My Salem Muse
Maybe it was watching Bewitched or reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond that first turned me on to witches and the Salem Witch Trials. But stepping foot on the historic streets of Witch City aka Salem, Massachusetts, was the spark that ignited The Timeless Ones, a story about Merry, an accused witch who leaps from the 17th century into modern-day Salem.
I love visiting Salem–the history, the shops, the New England seaside town vibe. Halloween is always a thrilling time, and I loved incorporating the experience into A Necessary Darkness. Another favorite holiday is July 4th on Derby Wharf with fighter jets flying overhead and an orchestra playing while fireworks light up the harbor. From the beautiful green Common to the bricks and cobblestones of Essex Street to the waterfront – any day in Salem is a good day.
But, what some may not know is that the witch hysteria that spawned the Salem Witch Trials began in the neighboring town of Danvers, MA that used to be known as Salem Village. This is where the afflicted girls began throwing fits and accusing their neighbors of witchcraft and where many of the accused were interrogated and handed an unfair fate.
There are many sites to see in Salem proper—one of my favorite being the Witch Trials Memorial next to the Old Burying Point. Within the stone walls are 20 granite benches honoring each of the victims.
But, lesser known is the Witch Trials Memorial in Danvers. A beautiful granite display containing unheeded claims of innocence behind a pulpit holding the Book of Life, beside which lay the shackles that anchor these unfortunate events to our history forever. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping for a visit.
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Whoa! A Victorian hotel? Vacant floor? My kind of place! That is awesome and certainly explains your vivid adult imagination. I also love that confession note. Your friends must have loved being around someone who sparked their sense of adventure.
That hotel still exists, and the whole town now looks like Victorian ghost town – super creepy!
Even better for inspiration, of course – not the town.
Yay! A new series, I can’t wait 😁
I’ve known Susan and her husband for many years, and am proud to call them friends. Keep rocking the book world!!
Thanks Sharon!
I’ve always found the stories about those witch trials fascinating. There have been some excellent, IMO, movies and tv shows about them. I’ll have to check out the books.
I agree, the witch trials are a fascinating study. If you read the books, would love to hear from you!
Wonderful books have yet to get the latest one!!!! Keep up the wonderful work xxxxx
Mandy – YOU WON!!!! PM me with your email address. 🙂
Thank you for bringing these sites to our attention. It’s good to know that these women were not forgotten and that there’s a place to pay your respect.
You’re welcome! It wasn’t just women, either! Five men were hanged and one was “stoned” to death, meaning large stones were piled on his chest until he died. I try to visit the memorial everytime I go to Salem.
I didn’t know about these Danvers sites! Thanks for the tips!
My pleasure! The sites are beautiful and interesting!
I will be keeping your name and book titles to read. Sounds interesting. Thank you for a opportunity to win some cash to buy your books.
Thanks for sharing these sites. Sad to say I lived so close and had never been. Will check them out my next visit. Can’t wait to read your books. Perhaps you’ll sign them for me!
You must visit Salem – it’s an awesome town. And, of course, I’ll sign them 🙂
Thanks for stopping by to read the post and comment, Leslie – if you read the books, would love to hear from you!