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Q&A with Deborah Harkness, USC Prof and Author of 'A Discovery of Witches'
Deborah Harkness reading in Torrance tomorrow night. | Photo Marion Ettlinger
Deborah Harkness reading in Torrance tomorrow night. | Photo Marion Ettlinger
USC history professor Deborah Harkness has published a number of academic papers and historical nonfiction books, including The Jewel House: Elizabethan London and the Scientific Revolution and John Dee's Conversations with Angels: Cabala, Alchemy and the End of Nature. Last week, however, she ventured into the world of fiction with the publication of her first novel: A Discovery of Witches.
The book is a wonderful mix of history, magic and romance that focuses on Diana Bishop, the last witch in a line of a family of powerful witches. She's trying to pass as a human history professor (coincidence?) who wants nothing to do with her lineage or magic. That is, until she meets the dashing Matthew Clairmont, a fellow academic at Oxford, who happens to be a vampire. The two begin on a journey that will span centuries over the course of three books. Her next book is due out next year.
We did a quick Q&A with Harkness as she crisscrosses the country on her book tour and asked her a few questions about A Discovery of Witches and her life in LA.
LAist: This is a wonderful debut novel. How and why did you decide on making the transition from the academic/nonfiction realm to a fictional world of vampires, witches and daemons?
It wasn't really a decision, but an unplanned adventure. In the fall of 2008, I wondered if there really were vampires, what would they do for a living, and soon I was writing a novel.
LAist: A Discovery of Witches is the first of a trilogy. Did you choose that from the outset?
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I always thought of Diana and Matthew's story in three clear movements.
LAist: You teach history at USC, specializing in science and medicine. How did you apply your academic background to researching the world of the occult?
I've been a student of the relationship between science and magic since I was an undergraduate, so in a way, I've been researching this book since the 1980s.
LAist: Have you read any of the Harry Potter or Twilight books? If so, did you enjoy them?
Like many adults, I loved the Harry Potter books.
LAist: Aside from your home or office, what's your favorite writing spot in the city?
The beautiful old reading room at the Henry E. Huntington Library.
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LAist: You're an award-winning wine blogger, too, so tell us about your favorite wine shops or lounges in LA.
I am a regular customer at DomaineLA on Melrose. The owner, Jill Bernheimer, has a great palate and an eye for wonderful, affordable wines. I also enjoy poking around in the Chronicle Wine Cellar in Pasadena. (Her wine blog is Good Wine Under $20).
LAist: Since we are in Hollywood, have any studios come a-knocking about making the book into a movie?
There is considerable interest at the moment, but I don't have any specifics at this time.
LAist: If it were to become a movie, who would you like to see cast in the lead roles?
I have some ideas, but so do my readers, and for the moment I'd rather let them imagine the characters and have fun casting actresses and actors in the roles.
Harkness will be doing an author reading on tomorrow night in Torrance.
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Deborah Harkness: Talk, Q&A & Signing
@ Borders
3700 Torrance Blvd., Torrance
Monday, Feb. 21
7 pm
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