Although VISIONS OF MAGIC is the first book by Regan Hastings, it’s far from the author’s first book. Under another name, her contemporary romance novels number in the double digits, and she has been nominated six times for the prestigious RITA award from the Romance Writers of America. Her romance novels have appeared many times on the USA TODAY bestsellers list. She’s holding a contest for readers to guess her true identity for a chance to win a Federal Bureau of Witchcraft fleece jacket. Enter at http://www.reganhastings.com/. The contest ends February 1, the release date of VISIONS OF MAGIC, so enter immediately!
Kate: I know who Regan is, but I'm not telling! I'll give you a hint, though. She's fabulous, and I love her and her books. Welcome to the lair, Regan Hastings!
Thank you for hosting me, Kate!
Modern Day Witches
Ten years before the start of my book, VISIONS OF MAGIC, the world discovered that witches are real. Reaction was volatile and violent. Women were imprisoned without trial if they were even suspected of witchcraft. Some – including the heroine’s aunt – were burned at a stake erected on a high-tech, gas-powered grid.
The truth is, I believe that magic is real, and witches do exist. But there’s no reason for paranoia because, like humans, witches can be good or bad.
I’ll give you a few examples.
Bad witch: Martha Stewart. Magical power: Making perfectly competent women feel like failures. Not only can Martha fashion the julienned strips of a butternut squash into an amazing centerpiece, she can win the public’s admiration by going to prison.
Good witch: Pink. Magical power: Levitation. Did you see this chick at the Grammy’s last year? First of all, only a witch would feel comfortable in an outfit made of masking tape. Then she rose above the crowd, belting out a song with her powerful voice, and performing Cirque d’Soleil acrobatics all the while.Bad witch: Lindsay Lohan. Magical power: Destroying her own career (aka, wasting her talent). I keep pulling for Lindsay. Beneath all the addictions, she’s a very talented actress, and I truly want her to get clean and move us again to some emotion other than distaste.
Good witch: Ellen DeGeneres. Magical power: Opening minds, and making even the least coordinated of us get up and dance. Who can resist her joy for life? Portia is a very lucky woman.Bad witch: Kathy Griffin. Magical power: I don’t know, but she is just plain mean. Wicked… and not in a good way.
Want to play? Name a modern day witch and her magical power. I'll give away a copy of VISIONS OF MAGIC to a random commenter.
Kate: Thanks for visiting with us today, Regan! What a fun post! Except ... Kathy Griffin makes me laugh. Does that mean I'm a bad witch, too? Or am I just under her power?
59 comments:
OMG I LOVE THIS POST!!!!!!
OK Good WITCH- My MOM- Always there when I need her...to see it my way even if I'm not right...
Best gosh darn shoulder to cry on if I say so.
Great call on Martha and Lynsay...Still Rolling over laughing!!!! Double smiles :0) :0)
Does Sabrina count? Jk. I totally agree with you on Lindsey Lohan being a bad witch. I think Britney Spears straddles the line. Who else do we know that is able to come back the way that she has?
Congrats on the rooster BJ. I almost thought I had him again. Oh well. Next time.
Thanks :0)
I do believe it's my first one :0)
I'll have to agree with you on Brit she does have her moments...but she is getting better!!!
I almost forgot to say if we have Lynsay as a bad witch we SO have to have her mom right up there to...I mean she's sometimes worst!!!
Oh and I read the first chapter of Visions of Magic....CAN'T WAIT!!!
Right up my alley!!!!!!
Man I would have to watch my temper!!!!!! LOL
Welcome to the Lair Kate!
Good Witch: Sandra Bullock. Magical Power: To overcome obstacles. She is a great actress, but an even better woman. She had to deal with a cheating husband, the divorce, and the media ostracizing her through every bit. In fact they still do. But Sandra survived, adopted a beautiful baby, and is even helping those still recovering from Katerina. This a strong woman.
Congrats on the Rooster BJ!
A modern day witch? Madonna. Her abilities: the ability to entertain and to change her appearance like a chameleon.
Kuorosota 2010 [3]// Kuopio - Like A Virgin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWmxbekjtRE&feature=related
Michael Bublé - Hollywood (OFFICIAL Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBrlYtV60GA
Mikko Kuustonen: Abracadabra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R81mIiX5z6I
LOL. Hi, Regan/mystery author. VISIONS OF MAGIC looks fabulous, just the kind of book I love to read!
