Iris

Iris asked Stacy Schiff:

The Salem Witch trials are fascinating. What aspect of it did you find the most intriguing?

Stacy Schiff Almost every part of it continues to intrigue me. How a group of exceedingly wise, erudite, civic-minded men can go so wrong fascinates. So does our inability to escape our preconceptions. I was intrigued by the role Cotton Mather plays behind the scenes and the prominent role the girls are accorded on center stage. They are treated as witchcraft experts! Also fascinating: Who the heroes will turn out to be. And how suggestive -- if not delusional -- we all are. I'll stop now.

More Answered Questions

Iris

Iris asked Stacy Schiff:

Numerous books have been written about the Salem Witch Trials, what made you decide to tackle a topic that is so thoroughly covered?

LydiaJoy

LydiaJoy asked Stacy Schiff:

I'm not sure I'm following the rules, because this is a question about Cleopatra. Loved your book! There are still so many mysteries about Cleopatra. Is there a lost dream object out there -- something where you would say "If archeologists could only find X, it would tell us so much about Cleopatra?"

Gabby

Gabby asked Stacy Schiff:

What is your process in beginning research for your books? Do you first outline the book, or do you let the research take you to the story?

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