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The Bewitching of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes – Author Q&A and Giveaway
Posted on August 19, 2021, tagged as Author Interview, Aveline Jones, Phil Hickes, Reviews, competitions
Oi! Widdershins fans! You’ll love this one – I did. If you’re looking for a creepy, magical and atmospheric read, then you won’t do much better than this. I was a big fan of the first Aveline Jones book: The Haunting of Aveline Jones, but her second adventure is possibly even better. The blurb:
Turn on your torches and join Aveline Jones! Aveline is thrilled when she discovers that the holiday cottage her mum has rented for the summer is beside a stone circle. Thousands of years old, the local villagers refer to the ancient structure as the Witch Stones, and Aveline cannot wait to learn more about them. Then Aveline meets Hazel. Impossibly cool, mysterious yet friendly, Aveline soon falls under Hazel’s spell. In fact, Hazel is quite unlike anyone Aveline has ever met before, but she can’t work out why. Will Aveline discover the truth about Hazel, before it’s too late? The second in a deliciously spine-tingling, spooky series, where mysteries are always solved, spirits are always laid to rest, and everybody gets to bed on time.
This is the sort of series childhood me would have been obsessed with. I loved the summery vibe, the beautiful, immersive writing, the witchiness (anything with a witch bottle and standing stones and I’m there)! It’s an eerie, exciting adventure – I was definitely bewitched! If you enjoyed A Tangle of Spells then this is definitely a book for you. I’m a huge fan of Phil Hickes’ writing and was thrilled that he agreed to answer my questions about the book and all the kind of nonsense I like to know about other writers.
Phil’s publisher, Usborne, has kindly given me three copies to give away here – all you have to do is leave a comment to enter the giveaway. UK only, closes September 20th 2021 at midnight (GMT).
The Bewitching of Aveline Jones is published on September 16th, 2021 in the UK. Pre-order here.
What was your journey to being a published author like?
It was very long and frustrating, yet also enjoyable in many respects. I was probably writing seriously for around 10 years before I had a breakthrough (so hang in there if you’re in the query trenches)! I had no idea what I was doing most of time. No real grasp of agents, what they wanted, or how best to approach them. In hindsight, I wasted a huge amount of time sending out manuscripts that I now know, were wholly unsuitable. I was a headless chicken with a keyboard, firing off random Word docs. However, whilst I was constantly beset by self-doubt (and still am, like most authors), there was also a certain freedom and excitement that I miss. You never knew what might arrive in your inbox. You were free to scribble away and dream without deadlines or expectations. But I was overjoyed to finally find an agent and a publishing home with Usborne. It really felt like I’d scaled a mountain and I constantly look to the sky and send thanks and praise to the capricious Gods of Writing.
Where does your interest in spooky stories come from?
It’s an obsession that’s been with me since a small child. To this day, I’m plagued by a constant need to hunt down the next supernatural thrill, whether that’s a book, or a film, or a radio play, or a podcast. If I was to hazard a guess, it may be that I grew up in a cold, dark and gloomy house in Rochdale that overlooked a crumbling Victorian graveyard. I used to play there during the day, but at night, when the shadows lengthened, the atmosphere would change from fun to fear, and I would find myself staring out into the darkness, wondering if all the occupants were truly at rest.
Where and when do you write?
I’ve moved around a lot so am yet to find a permanent writing nook. Currently, I write with the Mac on my lap in a back room. It’s far from ideal, bad for my back, and I do need to try and find something a little more inspirational. I write on Sunday afternoon and Monday to Wednesday evening, aiming for a minimum of 500 words per night. I should do more. I need to do more. But I want fiction writing to remain enjoyable and not feel like a grind. It’s a fine balance.
Do you believe in the supernatural, and have you ever seen a ghost or experienced something otherworldly?
Yes I’m a believer. There’s just too much anecdotal evidence. Even if you discount 99% of it, that still leaves a huge amount of unexplainable phenomenon. I believe that certain people are sensitive to vibrations. I think painful or tragic events can linger in the ether. I’m certain there are dark places in the world where strange lifeforms still dwell. Personally, I’ve seen many UFOs. I’ve seen a vase fly off a table, heard footsteps when nobody’s there and felt someone (or something) touch the back of my neck. I’ve also had the sensation of not being alone or being observed by something unseen. I also once travelled to see a full solar eclipse and that’s an incredibly supernatural event. I’ve yet to witness a full ghostly visitation but I live in hope.
Do you plan your stories or go with the flow?
Much to my chagrin, I find myself unable, or perhaps unwilling, to fully plan a story. I like to go with the flow and see what happens. What usually happens is that I end up wasting thousands of words and drive myself to the brink of a nervous breakdown. But there are fleeting moments, when an idea jumps into your mind, or the words seem to just flow out onto the page, and it makes it all worthwhile.
