Originally posted on Christina McKnight’s Blog –   on August 5, 2013

This interview takes place after the events of book 1, Trial by Fire, but before book 2, Counter Hex

[I imagine this interview taking place over the phone, breaking the fourth wall between reality and fiction]

Where do you dream of traveling to and why? 

Running the coven doesn’t generally afford me a lot of time for vacations but if I could get away, I’ve always wanted to visit Egypt. I find the archeology fascinating. Their myths and lore as well is quite interesting. I’ve also always been interested in the Mayans, so Peru would be another ideal journey for me. Perhaps one day I’ll manage to get to both places and then perhaps round it out by visiting some Aztec pyramids as well.
Tell us about your family.
I was raised by my mother, Sakkara, who was coven leader before me.  She was kind, smart, could tell you were lying at twenty paces and never once was fooled by any of my magic spells. My father passed away when I was very young. I have vague memories of him but at times I wonder if they are just stories my mother told me so often that I remember them as my own. He was ill before he passed and I sometimes think I remember a slender, frail man sitting in a chair by the window. My mother often said I took after him.
What was the scariest moment of your life?
Becoming coven leader. I had been prepared for it my entire life but it was quite different from what I imagined. I did however, feel closer to my mother in some respects after I had to take it on. I felt as though I could understand her better as a witch and a leader after I became coven leader.

What books have most influenced your life?
My mother’s grimoires. They are the best resource of magic I could ever hope to have. Her magic was quite intuitive and… elegant. She had a way with spells and reading over her notes is informative and humbling.
What songs are most played on your Ipod?
Is that one of those small music players? I don’t have one of those. I keep meaning to get one but haven’t gotten around to it yet. Jade tells me you can order them online but I hate putting my credit card information out there.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I don’t have much time for it, but I like to cook. I probably shouldn’t tell you this but I’m horribly addicted to the Food Network. You can find out how to make anything on that channel. And that Gordon Ramsey is such a bastard, he’s fantastic to watch.  I cannot turn the channel when he’s on. It’s like watching a horrible train wreck.
What one word best describes you?

Responsible.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Jade was quite surprised by my sweet tooth. It’s terrible. I love sweet things. It’s probably for the best that I’m busy or I’d spend all my time at the bakery and I’d be fat as houses.
Do you have a favorite quote, quip, or saying? What is it?
The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. —Max DePree. I think of that quote often; that the leader is a servant. It reminds me that though my job is to lead the coven, I also serve the coven.

Trial by Fire can be purchased on Amazon!