Last week we obsessed over plants, this week we swoon over trees. And who better to discuss trees and their magical properties than tree expert, landscape architect, and novelist Sonja F. Blanco. 

We were so beyond thrilled to have such a fascinating guest on today’s episode. Her upcoming fantasy novel, Witch of Ware Woods (set to release in October 2021), promises to make you fall in love with trees and enchanted forests. We wished we had time to cover all the trees on the planet, but Sonja carefully hand-picked her favourites, most of which are featured heavily in her novel:

• Sugar Maple
• White Pine
• Black Birch
• Willow
• American  Chestnut

She then blows our minds about all the many magical and medicinal properties of each tree (and their historical significance), and Katrina and Genny spend most of the episode “ooohing” and “awwwwing” over every little tidbit. We’re certain you’ll gobble up everything Sonja has to say.

Let this episode restore your faith in nature and inspire your writing.

P.S. We had some sound issues on our guest's end, but we promise it's worth it!

You can follow Sonja here:

• https://sonjafblanco.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/sonjafblanco
• https://twitter.com/sonja_blanco
• https://www.instagram.com/sonjafblanco/

Sonja’s Recommended Readings and Links

• The Overstory by Richard Powers
• Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard
• Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer
• American Chestnut Foundation: acf.org
• Lady Jesamyn Angelica: sisterhoodofthemoon.org and womensmysteryschool.com

★  ★  ★

Let us know what you thought of our episode! You can reach us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or email [email protected].

Hey! Do you like Celtic folklore, YA urban fantasy, AND free stuff? Read the first three chapters of Katrina’s debut novel, “The Wise One”.

And, if you want to see what Genny’s reading lately, check out her Goodreads review page.