Behind the Pages: Janet McCreary Discusses 'A Little Wicked'

In this episode of the podcast, host Kitty Felde sits down with author Janet McCreary to delve deeper into the creative process and historical inspirations behind her novel, A Little Wicked. The conversation provides a fascinating look at how personal experiences, meticulous research, and character-driven narratives converge to create historical fiction.

The Inspiration of Scotland and Falconry

One of the most intriguing elements of the novel is Dory’s bond with her bird, Merlin. McCreary reveals that this specific detail was born from her own travels to Scotland. During a stay in an 11th-century castle, she participated in a falconry experience, noting that having "a buzzard, a falcon and an owl come to our hand" was a "magnificent" experience that stayed with her. When crafting Dory’s story, McCreary wanted her protagonist to have a bird of prey. Understanding the economic realities of the time, she realized that Dory "could not possibly have afforded a true falcon," making a buzzard the most realistic and "best she could ever hope to have."

The Creative Process: Planners vs. Pantsers

McCreary offers a candid look at her writing method, identifying herself as closer to the "pantser society" rather than a "planner." While planners outline everything beforehand, McCreary describes her process as occurring in "fits and starts." She began with "napkins and sheets of paper" filled with phrases and potential scenarios.

Her workflow was cyclical: she would write until she reached a narrative dead end, then "go back to research" to determine what would "really happen" in that specific historical context. This allowed her to figure out how Dory could "think her way out" of precarious situations. She notes that the actual writing, research, and subsequent rewrites took approximately "18 months," though the character of Dory had been "with [her]" since 2004.

Historical Context and the Witch Trials

Addressing the historical weight of the book, McCreary discusses the murky end of the witch trials. She acknowledges that historical documentation is "contradictory to itself," making the end of the trials a subject of "great debate." However, she characterizes the conclusion as a moment where town leaders "finally fessed up" that they were out of their depth, leading them to stop prosecutions and open the jails.

Character Agency: Dory as a Catalyst

When asked about Dory’s role in influencing the minister to end the trials, McCreary emphasizes the protagonist's intrinsic traits. She describes Dory as a "resourceful, respectful and an honorable person." McCreary explains that Dory’s courage was bolstered by her hidden "clay doll in the stream," which gave her the "extra push" needed to challenge authority.

Ultimately, McCreary felt it was essential for the narrative arc that Dory be the one to "start the end of the witch trials." This choice allowed the book to "come full circle," cementing Dory’s position as not just a victim of her time, but as an active agent capable of bringing reason to a chaotic and superstitious community.

By blending personal travel, iterative research, and a deep understanding of her protagonist’s morality, Janet McCreary demonstrates how historical fiction can breathe life into the past, providing young readers with both a compelling mystery and a lesson in resilience.