A secret library for us…

Have you ever dreamed of a hideaway just for the book lovers? Consider this a reading room where we can hang out with coffee and notebooks and stationery. We'll swap recommendations on our favorite books... and write the ones that don't yet exist.

This is your refuge, where you can cast story spells and find your footing as a writer.

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Why is Book Alchemy on substack and why now? Books are one of the most potent forms of magic in this world. How often have we seen something appear in fiction, only to appear in the real world, years later?

Books have the power to inspire and shape the world as we know it. I believe that the more stories get shared, the more chance we have to survive and thrive together. This is a safe space for writers to connect, because if you dream of writing a book, we need it to exist. My hope is that the articles, episodes and community you find here will help you get to THE END.

As a writer and podcaster, I long for the opportunity for us to be in conversation, rather than my sharing content into the depths of silent space. Please comment, share, and ask questions here. We stand for respect for all members of the community and insist on kind and responsible discourse.

Free subscribers have access to:

• Monday public posts on the writing life and the psychology of creativity

• The full Secret Library Podcast archive + alerts for new eps on release day

• Seasonal curated lists of recommended reads

Paid subscribers receive free content plus:

• Bonus tutorials and supplementary material on writing and craft

• Friday Episodes of “Murder Diaries”: my behind-the-scenes audio diary updates, including tips and exercises, on my mystery writing process

• The accountability comments section on Murder Diaries: stay on track with your writing project alongside mine

• Members only chat thread for community discussion

• Automatic entry into regular book giveaway drawings (annual members only)

About me

I’m Caroline Donahue, Book Witch. I’m a writer, writing coach, host of The Secret Library podcast, and your curator here. For the past twenty years, I’ve combined my Masters in Psychology and Expressive Arts with my experience in writing, books, and publishing and the tarot to make an ongoing study of the writing process.

I’ve used my methods to support private clients, students in courses, and myself as I’ve written novels. I’m also the author of the Story Arcana guides: The Author’s Journey and, most recently, Writing through Fear.

What students and readers say:

“Caroline shares her knowledge, advice, opinions but is not judgmental or strict in how to do something. And yet she isn't vague or ambiguous. She gives really specific ideas and questions and exercises which have honestly been life changing.” —Corinne

“Caroline is a wonderful teacher and coach who manages to skilfully balance theory with practice, and assign exercises that provide both useful insight and the fizz of possibility, all whilst sharing a wealth of stories, examples, resources and wisdom.” —Rachel

“Caroline is very supportive, and assures the writer that this is not an elite club that only certain creators have access to-it is something that anyone with the will to create can access.” —Ashley

“If you have ever felt as if all you need is a bit more discipline and accountability to meet your creative goals, Caroline offers a gentler approach.” —Joy