Hey there! Thanks for reading the Metaphysical Author’s Confidential. This newsletter is for fellow mystics who want to write, publish, or market their magical books. I hope you find it useful. If you like this newsletter, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
In this series, I’m interviewing mystical authors about their writing practices. I’m super pumped to talk with Michael Herkes, aka The Glam Witch, about his writerly ways. Michael has written a slew of books - and has more on the way! Check out what he has to say about all things writing.
1. When did you first realize you wanted to write?
My desire to write came about in high school after I started watching Sex and the City. I fell in love with Carrie Bradshaw and her coven of single girlfriends. She loved fashion and was an author on sexuality, dating, and relationships. I also loved and desired so much to live her lifestyle. At the same time, I was actively practicing witchcraft and thought…how cool would it be to fuse the two together someday. I joined the school newspaper and elevated myself to editor-in-chief—generally writing on witchy subjects. Fast forward twenty years, and here I am, living my Hex and the City life in Chicago!
2. Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
Absolutely. There is this idea in witchcraft…The Witch’s Pyramid: To Know, To Will, To Dare, To Be Silent, which is based on the Four Powers of the Sphynx. Some believe in a fifth power…”to go,” which essentially is where the student becomes a teacher and shares their knowledge with the world. So yes, on the surface, I believe it is a spiritual practice. But taking it a step deeper, for me, looking at my astrological chart, my Mercury (planet of communication) is in Taurus. Taurus is ruled by Venus and influenced by beauty. Many readings I’ve had over time by various people have all called back to my innate ability to take practical and maybe somewhat boring ideas and concepts and turn them into emotionally relatable ideas. There’s a certain amount of pathos I bring to my writing. That all being said, I think that writing is naturally ingrained in my spiritual path.
3. You've written multiple books in a short period. What's your productivity secret?
Well, a good chunk of that was done in 2020, when we were all locked at home with nothing to do, hahaha! But honestly, I think it’s because, before all other titles I claim in the world, I claim artist. I am an artist. And I’m an action-oriented doer. I want to create, and writing is part of my creative self-expression. Is it always fun? No. It’s tedious and often involves a lot of self-loathing and staring at a blank screen, writing about socks and garbage until you have a flutter of inspiration. But that’s where the power is. The creative inspiration. And not for nothing, but it is also the DMs from people around the world telling me my book has helped them or changed their lives. That—above everything else makes it all worth it.
4. What does your writing schedule look like?
Haha, my schedule is enough to probably terrify someone. However, I can generally get an 80k word book turned in within 4 months while maintaining an active social life and working two full-time jobs. Is it hard? Yes, at times. But essentially, it’s important to determine your motivation. Why are you doing this? Money? Fame? Validation? Self-expression? Devotion? Service? None of these are wrong or right. They are for you to determine and get behind. So, generally, I’ll spend a few hours each day writing. I’m more mentally charged in the morning and late at night, so I will fit that into my other responsibilities as needed. And usually commit one day a week to a full 8-hour day of writing.
5. Where do you see yourself as an author five years from now? Ten? Beyond?
My first book came out when I was thirty. Now, eight books in, I’m 35. I have two more contracted and several other pitches out there. I kind of made a goal for myself: to have ten books under my belt by the time I was 40. As of now, I’ll beat that goal. But I do think that as of now, I’ll pause at 40, shift focus, and maybe do a memoir at 50. As of now, that seems like my most logical plan.
6. What are your favorite writing rituals?
Honestly, when I’m really in the groove, I just like having a white candle near me that I’ll add lemon or vanilla/tonka blend oil to. If I’m tired or in writer's block, I’ll add lemon oil to help cut, clear and purify. If I feel particularly creative, I’ll use vanilla/tonka for sensuality. Venus dominates my chart, and I have a Taurus, Venus, and Mercury. Taurus rules over the senses. Vanilla/tonka helps stimulate this.
7. How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?
I either go to a nice dinner with friends or buy a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and watch The Love Witch (my favorite movie).
8. How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
This was very hard when I first started. But I’ve learned these reviews mean nothing. And there are some authors who feel the need to repost them and combat them. I recommend not doing this because you just give it energy. What I’ve learned is that my voice won’t carry to everyone, and it’s not supposed to. We, and our creative output, are not for everyone. And I don't know…but somewhere down the line, one positive praise on how I changed someone’s life was more important than someone trolling me or upset about a fact or a fact they haven’t learned yet. Just don’t read reviews. Everyone says it. TRUST US! One caveat to that is to pay attention to the reviews that matter. Peer reviews. How does your mentor feel? Family? Partner? Friends? Who cares about Karen in Kansas when you have the support from those who matter?
9. Which books (authors) influenced your writing style?
Fiona Horne. Everything Fiona Horne. She started out as my literary high priestess and has transformed into my witch mom and one of my best friends. I always loved that her writing was educational but sounded like a conversation with your best friend. That was motivating to me as a young witch. But also as an author. I’ve only ever wanted to make her proud and feel confident, and I have.
10. What are you currently working on?
My new book, Glamstrology: Discover Your Signature Style with Astrology, is releasing in October, and I’m super excited about it. And YOU actually wrote the foreword (thank you, thank you, thank you)! This is such a cool book because I developed an astrological formula for cosmic glamour magic that has not been written about before. I’m incredibly proud of this.
I’m also in the process of writing a book on the three astrological signs associated with Lilith and how they can be used to heal and rebirth your shadow self with the cosmic dark goddess. Next year, I’ll be writing a book on Aphrodite and her mysteries. I have a very full schedule right now and am creatively happy. Thank you, and thank you to everyone for the support!
Learn more about Micheal:
Website: www.theglamwitch.com
Instagram: the.glam.witch
I cannot wait for Glamstrology: Discover Your Signature Style with Astrology! Couldn't agree more: Who cares about Karen in Kansas!