Author Interview with The Witch Killer Author – Harper Carr

Welcome to the author interview with Harper Carr as she shares with us about her book The Witch Killer (The Man in Black Series Book 1)!

Blurb

A Wicca coven. A spell gone wrong. A terrifying prophecy. An innocent seventeen-year-old girl. And a serial killer obsessed with witches. Can The Man in Black stop The Witch Killer or is he too caught up in the charm?

#LGBTQ+ #URBAN FANTASY #MYSTERY/THRILLER #SERIAL KILLER #CRIME #SUPERNATURAL #SPICY

“Maggie raced through the forest, leaping mossy logs and boggy spots, flying with the force of the encounter. Witches! There were witches, right here in her forest at Buntzen Lake. Suddenly, the amazement Macbeth had felt became very clear and very real, and these witches hadn’t even melted before her eyes. But they had made out.

That man in the black cape with the long black curls and Egyptian eyes … He could be a rock star. She couldn’t shake the image of him bending that white-robed woman over the altar—had never seen anything like it, or like the others in their brilliant cloaks—like movie stars only a million times better because you could smell them, and they smelled like earth and exotic spices and sweet September smoke, and she’d almost touched them … and the dancing and the music and the sex. If Remy hadn’t run into the center of it all, they’d have done it right there on the altar.

No one at school would believe this.”

Ready to learn more about The Witch Killer and the author behind it? Keep reading for our interview with author Harper Carr!

Author Carr, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us at Scribbles about your book, The Witch Killer, book one in the Man in Black series.

Q: The Witch Killer is the first in a series. When you were writing The Witch Killer was the intent to simply write this one book as a standalone? Or was it always intended to become a series?

Author Carr: When I wrote this stor,y I was teaching high school English. I’d write to escape on weekends and holidays to alleviate the stress of working as an introvert in a school of twelve hundred. So, no. I had no plans to write a series. It was therapy, really. But by the time I reached the end, I’d fallen for Estrada, the lead character, and I wanted to know more about him, his life, and his struggles. I don’t write with a plan or an outline. I just keep asking the characters, “What happens next?” and they provide the story. My job is to watch and listen, get it right, and make the words sing.

So happy circumstance led to us readers getting quite the treat with a book not originally being intended for a series, but growing into one. Such a happy boon for us for sure! LOL! We have to admit that by the end of the story, we hoped that Estrada would continue forward into the next book, and that we’d get to keep learning more about him.

Q: Why did you decide to write the majority of the book in the third person POV, but have this mysterious character be in the first person POV?

Author Carr: I wanted readers to see through the killer’s eyes and feel what he feels. I think it’s important for readers to understand a killer’s motivation and how their psyche developed. Serial killers aren’t born that way. First-person POV helps reveal that internal journey and perhaps even triggers compassion in the reader.

For sure, the more we learned about the characters who are truly damaged in The Witch Killer, we developed some empathy towards them. It definitely helped to humanize them more and show us how they felt pushed to become what they became.

Q: Right from the beginning of The Witch Killer it appears that this mysterious individual is infatuated with Estrada. What was the spark that started it and transformed it into an obsession?

Author Carr: Indeed. There is an energetic force at play. As the killer says, “I knew his face. His photograph graced the glassed marquee outside the entrance. Though stunning, it had never affected me like seeing him did now, in the flesh.” Feeling Estrada’s energy lights him up like he’s one of the fire balls the magician’s juggling on the stage.

There’s that initial lusty flare, but then it surges into an obsession because of the spell the coven spins to catch him. The killer starts abducting people in Estrada’s circle because he knows this hero will come to save them, and he’ll be able to spend time with him. The characters are, like Macbeth, under a spell that causes them all to act erratically, especially Estrada and the killer.

That makes so much sense! When we came to realize this as we read the story, we literally got chills. It was rather exciting to piece the puzzle together and see the big picture emerge, especially concerning the connection of the spell.

Q: In the second chapter of The Witch Killer, Maggie comes home to find her father standing in front of the fireplace holding a clock that is supposedly precious to her mother. Unfortunately, this clock is destroyed. Why does Maggie take the blame for the clock being destroyed?

Author Carr: Maggie feels responsible for her father’s traumatic head injury because her mother blamed her and continually pushes that button. Like most dysfunctional families, people know each other’s triggers and use them as weapons. Maggie loves her father and tries hard to protect him. As we see later, he tries to protect her too.

