Dear Librarians,
From Glinda to Baba Yaga, I have always loved witches. Given that love, it’s no surprise that I can’t stop writing about them. My latest novel, The Late-Night Witches, is proof of that, but this book is also a little different from all my previous witchy creations. My inspiration came from a deeply personal place—one I never expected to write from.
A little over two years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During those early days, I was often told, you’re so strong, but inside, I felt nothing of the sort. I struggled to do the simplest tasks — fold laundry, make dinner, have conversations with my kids about the day. All my focus was stolen by four little words constantly running through my mind: I can’t do this. Fear had taken me over. Things didn’t change until I shared my I can’t do this mantra with a cancer therapist. Without a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Auralee, I have good news. You’re already doing it. This is it.” Those words changed how I saw myself and, eventually, shaped The Late-Night Witches.
This magical book is about a mom of three, Cassie, who discovers not only that she comes from a long line of witches, but that she’s fated to fight a master vampire. Cassie doesn’t feel ready or able to take up this fight—but she also doesn’t have a choice. I wrote this story because I wanted to illustrate that sometimes bravery in the face of a near invincible enemy is simply about putting one foot in front of the other. (I also just really wanted to write another book about witches . . . because, again, they’re awesome. Vampires too.)
Normally I would finish by pointing out librarians are the real magic-makers—connecting readers with the stories they need—and that’s true, but recently I saw a social media post from the Ottawa Public Library that struck me deeply. It read:
Maybe with more reading, we will see more empathy, more curiosity, and ultimately more kindness. We need this now more than ever.
Sonia Bebbington
Head Librarian and CEO of Ottawa Public Library
So, thank you for all you do. I hope The Late-Night Witches brings you and your readers a little bit of magic, a little bit of laughter, and the reminder that we’re all stronger than we think.
Warmly,
Auralee
