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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Sarah Addison Allen answers readers' questions about the inspiration behind the magical properties of food in her book GARDEN SPELLS, the possibility of writing a spinoff novel, and her own skills --- or lack thereof --- in the garden.

Janice from Springfield, MO: Where did you get the ideas for the particular magic qualities of the foods/herbs? How did you decide which qualities to give which foods? I loved this part of the book --- the Kitchen Journal at the end that defines the magic properties of various foods.
 
Sarah Addison Allen: I researched old medicinal uses for herbs and flowers, then tried to put my own magical spin on them. For example, an old medicinal use for bachelor buttons (or cornflowers) was to help weak eyes. There was a famous French eyewash made from the flowers called Eau de Casselunettes. I took that use and made it magical. Bachelor buttons in GARDEN SPELLS help people see things that are hidden, like misplaced keys and hidden agendas.
 
Kathryn from Warrenton, VA: Do you have a "special" garden?
 
Sarah Addison Allen: I come from a long line of women with green thumbs, so what happened with me has to be a genetic mishap. I don't have that special touch. I stick to a couple of African violets on the window sill and dream of magical gardens.
 
Michelle from Santa Rosa, CA: Are you considering writing a book featuring Evanelle Franklin?
 
Sarah Addison Allen: I've had wonderful reader responses to GARDEN SPELLS, and sincere wishes for a sequel. My next two books are already in the pipeline and they are non-Bascom stories, but I know Evanelle has many more gifts in her purse, just waiting to be given.
 
Pat from Kansas City, KS: Where did you get the wonderful idea of an apple tree with feelings?
 
Sarah Addison Allen: Writing GARDEN SPELLS was a very organic process. It wasn't until a scene in chapter two, when an apple rolls out of the garden and stops at Sydney's feet, that I realized the tree had a personality, that it was a character in its own right --- fussy and demanding. It pretty much told me what to do from then on.

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