That is very true. We always know exactly where to strike to hurt someone, and that is no different with Maggie and her family. What we do love is the love that Maggie and her father have for each other, no matter what. We get the sense that he never really blamed her for his accident, and that just tugs at your heart when you think about it.

Q: What was your inspiration for the ritual that sparks all of the drama and danger that quickly unfolds in the rest of the story?

Author Carr: That was purely me, placing myself in the coven and co-creating with them. I often walk in the woods at Buntzen Lake. Once, we saw a circle of people in the forest chanting something about “Diablo.” That’s when I decided their rituals would happen there. Sensara, their high priestess, is skilled at creating magical space, and I learned from her.

That is really awesome that the ritual concept was all you and your imagination. You allowed your imagination to lead you and you ended up writing quite a gripping scene!

Q: While Jeremy Jones is not a major character in the story, he is one that manages to stick out and leave a lasting impression. What exactly is his history that has him be so callous?

Author Carr: The conflict between Jeremy and Estrada is palpable. Though an intelligent, amazing entrepreneur, Jeremy is immature. He’s jealous of Estrada and Sensara, but also in awe. He’s also attracted to Estrada but has never gotten close to him. That’s why he frequents Club Pegasus. Estrada loves to mess with him, “like a wolf on a rat,” because he doesn’t trust Jones. But that negative attention keeps Jeremy coming back for more.

That really makes sense because readers will get the sense that Jeremy harbors some attraction towards Estrada, but potentially fears rejection so he never makes a move. But we can understand why Estrada doesn’t trust Jeremy, and so Jeremy probably sensed that a bit, too.

Q: Throughout The Witch Killer, you make multiple references to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. We definitely get the sense that this particular story/play made a big impression on you. Would you mind sharing why?

Author Carr: I taught grade 11 English for several years, and Macbeth was the Shakespearean play we always studied, just like Maggie does in this story. I love the poetry and drama in the play. It’s beautifully done, and the history of King James and his fear and persecution of witches adds another layer to it. How can you write about witches without thinking about Macbeth.

I think it’s one of the more accessible stories for our modern audience. What makes a good leader? What motivates a cold killer? How does one live with oneself after committing such acts? Was Macbeth acting of his own accord or a puppet of the witches AKA the devil? If you’ve read Maggie’s thesis, you’ll know where I stand on that subject. And if you ever need to write an essay, there’s your thesis.

Macbeth is truly an inspirational piece of literature and art that continues to touch writers throughout history. You and Maggie both ask some truly poignant questions, and for those of us who never really thought to question these aspects…we’re sure to do so now and ponder the answers to them.

Q: The Witch Killer teases and flirts with sexual scenes, but keeps them vague and without detail. What was the decision-making process behind this? Since there are a couple of scenes with Maggie, who is a teen, we can understand, but what about the adults?

Author Carr: I feel that sex is more about emotion than physicality, so I try to reveal that rather than paint pictures of who’s doing what with a close-up lens. The Witch Killer is a coming of age story for Maggie and Dylan, so I wrote it with older teens in mind.

But it’s interesting you say this because I get mixed feedback on the sex scenes. I’ve had other reviewers write about how steamy the sex scenes are. I used to think I wrote explicitly until I started reading romance with explicit scenes. As the series progresses, things do tend to heat up exponentially, and we learn more about the complex relationship between Estrada and Michael.

Your explanation concerning the sexual scenes makes a lot of sense, especially in light of the fact that this book is more of a coming of age story for the two younger characters.

LOL! Yes, quite a few of today’s romance novels tend to leave little to the imagination now. So, that’s where we were mentally comparing. We try not to compare major elements of stories to others, but sometimes, more minor things slip through.

Q: The deeper the story goes,s you keep us on the edge of our seats, but then you throw in quite a few surprises. One of which is Michael’s personal “stalker.” What was the inspiration for creating this “long-lost brother”?

Author Carr: First off, for characters to be real they need to have family, and family always comes with history. Clive acts as a foil for Michael, and creates conflict between him and Estrada. As Estrada struggles to understand his attraction to the serial killer, he begins to suspect Clive of being the killer. He wonders if there’s enough of Michael’s energy burning within Clive to spark his physical desire for this man he’s been sexual with but never seen unmasked.

