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Judith Sterling

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Judith Sterling

Tag Archives: Salem Massachusetts

HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC by Tena Stetler

13 Tuesday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

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A Witch's Holiday, A Witch's Journey, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Salem Massachusetts, Tena Stetler, The Wild Rose Press

Please welcome Tena Stetler! She’s a sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) and here to tell us all about her inspiration for her latest release, Hidden Gypsy Magic. It’s set in Salem, Massachusetts, a city I’m fortunate to call “home.” Take it away, Tena!

Hi Judith! Thank you so much for hosting me and HIDDEN GYSPY MAGIC on your beautiful blog.  I’m thrilled to be here and so excited to share with you the inspiration for my fantasy, time travel, adventure.

Part of the inspiration for Hidden Gypsy Magic was the characters themselves. Gwen was introduced in A Witch’s Journey. Brock came to fruition in A Witch’s Holiday Wedding. They insisted on their own story. Then my friend adopted three baby desert tortoises. A storyline began to play out in my head since Gwen is a wildlife rehabilitator and Brock is a veterinarian. They live and work in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem has always intrigued me, so I put a twist on the witch trials and a trip back in time. Then I threw in poachers in present time and a dog and owl rescue. Still, the what if’s just kept coming and Hidden Gypsy Magic was born.  

Additional inspiration was the Salem Witch Trials.  How can you set a story in Salem Massachusetts and not mention the Salem Witch trials? Okay, I admit it, I’ve always been enamored with the Salem Witch Trials since I was involved in a high school play The Crucible. Research into the Salem Witch Trials led me to believe that things were not always as they seemed. I wondered if the accounts of those judging the supposed witches had something to hide or were they on some kind of power trip.

Researching one highly visible individual Judge in the witch trials, I had an epiphany. What if that person was not who or what he claimed to be? What if he had intimate knowledge of witchcraft and not just as a bystander?  Well, that could put a kink in the accounts of the Salem Witch Trials. Don’t you think? That’s what’s fun about writing fiction. LOL

How about a little more about Hidden Gypsy Magic?

  The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work.  Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care.  But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.

The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide. 

Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic.  A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed.  If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.

A sneak peek between the pages:

“It feels like all the air is being sucked out of this room.” His brother’s face turned ashen white as Beth’s ghostly form took shape in the center of the room.

Brock moved to the little group gathered and glanced at the grandfather clock standing in the hallway. Fifteen minutes until midnight. The witching hour on All Hallows Eve. A nervous chuckle rose up in his throat. How cliche. His brother would be a believer after this night.

He cleared his throat and wrapped an arm around Gwen’s waist. “Can we help you, Beth?” Misfit’s howling could be heard clearly from the upstairs bedroom.

“No, but I hope we can help you.” Ghost Beth glanced back at the painting and sadly shook her head. “The ghost of Judge John Hathorne stands outside ready to curse or worse all those involved in sullying his reputation. The house stands between all of you…protecting—” The ghost’s hand and arm made a sweeping motion toward their group, “— against his magic ability.”

A soft almost hysterical giggle burst from Gwen. “Doesn’t he know that by his actions this night, he has not only outed himself but proved the rumors and article are true?”

“I don’t believe he’s considered that point.” Beth’s ghostly grim face twitched into a half-smile. “He’s bent on revenge, but apparently had trouble passing through the veil this evening.” She pointed to the clock and then laid a finger on her lips.

Buy the book:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | B & N | Apple

A little more about Tena:

Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.

 Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.

Where to find her:

Website | Authors’ Secrets Blog | My Say What Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter | Pinterest | Triberr | BookBub | Instagram | Tumblr | BookGorilla

Great to have you back, Tena. Best of luck with the book!

A Release Date for NIGHT OF THE OWL and a Post about Salem, MA

25 Wednesday Sep 2019

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Guardians of Erin, historical romance, Judith Sterling, Kathryn Hills, medieval romance, Night of the Owl, paranormal fantasy series, Salem Massachusetts, The House of the Seven Gables, The Novels of Ravenwood, The Sword Unsheathed, The Witch House, time travel romance, worldwide release, YA series

The worldwide release date for Night of the Owl, the fourth of The Novels of Ravenwood, will be October 21, 2019!  It happens to be my husband’s and my 19th wedding anniversary and smack dab in the middle of Salem, MA’s busiest season!  Because I work at The Witch House and my husband works at The House of the Seven Gables, we’ll be right in the thick of things!

Speaking of Salem, author Kathryn Hills has written a wonderful post about it.  I’m one of the Salem residents she featured, and you can read it here.

That’s all for now.  I’ll let you know when Night of the Owl is available for preorder.  And I should have news about The Sword Unsheathed, the third book in my Guardians of Erin YA paranormal fantasy series, soon.