Do you have another job, besides writing?
Yes, my day job is…writer! I work for an advertising agency. There are good things and bad things about it. But I consider myself very blessed to be able to survive financially through writing. In my experience at least, being an author doesn’t generate enough readies to live on. I hope that may change some day.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“If you keep putting things on the conveyor belt, eventually, something will drop off the other side.” An old boss told me that about something unrelated to writing, but I think it applies perfectly to books. If you’re an author, and you keep going, and keep trying, sooner or later something will appear that resembles what you were trying to create. It also applies to putting feelers out there for agent/publishing opportunities. In fact, it applies to pretty much everything. The other best bit of advice I received was to use an internet blocker app.
Are there any spooky or witchy books you’d recommend for fans of the Aveline Jones series?
There’s an author called Michelle Harrison I like. You may know her? Another recommendation would be Long Lankin by Lyndsey Barraclough. I really enjoy Chris Priestley’s ghostly tales. And I’ve read recent good ones by Ross Montgomery, Kat Ellis, Finbar Hawkins, Helena Duggan, Jenni Jennings, Robin Jarvis, Mary Downing Hahn, Emma Carroll, Allison Rushby and Danny Weston. And Jennifer Killick is killing it.
If you could come back as a ghost who would you haunt or what would you do?
Thankfully, I’m not sure anyone has wronged me enough for me to haunt them. But I do fancy the idea of lingering around suitably spooky places and giving supernatural skeptics a reason to reconsider.
What’s your top tip for aspiring writers?
Tell your inner critic to shut up and keep going.
Quick Fire Questions:
Ghosts or witches?
Witches.
Ouija boards – yes or no?
A firm nope.
Favourite ghost story?
Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad.
If you had to, would you rather say ‘Wooooooooooh’ at the start of every sentence or do an evil cackle at the end of everything you say?
Evil cackle. Mwo-ha-hah-hah-haaaa!
Would you rather have a ghost in your own home or live next door to a witch?
Ghost in the home.
Thank you so much, Phil! I loved reading your answers and book recommendations, and I’m firmly with you on the ouija board. NOPE.
***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. WINNERS ARE LUCY GRIFFIFTHS, AYSHA SULEMAN AND FLORA. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY EMAIL*** PLEASE NOTE THAT IF PRIZES ARE UNCLAIMED BY WEDS 13TH OCTOBER THEN NEW WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED AT RANDOM
I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I’m really looking forward to reading this new installment! And what a fab interview as well!
Such a great interview! I’m so excited to read The Bewitching of Aveline Jones
Love two of my favourite authors in conversation here – thank you both!
Loved the first Aveline Jones book, and son has asked for the second for his birthday in September- this is a child who hates reading!
I absolutely loved the Haunting of Aveline Jones and cannot wait for the sequel – what a superb interview with Phil Hickes!
My class absolutely loved The Haunting of Aveline Jones last October and I would love them to see the second book too.
I loved Haunting of Aveline Jones so much! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Bewitching and share it with my class!
Both of these stories are absolutely fantastic! They are the perfect combination of local folklore and spine chilling scariness!
I loved this book and parts really gave me A Tangle of Magic vibes. Really enjoyed reading this Q&A.
I love spooky stories and the Aveline Jones books look fantastic, I’ve heard so many good things about them!
Really looking forward to reading this now with my 11 year old!
Enjoyed the first book so much! It’s a brilliant and genuinely scary book which my Y5/6 have loved and it will also make such a good model for suspense and horror writing for them this year too. I’ve had a lot of my class ask for the second one already!
I loved the first book and can’t wait to read the next one! I know that my class will enjoy them both.
Loved the first book The Haunting of Aveline Jones which was a spooky delight and would absolutely love to have The Bewitching of Aveline Jones. I know readers in my class who would jump at the chance to read this.
Absolutely loved the first one and am so excited for this one. The cover is just stunning too.
My daughter and I read the first last year – it terrified her but in a good way! She can’t wait for the next installment!
Absolutely loved reading the Haunting of Aveline Jones. I recommended it to all of the kids in my class m. Cannot wait to see what adventure Aveline goes on next.
I loved the quick fire questions. Thank you Michelle and Phil. I loved the first Aveline book and I can’t wait to meet up with her again.
My Y6 class and I are really looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I loved the Haunting of Aveline Jones; it was one of my favourite reads this summer so cannot wait for the next book!
The Haunting of Aveline Jones is one of the best spooky books I’ve ever read, and that’s not just kids books. I especially loved how the ending did justice to the tension throughout the book. Can’t wait for more!
I read The Haunting of Aveline Jones a couple of weeks ago on holiday and was hooked from page one! Phil’s economical, yet flawless narrative is both engaging and immersive. The result was an atmospheric read full of creepy chills. Phil knows just what to reveal, just how much and when to reveal. Loved it and so looking forward to the sequel
This looks very spooky!
