Author India-Rose Bower joins Nadine Matheson to discuss her debut novel We Call Them Witches, published by Penguin Michael Joseph. From growing up in a family of folk storytellers to navigating chronic illness, creative writing courses, and the publishing industry, India-Rose shares the persistence, spite, and surprising moments that led to her book deal. They also discuss zombie apocalypse plans, fairy tale horrors, and what it's really like inside the acquisitions room at a major publisher.
About India-Rose Bower: India-Rose Bower is a folk horror author from the north of England. She grew up in a family of storytellers and has been writing since she could physically hold a pen. She studied literature with creative writing at the University of Manchester, where she also completed her master's. Her debut novel, We Call Them Witches, was longlisted for the Women's Prize Discoveries Prize, which led to her finding her literary agent and a publishing deal with Penguin Michael Joseph. She works at her local library. Find her on Instagram @indiarosebower.