Let's see... Good witch - Kim Clijsters who just won the Australian Open. She looked like she was going to lose the finals to Li Na when she broke out her magic in the latter part of the second set taking it and then going on to win the third. She seems like a genuinely nice person and can also do the splits with the ball in play!
Love this post!
Well done BJ have fun with him
Great post
Regan I love the sound of this book I will be adding it to my must have list.
Loved your thoughts on good witch and bad witch LOL I have to say good witches all the wonderful authors that have donated items for our silent auction that we are holding at ARRC2011 to raise funds for the Queensland floods. You Ladies rock.
Have Fun
Helen
I have no idea who this author is but it's an interesting concept of figuring out the good witches and the bad witches. I would pick Nora Roberts as a good witch with her amazing ability to write great stories.
Oooh! I love a good mystery! I'm sure I know who Regan is, but I have a question ... isn't this actually her third incarnation? And if it's who I think it is - I totally love her books, so will be eager to snap this one up!
I'm a believer in witches being good and bad too, because all humanity (and beyond *g*) is split into good versus evil.
Hmm, let's see ...
Good witch: Susan Sarandon. Magical Power: Defender of the underdog! She fights for what she believes in even if it makes her unpopular. She also has the magic of ageless beauty.
Bad Witch: Camilla Parker Bowles. Magical power: destroying happiness and joy. Well, look at the woman! I don't blame her as such for what happened to Princess Diana, but I do think she's a classic villainess who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Some of my favorite book witches so far have been Nora Robert's Three Sister's Island trilogy, and Marissa Doyle's Bewitching Season, a really great YA Regency with witches. It's amazing.
I think JK Rowling is a good witch who brought millions of people back to reading.
We're expecting a blizzard here tonight (yuck!) so Visions of Magic sounds like a perfect read. Hopefully it's out on the shelves early today. :)
Good morning, everyone!!! So good to be here today. Kate, thank you very much for hosting me. I really appreciate it!
Now what is this I hear about a rooster?
BJ, LOL!!! Thanks! I had a lot of fun with this post. I heard you get crazy here at Romance Bandits, so I went all out.
It's great to hear that your mom is a good witch. Lots of people say their mom is a witch, but not everyone's so lucky that it's a positive thing. ;)
Danielle, I'm not sure Britney has come back. She's still alive, but is her career?
I thought hard about whether to name LiLo or Britney because you're right, they're both pretty messed up. It's sad. But I'm still hopeful for them. Look at how many times Robert Downey Jr. made us shake our heads, and now he seems to be doing really well.
Great post! Such fun. I have to agree about Kathy Griffin. I'm going to make Snookie a bad witch. People shouldn't get famous that way!
Slush, Oh yes!!!!! Sandra Bullock is definitely a good witch. I have been so impressed by how she handled the whole cheating husband scandal. She didn't turn nasty, she just turned away. True class under the kind of pressure I hope I never have to withstand.
Minna, That's true! Madonna has changed her appearance so many times over the years. Just when people start imitating her, she changes it up. So she has never turned into an imitation of herself.
Laurie, Thank you! I'm glad to hear you're looking forward to VISIONS OF MAGIC. Release day is tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you tell I'm excited?
I think all professional athletes are magic. Seriously, how do they make their bodies move that way?!
Oh, funny! I always thought Martha Stewart was calling some black magic to make it look like there was nothing between me & domestic bliss that a little glue gun couldn't fix.
Thanks for starting out my day with that little shot of validation!
Helen, Thank you! I love hearing "must have" when people are talking about my book. ;)
And yes, many authors are witches. Good to know that we're considered "good witches" by some people, at least.
Maureen, I've been having so much fun with this contest. About 35% of the guesses have been correct. The other 65% have run the gamut. A few people have guessed as many as 10 times before they got it right. I even offered to give them a hint, but they said that would be cheating. :)
Nora Roberts is incredible, isn't she? I adore the J.D. Robb books especially. The world building in those books inspired me while I created the world of VISIONS OF MAGIC.
good witches: Banditas
power: ability to temporarily transport others to alt reality filled with romance and adventure, bringing joy and stress releif (even if only for a little bit at time)
:)
Anna, You're right, Regan Hastings is not my first reincarnation. :D If you want to know if your suspicions are correct, you can sign up for my newsletter. I'll send out an announcement tomorrow. ReganHastings.com
I love the witches you named! Susan Sarandon is amazing, isn't she? I was so sad when I heard that she and Tim Robbins split up. They both seemed like they fought for causes in which they believed.