My Year 6 class would really enjoy this text. The children like books that leave them on the edge of their seats.
I’m so keen to read The Haunting of Aveline Jones. It’s been on my wish list for a while. This will be perfect for my year 5 class. Great to read your interview. Seems that as soon as I’ve read the first book, I’ll be desperate to read the second! Thanks for a great interview.
What a fabulous interview! We are big Widdershins fans
I really enjoyed reading this interview! Your tip tip for aspiring writers is exactly what I needed to read this morning – thank you!
I absolutely loved The Haunting of Aveline Jones and can’t wait for book 2!
My daughter and I can’t wait to read the second book!
I have literally just finished The Haunting of Aveline Jones and was genuinely spooked out at the end! So therefore very much looking forward to Aveline’s next adventure.
We loved the first Aveline Jones book and can’t wait for the 2nd in the series.
Both books are so spine-tingly brilliant! And the illustrations are simply stunning!
Great interview.
What a fabulous interview! I absolutely loved the first book as did the children in my class. It was just the right amount of spooky, and perfect for a Halloween read. We would love to be able to win a copy of the second one to read as a class!
Brilliant Q&A !! My daughter is just getting into full length books so this will be added to her list….. bonus is I also get to read them! Love the cover, very eye catching.
Fantastic Q & A. I devoured The Haunting, a truly creepy book but I’m very excited to see what happens to Aveline next and share myself some more.
The Haunting of Aveline Jones is our book choice for our Teachers’ Reading Group over the summer holidays. I absolutely loved it and I’m looking forward to passing it on to the children in September. We would be delighted to win a copy to have in our school library. Thank you for the fab interview and the chance to win!
Absolutely loved the first book and have enjoyed lending it to my students to give them a good spooky story to read! Can’t wait for the next one.
Oooh must get copies for our school library. I am always being asked for scary stories.
This would be a great addition to our class library, as I have quite a few children in my class who would love to read this, having read the first book
My daughter and I absolutely adored the first book. So scary!! We’d love to read this one too.
The first book gave me the heebie jeebies last year when I read it on a dark, gloomy weekend. Can’t wait for the new book.
Would absolutely love to win! Would love to share them with my kids!
My Year 5 class were OBSESSED with this book. It introduced them to the genre and they were already asking about a sequel before I’d finished the first! I am so excited to introduce my new class to Aveline, and can’t wait to find out what she’s been up to!
What a wonderful interview Love Aveline
I love Aveline and have recommended the first book to so many people! I can’t wait to share it with my new class in September. Looking forward to the second one.
I’ve just finished reading the first book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading the second one and joining Aveline on her next adventure. Will also be recommending the books to our upper juniors when we return.
Great interview and questions, Michelle and Phil! Loved this, and can’t wait for more from Aveline !
Loved the first book and really looking forward to Aveline’s next adventure
I loved to hear the Q and A session on Phil Hickes! I first discovered his work when I read The Haunting of Aveline Jones, and it glued me to my seat! This was definitely one of the most scary stories that I had ever read, and I couldn’t wait to read the next spine chilling adventure. It sounds even more of a bewitcher than the first!
There were a few children in my class last year that loved The Haunting of Aveline Jones. I’d love to introduce the whole class to Aveline’s story around Halloween this year, especially with the arrival of a sequel!
Absolutely loved the first book and would love read another adventure with Aveline.
Can’t wait for the new book.
Brilliant interview
I loved the first book so much. Would love this.
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve always loved Halloween and I’m going to a scarefest this year, I’d love to take this book with me to read whilst traveling, it’s sure to get me in the spooky mood!
I absolutely loved the first Aveline Jones book. The perfect read for a gloomy autumn weekend.
I love The Haunting of Aveline Jones so much that we selected it for our school community book club
It was the perfect amount of scary and I can’t wait for the sequel
Cushions at the ready
My 9 yo daughter is loving Michelle’s books and is super excited for the new release. We’re delving into the world of the Widdershins family on a nightly basis.
I found.the first book wonderfully creepy and would love to add this book to our school library!
I loved the first book and can’t wait to read this one! Fingers crossed. x
Although I bought the first book for a friend, I’ve not read it (sorry) but would love to. I’ve loved all three Widdershins books so I know I would love this too!
I would love to win this, I’m trying to write my first book myself, I have no idea what I’m doing but I have a story and a first draft so I’m pressing on! This looks like a good story, also I can give it to a niece when I’ve finished it. I just read your about me section and you said that your favourite ghost story is ‘Oh Whistle and I’ll come to you, My Lad’. I’ve got MR James collected ghost stories and I’ve had it for over 20 years. I’ve not been able to bring myself to finish it because that story terrified me so much!
When will aveline jones book 3 be released??
I’m not sure – best to check with the publisher.