Wishing you a great Wednesday!  🙂

The Latest News

13 Tuesday Aug 2019

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audiobook, Guardians of Erin, Jonathan Corwin, Judith Sterling, medieval romance, Night of the Owl, romance series, RONE Award, Salem Massachusetts, Salem Witch Trials of 1692, The Novels of Ravenwood, The Stone Awakened, The Sword Unsheathed, The Witch House, YA paranormal fantasy, young adult series

I’ve had a lot of deadlines lately!  August 1, I sent my editor the completed manuscript of The Sword Unsheathed, the third book in my Guardians of Erin young adult paranormal fantasy series.

Two days ago, I turned in the final galley for Night of the Owl, the fourth of The Novels of Ravenwood medieval romance series.  I hope to reveal the cover for that book soon!

Today, I’m working all day at The Witch House (the 17th-century home of Jonathan Corwin, one of the 9 judges during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692).  But tomorrow, I’ll be listening to–and marking corrections for–18 chapters’ worth of audio files for the audiobook of The Stone Awakened, the RONE Award-nominated second book in my Guardians of Erin series.

So there’s a lot going on!  I’ll have more news soon.  In the meantime, I’m wishing you a lovely day and week ahead.  🙂

 

Paranormal Talk and a Giveaway on “Sorchia’s Universe”

13 Thursday Dec 2018

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Guardians of Erin, Jonathan Corwin, Judith Sterling, literary giveaway, Novel Magic, paranormal activity, Salem Massachusetts, Sorchia DuBois, Sorchia's Universe, The Cauldron Stirred, The Stone Awakened, The Witch House, winter solstice, young adult series


I’m a guest on author Sorchia DuBois’s blog today, and the post is all about the paranormal…specifically, activity at The Witch House, the 17th-century landmark where I work.  If you didn’t catch my October post about the goings-on there, you’ll want to check it out here!

We’re also giving away five e-copies of The Cauldron Stirred in anticipation of the release of The Stone Awakened (Book 2 in the series).  You can enter the giveaway through midnight on December 21, the perfect date because the winter solstice plays an important role in the second book!  The winners will be announced later that day on a follow-up post, which will feature an excerpt from The Stone Awakened.  Enter the giveaway here!

Hope to see you there!  🙂

Halloween Fun, a Paranormal Update, and an Interview for TV

31 Wednesday Oct 2018

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

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Chronicle, Ghost Adventures, Josh Gates, Judith Marshall, Judith Sterling, paranormal activity, Salem Massachusetts, The Witch House

Happy Halloween!  I worked all day at The Witch House (a stylized picture of which is pictured above).  Now my husband and I are getting ready to take our kids trick-or-treating.  Things are hopping here in Salem!  When we get home, we’ll settle down in front of the TV to watch the live Ghost Adventures event hosted by Josh Gates on The Travel Channel.  Should be a fun night!

If you read my recent post about the paranormal activity at The Witch House, here’s a quick update.  One of the bed warmers circled again yesterday.  Then today, the bed warmer in the other bedroom started circling.  I wonder what Margaret–and any other spirits who are hanging around–think of all the tourists who’ve filtered through The House during the past month.  We’ve been super busy!

The Boston TV show Chronicle interviewed me earlier this month regarding the supernatural happenings at The Witch House.  Here’s the link to watch it:

https://www.wcvb.com/article/the-witch-city-salems-dark-haunted-history/24288040?fbclid=IwAR3EIp80vD_2mIpEF1l67Oy72wttcCYyAhTFYnhqqP_meWr_8wu3jHGGJw0

Of course, I figured out who was contacting me via the bed warmers after the interview occurred.

Well, it’s time to trick-or-treat.  Wishing you a fun and safe Halloween night!

Amazon Giveaway ~ THE CAULDRON STIRRED

25 Thursday Oct 2018

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Amazon giveaway, free eBook, Guardians of Erin, Halloween, Halloween read, Ireland, Irish lore, Judith Sterling, literary giveaway, Salem Massachusetts, The Cauldron Stirred, The Stone Awakened

Happy Thursday!  The weekend is almost here, and it’s going to be a busy one in Salem, Mass.  I’ll be working extra hours at The Witch House.  After all, Halloween is just around the corner!

I wanted to let you know…I’m doing another Amazon giveaway, this time of The Cauldron Stirred.  The second book in the series, The Stone Awakened, is nearing publication, and soon I’ll reveal the cover and blurb.  But for now, you can enter to win a copy of the first.  It’s the perfect #Halloween read, with ghosts, a headless horseman, and all manner of creepy creatures from Irish lore.  The climax of the story even takes place on Halloween!  (Of course, it had to because that’s my favorite holiday!)