And yes, Camilla is a bad witch. She has the power to suck joy from a room, even when you're only seeing her on TV.
Gillian, I loved the Three Sisters trilogy! And the Harry Potter books were truly inspired. I agree that JK Rowling must be a witch because of the way she inspired so many kids to love reading. I guess that makes Stephenie Meyer a witch, too. :)
amay, LOL!!! Snooki is totally a witch. She has the power to become a celebrity out of thin air. It's just bizarre that people with no particular talent can become so unbelievably famous. Why do we even know her name?!
Susan, Martha's black magic ritual involves pumpkin-thyme scented candles, chants written in calligraphy on homemade paper, and a wand fashioned from the stalk of a pussy willow grown from seed.
gamistress, I FEEL THE MAGIC!!!!
BJ, congrats on the bird!
Reagan, congratulations on your new series, and welcome to the Lair!
This sounds like just the kind of book I love, with not only an epic struggle between good and evil but a magically gifted heroine and a powerful hero. Clearly, I must have this book. And I'll bet Kate knew it would hit me this way.
For a good witch, I nominate Mary Chapin Carpenter, the country singer. She makes her listeners feel that, whatever they're dealing with, they're not alone and they'll get through it. I always loved her CMT videos.
Nancy, thank you for the warm welcome! I love it here. I'm excited to hear that you're looking forward to VISIONS OF MAGIC. Thank you for your enthusiasm! :)
I love Mary Chapin Carpenter! Her songs are so folksy and honest.
Good witch? My DIL, six children
from college soph to age 3 with
an autistic son in the midst and
she is still sane! Also son who
is a stalwart support to DIL and
their children!
Pat Cochran
Good morning, everyone!!! BJ, congrats on snagging the Golden Bird. No worries ... he's definitely a Good Witch! ;-)
I got a chance to read Regan's book early on, and I feel in love with her characters and the series! I had to invite her to visit with the Banditas because I know you'll all go crazy over her stories, too!
I love everyone's choices of good witches and bad witches ... but must admit I'm LOL over Snookie! She's definitely a Bad Witch - and I'll bet she would agree!
Still laughing about Regan's choice of Martha Stewart, too. Snork!
Good witch, Regan Hastings for writing such a fabulous book! I LOVED Visions of Magic! (I got a sneak peek because I'm a good witch too!)
Pat, how sweet! You're going against the evil mother-in-law stereotype by appreciating your DIL. You should tell her you were saying nice things about her in public today. ;)
Kate!!! Thank you again for playing hostess for me today! This is so much fun! You told me the Bandits were a lot of laughs, and you were right.
Thanks, too, to you and Jen. I'll get your checks in the mail this afternoon. Just keep saying those nice things about VISIONS OF MAGIC.
Welcome to the lair, Regan! Visions Of Magic sounds wonderful! Can't wait to pick up a copy.
Loved your post and agree with your picks. I'll pick Giada De Laurentis as a good witch because I adore her recipes.
Hmm...then again, maybe she's BAD because how else could she be such a fabulous cook and keep that figure if it weren't for some magic??
Don't tell me it's because she works out two hours a day or something. I'd rather live in denial ;-)
Beth, LOL!!! If I could have any magical power, I just might choose the power to stay thin and fit no matter what I ate nor how little I exercised.
Thank you, Karyn! You're right, there is something magical about the Romance Bandits.
Beth, I can't decide on Giada either! She's so cute and enjoys food so much, but she's suspiciously beautiful and tiny and I think she must be rubbing it in my nose! How can she stay so thin -- unless she really is a witch?? LOL
Fun way to look at witches!
Okay, I'll play.
Good Witch: Paula Dean! Any woman who can throw a stick of butter into a recipe and not feel like apolgizing has to be a good witch.
Bad Witch: Jillian the trainer from the Biggest Loser. Need I say more?
Beth and Kate--I'd bet Giada doesn't eat a whole lot of what she cooks. I like to watch her because she's fairly laid back, but there's no way she eats much of the food she cooks. It's just too rich.
