PaganSquare Blog

I've put up a new post at my PaganSquare Blog (run by the lovely folks behind the Witches & Pagans Magazine, where I have a regular column), talking about how becoming a Pagan cured my winter depression.

If you live in a part of the country where the winters are long, cold, and gray, like I do...do you get the blues? If so, how do you cope?

You can find some of my answers at the blog. The other answer, of course, is hot chocolate.

PaganSquare Blog! And Feline Friday

As some of you know, I have an ongoing column in the Witches & Pagans Magazine (next issue coming out soon, so if you don't have a subscription, run out and get one).

The magazine now has a new online blog site, called PaganSquare -- and my first blog post is up. I'm going to be blogging on the reoccurring theme of "Walking Your Talk." Go take a peek and come back here to tell me what you think. Is there anything in particular you'd like me to cover in future posts there, on ways to integrate your spiritual path with your (hectic and busy) everyday life? Inquiring minds want to know!

[You should also be able to find a link to subscribe to the magazine there, should you be interested.]

Coming soon...I have a surprise cover reveal for you. Do you want it tomorrow, or should I wait until Tuesday when the holiday weekend is over here in the US?

Here's your Friday Feline pics to get you through... And happy Blue Moon! Did you realize that there won't be another one until July of 2015?!

Angus being cute, as usual.

Magic the Cat. She's got an eye on you, so don't try to pull a fast one. (And no, technically she's NOT supposed to be on the table. And your point?)

Have a great Friday! And don't forget to tell me what you think of the blog post. I'm a little nervous people won't like it...

New Column in Witches & Pagans Magazine!

I got my copy of the newest issue of Witches & Pagans Magazine, and there, on page 83, was the first installment of my new column, Magick on a Shoestring! Whoo hoo!

Big thanks to the wonderful publisher/editor of the magazine, Anne Newkirk Niven, for giving me this chance to bring my work to a wider audience. I'm sooooo excited!

If you enjoy reading all things Pagan, please consider getting a subscription to the magazine, which is wonderful. And check out the current issue, which features the amazing Ellen Dugan (the Garden Witch) and an interview with Pagan elder Starhawk (author of the classic book, The Spiral Dance, which is a must-read for every Witch).

I have a column! Whoo hoo!

http://tinyurl.com/2uvjcxs

Guest post at Llewellyn Journal online

Hi all,

I'm sorry not to have posted much lately--crazy busy preparing for the Ren Faire trip with the Blue Moon Circle gang this weekend, keeping up with the garden, a friend in town from AZ, and all the usual writing stuff.

But you can check out my guest post at Llewellyn's online Journal here: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article.php?id=2130

Also, don't forget to run out and get a copy of the current edition of WITCHES & PAGANS Magazine--my 1st column is in there! "Magick on a Shoestring" is a new column I'll be writing for them from now on, and I'm really excited.

If you read either the guest post at Llewellyn or the column, PRETTY PLEASE come back here and tell me what you think!

Finished! And good news...

Hey all!

What is a writer's second favorite word?
"Done"
(The first favorite is "contract" of course.)

Just wanted to pop in and let you know that I finished the first draft of the new novel this afternoon! YAY! *does happy dance*

Still have to work on edits with my CP for a few days, but it ought to be ready to go out to my agent before the end of the month.

And I got some good news yesterday:
I will be having a regular column in the Pagan magazine "Witches & Pagans" put out by BBI Media [used to be newWitch and PanGaia]. The column will be called "Witchcraft on a Shoestring," based on my book coming out this September. I'll post more details about this later, but I just wanted to share the good news.

Thanks to all of you for sharing this journey with me!

Deborah

A great review!

There is very little that can make an author happier than receiving a great review for one of her books. In the newest edition of WITCHES & PAGANS Magazine (used to be newWitch and Pangaia), there was a terrific review of my second book, EVERYDAY WITCH A TO Z.

And I have to tell you, reading it made my day!

If you are a pagan, you should be subscribing to this wonderful magazine. It covers all approaches and a wide variety of belief sets, and I look forward to seeing it in my mailbox. (And yes, I have written a few articles for both the original two magazines, and also sister magazine SAGE WOMAN--but I would recommend it even if I hadn't!)

Below you will find the link for the magazine, as well as a copy of the review, which editor extraordinaire Anne Newkirk Niven was kind enough to send me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

One little note: the reviewer refers to me a couple of times as "Lady Onyx." Onyx is my magical name, but I don't use the title "Lady." This was a fairly common practice in the earlier forms of Wicca (such as Gardnarian and Alexandrian) and some folks still follow it--but I'm just plain "Onyx."

http://www.witchesandpagans.com/

Everyday Witch A to Z
Deborah Blake, Llewellyn, 2008
4/5 Broomsticks

At first glance, this seemed a very "fluffy" book. However, after
giving Lady Onyx's book, Everyday Witch A to Z, an honest read, I
changed my mind. My pointy hat is off to Ms. Blake (aka Onyx) for a
work of fabulous diplomacy and the friendliest introduction to the
world of Witchcraft that I have encountered. Organized into short,
alphabetized categories, this graphically-pleasing book explains all
the basics of Witchcraft in a forthright, non-threatening manner.
Everything from the philosophy of Perfect Love and Perfect Trust to
Sabbats and Esbats, elementals, basic spellcraft, herbology, gem
magic, and more are covered. Do you have a relative, friend, or
neighbor who thinks Witchcraft is evil? This is the book to give them!

Beginning witches will find a wealth of information in these
pages. The layout of the book demonstrates a great deal about the
culture of Witchcraft. From the copious use of pretty graphics and
color to the casual mismatch of jokes, quotes, "advice columns," and
helpful hints, Everyday Witch stays true to the eclectic, practical
tendency of witches to use what works, when it works. Like the
fabric of our lives, there is a lovely balance of mirth and reverence here.

Lady Onyx, it is not an easy thing to create a beginner's guide that
holds the interest of more advanced practitioners, but I think you've
done it. A blessing in your general direction for a job well done.
Review by KRISTIN BARTON.