Here’s the link to enter:  https://www.amazon.com/ga/p/417e6e6a619ce9f9

Good luck with the giveaway.  Wishing you a lovely day and a fun weekend ahead!  🙂

Serendipity and the Supernatural at The Witch House

23 Tuesday Oct 2018

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

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author, Jonathan Corwin, Judith Sterling, Margaret Gibbs, Museum of Fine Arts, paranormal activity, Salem Massachusetts, serendipity, supernatural, The Witch House


Every October in Salem, Massachusetts is interesting, but this one stands out, especially where I work: The Witch House, the home of 17th-century witch trials judge Jonathan Corwin. My connection with the place started years ago.

When I was ten years old, living in central Florida, the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 fascinated me. I vowed to go to Salem one day, and when I was 25, I simply packed my bags and moved here. The bus I took into town stopped right in front of The Witch House, and when I alighted, I smiled, for it seemed a perfect introduction to the “Witch City.” Everything fell into place.  Within two days of my arrival, I secured a place to live and four part-time jobs.

After five wonderful years in Salem, I regretfully moved away. But five years ago (15 years later), it called me home again. My husband Dan, a museum professional, was looking for a job, and something told me to check the New England Museum Association’s website. When I did, I learned The House of the Seven Gables was hiring. Dan applied for the job, and they immediately flew him up for an interview. Less than a week later, he was hired, and we moved to Salem. We searched high and low for a place to live, in and around Salem. The only place available that we could afford was a condo right across the street from The Witch House. And wouldn’t you know…the first new friend I made once moving back to town happened to be the director of said house.

In March of this year, for the first time since my twins were born, I sought a job outside the house. I’d made a little money as an author but needed a real paycheck. Lo and behold, The Witch House needed tour guides. I love history, so the job was a perfect fit.

I knew the place had paranormal activity even before I started working there. Nothing negative and not all the time, just someone (or many “ones”) making their presence known from time to time. I’d heard the stories from other employees, and once I spent a little time upstairs in the two bedrooms, I felt a quiet companionship with whomever popped in and out. Then a month ago, things took an intriguing turn.

Each bedroom has a fireplace and a bed warmer hanging in front of it. They hang straight and still, no matter what happens around them. A month ago, I saw the bed warmer in the children’s bedroom move by itself in a continuous circular motion. Two days later, the bed warmer in the master chamber followed suit. That second time, I grabbed the handle, stopped it, and walked away, only to turn back around and find it circling again. I checked with the other tour guides, and no one had ever seen that happen. I figured someone just wanted me to know he/she was there.

A little over a week ago, my husband and I took our fourteen-year-old boys to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. We explored the galleries for hours, reveling in paintings and artifacts and a special exhibit on Winnie the Pooh. Eventually, we grew tired and started to leave, but as we passed a sign for the Lower Ground level exhibits, I stopped short.

I had to go down there. I didn’t know why, but the urge was overwhelming.

We went downstairs and found 17th-century artifacts, including a room from the period which felt like “home” to all four of us. Then I turned and did a double take.

Before me hung two portraits from 1670: one of Robert Gibbs; the other of seven-year-old Margaret Gibbs (shown below). A thrill ran through me, for I see small copies of these portraits every day at The Witch House. (The children’s mother, a wealthy widow named Elizabeth, married Jonathan Corwin in 1675, and they moved into the Essex Street house in Salem. Soon afterward, twelve-year-old Margaret died.) When we went to the MFA that night, I had no idea the portraits were there. I was beyond grateful for the impulse which sent me down the stairs to find them.

Fast forward to three nights ago. I dreamt that I was walking through The Witch House.  I sensed a young girl of the period (late 17th century) hovering in the corners of the rooms, then drifting beside me.

“I love this house,” I said aloud.

Invisible yet palpably present, she laid her hands on my shoulders and spoke in a soft, sweet voice. “And I love you.”

A rush of love, well-being, and “rightness” washed over me. When I woke, I knew I’d experienced more than a mere dream.

Then yesterday, while I was working in The House, a tourist approached and asked if I’d experienced any paranormal activity there. I told her about the circling bed warmers. She revealed she was a psychic medium and had sensed heightened energy in the house. She’d communicated with the spirit of a little girl named Margaret who felt particularly drawn to me. She asked if I wanted to go upstairs so we could make contact together. Of course, I said yes!

Up in the children’s bedroom, we stood in front of the fireplace. The medium spoke. “Margaret, Judy’s here. Will you move the bed warmer again for her?”

Slowly but surely, the bed warmer moved.

The medium turned to me. “She says she likes you because you’re so kind. She’s not here all the time but comes and goes. She was happy here.”

