, not that she can remember. As her magic begins to spin out of control, Matilda must decide for herself what makes a good witch, and discover the truth…before anyone else turns up dead.
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Georgia Bowers lives in Bedford, a small market town in England. When it was time to decide what to do with her life, she was obsessed with two things: books and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It seemed sensible to follow in the brogued footsteps of Rupert Giles, so she became a librarian, though sadly not the demon fighting kind. But there’s still time.
Ever since her mum told her that witches used to meet in the woods near their village, she’s been obsessed with witchcraft and the paranormal. When she was a teenager, a weekly habit of Point Horrors satisfied her thirst for chilling tales before she moved on to reading Stephen King. These days she likes to give her nerves a break every now and then with a good YA romance.
After completing a course in writing YA fiction she was a winner in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Undiscovered Voices. Since then she has dabbled with stories of chosen ones and ghostly best friends until she conjured up the magical ingredients for her debut novel, Mark Of The Wicked.
And now, a Books, Tea, Healthy Me exclusive interview with Georgia Bowers
Is there something special about the book you are currently promoting that you want everyone to know? Your inspiration maybe? A fun hidden fact?
I’m a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer so there’s a few mentions of it in the book. Buffy fans will recognise the colour of Matilda’s school uniform.
From where do you get your ideas for your books?
Everywhere and anywhere! I work in a library so have access to all the books my heart could ever desire, so I love to flick through books about the paranormal or supernatural. We also have a huge newspaper cuttings file and I love reading about local ghost stories or tales of witches.
Where do you begin when you develop new characters? Physical characteristics, personality, plot? What comes first and how do you go from there?
I usually have a scene in my head (for MOTW it was the scene where Matilda eats a bee!) and then the character sort of develops from that, like what sort of a person would do something like that. Then I’ll link all my scenes together into a plot and the characters will develop even further. I like to know what my characters look like before I get going and sometimes that happens immediately but other times it takes a while for them to materialise in my mind’s eye.
Does writing exhaust or energize you? Why?
Both! When I sit down to write it takes me a while to get into the flow and re-enter the world I’m creating which can be exhausting if you’re not in the mood! Once I’m there though, I’m totally energised and really don’t want to stop!
What is your writing kryptonite? And what is the cure?
I love threes! Listing things in threes, descriptions in threes, friendships in threes. I often get stuck thinking of a third thing then remind myself it doesn’t *always* have to be a three.
What book are you reading right now?
I’m reading Hexed by Julia Tuffs. It’s about a girl called Jessie who realises she’s a witch when her powers come in during her menstrual cycle! So much fun.
What do you do to keep yourself healthy? What is your #1 healthy lifestyle tip?
I try and do some form of exercise every other day. I feel in a much better place emotionally as well as physically when I do. I love to run and find it’s where the best ideas pop into my head. It’s so important to do something that is just for you.
What is your go-to recipe when you cook at home? It doesn’t have to be healthy – just yummy. Bonus points if it has something to do with your book!
I could eat a thousand Bonfire Night potato skins! It’s a BBC Good Food recipe and Erin mentions them at the end of the book. It’s baked potato, cheese, and bacon. Carby goodness.
Fun Facts from Georgia Bowers
Favorite snack to eat while you are writing
Mint Aero.
If you were a WWE Superstar, what would your entrance music be?
What an excellent question! I think Danger! High Voltage by Electric Six. I’d whip off my hooded cape to reveal my epic costume when the chorus drops.
What would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
Fozzie Bear. I relate to his desire to entertain but then his anxiety and worry that people are having a good time. I need to mention Mildred Hubble as well, I related to her so much when I was younger.
If you didn’t write, what would your occupation be?
I’m very lucky to be in my dream job as I’m a librarian. I’m also really interested in sleep disorders and dreams so thought it would be good to work at a sleep clinic, then someone pointed out I’d have to work nights.
What do you enjoying doing when you aren’t writing or reading?
Spending time with my friends and family. I also love going to conventions, so looking forward to when they start back up again.
How do you take your tea??
White please.
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Books, Tea, Healthy Me 
Thanks for posting today! 🙂
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nice cover
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