The term "sea witch" refers to a mythical character, often depicted in folklore and literature, as a powerful witch who possesses magical abilities related to the ocean. The sea witch is typically portrayed as a female figure, living deep beneath the sea or in underwater caves, and she is believed to have control over the elements of water and the creatures that reside within it. In various mythologies and legends, the sea witch is described as having a mysterious and enchanting beauty, but also possessing a sense of darkness and danger. She is often associated with stormy weather, shipwrecks, and treacherous currents, which she can manipulate to her advantage. It is said that she can summon and control sea creatures, such as mermaids, dolphins, or even sea monsters, to do her bidding. The sea witch is renowned for her knowledge of ancient and powerful spells, potions, and curses.
The sea witch is renowned for her knowledge of ancient and powerful spells, potions, and curses. She is believed to have the ability to shape-shift, taking the form of different sea creatures or even human beings. It is said that she can enchant sailors and lure them to their doom with her alluring voice or bewitching songs.
Q&A: Judy I. Lin, Author of ‘A Magic Steeped In Poison’
In this enchanting debut YA fantasy, a young tea-maker travels to the capital city to take part in a cutthroat magical competition that could be the key to saving her sister’s life.
We chat with debut author Judy I. Lin about her novel A Magic Steeped In Poison, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Judy! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a Taiwanese-Canadian author and I write books inspired by the mythology and folklore I grew up with. I’m drawn to stories that are fantastical, spooky and/or strange. When I’m not writing, I like to cook and bake, play board games and watch Chinese period dramas.
How has the start of 2022 been for you?
2022 is my debut year and it feels like it has taken forever to arrive! The Book of Tea duology sold in 2019, so it’s been a long time coming. I had my second baby earlier in March though, so preparing for that has kept me busy instead of anxious for my book release.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I moved from Taiwan to Canada when I was eight years old and was very shy. I wasn’t confident in my speaking ability and found that it was easier for me to express myself through writing. Since I was also an avid reader, it didn’t take long for me to start writing my own stories.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The first book that made me actually want to become a writer was “The Chosen” by L.J. Smith. I remember picking up the book and seeing a girl dressed in black on the cover standing in a fighting pose and thought she looked really fierce. After I read the book I immediately devoured the other books in the Night World series. I loved the action, the romance, and the idea of a secret society of supernatural beings existing alongside us.
Your debut novel, A Magic Steeped in Poison, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Magic tea, dangerous competition, secrets
What can readers expect?
A Magic Steeped in Poison is about a girl who will do anything to save her beloved sister. There is a beautiful palace that holds treachery and betrayal within its walls. There are banquets and feasts and all sorts of delicious food to accompany the tea. It is a story about leaving home to discover yourself, and finding the strength to continue even when the path is hard.
Where did the inspiration for A Magic Steeped in Poison come from?
Initially, I wanted to play around with the concept of tea magic, and as the world grew in my mind, I started to incorporate elements of Chinese history and culture into the story. I’ve always been fascinated by the Song Dynasty because of the various economic, cultural and agricultural developments that occurred during that time period. Much of the worldbuilding in terms of the court, the palace, the capital, was influenced by that era.
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to write a YA fantasy novel, but for years I struggled with actually writing it. I wondered if readers would even want to read fantasy stories inspired by Chinese and Taiwanese cultural elements that are familiar to me but may be foreign to them. It’s because of Asian authors like Cindy Pon, Malinda Lo, Julie Dao, Elizabeth Lim and Joan He that I kept going. They paved the way for me to feel confident in writing the story that I want to write. When I was finally able to overcome that initial self-doubt, the actual writing was the easier part!
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
In many tales, the sea witch is a figure to be feared and respected. People seek her out for her magical powers, often trading their own souls or other valuables in exchange for her assistance. However, making deals with a sea witch is risky, as she is known for her cunning and deceitful nature. She often twists the terms of agreements to her advantage, leaving those who seek her help in even greater peril. The sea witch archetype is a recurring theme in literature, particularly in stories about the ocean and maritime adventures. Examples of sea witches can be found in popular works such as Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid," where the sea witch Ursula plays a central role in the story. Ursula is portrayed as a villainous character who uses her magic to manipulate and deceive the main protagonist. Overall, the sea witch is a captivating and mysterious figure in mythology and literature. She represents the power and allure of the ocean, as well as the dangers and risks that come with it. Whether seen as a helper or hinderer, the sea witch embodies the dichotomy of nature's beauty and its potential for darkness..
Reviews for "Sea Witch Imn as a Catalyst for Change: Inspiring Empowerment and Transformation"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Sea Witch Imn". The story felt slow and dragged on for too long. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. I also found the writing style to be repetitive and dull. Overall, I found this book to be a lackluster addition to the series and not worth the hype.
2. Matthew - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Sea Witch Imn". The plot was confusing and did not make much sense. The pacing was incredibly slow and nothing seemed to happen in the first half of the book. The characters were forgettable and I could not connect with any of them. The writing was also unengaging and I found myself bored while reading. This book was a complete letdown for me.
3. Claire - 2 stars - "Sea Witch Imn" did not live up to my expectations. The story had potential, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts being too slow and others feeling rushed. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry. I also found the world-building to be lacking and didn't feel immersed in the setting. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it.