Writer’s Talking with Damian Serbu

Today, we are interviewing Damian Serbu the author of Witch in the Wind. 

(if you would like to be featured in Writers Talking contact us)

 

 

What inspired you to write Witch in the Wind?

I merged two fascinations in history for me – the Salem Witch Trials and pirate history. I wanted to tell a story set in those worlds with a queer twist. I like to take fascinating moments in history or the present and infuse a major gay element into them. Over time, the voice of Alexander, the main character, began appearing in my head, explaining his story. After research into pirate history especially, I knew the direction I had to take with the story!

 

What do you think makes a good story?

I think too many people overlook how crucial it is for the reader to care about the main character or characters.

For example, I tell people this all the time about Stephen King. Too many plop him into the horror genre, and then think his stories are about thrills and chills and scaring the crap out of you. Of course his novels include horror, that’s what he writes. BUT! And this is a crucial BUT! Stephen King calls to so many people because he crafts characters you relate to, that you care about.

Long before you meet the monster or experience the horror, you know the people you want to survive. Think about It. Without knowing those kids so intimately, you might read and just hope Pennywise offs them so you can move on with your day.

What I’m saying about King is that he’s a master story teller because he invests you in the plot, in the quest of the characters. He’s absolutely brilliant at it.

What called me to Anne Rice was this same ability. I related so well to her vampires.

In that way, I try to craft my main characters so you root for them, so you want them to survive and succeed. The adventures, danger, and other aspects of a novel only work when you care about the characters.

 

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

When we went on vacation to New Orleans, I had to go see Anne Rice’s house. It was an awe-inspiring moment for me, to see the house that inspired the Mayfair witches, to know she lived and wrote there. While we were lurking on the sidewalk across the street, a limousine arrived; I like to pretend she was in there, waving at me. I could feel her energy from just seeing her home.

She is my absolute favorite author. Second only to the time I spent five seconds at a book signing where she sign a copy of Interview With the Vampire for me, being outside her house was a thrill. And – it definitely had a witches and vampires vibe to it!!

 

Who is your hero and why?

Eleanor Roosevelt is one of my heroes.

First, I know she was flawed and had imperfections. But one of her most endearing traits was to acknowledge those herself, and work toward self-improvement.

She championed so many causes and people because she thought it was the right thing to do. She defied her husband at times, who was president of the United States, in order to fall on the right side of history. Her dedication to women’s rights, such as giving opportunities to female reporters, was remarkable. She fought on behalf of civil rights well before even a majority in the Democratic Party deemed to do so. She wanted economic equality. While she came from a very privileged background and could have ignored the plight of others, she did the opposite and used her wealth, fame, and platforms to champion freedom for others. She wanted to aim her moral compass toward compassion, love, and inclusion.

Her life was often difficult. She experienced pain. And she took that and molded it into a reason to treat people well and help them. I often find that my main characters seek the same for their lives and for those around them. It is so important to want to leave the world a better place, and to uplift those around you.

 

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I love spending time with my dogs, being with my family, and hanging out with friends. I’m also a huge fan of Cleveland professional sports. Here’s a fun secret: when I am struggling to find a name for a character, I often use player names for my favorite players. Not that the character embodies them or in any way is inspired by them, but I like to use their names!

During covid, I took up a new hobby and taught myself to cross stitch! I find it incredibly therapeutic and fun. I primarily sew holidays scenes, and then change out our everyday pictures and artwork with them as we rotate through the holidays. Right now, I am working on a Christmas scene, with a little kid and dog looking in the window of a Chocolatier. I do this for myself because it’s so relaxing and fun. I could lose myself in cross stitching for hours. However, I can’t because then I wouldn’t get anything else done!

I, of course, love to read.

And Paul and I travel a lot. We love getting away to experience new places and people. What’s really cool is how often those excursions land in my novels as settings. Next year, we’re super excited to be going to Paris for ten days for our 30^th anniversary. This trip has been a dream of ours for years, and we can’t wait! People who have read my novels probably know how often I use Paris and France as a setting, from our two previous trips there. I’m excited for what new possibilities await!

 

 

Pirates, witches,
and danger mingle with old and new love in Alexander’s daring adventure to
survive.