Gamistress, thank you so much! That's so nice of you.
Hiya Regan! Welcome to the Bandits Lair. Your new book sounds FAB!
Gamistress, aren't you lovely? What a beautiful description of us. Seriously touched here. (No, not just by Sven! Sheesh! Can't a girl have a sincere emotional moment when she wants one?). And Karyn, you too? Aren't you a doll? A good witch doll!
LOL Anna! Even in your most sincere moments, I know Sven is snuggling up to you. *g*
Aww, Gamistress, so sweet!! And Karyn, we love you, too! :-)
All of our Bandita friends are good witches! Especially for coming by the Lair today and showing my friend Regan so much love! xoxo!
Gamistress66 said: good witches: Banditas
power: ability to temporarily transport others to alt reality filled with romance and adventure, bringing joy and stress releif (even if only for a little bit at time)
Awwww! Thanks!
Regan, I'm ROFLMAO about this post! Woot! And BJ, congrats on catching the rooster this morning...
Regan, congrats, and while I'm at it, WELCOME TO THE LAIR! Grins.
Suz said: Good Witch: Paula Dean! Any woman who can throw a stick of butter into a recipe and not feel like apolgizing has to be a good witch.
Bad Witch: Jillian the trainer from the Biggest Loser. Need I say more?
SNORK! Oh, Suz, I so agree with you!!!
Love me some Paula Deen. Unapologetic adoration of food. Co Paula!
Karyn said: Good witch, all the bandit writers, for keeping us entertained on the page and outside of it!
Oh, man, we're gonna get the big head with all this luvin.
But it's so wonderful...
Grins.
Good witch - Oprah - she has people eating out of her hand, but she uses her power for good.
Bad witch - Joan Rivers, just because, ick!
Hey, BJ! You are definitely a good witch today as you voodoo'ed the GR into visiting you!
What a great post to read after a long day at work. Definitely gave me a good laugh or three!
Now I have to consider Paula Dean a bad witch because her food is leading me down the road to sin and iniquity! We sell her products in the bakery where I work and they are just TOO much temptation. Bad Paula!
Of course the Banditas are all good witches. Have you SEEN the dragon? And those scantily clad minions of theirs of the amazing abs???
Bad witches? Any of the Kardasians. I am truly tired of seeing their faces as I go through the checkout.
Good witches ? My Mom. She has the power to see out of the back of her head, to know exactly where you are when you break curfew, the exact moment you start to lie to her and exactly when you need a phone call from her just to know that no matter how bad your day gets, your Mama loves you.
All the people at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. They took 22 of the Michael Vick dogs in and rehabbed them, found homes for the adoptable ones and continue to care for the ones who still need a little extra care. Now THAT is magic!
Wow! You go girl! Love that Good Witch, Bad Witch! For me, Good Witch~ Natalie Portman for playing a wonderful role in Swan. Bad Witch~ Mother Nature, she has dealt us a terrible winter and there's more to come within the next 24-48 hours! They are calling for up to 28 inches of snow and blizzard cnditions. Yuck! I am so ready for Spring!! Can I get an amen?
Oh no! Lady Graeye stay safe and warm! Hope all of the Banditas and Buddies in the path or these storms stay safe!
Suzanne, Paula Deen is definitely a good witch! Love her! She always has such an open, friendly face. Although... it would be very interesting to create an evil character who comes off as friendly as Paula Deen on the surface.
I'm pretty sure that all physical trainers are bad witches.
Thank you, Anna! Today's the big day. VISIONS OF MAGIC is in stores now!
Jeanne, thank you so much! I've had a great time in the lair. I feel right at home.
Barbara, You're so right about Joan Rivers! She's bad witch to the core.
Louisa, I love your response! I agree with every word. Well, I haven't met your mother, but what you said made me think of my mother. :)
Lady Graeye, Brrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!! Try to stay inside if you can. 28 inches of snow?!!! How is that even possible? That's crazy talk. Maybe we should put Al Roker in the bad witch category, along with all weathermen everywhere.
Thank you, everyone! This has really been a lot of fun. The Banditas know how to play! I hope you'll check out VISIONS OF MAGIC.
Does Oprah count as a modern day good witch :D
Post a Comment