We were right there with Estrada in suspecting Clive, but we’re sure that was your intent for a time in order to keep us guessing as to who the real killer was. But when things don’t add up Clive is pushed to being put under a different lens of suspicion.

Q: Prior to the disappearance and subsequent murder of Jade, two other women mysteriously disappeared. What happened to them? They are never mentioned as being found in the story.

Author Carr: The serial killer happened. Perhaps their remains will be found one day. The fact that he’s murdered several women reveals how much he’s suffering from a mental/emotional imbalance created during his childhood. In his own way, he’s crying out for help.

Okay, so that clarifies that for us and our readers. Before he became laser-focused, his victims were more random, but after the spell that changed everything. Totally makes sense now.

Q: Why did you decide to not circle back and have their bodies show up to further stoke the storyline and fear from the characters?

Author Carr: I take my cues from the characters and it just never came up.

Okay, that definitely makes sense.

Q: In The Witch Killer you showcase actual magic and the gods/goddesses speaking through the characters. So, we have to ask – what was your favorite magic based scene in this novel?

Author Carr: I love when Sensara draws down the moon and the Goddess Hecate speaks through her. I especially loved watching this scene through Maggie and Estrada’s eyes, with the Samhain full moon and the witches purifying their naked bodies in the stream.

We have to admit that when the Goddess Hecate spoke through Sensara…we got chills. LOL! We were just like “Woah! This isn’t just some “dabbling” by these characters, this just got REAL!

Q: We understand that you are rebranding your series (apologies if we phrased that incorrectly). What was the decision-making process behind this?

Author Carr: I made the decision at a Writing Retreat in Greece (September 2024.) I was looking for a change, a new audience, and revitalization of my craft. The idea of rebranding inspired me. When I created the new covers I was literally buzzing with energy.

When I completed book five, I realized that the series revolves around Estrada and his need for love and belonging, complicated by his desire for freedom. I didn’t know that when it began. So I wanted to showcase that. There will be more books because as I delved deeper into his life I was left with more unanswered questions.

Wow! More than just the five to look forward to?! Excuse us while we go “fangirl” out for a minute. LOL! It’s always exciting to know that authors have connected so much with a character that they have fuel to continue the story! We’re sure our readers will be just as excited to keep returning to The Man in Black series as long as you are inspired to do so.

Q: Is The Witch Killer your first book to write as an author? If not, how long have you been an author?

Author Carr: I drafted my first novel many years ago. I was curious to see if I could write a whole novel as I’d written poetry and songs as a teenager. I revised that manuscript recently and published it as Lure: Jesse & Hawk, under the name W. L. Hawkin. It’s a romantic suspense novel set on a Chippewa reservation and won an Indie Excellence Award.

Wow! So, readers who have enjoyed your Man In Black series have something else that they can check out! Or readers, who enjoy romantic suspense novels and are looking for something fresh and new? Here you go!

Q: At the end of your book, The Witch Killer, you share with readers that you “spin your own spells.” Does that mean that you are a Wiccan as well?

Author Carr: I’ve studied both Wicca and Druidry, celebrate the Sabbats, and do solitary magic as needed. Wicca derives from the Gaelic wic—to shape or bend energy. I believe we have the power to do that and to manifest what we need in our lives, but, and this is a big but, we have to be careful what we wish for. The universe delivers in various ways so you need to send out a very clear intention. I also work with the pendulum like Maggie does in the story, read Tarot, and have done mediumship classes.

The age old adage “Be careful what you wish for…because you just might get it.” You share some really good advice not just for our readers but for everyone overall. The urge to take care in what you seek in this world is something powerful to remember to keep yourself from “biting off more than you can chew.” It sounds like you are quite versed in multiple elements of Wicca.

Q: You share much of where your inspirations for certain characters and scenes came from in your book. What was it like visiting Ireland and feeling the inspiration flow through you to create this novel and series?

Author Carr: Beautiful. Ireland is ancient and sacred and the people are charming. I’ve traveled there three times to do research. To be able to visit the landscapes and walk in the footsteps of my characters created an intense connection for me and, I hope, the reader. I think it’s so important to feel the energy of the land and have that flow through your characters.

