Ivy Cassidy on House of Spells and Secrets, Biddy Early, and Writing Without Rules

What this episode covers

In this episode of the Fresh Fiction Podcast, host Samantha Tennant sits down with Ivy Cassidy — the newest pen name of national bestselling author Melissa Bourbon (also known as Winnie Archer) — to discuss House of Spells and Secrets, a richly layered novel blending historical fantasy, magical realism, and women’s fiction. Ivy shares the fascinating true story behind Biddy Early, the real 19th-century Irish woman who inspired the book, and how she traced her fictional lineage through three triplet sisters living on the Chesapeake Bay in 1971. They also talk about the creative freedom that comes from writing outside genre expectations, the complicated realities of publishing under multiple pen names, and how Ivy’s years teaching creative writing have sharpened her own craft. In Fresh Fiction Facts: McDonald’s fries on every road trip, kitchen gadgets, Logan Lucky, and why she is absolutely certain the Kennedy family is cursed. This episode also includes a brief tribute to Piper J. Drake, a beloved member of the Fresh Fiction community and a friend we are honored to have known. Topics covered: House of Spells and Secrets, Biddy Early, historical fantasy, magical realism, women’s fiction, pen names, cozy mysteries, bibliomancy, the Chesapeake Bay, 1970s setting, the writing process, Writers Digest University, creative writing education Connect with Ivy: IvyCassidyBooks.com MelissaBourbon.com Instagram & Pinterest: @IvyCassidyBooks Stay connected with Fresh Fiction: Subscribe to our newsletter: freshfiction.com/newsletters.php

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