Two things more I confirmed: (1) Margaret had encouraged me to find her portrait in the MFA; (2) she had visited me in my dream. Later in the day, I was back upstairs and felt drawn to the children’s bedroom. When I stepped inside, I knew I wasn’t alone. The bed warmer moved yet again.

It was an eventful day! I connected a few dots and felt embraced by history, welcomed by a past inhabitant of the home I adore.

SHADOW OF THE SWAN on NetGalley and a Meeting with Vincent Price’s Daughter!

19 Friday Oct 2018

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free digital copy, Halloween, Judith Sterling, NetGalley, Night of the Owl, Salem Massachusetts, Shadow of the Swan, The House of the Seven Gables, The Novels of Ravenwood, The Witch House, Victoria Price, Vincent Price

 

My third medieval romance is available on NetGalley.  That’s a free read for NetGalley members now through Halloween!  Check it out here: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/131427

Speaking of Halloween, I’ve been working extra hours at The Witch House, the 17th-century home of witch trials judge Jonathan Corwin.  ‘Tis the season for long hours here in Salem, Massachusetts, and my husband is just as busy at The House of the Seven Gables.  By the way, I had the privilege of meeting Vincent Price’s daughter, Victoria, at The Gables a few nights ago.  Such a lovely woman, and she had great things to say about her dad!

I have two days off for the rest of October, and today is one of them.  So I’ll be working on Night of the Owl, the fourth of The Novels of Ravenwood.  Enjoy your weekend!

Salem Con 4

15 Sunday Apr 2018

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Elizabeth Saint, Grant Wilson, Nick Groff, paranormal, paranormal investigation, Salem Con, Salem Massachusetts

Yesterday, I spent the whole day at Salem Con, a paranormal conference here in Salem, Massachusetts.  Because I’ve experienced the paranormal and written about it (in fiction and nonfiction) all my life, it was wonderful to meet with like-minded people for a day of lectures, soulful discussion, and just plain fun!  I got to meet the experts and had some wonderful conversations, particularly with Elizabeth Saint, Nick Groff, and Grant Wilson.  Just a great day!  🙂

Phantasmic Friday ~ Week Three

20 Friday Oct 2017

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ghosts, Guardians of Erin, Halloween, Haunted Happenings, Judith Sterling, London, paranormal investigation, Phantasmic Friday, Salem Massachusetts, The Cauldron Stirred, YA paranormal, YA series

Welcome back to Phantasmic Friday! Here in Salem, Massachusetts, “Haunted Happenings”–our month-long celebration of Halloween–is in full swing. I doubt Salem’s founder, Roger Conant (pictured above, in front of the Salem Witch Museum) would approve, but those of us who love Halloween and/or the paranormal have a lot of fun! In that spirit, let’s journey back to my college years for today’s true story.

As an undergraduate, I studied one semester in London. I dove into life in that venerable city and bonded right away with my two roommates. We and our fellow students lived in a Victorian hotel in South Kensington, which also provided classrooms and a baptism-by-fire acquaintance with English plumbing.

The bathroom adjoining our room was a boon, but it was also the lair of the “toilet monster.” Out of the blue, said toilet emitted thunderous, tortured gurgles that begged our attention day and night. During the day, the toilet monster was harmless; at worst, a disturber of the peace. At night, it creeped out the roommate who slept closest to it and often wrenched me from my dreams. Or perhaps there was another culprit.

Once awake, I sat up in bed and squinted into the darkness. Someone unseen watched us. The presence was male, and I sensed he’d lived in an earlier time, closer to when the hotel was built. Sometimes he stood in our room, most often at the foot of my bed or near the bathroom; other times, he lurked just outside the door. His location was as clear to me as if I’d seen it.

Halfway through the semester, another student—who had no idea what I’d experienced and whose room was directly across the hall from ours— shared his own encounter. He woke in the middle of the night to find a 19th-century soldier standing at the foot of his bed, staring at him.

I was certain our neighbor saw what I’d repeatedly sensed. Intrigued, I researched the street where we lived. A few doors down, in 1926, one of England’s first paranormal investigators established the National Library of Psychical Research, where mediums were scientifically tested during numerous séances. Closer still was the home of a 19th-century lieutenant colonel who died under suspicious circumstances.

Did activities in the ghost hunter’s lab become a beacon for stray souls? Was the soldier one of them? Perhaps it was he who wandered the halls—and our rooms—as we slept.

In my YA paranormal fantasy, The Cauldron Stirred, the protagonist’s father is a paranormal investigator (in this century, though!). His family joins in the hunt for Irish ghosts in the ruins of a medieval castle and on the shores of Lough Leane. The story’s climax occurs on Halloween to boot!  🙂 If that sounds like something “up your alley,” check it out!

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