What book are you recommending right now?

THE SERVICEBERRY by Robin Wall Kimmerer! This is a non-fiction novella that completely rewired my brain this year, by the same author who wrote BRAIDING SWEETGRASS. It makes you want to care about the earth and your community. It is such a hopeful book.

If your story beast had a form, what would it be?

My storybeast is not one, but many. They are palm-sized tea dragons and tea griffins, whose fur and scales are made of herbs and flowers that slough off naturally. They live in my kitchen and story garden, collecting pollen and unknowingly distributing seeds as they romp and play. When they molt, I, their caretaker and gardener, collect the herbs and flowers into jars, and when I steep them into tea, they inspire my stories. My storybeasts are co-creators that remind me to slow down and tend the earth in harmony with my own inspiration, to care deeply and see the Muse not as a single, scarce source, but an abundant ecosystem all around me.

If you could meet one story character, who would it be and why?

Aragorn, Son of Arathorn, Ranger of the north and rightful heir to the throne of Gondor.

But also, Sam. Cuz Sam and I would vibe. Have you seen his garden? Goals.

Let's talk favorites! Tell us your...favourite book:

How dare you! SPELLS FOR FORGETTING, THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE, THE HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF NIGHT, BEND TOWARD THE SUN, DON’T LET THE FOREST IN, YOUR BLOOD MY BONES, A HISTORY OF WILD PLACES, THE INHERITANCE OF ORQUIDEA DIVINA.

...favourite author:

Alix E Harrow, Adrienne Young, CG Drews

...favourite trope:

Probably either Estranged Childhood Friends Turned Adult Lovers or the Repentant Rake

...favourite snack right now:

Mixed berries with homemade whipped cream!

Where can our listeners find you?

IG: @ruthmckellbooks