As we were reading the Ireland scenes in The Witch Killer we had a strong desire to travel there and experience the atmosphere that the characters did for ourselves. Of course, we’ve had this desire for many years since we were in high school. LOL! Hopefully, we’ll be able to achieve this dream one day.

Q: What drew you to writing dark fantasy novels?

Author Carr: Many of the old myths and fairytales have a dark fantasy vibe. I love exploring supernatural worlds and weaving that energy through the storylines in my novels. All of the books I’ve loved over the years have something fantastical about them. Not just Tolkien, but newer series like The Hunger Games, urban fantasy like Widdershins by Charles de Lint, and classics like The Shipping News by Annie Proulx and The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Oh, and let’s not forget Stephen King. I have a copy of his Fairy Tale sitting beside me right now.

When the vampires appear in The Man in Black series (books 2, 3, and 5) they unleash a deep horror inspired by Estrada’s lover, Michael Stryker. Michael’s been playing vampire for years at the club and doesn’t believe they’re real until he finds himself alone on an island face to face with Death. I suppose the characters draw me in as much as books I’ve loved over the years.

Wow! You’ve been inspired by some really great books and authors! Author Marion Zimmer Bradley’s The Mists of Avalon is one of our favorites, too. I discovered it years ago when I was volunteering at a local library and fell in love with it.

Oh! We’re getting a little teaser for books 2,3, and 5 we see! That’s so exciting that vampires are going to be unleashed into the series! Michael is sure to be in for quite the shock! We can’t wait to read it for ourselves!

Q: What book by a fellow indie author would you recommend readers to check out after reading The Witch Killer or after they’ve polished off The Man in Black series?

Author Carr: I like JP McLean’s Dark Dream Series. Blood Mark, Ghost Mark, and Scorch Mark are supernatural thrillers featuring a kickass female protagonist and are very well written. McLean is also about to launch a new book called The Never Witch for those interested in witchcraft. I’m stoked to read that.

Surprise surprise! Scribbles has actually read and reviewed author McLean’s Dark Dream series! If readers want to check out our reviewer’s thoughts on the book(s) they can check them out here: Blood Mark, Ghost Mark, and Scorch Mark.

We and our readers are always looking out for a fresh new book to dive into so we’re definitely looking forward this new one coming for author McLean!

Q: What book or series are you currently working on? Please, feel free to share a teaser with our readers if you are so inclined to do so.

Author Carr: I mentioned Lure: Jesse & Hawk earlier. I published that in 2022, and then went on to work on the fifth book in this series and two other, as yet, unpublished novels. I love to write in the summer (old teacher’s habit) so I’ve gone back to Lure River, and have just finished drafting the first act of the sequel. It features some of the characters from the first book, a new romance, and a thriller vibe. I’m hoping to sink deep into it over the next few weeks.

Sounds like you have some exciting things in the works! We and our readers can’t wait to get our hands on them and dive into these new worlds you’re creating and meet the new characters who call them home!

Author Harper Carr, we appreciate you taking the time to share with us here at Scribbles and our readers about your the first book in your The Man in Black series, The Witch Killer. We look forward to reading the next book in this series and seeing where you take your characters from here! Thank you so much for your time today!

We enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to read and review The Witch Killer, and you can check out the review here.

About the Author:

Harper Carr loves to read and write about magic. And, she believes in growth and change. That’s why she’s updated and rebranded W. L. Hawkin’s Hollystone Mystery series and made some major alterations like creating new covers and titles.

This new series, The Man in Black, combines genres—mystery/thriller, urban fantasy, sci-fi (time-travel), and historical fiction. The stories support the LGBTQ community, are steamy, and suit older teens (14+ and adults.)

Harper writes reviews for any books she comes across that affect her profoundly, but focuses on Teen books. You can find her reviews here and on Goodreads.

She creates and designs books, inside and out. She was in a state of pure bliss as she designed the new covers. She loves to read aloud and present workshops about writing. Harper’s a fan of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, teaches it, and uses it as a template to write her novels.

Harper has two new Teen novels launching soon. Her paranormal mystery, The Shadow Man, was a finalist in the Northwest Pacific Writers unpublished writing contest in fall 2024. 

Nature is Harper’s solace and one of the places she finds the most inspiration, especially when she’s surrounded by trees and animals. She’s drawn to Wicca and Druidry as are some of her characters. And her released therapy dog goes pretty much everywhere she goes.